League Information & FAQs

We aim for every player to develop their soccer skills, remain safe, and have a positive and enjoyable experience.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Footwork and fundamentals are the focus. 
• Please note that this is a recreational youth program with equal playing time for all participants. 
• Positive interaction among players, coaches, parents, and referees is a must.
• Parents bring their children prepared and ready to play, and pick them up on time after practices and games.
• We do not post scores as this is a recreational league. Coaches are instructed to concentrate on teaching rather than winning.

Our coaches are volunteers who work hard to manage their kids, team, and schedule, and we appreciate your partnership with them to deliver an enjoyable experience for your child.

The coaches will do their best to manage skill, preference, and game-time decisions, and we ask that you give them the benefit of patience, just as we do with our referees.

We recommend that you connect with your Coach via mobile in addition to email; that way, updates may be shared more directly.

Rules for All Levels: 

• No direct kicks anywhere on the field (coaches practice setup for indirect)
• No heading taught or practiced 
• No snacks before or after games /practices (due to food allergies and liability)

Safety:

• Please make sure your coach is aware of any medical conditions for your player and report any injuries, regardless of the severity
• Head Injury Protocol: If you suspect a head injury or any other major injury, the game should be immediately paused to attend to the player, and the player should not continue to play that day.

Referees (U10 & U12):

• These are middle—and high-school students who play soccer. Please encourage and assist them, and ensure both coaches are clear about the expectations of referees.
• These children from the community should be treated with respect and communicated with as if they were your kids. They may make mistakes—please remain positive under all circumstances! If you have a problem, discuss it with the appropriate level Coordinator or Board Member.

Expectations for Fans:

• Coaches should encourage their parents to attend games, but to be seated on the opposite side of the players. There are areas marked for fans and players.
• NO SMOKING or ANY TOBACCO OR ALCOHOL products are to be used on the premises. Those violating this will be asked to leave.
• Fans are encouraged to cheer their players and team with positive and supportive comments. Negative comments, abusive, or inappropriate language will not be tolerated. The SYSO board reserves the right to remove anyone behaving inappropriately and may revoke their privilege to attend games.

Game Format

• U8 – 7 v. 7 (6 + 1 goalie)
• U10 - 8 v. 8 (7 + goalie) or 9 v. 9 (8 + goalie)
• U12 – 8 v. 8 (7+ goalie) or 9 v. 9 (8 + goalie)
• U10 & U12 - Coaches can decide on a number of players; teams should have a minimum of 2-3 subs if possible. If that is not possible, coaches can choose to play 4 quarters (rather than 2 halves). They will discuss and coordinate this with the referees.  
• If a team does not have enough players, the coaches will work with the opposing coach to play fewer players or share players.

Game Length

• U8 – 48 minutes (4 – 12-minute quarters)
• U10 – 60 minutes (4 – 15-minute quarters)
• U12 – 60 minutes (2- 30-minute halves, or 4 -15 minute quarters if both coaches prefer)

Each player will be provided with a team jersey and socks. Please work with your coach on any sizing issues.

Shin guards are required and cleats are recommended. Players are expected to come prepared with these items, along with a water bottle, to each practice and game. SYSO will share any available group coupons for Dick's or other sports outlets.