Training, Tips, & Resources
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Laws of the Game
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) establishes and publishes the official "Laws of the Game." These laws cover the game from youth to adulthood. You can find the most current Laws of the Game.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
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The league’s standings will not be recorded for the 4U-8U divisions. Players in these divisions will receive participation awards.
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The referees are USSF-registered. All infractions will be briefly explained to the players and coaches if necessary.
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Explanation of infractions to coaches shall not interrupt the flow or spirit of the game.
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Players, parents, coaches, and spectators should shake hands after each game.
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Coaches, non-player team members, and parents/spectators should be located at least one yard from the touchline and refrain from getting any closer to the goal line. Only the game participants can run the length of the field.
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Click here below to get the modified playing rules.
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Why Small-Sided Games?
The philosophy of modified soccer is to have fun and teach younger children skills and sportsmanship in a manner that is consistent with their emotional, physical, and mental enjoyment. Modified soccer should emphasize enjoyment over competition and offer maximum playing time for each child, thereby allowing for the most opportunities for touches on the ball.
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The following explanation comes straight from US Youth Soccer:
1. We want our young soccer players to touch the ball more often and become more skillful with it! (Individual technical development)
2. We want our young soccer players to make fewer, simpler decisions during the game. (Tactical development)
3. Because we want our young soccer players to be more physically efficient in the field space they play in (Reduced field size)
4. We want our young soccer players to have more individual teaching time with the coach! Fewer players on the field and fewer players on the team will guarantee this! (Need to feel worthy and need to feel important)
5. We want our young soccer players to have more involved playing time in the game! (More opportunity to solve problems that only the game presents)
6. We want our young soccer players to have more opportunities to play on both sides of the ball! (More exposure to attacking and defending situations)
7. We want our young soccer players to have more opportunities to score goals! (Pure excitement)
These are the reasons why we adults must foster "Small-Sided Games" in our youth soccer programs. The "Small-Sided" environment is a developmentally appropriate environment for our young soccer players. It's a FUN environment that focuses on young soccer players.
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Effective Practices
There are many places on the web for game and coaching tips. Here are some of our favorites!​
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