The Rockville Centre Soccer Club

The Rockville Centre Soccer Club Est. 1971 “The Tradition Continues”

Third Grade Division

Our mission in the intramural league: LEARNING WHILE HAVING FUN.

SPORTSMANSHIP and good will toward our teammates and the opposing team is expected and to be encouraged at all times. The coaches and parents should set a positive example of sportsmanlike conduct.

Teach RESPECT for the opposition. Competition would not exist without them. Foster a love of the game and fair play. Instill confidence in the young athlete by teaching the value of trying your best. Compliment their efforts and promote the value of learning at every game.

CHEER ON BOTH TEAMS!

Coaches are responsible for the CONDUCT of all their players and spectators. Any kind of abuse toward the referee will not be tolerated. Coaches and parents must remain on the sideline during the game unless there is an injury. There will be no coaching or instruction from behind the goal area.

Games are to remain COMPETITIVE. Goals differences of more than four (4) goals are not allowed. If a four-goal differential exists, the coach with the high score should encourage passing, playing the ball from the back and working on skill moves the players are taught at training. This should all be done with consideration of the other team’s feelings – do not “play keep away.” Be creative: mix up positions or teams. REMEMBER the players are eight and nine years old. RULES OF THE GAME Games consist of two 25-minute running halves with a five (5) minute break between halves.  Size #4 Ball  Field size shall be approximately 60 yards in length and 40 yards in width  Six players and a goalkeeper.  Teach the responsibilities of each position on the field.  Rotate all positions, including the goalkeeper; no child should play the same position consistently.  Every player must play at least 50% of the game but playing time may not be equal among all players.  Each player must bring his/her own drink. Snacks are NOT permitted due to the potential of food allergies.

FIELD OF PLAY PLAYER’S EQUIPMENT A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewelry).

A player must wear shinguards that are entirely covered by stockings.

STYLE OF PLAY The skills taught in the Rockville Centre Soccer Club’s intramural program are the foundation for teaching a style of play based upon possession. A possession style of play involves a controlling first touch taking the ball into space away from the defender, composure on the ball to draw the defender in, the ability to disguise intentions with the ball, movement off the ball to support the player on the ball, and executing the best tactical decision possible. “Booting” the ball down field, especially when not under pressure, is never to be encouraged.

In Third Grade, a system of a goalkeeper and two lines should be used. The additional player added to the field compared to 2nd grade is included in the back line for a 4-2 system. The 4 represents the four players on the back line and the 2 represents two players in the next line forward, the goalkeeper is understood and is not included in the naming convention of the system. (For 11v11 played at U12 and above for travel teams, a three line system is common so a 4-4-2 is 4 defenders, 4 midfielders, and 2 forwards.)

The four players on the back line should organize in the shape of a diamond with depth and width. They should not be limited to defensive responsibilities, especially the players on the outside who should be encouraged to get up and down the entire length of the field. The players on the forward line should be encouraged to stay central and combine with each other. All players, including the goalkeeper, should be involved in possessing the ball. Players on the back line and the forward line should be looking for goal scoring opportunities and involved in defending. The outside players on the back line should be looking for opportunities to make overlapping runs. REFEREE DECISIONS ARE FINAL Please do not argue with the referee. If there are any issues or concerns then please contact your commissioner or the Director of Referees after the match.

START AND RESTART OF PLAY A kick-off is a way of starting or restarting play at the start of the match, after a goal has been scored, and at the start of the second half of the match. A goal may be scored directly from the kick-off.

In the second half of a match, the teams change ends and attack the opposite goals. The team that did not kick-off to start the match does kick-off to start the second half.

The procedures for a kick-off are all players are in their own half of the field, the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least 8 yards from the ball until it is in play, the ball is stationary on the center mark, the referee gives a signal, the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward, the kicker does not touch the ball a second time until it has touched, another player. After a team scores a goal, the kick-off is taken by the other team.

If the kicker touches the ball a second time before it has touched another player then an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred. For any other infringement of the kick-off procedure, the kick-off is retaken BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal line or touch line whether on the ground or in the air or when play has been stopped by the referee.

The ball is in play at all other times, including when it rebounds from a goalpost, crossbar or corner flagpost and remains in the field of play or when it rebounds from either the referee or an assistant referee when they are on the field of play

METHOD OF SCORING A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided that no infringement has been committed previously by the team scoring the goal. INFRACTIONS The referee will call the following infractions:  kicking or attempting to kick an opponent  tripping or attempting to trip an opponent  jumping at an opponent  charging an opponent  striking or attempting to strike an opponent  pushing an opponent  tackling an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with the opponent before touching the ball  holding an opponent  handling the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area)  playing in a dangerous manner  impeding the progress of an opponent  preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands

The method of restart for all infractions shall be an indirect kick from the spot of the infraction, except infractions that occur in the goal area. For infractions occurring within 10 yards of the kicking team’s offensive goal, the ball shall be placed 10 yards from the goal.

For an indirect free kick, the ball must be stationary when the kick is taken and the kicker does not touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player. A goal can be scored only if the ball subsequently touches another player before it enters the goal. If an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the opponents’ goal, a goal kick is awarded. If an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the team’s own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team. OFFSIDES It is not an offence in itself to be in an offside position. A player is in an offside position if he is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent.

A player is not in an offside position if he is in his own half of the field of play, he is level with the second last opponent, or he is level with the last two opponents.

A player in an offside position is only penalized if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by interfering with play, interfering with an opponent, or gaining an advantage by being in that position.

There is no offside offence if a player receives the ball directly from a goal kick, a throw- in, or a corner kick.

For any offside offence, the referee awards an indirect free kick to the opposing team to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred.

THROW INS A throw-in is a method of restarting play. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw- in. A throw-in is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the touch line, either on the ground or in the air from the point where it crossed the touch line to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball

At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower faces the field of play, has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line, uses both hands, and delivers the ball from behind and over his head. The thrower may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. All opponents must stand no less than 2 meters from the point at which the throw-in is taken. The ball is in play immediately after it enters the field of play.

If, after the ball is in play, the thrower touches the ball a second time before it has touched another player an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred.

Players are allowed to retake an improperly taken throw in. CORNER KICKS A corner kick is a method of restarting play. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team. A corner kick is awarded when the whole of the ball, having last touched a player of the defending team, passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, and a goal is not scored.

The ball is at the nearest corner. Opponents remain at least 8 yards from the ball until it is in play. The ball is kicked by a player of the attacking team. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves. The kicker does not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player.

GOAL KICKS A goal kick is a method of restarting play. A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team. A goal kick is awarded when the whole of the ball, having last touched a player of the attacking team, passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, and a goal is not scored.

The ball is kicked from any point within the goal area by a player of the defending team. Opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play. The kicker does not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player. The ball is in play when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty area.

If the ball is not kicked directly into play beyond the penalty area then the kick is retaken.

If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball a second time before it has touched another player then an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred. SUBSTITUTIONS Substitutions will be unlimited. Substitutions may be done on any dead ball with the permission of the referee.

TEAM ROSTER & SCHEDULE Please provide every parent with a copy of the team roster and schedule.

FIELD SET UP Coaches for the first game should be at the field at least 30 minutes PRIOR to KICK OFF. Otherwise all coaches and players should be at the field at least 15 minutes BEFORE the GAME to have a proper warm up and ensure the fields are ready for play.

WEATHER All efforts will be made to play the game. Teams are expected at the field, ready to play, unless notified by the commissioner that the game is cancelled due to inclement weather. The commissioners will determine if a game should be cancelled when weather becomes an issue after the start of a match. Games that have not completed one full half may be RE-SCHEDULED by the commissioner.

INJURIES Coaches should have a Fist Aid Kit and cell phone available during practices and games. Parents and coaches SHOULD NOT MOVE a seriously injured player. 911 should be notified immediately. All injuries to players MUST BE REPORTED to the commissioner as soon as possible. PRACTICES Team practices should be held once a week. Practice plans are provided to the coaches. Coaches shall use these activities in their practices.

SPORTSMANSHIP

The Rockville Centre Soccer Club has a wonderful tradition that supports the league rule: Every coach, assistant coach and player must SHAKE HANDS in a SPORTSMANLIKE MANNER at the end of each match.

APPRECIATE THE REF We request that he coaches recognize the difficult task of the referee by thanking him/her for a JOB WELL DONE at the conclusion of each game.

THANKS TO THE COACHES Thank you for your time, interest and enthusiasm. Your volunteerism is what makes the Rockville Centre Soccer Club a great success for the children of out community. Thank you for joining our coaching staff and volunteering your time to the players in the Rockville Centre Soccer Club.

We will begin with the question:

What is a coach?

A Teacher. 1. Understand the age and ability of your players. 2. Treat your players as individuals. 3. Build confidence. Applaud the effort. 4. Emphasize “personal best”. 5. Develop team building skills.

A Facilitator. 1. Set up a comfortable and safe learning environment that is encouraging to the player. 2. Give positive feedback. 3. Be a positive role model. 4. Cultivate the concept of playing for enjoyment and foster a spirit of fair play. Remember it is a game. Player’s Code

* Play the game for the fun of it! * Be generous when you win. * Be graceful when you lose. * Be fair always no matter the cost. * Obey the laws of the game. * Work for the good of your team. * Accept the decisions of the officials with good grace. * Believe in the honesty of your opponents. * Conduct yourself with honor and dignity.

(reprinted from U.S. Youth Soccer, Inc. (copyright 1994)) The Soccer Constitution Bill of rights for Youth Soccer Player 1. Each player has the right to participate in the sport of soccer. 2. Each soccer player has the right to play in every game, regardless of their physical ability or “relative importance” of the game. 3. Every player has the right to play as a child, and be treated on a level appropriate with the emotional and physical maturity of the player’s age. 4. Each player has the right to participate in a safe and healthy environment and have access to proper medical treatment. 5. Every soccer player has the right to be taught the fundamentals of soccer by qualified adult leadership in a positive manner. 6. Every soccer player has the right to have a coach who is more concerned with fun, development of skills and social interaction than winning. 7. Every soccer player has the right to be treated with respect and dignity by the coaches and players. 8. Every soccer player has the right to have a coach who is supportive and patient, who takes the time to work with each player and allows players to make mistakes. 9. Each soccer player has the right to report to the coach any physical pain or emotional concern without fear of rejection or ridicule. 10. Every soccer player has the right to have Fun! (author unknown) "Ten Commandments of Parental Behavior" by Rick Wolff. Copyright @ 1998, Time Inc. All rights reserved. Ten or 20 years ago, watching a youth game was fairly simple. Parents would bring the kids, hang around the field and chitchat with other Moms and Dads. Then, when the game ended, the kids would hop back into their parents’ cars, and off they’d go for an ice cream cone. These days, however, life at youth league games is no longer so pristine and pure. And it’s the parents, not the kids, who are the main reason so many problems and concerns are cropping up. Moms and Dads too often are losing perspective not only of what’s important at these games, but also of what’s appropriate sideline behavior. So, parents, here’s a quick reminder of how grown-ups should behave at kids’ games. 1. Talk about the other kids on the team—indeed, on both teams—in the same manner you would want other parents to talk about your child. This is the golden rule applied to sports. Watching kids’ sports tends to be a social affair. When you’re making conversation on the sideline with your friends and neighbors, think about what you’re saying before you actually say it. To always be on the safe side, only voice praise for the other children. That way, you’ll never go wrong. 2. It's nice to give the coach a pat on the back when he or she wins. It’s even nicer when you give the coach a pat on the back after a loss. Remember that the vast majority of coaches are volunteers who are sacrificing their own time to help your kid. So give them a well-deserved salute, especially when their team hasn’t fared well that day. 3. Don’t hesitate to give the ref, umpire or official a pat on the back, either. As you might have guessed, refs and umps are people, too. And they like when parents and fans acknowledge their on-field efforts as well. Why don’t you lead the way? 4. Remind your child that it’s the effort that counts. We know all the kids want to win. That’s a given. But we also know that for every winning team, there’s also a loser. Be prepared to cushion your child’s disappointment after a loss by pointing out that he or she played hard and put forth a tremendous effort. 5. Avoid the P.G.A., the Postgame Analysis. When the game is over and your child climbs back into your car, avoid at all costs the detailed, excruciating postgame analysis of everything she did right and wrong. Just let her chill out, savor the fun of having played, and relax. The absolute worst time for "friendly criticism" is immediately after the game. 6. Smile. A lot. Kids’ sports are about having fun, and because kids take their behavioral cues from you, try at least to look like you’re enjoying yourself. 7. If you aren’t a "good sport" at the games, the kids won’t be either. This should be self-evident. If you set a pattern of being a sideline loudmouth who likes to yell and scream at the ref, coach opposing team, don’t be surprised when your kids start copying your behavior. You will have only yourself to blame. 8. Take the time to learn the rules of the game. A lot of kids these days are playing sports you may not be familiar with. So if you don’t know the rules of the game, why don’t you and your child learn them together? Besides, it’s a good idea to read the rule book. It just might help win a dispute. 9. If you must make noise at the games, shout only praise and encouragement. If you’re a screamer and yeller, make certain that when you open your mouth, you’re only pouring forth cheerful encouragement for your child’s team. There’s never any place for derogatory, snide or sarcastic comments at kids’ games. 10. Above all, be there for your children. Support them, praise them, and let them know you can always be counted on for unconditional love, regardless of the final score. Sports psychology expert Rick Wolff is the father of three children and the author of: Good Sports, The Concerned Parent’s Guide to Competitive Youth Sports (Sagamore, 1-800-327-5557).