CBAA IM/REC Soccer

CBAA IM/REC Soccer
A Coach, Player, Parent & Referee Guide
www.CBAASports.org
Revised/updated August 2016
Contents
Mission Statement & Note to Members .......................................................................................................... 4
Volunteering
5
Our CBAA IM/REC Program ............................................................................................................................ 6
Minimum and maximum age
6
Teams/ League placement
6
Planning
6
Our Preseason
Season
What to expect
Uniform/Player Kit
Practice Night
6
6
6
7
7
Policies & Protocols ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Sportsmanship
Parent and Player Behavior
Coach Behavior
Parent Pledge
Team Formations at CBAA IM/REC Soccer
Our coaches
Guest Play
Schedule
Safety & Playing Time
Uneven Games Policy- Mercy Rule Very important!
8
8
8
8
9
9
9
10
10
10
Guidelines by Age Groups .......................................................................................................................... 11
Coach Checklist
11
Small Sided Games
12
Junior Division U05 –U10
13
General Junior League Guidelines
U05 Game Guidelines
U06 Game Guidelines
4 v 4 Standards of Play
U07 Game Guidelines
4 v 4 Standards of Play
U08 Game Guidelines
4 v 4 Standards of Play
U10 Game Guidelines
7 v 7 Standards of Play
Senior Division U12, U15 & U18
13
14
15
15
16
16
17
17
18
18
20
2 | Page
General League Guidelines
Divisions/Programs and Player Eligibility
In House Player Pool
Coach Behavior
Referees
Joint intramural soccer league Rules
20
20
20
21
21
21
Ball in and out of Play- Rules on running the line
25
3 | Page
Mission Statement & Note to Members
The CBAA Soccer program is dedicated to the task of promoting and enhancing the culture of soccer for the youth
and families of the Central Bucks area. The CBAA Soccer program will strive to develop players at all ages and
levels of play: recreational; travel; and premier. We are dedicated to developing players and coaches to the highest
level through a quality instructional program.
The CBAA soccer program will cultivate each player’s mind, body and spirit by:
•
•
•
•
building, developing, and improving their skills and fitness levels
instilling confidence, initiative, emotional growth
embracing and nurturing a sense of community and teamwork
advocating high standards of sportsmanship and fair play
At CBAA Soccer, we understand and share in your excitement. We are committed to not only helping kids reach their
potential in playing soccer but even more importantly in our mission to build a positive youth sports culture in the Central
Buck’s community that will help our kids develop positive character traits to last a lifetime. We can only achieve this goal
when our parents and coaches are working together to foster this culture. We have prepared some tips that you can use
to make this a truly fun and memorable season for your kids.
Honor the Game:
✓
Let your kids know you are proud of them regardless of how well they play ‐ Let them know that you “you love
to watch them play.”
✓
Fill your kid’s and their teammates’ “emotional tanks” through praise and positive recognition.
✓
Don’t instruct your child during the game, please let the coaches coach.
✓
Cheer good plays by both teams and good calls by an official.
✓
Respect the decisions of an official’s call. If you disagree with the call, honor the game and be SILENT!
✓
Don’t do anything in the heat of the moment that you will regret after the game.
✓
Thank the officials for doing a difficult job and your coaches for their commitment and effort.
✓
Be a good listener and a great encourager – players learn better when they seek their own answers.
✓
Remember to have fun and enjoy the game.
CBAA will continue to provide educational resources on good sportsmanship and fair play for parents, coaches and
players during the course of our fall and spring seasons. Take the time to visit Soccer program’s Safety Conduct and
Safety page on our CBAASPORTS.ORG website, where you can learn more about what it means to Honor the Game as
well as our program to educate players, parents, and coaches on how to deal with concussions. The time we have to
enjoy watching our kids learn how to play the great game of soccer is very short, but very special.
Embrace our goal in fostering a safe and positive youth sports culture at CBAA Soccer and build memories
with your kids, coaches, and the families on your teams to last a lifetime.
4 | Page
Volunteering
Giving back to your child’s program can be a very rewarding experience. We run on natural energy, which is you!
Please consider taking a role in our soccer programs here at CBAA Sports.
Age Group Coordinator - This is a volunteer lead role that helps organize events in CBAA IM/REC Soccer. They help
provide assistance and support to division coaches and teams. This is an important role that is a liaison between the
coaches and administration for a specific age group. Specific duties follow in the next page.
Field Maintenance - Come to Herbst Field during work days to help maintain our fields and our facilities
Coach & Assistant – Our Intramural and Recreation teams are all headed up by volunteer coaches. Coaches’ clinics
and specific training is given to the coaches to ensure a fun and successful season for all. Support is available during
the entire season form our DOC. Some specific duties include:
 Conduct team training in various soccer skills to develop sportsmanship and design strategies to take part in
healthy competitions.
 Coordinate and manage team communications.
 Game day management and coaching duties.
Assistant Coach - Assist soccer coach by reaching practice ground a few minutes earlier than scheduled time
to enable timely start of session. Work and help head coach to set up equipment, develop strategies and drills and
implement same during practice session.
Communications/Public Relations Committee – Work directly with the CBAA Soccer Committee to publish news
articles, social media events and website updates.
Event & Festival Planning Committee –You will have an opportunity to select a particular area of interest;
concessions, vendor relations, preparing our fields, and more! 2 hours options are also available.
Field Marshal – Senior Division - Assist as an official on the field to help ensure that the games run smoothly.
JIL Coordinator – Joint Intramural League delegate works with the JIL league as a liaison for CBAA soccer. This is just
for the Senior League Division (U12-U19).
Picture Day Volunteer - Assist players and coaches on picture day to collect forms, etc.
Positive Sports Education Committee –guides the process of creating an organizational culture that promotes the
kind of behavior and values that CBAA wants to see in its players, coaches, parents and fans. This committee is critical
to the success of our mission.
Spirit Wear Co Chair - This position, along with a Co-chair, will be responsible for: (1) coordinating with vendors, (2)
selecting fun Spirit wear products and (3) oversight of spirit wear sales.
Team /Goodwill Ambassador - Promotes goodwill on the sidelines with opponents and team families. Acts as a host at
home games welcoming the guest team. Each team will have a GWA that will promote good sportsmanship and help
honor the game. Liaison for positive Coaching education and Director of Conduct.
Uniform Distribution – Assist your team/age group in distributing uniforms to players that have placed orders.
Volunteer Coordinator Team – Assist the Volunteer Committee person in organizing volunteers for various activities
throughout the year.
Two Hour Volunteer - Various opportunities arise during the season for just 2 hours of your time. This would include
Thank you for volunteering! You make this a great place to play!
5 | Page
Our CBAA IM/REC Program
Minimum and maximum age
Minimum Age for Pre-Kindergarten is between 4 yrs. old. (eligible for Kindergarten in the Fall of the current Year)
Maximum age 19 - 12th grade.
Teams/ League placement
Children are placed in leagues according to their grade up to U11, U12-U19 is by Birth Year:
Under 05 - Pre-Kindergarten (Age 4-5 yrs old)
Under 06 - Kindergarten (Age 5-6 yrs old)
Under 07 - 1st Grade
Under 08 - 2nd Grade
Under 10 - 3rd and 4th Grades
Under 12 – Birth Years 2005, 2006
Under 15 – Birth Years 2002, 2003, 2004
Under 18 – Birth Years 1998, 99, 2000, 2001
*Only teams in U5 & U6 leagues are co-ed (Saturday morning games only) All Other leagues are gender specific. * U12 and
up will follow a player draft for team formations in order to create fair and evenly matched teams.
Planning
Off-season planning includes
 Field permit application and allocations
 Player registrations
 Coach Recruitment
 Committee Meetings
 Roster Planning and Team Formations
 Game and Training Schedule planning
Our Preseason
Our Preseason consists of coaching education clinics, Senior League division player clinics as well as preseason
meetings for our volunteer coordinators and coaches.
Season
Our Season includes practices and games. Beginning at U07 (1st grade), there is one practice a week with a game on
the weekends. We strive to schedule 8-10 games in a season, which also includes age group game festivals.
What to expect
Following the close of registration, we will begin to organize our season by ensuring we have the necessary number of
coaches and then we will initiate team formations.

Families will be contacted by your child's coach a few weeks before the season begins. Weather and field
conditions permitting, practices should begin in mid April with the first games beginning in late April.

Children in U07 and older leagues will have practice one night a week, with games on Saturday and/or Sunday.

Field assignments will depend on the size of each league; we strive to have all practices and games at the
same field location.

Referees will be used for the U12, U15 and U18 leagues only. In the Spring, the U10 division will experience a
few games with a referee in an instructional manner. We believe this is a great learning tool for players and
coaches to help ready the players for U12.
6 | Page

U12, U15 and U18 will participate in the Joint Intramural League in the Fall and Spring. Teams will play other
clubs. No Travel Players are eligible for this league.

Attempts will be made to reschedule rained out games, but we cannot guarantee they will all be rescheduled.

CBAA Intramural Soccer leases the athletic fields from the Central Bucks School District, Buckingham,
Doylestown & Plumstead Townships; our use of these fields is managed by the District/Township and is
dependent upon the overall condition of the fields.
Uniform/Player Kit
Note: All players must wear black shorts, black socks, shin guards, and soccer cleats. Bring a ball and water to
each practice/game.

Our player jerseys consists of a "home" green jersey and an "away" white jersey through our Adidas and
Angelo's partners. You do not need to purchase a player kit each season.

If your child has an Adidas jersey kit from last season that still fits, you may re-use it each season. You may
also just purchase replacement items separately within registration or in our online store on at CBAASports.org.
Practice Night
 When you register, you will be asked which night your child is unable to practice.

Coaches choose the night they are available to practice and we will provide your child's coach with any conflicts
you may have.

Teams are not formed based solely on when your child is available to practice; we capture that information to
convey it to your child's coach.

Please understand that our coaches are parents, too, and they choose their practice night according to their
availability.

Your flexibility, patience and understanding of the challenges we face in accommodating everyone's busy
schedules are appreciated. If necessary, we will move children onto alternate teams to accommodate
scheduling conflicts.

U05 and U06 registrants should choose "No conflict" since there is no weekday practice.
7 | Page
Policies & Protocols
Sportsmanship
Parent and Player Behavior
•
•
•
•
•
•
Spectators and players are expected to act in a courteous and sportsmanlike manner at all times.
All spectators abide by the Parent Pledge (next page)
Spectators and substitute players must remain more than three (3) feet behind the touchline.
No one is allowed to enter the field of play during a match except as permitted by the referee.
No one is permitted to remain behind the goals or along the goal line during a match.
Please visit our partners’ websites: ChangingtheGameProject.org and Positive Coaching Alliance.
Coach Behavior
•
•
•
•
•
Before the match begins, each coach will provide a lines person to assist the coach-referee to signal when the
ball has gone out of play.
Coaches must remain more than three (3) feet behind the touchline and within ten (10) yards of the midfield line.
At the conclusion of a match, coaches will line up their players on the midfield line to shake hands with the
opposing team.
In the spirit of sportsmanship, fairness, and fun, coaches are expected to cooperate fully with each other in the
event of uneven numbers of players on game day. If one team is short, teams should ‘player share’ (the best
solution) or adjust your lineup according to the number of players available on the team with the least players.
The latter suggestion is not ideal since this deprives players of playing time.
Coaches should notify the Soccer Operations Office & Director of Conduct regarding any instances of improper
conduct. Please visit CBAASports.org for contact info.
Parent Pledge










I will let players and coaches take responsibility for the first goal of winning. I will relentlessly focus on the
second, more important, goal of using sports to teach life lessons to my child and other youth.
I will use positive encouragement to fill the Emotional Tanks of my children, their teammates, and coaches. I
understand that people do their best with full E-Tanks.
I will reinforce the ELM Tree of Mastery with my child (E for Effort, L for Learning, M for bouncing back from
Mistakes).
I will set an example for my child by honoring the Game.
If the official makes a "bad" call against my team, I will Honor the Game and be silent!
I will use a self-control routine to avoid losing my composure when things go wrong. I will take a deep breath,
turn away from the game to refocus, count backwards from 100 or use self-talk
I will engage in No-Directions Cheering. I will limit my comments during the game to encouraging my child and
other players (from both teams).
I will get my child to practice and games on time and will be on time picking my child up after games and
practices.
I will refrain from making negative comments about my child's coach in my child's presence.
I understand that this will help to avoid planting negative seeds in my child's head that can negatively influence
my child's motivation and overall experience.
8 | Page
Team Formations at CBAA IM/REC Soccer
The objective is to retain the friendship and community element of the program while also trying to minimize highly
uneven teams. We have taken into consideration a great deal of feedback on this important issue. The intent is to
implement some minor adjustments to address the uneven teams issue in a positive manner. We thank you for your
continued support in our program and helping make this a great place to play!
Teams will be formed based on various factors that include but not limited to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Player Evaluation (U10 – U19)
Coach/Directors’ Draft
Number of seasons played/experience
School
Coach Request
Friend Request
Requests/allowances
•
Parents may stipulate one 'undesirable' practice night. Every effort will be made to not schedule your child for
practice on that particular night.
• Please note this does not apply to u5 & u6 who do not have regular midweek practices.
• The practice night in some age groups may be fixed for multi team (squad) training and player development
purposes.
• On a request basis, head coaches can be assigned up to two of their child's friends on his / her team as a
'thank-you'' for volunteering to coach. (This includes, the Asst. coach).
• Parents may request a friend to be on the same team, however, the request must be mutual. If you are
requesting a friend on your child’s team, the other parent must already be aware and will need to make the
same request.
• If a parent requests a specific head coach for their child, every effort will be made to honor that request.
However there is no guarantee that the child will be assigned to that coach.
This policy simply gives our program some flexibility in trying to meet the challenge of forming teams that are somewhat
equally balanced for the benefit of all of our players.
Our coaches
•
•
•
•
•
•
All coaches as well as volunteers must complete an annual online EPYSA Risk Management Assessment.
All Coaches as well as key volunteers must provide PA Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse Clearance and FBI
Clearance.
All Coaches must complete the annual concussion training program.
All Coaches must attend the Positive Coaching Workshop.
All Coaches must attend the Coaches Clinic that is run by our DOC.
All Coaches must attend a preseason planning meeting with AGCs and leadership.
Guest Play
Only players registered within the age group may guest play for a team, but only by the approval of the AGC, DOO,
DOC or President. This would only be in extreme circumstances. We encourage player sharing between the opponents
on game day. JIL would be an exception if you are playing a team outside of our club. Teams would need to equate
their roster in this case.
9 | Page
Schedule
Our Season begins with opening season kickoff and small game festivals by age groups.
 Team Schedules will all be posted online at CBAASports.org.

All reschedules must be coordinated through your Division Coordinator and the CBAA Soccer Operations
Office.

No game should be cancelled due to low number of players. Teams are encouraged to share players or
play a smaller sided format of play.



A minimum of one week is required for reschedules.
Coaches may not switch fields.
Field closures will be communicated via our text messaging system from our SiPlay site/CBAASports.org.
o Please be sure to activate the text message feature in your TeamWall account.
o All coaches, parents and referees are encouraged to sign up to receive texts & or emails.
Safety & Playing Time
In order to ensure the safety of all players, the following guidelines have been established:











Only players registered with CBAA intramural soccer shall be allowed to participate in our league.
Players must wear shin guards under socks at all practices and games
Players must wear outdoor soccer shoes for all games.
Players are not allowed to participate in a game if they are wearing jewelry of any kind. This includes activity
trackers such as fit bits.
Goalies must wear an opposite color shirt or pinnie of both teams.
Players wearing eyeglasses or orthodontia are encouraged to wear appropriate safety gear.
Any player with a medical ID bracelet will be asked to tape it for safety.
Generally, players are not permitted to play if they are wearing casts or splints of any kind, however, game
time discretion resides with the player, parents, coaches and referee(s).
In the event of a player injury, each team/league will follow our club or league’s guidelines for managing and
reporting such incidents. The Director of Conduct and Safety must be notified of all serious injuries
including concussions. Each player also has insurance with our State Association EPYSA upon CBAA
registration.
All players must be offered the opportunity to play at least half a game, regardless of skill.
Respect and honor the player, the coach, the referee and the game!
Uneven Games Policy- Mercy Rule Very important!
•
Player sharing between teams is mandated once the score becomes 6-0 (The score at which the so called
Mercy Rule kicks in.)
•
Once that score or similar (7-1) occurs, the coaches stop the game, the teams shake hands and the coaches
then work together to do their best to create two even teams and an enjoyable competitive contest.
•
Games will continue to full time.
•
There are many benefits of player sharing once a game is uneven. Playing in a competitive environment is one
of the best ways for them to develop as players and improve their skills
•
The Referee’s responsibility is to stop the game only. It is up to the coaches to trade players to make the game
equal. Teams are not to reduce the number of players on the field. The goal is to have full teams play the
games.
•
This procedure has been instituted by CBAA and is not to be changed or modified for any reason.
An uneven game benefits nobody -not the winning or losing team.
10 | Page
Guidelines by Age Groups
We have broken out our guidelines by age groups based on differences in the sections following this page.
•
ALL Age groups must follow our Conduct and Safety Guidelines
•
Uneven Teams and One Sided Games (Important!) See Policy. It is important coaches explain this ‘rule’ to
their players at the start of the season.
•
Junior Division consist of Pre-Kindergarten U05 through 4th grade (U10)
•
Senior Division consists of children born in 1998- through and including 2000, which is U12 - U19.
Coach Checklist
Review Coach’s info and resources
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
All Coaches (and volunteers) must complete a Risk Management Assessment annually
Rules for your league
All Coaches must complete the online Concussion Awareness Course and submit proof.
Coach’s Principles of Conduct
“Role Models for Life”
Positive Coaching Alliance Pledge & Training
Team Website: Roster / Game Schedule via your Team Website at CBAASports.org.
Fall Senior League Coaches should read and familiarize themselves with the Joint Intramural League
Rules
These rules are contained in this guideline document and also on the JIL website under
www.warringtonsoccer.org
Contact your player families ASAP via Team Site was issued by CBAA Soccer! Please refer them to your
team site. Please provide:
•
Your name and contact info
•
Your assistant coaches’ names and info
•
Team website – This site should be utilized for all communications. Parents will be able to see all
communications. The team site also has the online schedule.
•
Meet and Greet at the kickoff festival.
•
Information about your practice schedule.
Follow up if you have not heard from player families. Notify the club if there are any incorrect contact information or
roster issues.
Be sure to talk to your parents about your coaching goals and coaching style and reinforce to all parents that they are
expected to behave as positive role models and explain what that means (read the “Role Models for Life” and the
Positive Coaching Alliance white paper).
Make sure to inform everyone about your practice schedule.
􀂉 Arrive promptly At least 30 minutes prior to game time, 15 minutes prior to practice
11 | Page
Small Sided Games
CBAA IM program has implemented SSG’s as an integral part of player development for age groups U05-U12 and
advocates the continued playing of SSG’s as a significant training tool at the Senior Division level.
Over the better part of the past 15 years, recommendations from US Youth Soccer have been in place. The field size
and number of players is quite similar to the new standards set by US Soccer. The charts are available on EPYSA.org,
as well as US Soccer.com. There are some new rules and field markings that have been created to make these games
a better teaching and learning environment.
Very simply….
 all soccer U-8 and below will played 4v4.

U9 /U10 will become 7v7 (including goalkeepers) and

U11/U12 becomes 9v9.

All 11-a-side soccer begins at U13.
Another unique feature are the game play times …
 U6, U7 an U8 games will be played in four ten-minute quarters, with a five-minute break in between quarters.

Quarters and periods will provide the opportunity to establish a flow to the game and allow substituting in a more
uniform way to eliminate the disruption that normally occurs.

At U9 and up, play will be in the customary twenty-five minute halves, with ten minutes in between.
A unique rule for 7v7 features a “build out line” to encourage players to develop their skills unpressured when playing
out of the back on a goal kick or from the goalkeeper. Those rules and field diagrams can be found on EPYSA.org.
Standards for field and goal size have been included in this initiative. The field sizes shown in the documents are the
maximum sizes. Fields can be smaller, but the size shown is the standard to which US Soccer desires. Goal sizes
should be viewed similarly. The sizes listed are the standard. Each club should work to achieve the standard, but that
does not mean new goals must be purchased immediately. The next opportunity a club has to replace old goals; the
purchase should reflect the sizes established by US Soccer.
Formal referees are not needed in the SSG environment up to U10. ONE active parent-coach on the field to oversee the
action is all that is required.
There are a multitude of reasons for developing a ‘Small Sided Games Philosophy’ and this is an ongoing objective
for the CBAA IM program.
 Our goal is to create a FUN environment where playing the game takes precedence over winning and losing
(results).
 The long term objective is that once players reach the Senior Division (U15 and older) they are confident on the
ball, enjoy a higher understanding of the game and are more ready to embrace the positional and tactical
aspects required at the full game level.
 Players should never stop playing SSG’s in training though!
We ask that all CBAA IM coaches and parents embrace our Small Sided Games approach and attend club- provided
meetings and clinics to learn more.
12 | Page
Junior Division U05 –U10
General Junior League Guidelines
All games shall be played in accordance with FIFA rules, with the modifications notes throughout this document.
1) All uniforms must comply with FIFA / USSF standards.
a) All Players must wear either their home (green) Adidas or there away (white) jersey to their games. Always
have your other jersey with you. Trying to referee a game with same or similar color jerseys is very difficult if not
impossible.
b) Players must wear black shorts and black socks. No wild color socks / shorts.
c) Shin guards must be under the socks and completely covered by the socks.
d) No jewelry or wrist bands.
e) Medical bracelets should be taped for safety
2) Number of players on the field are found in each age group section that follows.
3) Ball Size can be found in each age group section of this document.
4) Duration of Match can be found in each age group section of this document.
5) The team scoring the greater number of goals during a match is the winner. Matches ending in a draw shall stand;
there will be no extra time added to determine a winner.
6) Slide Tackling: slide tackling an opponent in any manner shall be strictly prohibited and shall be sanctioned as
serious foul play.
7) Rushing the Goalkeeper: No player is allowed to rush the goalkeeper.
13 | Page
U05 Game Guidelines
Our CBAA Professional trainers and Technical Director oversee this one-hour weekly session. There are no formal
coaches at the U5 level. A parent clinic is conducted to fully explain all aspects of the U5 program at our seasonal kick
off festivals.
In Brief:
During the opening part of each session parents actively assist in helping their child learn skills. We conclude each
session with informal Micro Soccer games randomly dividing players into teams each week.
4 v 4 Games Standards of Play
These are fun low-key games with teams randomly selected each week. This means that, at any time, players can be
switched to even up teams if necessary.
• Size 3 Ball
• 4 players versus 4 players, no goalkeeper
• Shin guards are required
• Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any time
• 4 quarters
• No more than 10 minute quarters
• 5 minute breaks between quarters
• Playing times can be less than 10 minutes when managed by the coaches and parents
Games
•
Kick offs, free kicks, throw-ins, goal kicks and corner kicks are used to start or restart play
•
Kick-ins and/or dribble-ins are also acceptable
•
Goal kicks and corner kicks should be taken in the general vicinity of the respective goal or corner
•
If used, all free kicks are indirect
•
Opponents should be 10 feet away from the ball on all restarts
•
No penalty kicks
•
No offside
14 | Page
U06 Game Guidelines
Our Professional Training Staff oversee the CBAA U06 program. Each weekly, 1-hour, session includes a fun warm-up,
a skill activity and 3 versus 3 games. The sessions are divided into half skills, half games. CBAA parent coaches will
assist the professional on site coach during the skills session then help to oversee the games.
Equipment: your child should bring a #3 ball and a drink and wear outdoor cleats (preferred) or sneakers and shin
guards
A pre-season meeting/clinic is conducted at our seasonal kick off festival to fully explain all aspects of the U06 program.
4 v 4 Standards of Play
These are fun low-key games with teams randomly selected each week. This means that, at any time, players can be
switched to even up teams if necessary.
• Size 3 Ball
• 4 players versus 4 players, no goalkeeper
• Shin guards are required
• Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any time
• 4 quarters
• No more than 10 minute quarters
• 5 minute breaks between quarters
• Playing times can be less than 10 minutes when managed by the coaches and parents
Games
•
Kick offs, free kicks, throw-ins, goal kicks and corner kicks are used to start or restart play
•
Kick-ins and/or dribble-ins are also acceptable
•
Goal kicks and corner kicks should be taken in the general vicinity of the respective goal or corner
•
If used, all free kicks are indirect
•
Opponents should be 10 feet away from the ball on all restarts
•
No penalty kicks
•
No offside
15 | Page
U07 Game Guidelines
• 4 v 4 with no goalkeeper
• Coach equipment: balls, cones, pinnies and whistle (provided by club)
• Player equipment: #3 ball, shin-guards, water bottle and cleats
• Practice and game location: provided by CBAA on a seasonal basis
• Practice preparation training is provided and online resources are located on our website.
• Simple game guidelines for the 4 vs 4 games are below.
The games are demonstrated at pre- season Coaches Clinics. Coaches should attend clinics dressed to play and
participate. Please make every effort to attend these clinics.
Equipment: your child should bring a #3 ball and a drink and wear outdoor cleats (preferred) or sneakers and shin
guards
A pre-season meeting/clinic is conducted at our seasonal kick off festival to fully explain all aspects of the U06 program.
4 v 4 Standards of Play
These are fun low-key games with teams randomly selected each week. This means that, at any time, players can be
switched to even up teams if necessary.
• Size 3 Ball
• 4 players versus 4 players, no goalkeeper
• Shin guards are required
• Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any time
• 4 quarters
• No more than 10 minute quarters
• 5 minute breaks between quarters
• Playing times can be less than 10 minutes when managed by the coaches and parents
Games
•
Kick offs, free kicks, throw-ins, goal kicks and corner kicks are used to start or restart play
•
Kick-ins and/or dribble-ins are also acceptable
•
Goal kicks and corner kicks should be taken in the general vicinity of the respective goal or corner
•
If used, all free kicks are indirect
•
Opponents should be 10 feet away from the ball on all restarts
•
No penalty kicks
•
No offside
16 | Page
U08 Game Guidelines
• Coach equipment: balls, cones, pinnies and whistle (provided by club)
• Player equipment: #3 ball, shin-guards, cleats, drink
• Practice and game location: Provided by CBAA on a seasonal basis
• Practice preparation training is provided by our club and online resources are available on our cbaasports.org
website.
Equipment: your child should bring a #3 ball and a drink and wear outdoor cleats (preferred) or sneakers and shin
guards
A pre-season meeting/clinic is conducted at our seasonal kick off festival to fully explain all aspects of the U08 program.
4 v 4 Standards of Play
These are fun low-key games with teams randomly selected each week. This means that, at any time, players can be
switched to even up teams if necessary.
• Size 3 Ball
• 4 player versus 4 players, no goalkeeper
• Shin guards are required
• Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any time
• 4 quarters
• No more than 10 minute quarters
• 5 minute breaks between quarters
• Playing times can be less than 10 minutes when managed by the coaches and parents
Games
•
Kick offs, free kicks, throw-ins, goal kicks and corner kicks are used to start or restart play
•
Kick-ins and/or dribble-ins are also acceptable
•
Goal kicks and corner kicks should be taken in the general vicinity of the respective goal or corner
•
If used, all free kicks are indirect
•
Opponents should be 10 feet away from the ball on all restarts
•
No penalty kicks
•
No offside
17 | Page
U10 Game Guidelines
The emphasis is on fun and letting players enjoy the game while getting the opportunity to play in all positions. The 7
player -a side games allow for a goalkeeper and a simple 2-2-2 formation on scaled-down fields. Each team coach will
referee half a game each or, by mutual consent, one coach may referee the whole game. A coach may also designate a
knowledgeable and confident parent from their team to ‘referee’ if that is preferred. Do not use children to referee!
7 v 7 Standards of Play
•
Size 4 ball
•
7v7 (6 field players and 1 goalkeeper)
•
Game may not start or continue if there are less than 5players on a team
•
Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any stoppage
•
2 halves
•
25 minutes halves
•
10 minute halftime
•
No added time
Number of players: A maximum of seven (7) players per team (including a goalkeeper) shall be permitted on the field
at any time.
Build Out Line The build out line promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting.
1. When the goalkeeper has the ball, either during play (from the opponent) or from a goal kick, the opposing team
must move behind the build out line until the ball is put into play.
2. Once the opposing team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or roll the ball into play
(punting is not allowed).
3. After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the build out line and play resumes
as normal
4. If a goalkeeper punts the ball, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the
offense
5. If the punt occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the
goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred
6. The build out line will also be used to denote where offside offenses can be called
7. Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway line and the build out line
8. Players can be penalized for an offside offense between the build out line and goal line
Duration of Match: 2 x 25-minute halves. All games shall have 10 minute breaks between halves. No stoppage time is
added to either half.
No Heading of the Ball is allowed. The US Soccer Concussion Initiative is explained below.
 Deliberate heading is not allowed in 7v7 games

If a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team
from the spot of the offense

If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line
parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred
18 | Page
Substitutions: An unlimited number of substitutions made be made during a game, and any player who has been
substituted may re-enter the game according to the Substitution procedures defined below.
Slide Tackling: Slide tackling an opponent in any manner shall be strictly prohibited and an indirect free kick will be
awarded to the opposing team.
Physical Contact with the Goalkeeper: Will also result in an indirect free kick.
Special Note: At this age we can begin to teach players the offside rule and call ‘blatant’ offside but use
discretion since the majority (possibly all) the players will not yet understand the rule. The exact application of
the offside rule in any particular game is at the complete discretion of the coach-referee on the field. Nobody
else!
Playing Time
All players must be offered the opportunity to play at least half a game, regardless of skill.
By the end of the season, all players should have been allowed equal playing time.
Substitutions
Substitutions may be made at any time with coach-referee permission. Do not substitute too frequently since it disturbs
the rhythm of the game. Also keep in mind the playing time criteria above.
19 | Page
Senior Division U12, U15 & U18
Guidelines for Games
The Senior Division at CBAA Soccer is comprised of age groups from U12-U18, and is gender specific.




The senior division U12, U15, U18 also has one night a week practices and games on the weekends.
This division participates in a Joint Intramural League and plays other club teams locally as well as fellow CBAA
teams.
All age groups in the Senior Division are eligible to play in the Fall and Spring Rec Select tournament for the
club.
Sign-ups are open to everyone, but in the case where we cannot form a full team or secure a coach, we may
need to turn away some players.
General League Guidelines
All games shall be played in accordance with FIFA rules, with the following modifications:
1) All uniforms must comply with FIFA / USSF standards.
a) All Players must wear either their home (green) Adidas or there away (white) jersey to their games. Always
have your other jersey with you. Trying to referee a game with same or similar color jerseys is very difficult if not
impossible.
b) Players must wear black shorts and black socks. No wild color socks / shorts.
c) Shin guards must be under the socks and completely covered by the socks.
d) No jewelry or wrist bands – this includes activity monitors such as fit bits.
e) Medical bracelets should be taped for safety
2) Ball Size & Number of players in a match.
a) The Under-12 division games will be played with a #4 ball and play 9 versus 9, which includes the Goalkeeper.
i) No Heading of the ball is allowed in this league in support of the concussion initiative.
b) All Under 15 and U19 shall play with a #5 ball and play 11 v 11.
3) After a goal is scored, the ball may not be punted back to the half. This is a safety issue.
4) Both teams (coaches and players only) on one side / parents on other side of the technical area.
Divisions/Programs and Player Eligibility
The competing leagues shall organize games for male and female teams in the following programs:
Division Eligible Grades Players
Under-12 – Birth Years 2005, 06
Under-15 – Birth Years 2002, 03, 04
Under-18 – Birth Years 1998, 99, 2000, 01
Only players registered with a participating soccer club shall be allowed to participate in scheduled games between the
competing leagues, and only players meeting the divisional requirements shall be eligible to participate in that division.
In House Player Pool
a. All interested players must sign up with our Soccer Operations Office to be considered for guest play within our club.
b. The player’s primary team must come first, if there is a game conflict for guest play.
c. Please bring your roster printed from your JIL team site and “write in” your guest player info, including team name
and grade. Guest players need to be identified at beginning of game.
d. Current team players get preferential play time, but all players should receive meaningful play time.
e. Mercy Rule is still in effect, regardless of guest players. See guidelines for further info
20 | Page
Coach Behavior
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Each team’s coach is responsible for managing their sidelines including player and spectator conduct; the
coaches will be expected to ask anyone violating the conditions noted above to refrain from the same or to
leave the field while the game is in progress.
Coaches for the home team are responsible for ensuring that corner flags are set up, that the goals are secure
and in good condition, that any concerns about the pitch conditions will be discussed with the opposing team
and game officials.
Coaches must remain more than three (3) feet behind the touchline and within ten (10) yards of the midfield
line.
At the conclusion of a match, coaches will line up their players on the midfield line to shake hands with the
opposing team.
Coaches must reduce the number of players on the field to equal the number of available players from the other
team with the intent of providing a fair and balanced match for the players on the field.
Coaches should notify their league directors regarding any instances of improper conduct.
Coaches will discuss any issues relating to the referee only with the league director, or designee, and only after
24 hours have passed since the end of the match.
CBAA Referee Info
The referee is solely responsible for enforcing the Laws of the Game including any modifications defined herein.
• The home team is responsible for providing a referee(s).
• Any verbal or physical abuse or threat made by a coach
•
Both teams (coaches and players only) on one side / parents on other side of the technical area.
•
Referee(s) have final authority for field safety (play or no play). Goals / field conditions / weather.
•
Referee(s) have final authority on player injuries.
•
If a referee feels the player should leave the field they can overrule coaches and parents. This is a license
liability issue.
•
If a coach or trainer comes on the field to care for an injured player, the player must come off the field, and a
substitution will be allowed. 1 for 1.
•
The CBAA Referee Assignor will not supply a referee(s) for any game (coach request) not on the CBAA
schedule (liability issue / field use issue).
•
The Linesman function is simple and fun. There is only one responsibility - Calling the ball OUT of play. A
simplified diagram with explanations appears on the next page.
Joint intramural soccer league Rules
Below are the Joint Intramural League (JIL) soccer rules effective August 1st, 2016. The current JIL Soccer League
Rules are also available for download.
General Rules
All games of the Joint Intramural Soccer League shall be played in accordance with FIFA Laws of The Game and USSF
rules with the following modifications:
o Ball Size:
o The Under 12 division games shall be played with a # 4 size ball.
o All other divisions shall be played with a # 5 size ball.
21 | Page
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Duration of Match
o Under 12 division games shall consist of 2, 30 minute half’s;
o Under 15 division games shall consist of 2, 35 minute half’s;
o Under 18 division games shall consist of 2, 40-minute half’s’;
All games shall have a 5-minute half time and switch sides. No stoppage time shall be added to either half.
Substitutions
o An unlimited number of substitutions may be made during the match, and any player who has been
substituted may re-enter the game according to the Substitution procedures defined below.
Slide Tackling
o Slide tackling in any manner in the vicinity of another player or official shall be strictly prohibited and
shall be sanctioned as “Serious Foul Play” and shall be issued a “Red Card” for the foul.
Rushing the Goal Keeper
o An “Indirect Direct Free Kick” shall be awarded to the opposing team if a player rushes a Goal Keeper.
Safety
o In order to insure the safety of all players, the following safety rules are mandatory:
o Players must wear appropriate shin guards and outdoor soccer boots or sneakers. Hooded
Sweatshirts are not allowed, nor can the hoods be tucked in.
o Players are not permitted to play with any kind of jewelry. No exceptions shall be made to this
rule for new earrings and covering any type of jewelry with a Band-Aid is not permitted. (The
wearing of medical alert jewelry is permitted, as long as the bracelet is securely covered).
o Sports safety glasses is strongly recommended. This is for both the safety of the individual and
others on the field.
o Players are not permitted to play wearing unpadded casts or splints. The decision to allow the
player to participate will be made by the referee.
Divisions and Eligibility
o The Joint Intramural league shall organize games for boys’ and girls’ teams in the following Age
Divisions.
Age Divisions
Age Divisions
Birth Years
Under 12 (9v9)
2005 & 2006
Under 15 (11v11)
2002, 2003 & 2004
Under 19 (11v11)
1998, 1999, 2000 & 2001
o Only players registered with a participating soccer club shall be allowed to participate in league play.
o Only players meeting the divisional requirements for Birth Year are eligible to play in that division.
o Player may participate in older age groups.
o Girls may participate in Boys Divisions.
o Players on an active, same season Travel Team are not eligible to participate.
o All teams shall submit a line up sheet for each game. There are 3 copies, Home Team, Visitors Team
and the Referee’s copy. Only eligible players who are members of that team are permitted to play. The
form is available for download on the Warrington Soccer Club web site under the JIL tab.
Playing Time
o All players must be offered the opportunity to play at least half of the match, regardless of skill.
Substitutions shall be made as follows:
o At halftime.
o By the team throwing in the ball after it has gone out over the touch line, with referee’s permission. The
team without possession may substitute only if the team possessing the ball substitutes. Piggy-back
rule
o Either team on the taking of a goal kick, with the permission of the referee.
o In the case of an injury, and the injured player is substituted, the opposing team may substitute one for
one basis with the permission of the referee. Injured players receiving attention on the field must be
substituted.
o A player receiving a “Yellow Card” must be substituted for a 5 minute “Cooling Off” period. The
opposing team does not, in this instance get a One-for-one substitution.
o Goal Keepers may be substituted during the duration of the match, but only with the permission of the
referee. Failure to get permission prior to substituting the keeper will result in the issue of a “Yellow
Card” for unsportsmanlike conduct, except at half time.
o No substitutions shall be allowed on a corner kick.
22 | Page
o
o
o
o
o
Parents Behavior
o Spectators are expected to behave and act in a courteous and sportsman like manner at all times.
o Spectators must remain 1 yard, 3 feet, behind the touch line unless directed otherwise by the referee.
o No one is allowed to enter the field of play during the match without the permission of the referee.
o No one is allowed to remain behind the goal line or along the goal line during the match.
Coaches Behavior
o Before the match, each coach shall provide to the referee a volunteer linesman in the Under 12
divisions. The referee will have flags, and the linesman shall follow the instructions of the referee.
Linesmen are not permitted to “coach” from the sidelines.
o Coaches for the home team are responsible for the proper and visible lines and for setting out legal
corner flags.
o All Coaches must remain 1 yard, 3 feet, back from the sidelines and within 10 yards of the center line.
o At the conclusion of the match, teams will line up for handshake.
o Coaches must reduce the number of players to match that of the opposing team, should they be
shorthanded.
o Coaches should notify their League Directors regarding any instances of improper conduct.
o Coaches will discuss any referee issues only with their league director, club designee and only after 24
hours have passed since the end of the match.
Player Behavior
o Players are expected to play in a sportsman’s like manner.
o Substitute players are to remain 4 feet behind the touch line.
o Players are expected to know and understand the Laws of the Game and all the JIL amendments.
o Players are to treat the opposing team, coaches and referees with respect.
JI: Referees
o The referee is “Solely” responsible for enforcing the Laws of the Game in accordance to FIFA, USSF
and the JIL amendments.
o The home team is responsible for providing trained referees for every match. One referee for Under 12
matches with club linesman and 2 referees for Under 15 and above.
o Each team is responsible for half the referee fee and the total fee is to be paid before the start of the
match.
o Any verbal abuse or threatening of the referee by any coach, player or spectator is strictly prohibited
and such conduct may be punishable by ejection and a minimum of one, (1), game suspension.
o All decisions by the referee are final.
o The referee may end the match at any time when the circumstances warrant it. Should the referee end
the match, the teams MAY NOT decide to finish the match on their own. The match is abandoned and
the reasons and outcome will be reviewed by the governing parties.
o The referee shall submit a game report to its designated league authority for misconduct and any
issuance of cards.
o No game time “Revisions” of the written Laws or Amendments shall be allowed without the permission
of the governing authority.
Fouls and Misconduct
o The referee shall call the game in accordance to the FIFA Laws of the Game, USSF Guidelines and the
Amendments to The Laws as stated in this document.
o Any player receiving a “Yellow Card” shall be substituted and remain on the sidelines for a cooling off
period. The opposing team does not get a one-for-one substitution. Referees must submit a game
report with all info according to USSF reporting requirements.
o Any player receiving a “Red Card” shall leave the field of play and not interfere with the game in any
manner. Should the ejected player or coach continue with any un-sportsman like behavior and continue
to disrupt the game, they will be asked to leave the facility.
o If a player receives a Red Card they will receive a minimum of a mandatory one game suspension for
receiving a Red Card, however, all violent and serious Red Card fouls shall be reviewed by the
Governing Officials and additional game suspension may be given upon determining a violent foul has
accrued which should warrant further action. Referees must submit a game report with all info
according to USSF reporting requirements. Player and coaches suspended may not be present on the
sidelines for their suspended matches.
23 | Page
o
o
o
o
All violent conduct and game ejections must be reported to each Home Teams Leagues own
designated director. Serious misconduct will be reviewed by an appointed Disciplinary Committee to
determine if additional sanctions are required or warranted.
Competition Rules
o The team scoring the greater number of goals during the match is the winner. Matches ending in a draw
will stand as there are no tie breakers during the regular season.
Tie Games for Playoffs Only
o Two, (2), five, (5), minute overtime periods will be played with teams switching sides at the half. (No
golden goal).
o If still tied at the end of overtime, the best of five, (5), penalty kicks by each team, (taken alternately),
will be the deciding factor. Only those players on the field at the end of the overtime period may
participate in the shoot-out and all must remain on the field. A player may only kick once during the first
five shooters.
o If still tied after the first five shooters from each team, alternating kicks shall be taken until a winner is
decided, not a second set of 5 shooters. All players must kick once before any player is allowed a
second kick. Keepers are permitted to participate in the shootout.
o Eligible players are to be lined up in the center circle and remain there until a winner is determined.
o No coaches, managers or spectators are permitted on the field or behind the goal during the shootout.
Those not participating in the shoot-out must remain on the sideline in their respective technical area.
Consequences
o Any club or individual team that does not abide by the Laws of the Game and Amendments, use illegal
or unregistered players or with-in the keeping of the “Spirit of the Game” may be asked to leave the
program immediately and game schedules for the remaining teams in that division will be revised.
o No refunds shall be issued should a team or league leave or be ejected from the program.
24 | Page
Ball in and out of Play- Rules on running the line
Ball in and out of Play- Rules on running the line
25 | Page
CBAA Soccer Mission Statement
The CBAA Soccer program is dedicated to the task of promoting and enhancing the culture of soccer for
the youth and families of the Central Bucks area. The CBAA Soccer program will strive to develop players
at all ages and levels of play: recreational; travel; and premier. We are dedicated to developing players
and coaches to the highest level through a quality instructional program.
CBAA soccer program will cultivate each player’s mind, body and spirit by:
•
•
•
•
building, developing, and improving their skills and fitness levels
instilling confidence, initiative, emotional growth
embracing and nurturing a sense of community and teamwork
advocating high standards of sportsmanship and fair play
Founded in 1973, the Central Bucks Athletic Association offers recreational and travel soccer, basketball and
lacrosse programs to the youth of Central Bucks County, PA. CBAA is a non-profit, charitable organization.
Athletic activities will be organized, funded and coached through all volunteer efforts. All monies derived
through fees, donations or fund raising shall be used to offset expenses associated with the conducting and
encouraging of sports activities.
26 | Page
Central Bucks Athletic Association
27 | Page