Outdoor Season Begins This Saturday (Hopefully). The Rules.

     With the outdoor season beginning this weekend I want to take a moment to go over some things with everyone.  First I'll go over the rules of the game as they apply to the age groups we're in and then I'll reiterate a few of the points we tried to make at the parents' meeting a few weeks back.
     U8  plays 6v6 including keepers with games consisting of four 12 minute quarters.
There is no off-sides rule in U8.  On throw-ins players will be given one do-over per game by the ref.  All fouls will result in direct free kicks, meaning, it's okay to shoot at the goal on the free kick.  We'll be able to sub in players after a goal, before a goal kick or before a throw-in.  On throw-ins we can only sub if a) it's our ball or b) the other team elects to sub a player.  I can only send in subs after I've gotten permission from the ref so there is no "subbing on the fly" as in indoor soccer.
     U10 also plays 6v6 including keepers but in two 25 minute halves.  Again, all fouls result in direct free kicks.  We lose possession on improperly executed throw-ins, no second chances.  The sub rules are the same as for U8.  In U10 we will be playing with the off-sides rule in affect.  If you need a refresher on how that rule works I'd suggest you have a look at this video:  Off-side Rule Explained.

     Now, a few things to keep in mind.  I and the other Legends coaches and trainers are constantly trying to convince the players to challenge themselves to play with skill; to be tricky, tenacious and thoughtful.  You'll be sitting right by the field now with no glass between you and the players.  They'll be able to hear you so I want you to be careful about what you say.  Encourage them to play with skill rather than yelling to them to "kick it!" or "boot it!".  If you see them attempt a deceptive move or if they attempt to possess and dribble the ball in a crowd let them hear your approval.  If a kid on the other team does the same cheer for that too.  We want to encourage quality soccer; beautiful, skillful soccer.
     Keep in mind too that if our players are possessing and dribbling the ball a lot they are going to get fouled a lot and with lots of fouls happening the ref's chances of getting them all right decreases so please be patient. You can boo if you like.  You can groan.  But please don't try to engage the ref verbally.  Don't yell "call it both ways ref!"  I'll talk to the ref if it seems necessary but more importantly I want my players to know that the game outcome is in their hands, not the referee's.  They have to learn to take the game as it comes to them and to adapt.  If you have to deal with a lazy referee then deal with it but keep playing.
     I think that's about it.  If I hear anything about games being postponed due to weather or field conditions this is the first place I'll post that info.  Then I'll email everyone and or send text messages.