TIERING in 2016: Click HERE for the policy.
To view the Small Sided (Super 8) rules, click HERE
Fields are tentatively scheduled to open Saturday, April 08, 2017.
First 2017 Saturday games will be on April 22.
Schedules will be posted as they are ready (hopefully early April).
U11-U12 SOCCER runs until June 24, breaks for the summer, returning after the Labor Day weekend with games until the weekend before Thanksgiving. The year-end tournament, the Super-8 Soccerfest is held on the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Games may not be rescheduled by teams for any reason.
Field information is under the Information tab along the top of the main page of the website and then Field Information. The actual address of a field and a map for it is under the same tab but then Field Locations/Maps.
All Teams will participate in the year end Super-8 Soccerfest on the weekend after Thanksgiving. All teams play two games on one day.
ABSENT OR MISSING REF PROCEDURE - Due to the shortage of fields and officials, games will not be rescheduled due to the absence of a referee. If no referee is available for a game, the coaches of the teams must agree to appoint someone to officiate that game. ALL GAMES MUST START ON TIME.
PLAYER PICK UP - If a team is short players for a game, players may be brought up from one age group below (with coach permission) to make a maximum of 9 players (including pickups). Players brought up must not miss their own game to play for another team. If a team is still short players, then coaches are asked to mix the players up and have a scrimmage to allow those that are able to attend to have a game. Players may NOT be brought up for the Super-8 Soccerfest.
FIELD SIZES - There is a huge size difference between many of the fields and goals we are using but unfortunately there are not enough fields of the recommended size to use. Sometimes they are larger and sometimes they are smaller. Teams must make-do with the fields as assigned. Some fields will be lined, others will be need to be marked with cones.
THE BASIC COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT of a player is mandated by FIFA Law#4 and comprises the following separate items: A jersey, shorts, soccer socks, shin guards and cleats.
SPECTATORS: where practical, spectators are to be on the opposite side of field than the teams (and not behind the goals) for all U9 & up games. It is the responsibility of the coaching staff to ensure this happens.
THE OFFSIDE / RETREAT LINE RULES:
Retreat Line Presentation by BCSA
As you know, COYSA has been following the Soccer Canada/ BC Soccer Small Side/ Mini Soccer rule modifications in most (but not all) areas. (Rule modifications such as size of field, size of ball, number of players etc. for different age groups to align with the Long Term Player Development stages). This season, there will be a change in the U11/12 rules so that our district will be in alignment with all of the Long Term Player Development principles for U11/12 small side league games. Could you please pass the changes below to all of your U11/12 coaches so that they are aware:
1. Offside Rule for U11/12 (FIFA Law 11):
Conform to FIFA, with the exception of only occurring in the attacking third. A line may be marked as a dotted line, and solid line or single cones on the touch line.
When an offside offence occurs, the referee awards an indirect free kick to be taken from the position of the offending player when the ball was last played to him by one of his team-mates.
A player in an offside position (A) may be penalised before playing or touching the ball, if, in the opinion of the referee, no other team-mate in an onside position has the opportunity to play the ball.
**(So - The offside rule is essentially the same as before, with the exception being that the offside line is no longer at the half, it will be at the attacking third. There will be lines across the U11/12 fields marking the attacking third).
2. Retreat Line (FIFA Law 16 - Goal Kick):
The Retreat line comes into play when the ball has gone out for a goal kick.
Opponents must drop off to the attacking 3rd line (Retreat Line) and cannot cross the retreat line until the ball:
However, if a team wants to play quickly they can; the ball is in play as soon as it leaves the penalty area regardless of the defending team’s position.
If a team repeatedly infringes the retreat line, an indirect free kick shall be awarded from the place where the offence occurred for not respecting the restart.
At times the correct pass is a long one, players need to recognize the positions of the opposing team and act accordingly. If there is the opportunity to play quickly to create a counter attack, it should be encouraged!
This supports the development of decision making for young players and the speed of their distribution.
**The changes to these rules put COYSA in full alignment with the Small Side Club Development manual and LTPD principles for U11/12 from CSA and BC Soccer. As well, COYSA League Games (Div A and Div B) and TOYSL select league games for U11/12 will be following these rules, consistent with one another as well as LTPD principles.
** As with any changes to rules, it will take time for coaches, players and parents to adjust to something new, COYSA appreciates your support as the changes are implemented. Our Referee in Chief will be working with the Ref Mentors and Referees with these changes, please assist the referees whenever possible in ensuring that everyone understands and is abiding by the rules of the retreat line. Please ensure your coaches for the U11/12 groups are aware of the changes.