PLAYER ELIGIBILITY - Membership in CYSA is available to all players 4-18 years of age.  There are no restrictions based on athletic ability, financial means or residence.  No eligible child will be denied the opportunity to play.

AGE DIVISIONS - A player has to be a minimum of four years of age at time of registration.  Age groups shall be comprised of youth players who are, by July 31 of the prior season:

under 19 years of age (Aug 1, 1988 – July 31, 1989)

under 18 years of age (Aug 1, 1989 – July 31, 1990)

under 17 years of age (Aug 1, 1990 – July 31, 1991)

under 16 years of age (Aug 1, 1991 – July 31, 1992)

under 15 years of age (Aug 1, 1992 – July 31, 1993)

under 14 years of age (Aug 1, 1993 – July 31, 1994)

under 13 years of age (Aug 1, 1994 – July 31, 1995)

under 12 years of age (Aug 1, 1995 – July 31, 1996)

under 11 years of age (Aug 1, 1996 – July 31, 1997)

under 10 years of age (Aug 1, 1997 – July 31, 1998)

under 9 years of age (Aug 1, 1998 – July 31, 1999)

under 8 years of age (Aug 1, 1999 – July 31, 2000)

under 7 years of age (Aug 1, 2000 – July 31, 2001)

under 6 years of age (Aug 1, 2001 – July 31, 2003)

Playing down in age is prohibited.  Playing up in age is not recommended but has been allowed to accommodate special requests such as parent coaching a higher age, transportation problems, etc.  However, playing up more than two (2) years above age is dangerous.  No player under the age of 9 can participate on a Division 1 or Premier team.

HOW TEAMS ARE MADE UP - Recreational teams are made up of players from two age groups. Under-6 teams are made up of 4 and 5 year olds, Under-8 teams are made up of 6 and 7 year olds, Under-10 teams are made up of 8 and 9 year olds. Girls and boys play on the same teams in U6 and U8 divisions but on separate teams starting in U10, U12, and U14.

Good coaching theory calls for balance of team skills to make games more competitive. Coaches participate in this balancing process when teams are drafted in the fall. U6 and U8 teams are balanced for skill, age, and sex.  Players of the same age may stay together for 2 seasonal years. Half the players leave a team every year and are drafted onto teams in the next division while their former teammates are joined by new younger players.  This systematic rotation of players and coaches stimulates players to develop their individual skills.

10 year olds may continue in the rec league as a U12 player or enter a more competitive league called Division 1. Players on Division 1 teams are selected at try-outs or by invitation. Coaches have additional training. Teams practice more often than rec teams, play more games on the weekend, travel farther to play games, and are eligible to play in the State Championship Tournament.

For the most skilled players 10 and older, there is an additional level of play in Louisiana called Premier. CYSA rarely forms this level of team and refers  these players to other area clubs. Premier teams often have paid professional coaches, a Premier league , frequent opportunities to play out of state, and eligible to play in the State Open Championship.

PRACTICE AND PLAY - Team practices, times and days are set up by each coach.  Due to the number of individuals concerned, CYSA cannot make guarantees for coach, team, practice day or time preferences.  It is important that players attend practices because that is when soccer skills and strategy are taught.  Please make sure that your child gets to practice on time and arrives early for games in order that ample time is available to warm up properly. Often, the coach must take off time at work to conduct practices, and his time is limited, so please accommodate his schedule. Also, make arrangements to pick your child up promptly after practices and games to get your child home safely. We do not provide child care and it is inappropriate to burden a coach or other parents to wait around because you are late.

FIELDS - CYSA owns it's fields as private, not public property.  We (all of us) are responsible for maintaining it.  There are no employees (public or private) to pick up the trash.  Please encourage everyone to keep it clean and exercise your parental right to stop vandalism you may see.  Please be aware that unsupervised non-playing siblings frequently will drift into unsafe or destructive activities away from the game.  Keep track of your family and watch out for others.  Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.  Do not bring glass containers on to the fields. 

PLEASE HELP US TO KEEP CYSA FIELDS CLEAN!

IMPORTANT SOCCER REFERENCES

General - http://www.usyouthsoccer.org

Laws of the Game - http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/lawsofthegame.html

SOCCER TERMS 

• Advantage – indicated by the referee with outstretched lifted hands that play should continue after a foul occurs because stopping the play would take away an advantage away from the attacking team
• Cautionable Offense – player shown the yellow card for the following: unsporting behavior, dissent, persistent infringement of the rules, delay restart, encroachment of a free kick, enter or leave the field without permission
• Charge – pushing an opponent off balance legally while within playing distance to the ball using shoulder-to-shoulder contact
• Clear – a throw or kick by the goalkeeper or kick by a defender to get the ball away from the goal area
• Corner Kick – taken from the touchline arc when the ball passes over the goal line when last touched by the defense
• Cross – a pass to the center of the field from a wide position
• Defender – a defensive player who assists the goalkeeper in protecting the goal
• Direct kick – a free kick penalty imposed when a player using excessive force or recklessly  kicks, trips, pushes, jumps into, charges, strikes or attempts to strike, holds, spits at, or makes contact with opponent before the ball during a tackle or handles the ball. These offenses committed in the penalty box result in a penalty kick. A goal may be scored if this kick passes into the goal.
• Dribble – a method of advancing the ball past defenders by a series of short taps with one or both feet
• Goal Box – small lined area near the goal drawn 6 yards wide of the posts and 6 yards into the field from which goal kicks are taken
• Goal Kick – free kick taken by the defense from the goal box after a ball passes over the goal line last touched by the offense without going into the goal
• Goalkeeper – the last defender and the only player who may use his hands to play the ball, but only within his own penalty area
• Half-volley – kicking the ball just as it rebounds off the ground
• Heading – a method of scoring, passing, and controlling the ball by making contact with the head
• Indirect kick – a free kick penalty imposed when a player plays in a dangerous manner, wastes time, impedes the progress of an opponent, prevents a keeper from releasing the ball or if a keeper takes too long to put a ball back into play,  touches a ball with his hands after last in his possession, or touches with his hands a ball passed to him by a team mates’ feet or throw from out of bounds
• Kick off – free kick taken from the center of the field to start the first or second half, and after a goal is scored
• Lob – a high soft kick lifting the ball over the heads of the opponents
• Marking – guarding an opponent
• Midfielder – plays both offense and defense with primary responsibility to link the forwards and the defenders
• Obstruction – hindering the progress of an opponent to the ball while not within playing distance to the ball
• Overlap – an attacking play when a player behind the player with the ball runs behind and ahead to receive a pass
• Offside – a technical foul when an attacking player receives a pass, gains an advantage, or interferes with play while being closer to the opponent’s goal at the moment of the kick than the ball or the second to last defender
• Offside position – the position of an attacker on the opponent’s half of the field that is closer to the goal than the ball or the second to last defender. Being in this position is only a foul if the player receives the ball or is involved in the play.
• Penalty Box – large lined area near the goal drawn 18 yards wide of the posts and 18 yards into the field in which the goalkeeper is allowed to handle the ball. Fouls within this area committed that normally result in a direct kick result in a penalty kick
• Penalty Kick – taken after a foul committed by the defense in the penalty area from the penalty spot, 12 yards from the center of the goal line
• Pitch – another name for the field of play
• Save – preventing a goal scored by blocking the flight of the ball
• Screen – synonymous with shielding – retaining possession and protecting the ball by keeping your body between the ball and the opponent
• Send Off Offense – player shown the red card and required to leave the game for the following offenses: serious foul play, violent conduct, spitting at anyone, denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity by handling or fouling a player moving toward the goal, offensive language, second caution during the match.
• Slide Tackle – attempt to dispossess an opponent by sliding on the ground and striking the ball with the lead foot
• Striker – a central forward position on the team with a major responsibility for scoring goals
• Sweeper – a defender who roams in front or in back of the fullback line to intercept shots and passes
• Tackle – an attempt to disposes the ball from an opponent when both players are playing the ball with their feet
• Touch line – synonymous with side line
• Trap – controlling a ball in flight by means of the feet, thigh or chest
• Volley – kicking the ball while it is in flight
• Wall pass – a pass to a teammate followed by a return pass on the other side of an opponent (give and go)
• Wing – an area of the field near the touch line

CODE OF CONDUCT - Modern soccer has set rules of the game that invoke a sense of sportsmanship that CYSA believes in and fosters.  On the field players must abide by these rules and are penalized if they do not.  We ask that parents and spectators conduct themselves properly while watching games.

Players - Play the game for the game’s sake.  Wear your uniform properly.  Be generous when you win and graceful when you loose.  Be fair always, no matter what the cost and obey the laws of the game.  Work for the good of the team and accept the decisions of the officials with good grace.  Conduct yourself with honor and dignity.  Honestly and wholeheartedly applaud the efforts of your teammates and opponents.

 

Parents - It can not be overstressed that CYSA is for the players.  Parents and officials are role models for our children, therefore over zealous behavior is totally inappropriate.  The soccer that we promote is a balance of development, fun, and competition and is for the players to learn the game in a positive fun-filled atmosphere.  Cheer positively for the things you like and encourage your team; never put down the other team, teammate of your child’s, or especially your own child. Remember that parental evaluation carries a great deal of weight especially with younger players.  The attitude shown by parents at games toward their own child, the opposing team, the officials and coaches, influences the child’s values and behavior in sports.  Criticism, disrespect for officials and opponents by over anxious and aver protective parents bent on immediate success rather than the long range benefits, undermines the purpose of the sport and brings stresses into the game beyond those of the competition. Let’s not confuse the “win at all costs” attitude for the “will to win”.  The size of the field and the continuous nature of the match diminish the effectiveness of sideline coaching by parents.  Often in our spectator enthusiasm we are prone to yell several instructions at the players (that may even contradict the instructions of the coach).  This only confuses the players, so please allow them to play the game to the best of their ability. Leave the sideline coaching, if at all needed, to the coach.  This is not intended to lessen spectator enthusiasm. On the contrary, cheering for players is very much a part of a soccer match.  Remember that the coaches, workers, and some of the officials are volunteers.  Let’s be patient with each other and be certain that any criticism is polite, positive, and constructive.  Family members that can not follow these guidelines may be asked to leave the association.

 

No alcoholic beverages or glass containers are allowed on the field. Smoking and chewing tobacco products are strongly discouraged.

 

Coaches - A real strength of this program is our volunteer coaches.  The coaches are responsible for structuring practices so that the players can improve their individual and team skills, and make soccer a positive, enjoyable experience.  Each coach is responsible for the conduct and administration of his/her team.  The coach needs the support of the player’s parents.  Parents and players expect the coach will provide decent and mature treatment, a regular schedule, and timely accurate information.  At all age groups, the common goal is player development and coaches should treat other coaches and opponents with courtesy and professionalism recognizing that competition is a means to the common goal rather than the goal itself.  Recruitment of players already assigned to other teams is strictly prohibited and subject to disciplinary action by the Board except at times of the year as allowed by rule. Regardless of the method of team formation, the use of dishonesty, coercion, intimidation, harassment, pressure, or tactics impugns the integrity of the game and has no place in our association.

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT - CYSA will provide all players a jersey, shorts, and socks.  Shin guards are mandatory at all practices and games and must be purchased by the player.  The players cannot wear jewelry such as bracelets, wristbands, watches, earrings or any other objects that may cause injuries.  Shirts must be tucked in the shorts and socks must completely cover the shin guards. Players failing to dress properly will not be permitted to play.  All players must wear shin guards in any CYSA sanctioned event.  Referees will not allow players who are not wearing shin guards to play.  Division 1 teams will be provided an additional alternative color uniform.  Placing player names on uniforms shall not be allowed for safety reasons.  Coaches are provided a game ball.  It is best if every player bring their own ball to practice.

WEATHER, FIELD SAFETY POLICY - Field closure due to excess rain and/or unsafe conditions is the responsibility of the CYSA President who will notify coaches and when reasonably possible through the CYSA Weather Hotline (985-867-1665).  Cancellation of practice at times when the fields are not officially closed may be the responsibility of the coach.  At any time, when lightening is seen, and the flash to bang time is 5 seconds or less, play will be suspended for 30 minutes.  When a game is in progress, the referee has the authority to suspend and/or cancel the game due to unsafe conditions.  Soccer games may be played in the rain if, in the opinion, of the referee, playing conditions are safe.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

U6 (4 and 5 year olds)

-         move constantly

-         learn by doing, not by listening

-         focus on the toy (ball) and rarely share

-         don’t understand concept of teamwork

-         passing and defense are often accidental

-         focus on movement forward

 

U8 (6 and 7 year olds)

-         more coordination

-         concentration devoted almost entirely on controlling ball

-         little capacity for tactics

-         will share toy (ball) with playmates

-         rudimentary passing and defense skills

-         focus on attach forward and defense in reverse direction

 

U10 (8 and 9 year olds)

-         coordination and movement more refined

-         can anticipate the ball (abstract thought)

-         longer attention span

-         ability to sequence thoughts and actions

-         can play (and think) forward, backward, and sideways

-         more serious about “their play”

-         increased self-responsibility

-         identify with team

 

U12 (10 and 11 year olds)

-         ability to sustain complex skill sequences

-         increased ability to acquire and apply knowledge

-         movement and abstract thought extends 360 degrees

 

GOVERNANCE - CYSA was chartered by the State of Louisiana in 1982 as a non-profit organization to teach, promote, and govern the game of soccer for the benefit of the players, parents, and community.  CYSA is a club and is not associated of funded by any governmental organization. CYSA is not part of the Covington Recreational Department (CRD).  The membership of CYSA is composed of the parents and guardians of any child who pays fees and plays on a CYSA team.  CYSA is governed by an elected Board of Directors (10) who serve two year staggered terms.  Officers are elected annually from the Board of Directors and take office June 1 of each year.  All board members are volunteers and receive no compensation.   

Eligibility - Membership in CYSA is available to all who qualify by age to participate. There are no restrictions based on athletic ability or financial means. No eligible child will be denied the opportunity to play. The goal of CYSA is to provide an opportunity for children of all level of skill to participate in soccer.

 

Affiliations - CYSA is affiliated with the Louisiana Soccer Association (LSA), the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA), the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). 

 

Rules and Regulations - The rules and regulations that CYSA operates under consist of the Articles of Incorporation, CYSA Bylaws and Policy Statements, FIFA Laws of the game, Modified Playing Rules from the Youth Division of the USSF edited by CYSA and by the Northshore Recreational Soccer League (NRSL).

 

Finances - CYSA is a nonprofit 501(c)3 association. All funds collected go to operating the soccer program.  There are no paid employees.  Services of a Director of Coaching and licensed referees are contracted as needed with the authority of the Board of Directors.  A budget is adopted annually and followed throughout the year.  The financial records of CYSA are open for public review. CYSA generates revenue from registration fees, registration donation check-off, sponsorships, concessions, field rentals, and tournaments.  CYSA receives no monetary support from the City of Covington or St. Tammany Parish.

 

Sponsors - CYSA encourages members and businesses to become CYSA sponsors. The sponsorship fee, as set by the Board of Directors, goes to underwriting the cost of the soccer program and special development projects that upgrade the facility.  Without sponsors CYSA registration fees would need to be increased, possibly pricing the sport out of the reach of some families.  The Board has never denied anyone from playing soccer for financial reasons. Arrangements will be made to cover the player fees for those experiencing a financial hardship.

 

Registration - Registration is held twice a year (fall and spring).  First time players registering with CYSA are required to present a birth certificate.  All late registrants will be accepted on a space-available basis.  At registration via on-line or mail-in, forms are completed and fees paid as set by the Board of Directors each year to defray the cost of insurance, equipment, supplies, uniforms, referees, Coaching Director, coaching instruction, maintenance of fields, mortgage, computer and newsletter costs. Registration fees are for the entire soccer year but may be pro-rated for partial year membership.  Access the On-line Registration portal from this web site or print an application an mail it in with fee and copy of the birth certificate.

 

Post Season Competition - Teams that accept a bid to participate in post season competition must play in all of the required games.  Failure to play the required games will result in the team parents being assessed all expenses including registration fees and  penalties.  Most post season “state” play-offs are held in April and May.

 

Insurance - Soccer has a low injury rate and is generally considered a safe sport.  However, youngsters participating in any athletic activity may suffer injury.  The CYSA policy concerning injuries is as follows: Players injured during practice or game should seek medical care if necessary and report the incident to the coach.  Every registered player is covered for injury incurred while participating in scheduled games and practices.  This policy is an excess coverage policy; that is, it affords coverage to it’s limits for any medical bills not paid by other existing medical insurance carried individually by the family or through an employer’s group policy.  The premium charge is included in the player registration fee, however, there is a deductible per claim regardless of other insurance.

 

If your child incurs an injury, parents should make a claim for payment of medical bills to their family held medical coverage, or through their employer’s group policy.  When no coverage is available, or when any medical expenses associated with the injury are not paid by the primary policy, or when a deductible clause results in unpaid charges, these unpaid medical bills will be submitted to CYSA’s carrier.  The coach will report any team injury to the President of CYSA who will take the steps required to make a claim.

Link to insurance forms

DONATIONS - About 15% of the membership makes a cash donation at registration. This gift is enough to compensate the CHS girls soccer team for 4 hours of snack bar service work every game Saturday. It allows our parents to watch their kids and also provides funding for the CHS soccer program. 

Additional donations pay for memberships of players that can not otherwise afford to play (3-5 per year) and other immediate expenses as needed including the mortgage, maintenance of fields, structures, and equipment.

Long term projects we plan to fund include additional lighting, fencing, shade pavilions, field expansion, and snack bar/office facility.