Changes Coming to Youth Soccer in 2016
Policy on Heading the Ball |
The South Texas Youth Soccer Association (STYSA) has adopted the following recommendations from the U.S. Soccer Concussion Initiative regarding heading the ball. All players and teams participating ih STYSA sanctioned activities are subject to this policy.
- Players on U11and younger teams are prohibited from heading the ball in practices and games . o If in the opinion of the referee a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick {IFK) shall be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick shall be taken on t'he
- Players on U12 and U13 teams shall be allowed to head the ball during games. Heading the ball in practices, for U12 and U13 players, shall be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes per week with no more than 15-20 headers per player, per week.
- There shall be no restrictions on heading the ball for U14 and older players.
- Coaches should enforce these restrictions by the age group of the team according to the specified policies.
- Referees should enforce these restrictions by the age group of the team according to the specified policies. Referees will not be assessing the age of individual players on the fields; they will enforce the policy for the age group.
Registration
Calendar Year ***Effective August 2016 US Youth Soccer will implement the best practice of calendar year age grouping for player registration beginning with the 2016-2017 soccer year for US Youth Soccer programs and competitions.
Using the school calendar for age groups is practiced only in the United States and Canada; as all other FIFA members go by the calendar year.
Previously, age groups were determined based on players born between Aug. 1 and July 31. The change to calendar year age groups will reflect the calendar year, or Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. Players are still allowed to “play up” or play in an older age group.
US Youth Soccer, a respected leader in player development for more than 40 years, has seen the evolution of the game and various changes. The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program has used the birth year for the grouping of players since it was established in 1977. In fact, the James P. McGuire Cup, the oldest trophy in youth sport, awarded at the annual US Youth Soccer National Championships also shows the history of teams named for their calendar year age group.
Calendar Year FAQ: [Download PDF]
Calendar Year Age Matrix 2016-2025 [Download PDF]
Using the school calendar for age groups is practiced only in the United States and Canada; as all other FIFA members go by the calendar year.
Previously, age groups were determined based on players born between Aug. 1 and July 31. The change to calendar year age groups will reflect the calendar year, or Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. Players are still allowed to “play up” or play in an older age group.
US Youth Soccer, a respected leader in player development for more than 40 years, has seen the evolution of the game and various changes. The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program has used the birth year for the grouping of players since it was established in 1977. In fact, the James P. McGuire Cup, the oldest trophy in youth sport, awarded at the annual US Youth Soccer National Championships also shows the history of teams named for their calendar year age group.
Calendar Year FAQ: [Download PDF]
Calendar Year Age Matrix 2016-2025 [Download PDF]
Small-Sided Games will be done, with specific changes occurring in regard to alterations to the field size, goals and rules. The result will be a decrease in 11-vs-11 competitions in lieu of more 9-vs-9 and 7-vs-7 competitions. U.S. Soccer will encourage the adoption of Small-Sided Games best practices in August of 2016. US Youth Soccer has been encouraging Small-Sided Games for more than 20 years and most of the 55 member State Associations have adopted the philosophy during that time.
The benefits of Small-Sided Games for players include more fun, more touches on the ball and more tactical decisions. The style of play will allow players to learn different positions, learn tactics quicker, increase fitness and allow players to be more emotionally and socially involved — creating a more fun and enjoyable game.
Small-Sided Games FAQ: [Download PDF]
Small-Sides Games USSF Standards Chart: [Download PDF]
The benefits of Small-Sided Games for players include more fun, more touches on the ball and more tactical decisions. The style of play will allow players to learn different positions, learn tactics quicker, increase fitness and allow players to be more emotionally and socially involved — creating a more fun and enjoyable game.
Small-Sided Games FAQ: [Download PDF]
Small-Sides Games USSF Standards Chart: [Download PDF]
