PARENT & PLAYER HANDBOOK FOR RECREATIONAL SOCCER

Parent volunteer coaches play a significant role in recreational sports, providing value to both the participants and the community. Here are some reasons why parent volunteer coaches are valuable:

Encouragement and Support: Parent volunteer coaches offer encouragement and support to young athletes. They often have a personal connection with the participants and can provide a nurturing environment, fostering self-confidence and a positive attitude towards sports.

Role Models: Parent coaches serve as role models for the young athletes. They demonstrate good sportsmanship, teamwork, and discipline, teaching valuable life lessons both on and off the field. Children can learn important values from their parents' involvement in coaching, such as dedication, commitment, and respect for others.

Knowledge of Individual Children: Parent coaches typically have a good understanding of the abilities, strengths, and weaknesses of their own children. This knowledge allows them to provide personalized attention and guidance, helping each child develop their skills and reach their full potential.

Flexibility and Availability: Parent volunteer coaches often have more flexibility in their schedules compared to professional coaches. They can dedicate their time and effort to coaching practices, games, and other team activities, making it easier for recreational sports leagues to operate and provide opportunities for children to participate.

Sense of Community: Parent volunteer coaches contribute to building a sense of community within recreational sports programs. Their involvement fosters a collaborative environment where families come together to support and cheer for their children. This sense of community can have a positive impact on both the athletes and their families, creating lasting friendships and connections.

Cost Reduction: Recreational sports programs typically rely on volunteers, including parent coaches, to keep costs manageable. By offering their services for free, parent coaches help reduce the financial burden on the program, making it more accessible to a wider range of families.

Recreational house leagues not only benefit from the involvement of parent volunteer coaches but also provide a valuable learning opportunity for them. While these coaches bring numerous advantages to recreational sports, it is crucial to recognize that this is a time for their personal growth and development as well. As program organizers, it is our duty to prioritize their needs by ensuring they receive proper training, support, and resources through coaching education programs. Ongoing communication and collaboration between organizers and coaches are essential to create the best possible experience for both the coaches and the young athletes they mentor. By investing in the growth of parent volunteer coaches, we can enhance the overall quality of recreational sports and foster a positive and enriching environment for everyone involved. 

LIFE LEARNING THROUGH SOCCER, SPORTSMANSHIP, RESPECT & INTEGRITY 

Sportsmanlike conduct, respect, and integrity are essential values in house league soccer because they promote positive behavior and create a safe, fair, and enjoyable environment for all participants. When players, coaches, and parents demonstrate these values, they contribute to building a positive team culture that emphasizes fair play, good sportsmanship, and teamwork.

Teaching these values to young players is critical because the lessons they learn on the field can impact their lives for years to come. In soccer, as in life, there are ups and downs, successes and failures, and the ability to handle both with grace and dignity is crucial. 

Through sports, players learn valuable life skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership, but also how to handle adversity, failure, and disappointment.

By emphasizing respect, integrity, and sportsmanlike conduct, players are taught to treat others with kindness and respect, regardless of the situation or outcome of the game. They learn to accept the outcome of the game graciously, and to congratulate the opposing team on their success. These lessons prepare them for future challenges they will face in life and help them become responsible, well-rounded individuals who can handle both successes and failures with grace and dignity.

In summary, the lessons learned through sportsmanlike conduct, respect, and integrity on the soccer field will impact the players' lives for years to come. These values are essential to building a positive team culture that emphasizes fair play, good sportsmanship, and teamwork. It prepares young players to handle adversity, failure, and disappointment in a positive way, and prepares them for future ups and downs in life.

There are many valuable life lessons that can be learned through team sports like soccer. Here are some examples:

· Teamwork: Team sports require players to work together to achieve a common goal. Learning to work effectively with others is a valuable skill that can be applied in many areas of life, including school, work, and personal relationships.

· Responsibility: Being part of a team means that players have a responsibility to show up on time, be prepared, and do their best. Learning to take responsibility for one's actions is an important life skill that can lead to success in many areas of life.

· Perseverance: Team sports can be challenging and require players to push through difficult situations. Learning to persevere in the face of adversity is a valuable life lesson that can help individuals overcome obstacles in all areas of life.

· Respect: Team sports require players to respect their teammates, coaches, opponents, and officials. Learning to treat others with respect is an important life lesson that can lead to positive relationships and success in many areas of life.

· Sportsmanship: Good sportsmanship is an important aspect of team sports. Learning to win and lose with grace and dignity can help players develop a strong sense of character and integrity.

· Communication: Team sports require effective communication between players, coaches, and officials. Learning to communicate effectively is a valuable life skill that can help individuals in all areas of life.

· Goal setting: Team sports provide players with opportunities to set goals and work towards achieving them. Learning to set and achieve goals is an important life skill that can lead to success in many areas of life.

Overall, team sports like soccer can provide individuals with valuable life lessons that can help them develop into successful, well-rounded individuals.

The one pass rule is a teaching methodology used in soccer programs to develop skills related to possession and passing. The basic idea behind this rule is that when a player receives the ball, they must pass it to a teammate before taking any further action.

In other words, the player cannot dribble the ball or take a shot until they have made a pass to a teammate. This rule is intended to encourage players to maintain possession of the ball by passing it to teammates instead of attempting to take on defenders or shoot from difficult positions.

The one pass rule has several benefits for player development. First, it helps players learn how to maintain possession of the ball by passing it to teammates, which is an essential skill in soccer. Second, it encourages players to communicate with each other on the field, as they must be aware of where their teammates are in order to make a successful pass.

Finally, the one pass rule can be used to teach players about the importance of teamwork and cooperation. By requiring players to pass the ball to teammates, coaches can emphasize the idea that soccer is a team sport, and that success is dependent on everyone working together towards a common goal.

Overall, the one pass rule is an effective teaching tool for developing skills related to possession and passing in soccer. It encourages players to work together, communicate effectively, and maintain possession of the ball, all of which are crucial skills for success on the soccer field. 

It should be noted that the One Pass Rule will be applicable only during the regular season and not during playoff games. This rule has been implemented for training purposes exclusively during the regular season. 

We wanted to take a moment to inform you about an adjustment we are making to the one pass rule for our U5/U6 soccer program.

As you may know, the one pass rule has been commonly used to encourage passing and team play among young players. However, after careful consideration and observation, we have decided that this rule is not appropriate for our U5/U6 age group. Many of these children are just beginning to play soccer, and we believe it is important to focus on their overall enjoyment and introduction to the game.

Instead of implementing the one pass rule, we have devised a modified approach that aims to foster passing and teamwork while still allowing for individual achievements. Here's how it will work:

A player may not take the ball from one end of the field to the other and score without a touch from another teammate or the opposing team. If a player obtains the ball in their own end and takes it all the way up the field without any interactions from another player on either team, the goal will not be counted. In this situation we will provide positive feedback by saying something like, "Good run, but you have to remember to pass the ball next time." This gentle reminder will help guide them toward the importance of teamwork and passing in soccer.
 

However, if the player obtains the ball in their opponent's half and scores without any other player interaction the goal will be counted.

This adjustment will encourage players to consider passing and teamwork while allowing for individual efforts to be recognized. We believe it strikes a balance between developing their skills and ensuring they have fun during the games.

In situations where a player scores without any interaction from teammates or opponents, we will provide positive feedback by saying something like, "Good run, but you have to remember to pass the ball next time." This gentle reminder will help guide them toward the importance of teamwork and passing in soccer.

We appreciate your understanding and support in this matter. Our primary goal is to create a positive and enjoyable experience for all the children participating in our program. 

Posting a limited 3-point spread in the standings for kids' recreational sports serves several important purposes:

1)  Fairness and Balanced Competition: The primary goal of recreational sports for children is to provide a fun and inclusive environment where everyone can participate and enjoy the game. Limiting the point spread ensures that games remain competitive and balanced, preventing significant disparities between teams. It promotes a more level playing field, which contributes to fairer outcomes and reduces the likelihood of discouragement or demoralization among participants.

2)  Skill Development and Learning: Kids' recreational sports emphasize skill development and the acquisition of fundamental abilities rather than intense competition. By limiting the point spread, the focus shifts from winning at all costs to fostering individual improvement, teamwork, and sportsmanship. It encourages coaches and players to concentrate on skill-building, strategy, and the enjoyment of the game itself.

3)  Positive Experience and Participation:  Keeping the point spread within a reasonable range helps maintain a positive experience for all participants, regardless of their skill level. When games are close and competitive, players are more engaged, motivated, and eager to participate. This inclusive environment encourages broader participation, as children of varying abilities feel comfortable and supported in their sporting endeavors.

4)  Long-Term Engagement and Retention: By prioritizing a positive and balanced experience, recreational sports programs increase the likelihood of long-term engagement and retention of participants. When children have a positive experience in their early sporting years, they are more likely to continue participating in sports, leading to a healthier and more active lifestyle in the future.

The ultimate aim is to strike a balance between healthy competition and providing an enjoyable, inclusive experience for all young athletes.

The skill of the week is an important part of our soccer program that focuses on helping children learn and improve their basic soccer skills. It is a common curriculum that all teams and divisions participate in.  Each week, we introduce a new skill in a 20-minute practice session prior to each game. This ensures that all participants have the opportunity to learn and practice the skill before putting it into play during the game. 

Players Must Do Their Skill Homework!

To further support children and parents in practicing these skills at home, we have provided online videos demonstrating the proper technique and execution of each skill. It is important to note that becoming proficient in these skills takes practice and repetition. Children will not learn the skill in one night or perfect it over one season. 

The purpose of the skill of the week is to show participants the proper technique and way to perform each skill. It is then up to the player to practice the skill and continue to do so consistently. As the saying goes, "practice makes perfect", and this is especially true when it comes to improving soccer skills. 

By implementing the skill of the week in our program, we are providing children with the foundational skills they need to become successful soccer players. We encourage parents to support their children in practicing these skills at home, as it will only further enhance their development and enjoyment of the sport. 

We hope that you and your child enjoy the Skill of the Week curriculum, and we look forward to seeing the progress of our players throughout the season.

SOCCER RULES (OUTDOOR)

MINI FIELD RULES

Field of Play: The field should be rectangular, with goals at either end. The length and width of the field will be determined by the age group.

Number of Players: Teams can have between 5 and 7 players per team, including the goalkeeper in total on the field at a time, depending on the age group. Club will determine the number of players for each age group prior to the start of the season.

· Minimum # of Player to Play: - 4 players must be present at the start of the game for the game to proceed and count in the standings. If a team has less than 4 players at the start of the game the game will be forfeited, points awarded to the opposing team and an exhibition game will be played. 

·  Please note: that it is the sole discretion of the opposing teams coach playing against the shorthanded team to play an equal amount of players or he/she can field a full line up on the field. (We encourage as a show of sportsmanship and good form to match the number of players to the shorthanded team)

Duration of Game: The game consists of two halves; each half will consist of four 6 -minute shifts which will be called by the referee. Half time break will be 3 to 4 minutes.

Fair Play & Shift Changes: All children must play the same amount of time; therefore, all substitutions and shift changes will be called by the referee. Teams will be given only 30 seconds to make the shift change before play resumes. All players on the bench must go on the field while all players on the field come off. Once all players who were off are on the field if more players are needed then the coach can select from those that came off. 

Kick-off: The game begins with a kick-off from the center of the field. The ball must be touched by a player from each team before it is considered in play. A goal cannot be scored from the kick off.

Throw Ins: In soccer, a throw-in is a method of restarting play when the ball has gone out of bounds over the side touchline. The rules for a throw-in are as follows:

· The throw-in must be taken from the point where the ball crossed the touchline.

· The player taking the throw-in must have both feet on the ground and outside the touchline.

· The player taking the throw-in must use both hands to throw the ball, and it must be thrown from behind and over the head and released at or above eye level.

· The ball is in play once it has left the thrower's hands and has been touched by another player.

· If the throw-in is not taken correctly, the referee may award a throw-in to the opposing team. 

· If the thrower touches the ball again before it has been touched by another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team.

Offside: There is no offside rule in mini soccer.

Fouls: All standard soccer fouls apply, such as tripping, pushing, and handball. If a foul is committed, the opposing team is awarded a free kick. All free kicks are indirect meaning it must touch another player before a goal can be scored. As per our ONE PASS RULE this means that if must be passed to a teammate before scoring.

Corner Kicks: Corner kicks are taken from the corner of the field when the defending team kicks the ball across the back line (end line or goal line) The ball is awarded to the opposing team and must be kicked back into play from the corner of the side that the ball exited the field.

Goal Kicks: Goal kicks are awarded when the ball goes out of play off the opposing team beyond the goal line (end line, back line). The kick can be taken by the goalie or player of the defending team from inside the penalty area. The ball must be kicked from the ground. The ball is considered in play once the ball moves outside the penalty area.

Goal Kick After A Save: A goalie may drop-kick or throw the ball back into play if he/she has saved the ball. He/she can come to the edge of the penalty area but may not cross the line with the ball in his/her hands. If he/she places it on the ground to kick it, this is considered a live ball and the opposing team could steal the ball. 

Penalty Kicks: Penalty kicks are awarded when a foul is committed inside the penalty area. The ball is placed on the penalty spot, (two paces from the top of the penalty area and the player taking the kick must shoot the ball directly into the goal. Goalie must remain on the line until the kicker commits to striking the ball. The remaining players must remain behind the kicker until the kicker has committed to the kick as well.

Hand Ball: A hand ball is an infraction that occurs when a player touches the ball with their hand or arm. The hand ball rule is designed to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage by using their hands or arms to control the ball. According to the Laws of the Game set by FIFA (the international governing body of soccer), a hand ball occurs when:

· A player deliberately touches the ball with their hand or arm, including moving their hand or arm towards the ball.

· A player touches the ball with their hand or arm when it is in an unnatural position, such as above their shoulder or extended away from their body.

· A player touches the ball with their hand or arm when they are trying to make their body bigger to block a shot or pass.

If a hand ball occurs, the opposing team is awarded a free kick or penalty kick, depending on where the infraction occurred on the field and the severity of the offense. However, accidental hand balls that occur during the normal course of play are generally not considered infractions and are the discretion of the Referee.

Yellow and Red Cards: Referees may issue, at their discretion, yellow and red cards for unsportsmanlike conduct and fouls, with a yellow card indicating a warning and a red card resulting in a player's ejection from the game.

· Yellow and Red cards can also be issued to coaches or spectators.

INTERMEDIATE FIELD RULES: 

Number of Players: There will be 8 or 9 fielded players per team, including the goalkeeper depending on the size of the field and registration numbers. Club will determine the number of players for each age group prior to the start of the season.

· Minimum # of Player to Play: - 6 players must be present at the start of the game for the game to proceed and count in the standings. If a team has less than 6 players at the start of the game the game will be forfeited, points awarded to the opposing team and an exhibition game will be played. 

·  Please note that it is the sole discretion of the opposing teams coach playing against the shorthanded team to play an equal number of players or he/she can field a full line up on the field. (We encourage as a show of sportsmanship and good form to match the number of players to the shorthanded team)

Duration of Game: The game consists of two halves; each half will consist of four 6 - minute shifts which will be called by the referee. Half time break will be 3 to 4 minutes.

Fair Play & Shift Changes: All children must play the same amount of time; therefore, all substitutions and shift changes will be called by the referee. Teams will be given only 30 seconds to make the shift change before play resumes. All players on the bench must go on the field while all players on the field come off. Once all players who were off are on the field if more players are needed then the coach can select from those that came off. 

Offside: Offside rule will apply in place of the One Pass Rule (there will be no one pass rule, only the offside rule). 

A player is offside if they are closer to the opponent's goal than the ball and the second-to-last defender when the ball is passed to them (the goalie counts as one defender) If a player is offside, they cannot participate in active play, meaning they cannot touch the ball or interfere with an opponent's play until they are no longer offside. 

FULL FIELD RULES: 

Number of Players: There are 11 fielded players per team, including the goalkeeper.

· Minimum # of Player to Play: - 7 players must be present at the start of the game for the game to proceed and count in the standings. If a team has less than 7 players at the start of the game the game will be forfeited, points awarded to the opposing team and an exhibition game will be played. 

·  Please note that it is the sole discretion of the opposing teams coach playing against the shorthanded team to play an equal number of players or he/she can field a full line up on the field. (We encourage as a show of sportsmanship and good form to match the number of players to the shorthanded team)

Duration of Game: The game consists of two halves; each half will consist of four 8-minute shifts which will be called by the referee. Half time break will be 3 to 4 minutes.

Fair Play & Shift Changes: All children must play the same amount of time; therefore, all substitutions and shift changes will be called by the referee. Teams will be given only 30 seconds to make the shift change before play resumes. All players on the bench must go on the field while all players on the field come off. Once all players who were off are on the field if more players are needed then the coach can select from those that came off. 

Offside: Offside rule will apply in place of the One Pass Rule (there will be no one pass rule, only the offside rule). 

A player is offside if they are closer to the opponent's goal than the ball and the second-to-last defender when the ball is passed to them (the goalie counts as one defender) If a player is offside, they cannot participate in active play, meaning they cannot touch the ball or interfere with an opponent's play until they are no longer offside. 

Zero Tolerance Policy

· Harassment of referee, coaches, players, and staff will not be tolerated by anyone. 

· All our Coaches are parent volunteers that come with a range of experience from beginner to advanced. 

· Our Referees are trained and for some this will be their first season.

· Recreational House League is where everyone learns including players, coaches and referees so please be patient. 

If you have concerns or if continual problems persist, please report it to the Field Manager or send an email to info@bramptonnorthsoccer.com with your concerns. Under no circumstance should you approach the referees, coaches, or players yourself. Reports of such incidents may be cause for expulsion from the League, the Club, and its facilities. In such cases NO refunds will be granted.

Remember to always prioritize safety, fair & equal play and FUN!.