Field Size and Game Format:  The games will be played on small field of 20 X 30 yards with a goal size of 4’ X 6’ using a #3 size soccer ball.  Games will consist of 2 ten-minute games with 5-minute halves for 4 and 5 year olds and 2 sixteen-minute games with eight-minute halves for 6 and 7 year olds.  Game length may progress during the season depending on the progress of a given age group.  Teams will be differentiated by colored pinnys.  There are no referees; a representative, such as team coordinator, from each team or an someone assigned by the age specific Coaching Coordinator to call the following:

o       Kick Off:  Takes place in the center of the field at the beginning of each half, and after every goal.  The team that was scored on will kick off, and the other team has to stay out of the center circle, where the kick-off is happening.  The kick-off is a pass to a team mate.  It is not a direct shot on the other team’s goal.  The team that kicked off to start the first half will allow the other team to kick-off to start the second half.

o       Kick In:  Takes place when the ball passes all the way over the side-line of the field.  A ball only partially over the line is still in play.  The ball is passes into play by a member of the team that did not touch the ball last before it went out of play.  The kick in is taken behind the side-line.  The kick in shall be used in the cases of goal kicks and corner kicks.

o       Free Kick:  Takes place when a player uses the hands to stop the ball or there is a blatant pushing or intentional tripping.    In these instances, explain the infraction to the player and take the ball to the side line closest to where the foul occurred to have a free kick.  The opposing players must stand back 5 steps.  Players can not shoot directly into the goal. 

o       NO COACHING FROM THE SIDELINES:  Many parents are terrified their kids will make a mistake and coach tem incessantly from the sidelines.  WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THERE IS POSITIVE ENCOURAGEMENT FOR ALL THE PLAYERS!  The age coordinator will adhere to the CPYSC Code of Conduct to insure this does not happen.  Parents will be discreetly warned once.  A second offense will lead to the parent being asked to leave the game.  If the behavior continues, parents along with their players will be asked to leave the program.  Be positive and you will see that the kids will figure the game out – LET THEM!

o       Playing Time:  All players, regardless of ability, will play at least 50% of the time.  This is a developmental program and we do not want coaches playing only their “best’” players.  Everyone must get equal playing time.  This does not apply to the child who pulls himself out of the game because he would rather sit on his grandfather’s lap!

o       “Time Outs”: There are no time outs (expect in an extreme case to deal with discipline problem or injury, regardless the playing clock continues).

o       Teasing/Trash Talking Will Not Be Tolerated:  If it is heard, it will be addressed immediately.  Sometimes we hear thing that seem funny to us but is devastating to a child.  If a child is trash talking, they will be warned or removed from the field.  Things like ”, “You baby”, etc. are teasing.  These along with any type of bullying will be handled immediately.

In general try not to talk too much and constantly give instruction.  The beauty of soccer is that there are many possible ways to achieve a result, and the kids will never learn to make their own creative decisions if they are always listening to someone else’s directions on the field.  Find something positive to say to every player on a given team.  It means a lot to their self-esteem. 

Teams will line up to “slap five” and say “good game” to the other team after each game.  We want to show that sportsmanship and respect for your opponent is important.  Without the opponent, there would be nobody to play against.