American Youth Soccer Organization

Player,Parent and Volunteer

Handbook

2017 Fall Season

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Table of Contents

2 Table of Contents3 Message from the Commissioner4 Region 892 Board of Directors5 A Brief History & Contact Information6 AYSO 6 Philosophies7 AYSO Mission Statement8-12 Parental Expectations13 Player Code of Conduct/Expectations14-15 Uniforms and Equipment16 Refund Policy17 Rain Policy17 Picture Day17 Keeping Score & Standings17 Games and Travel18 Fields of Play19 Sponsors19 Scholarships20 V.I.P Program21 NCACE Accreditation22-24 Volunteering25 Maui Friendship Games26 Age Group Rules and Regulations—5 Under27 Age Group Rules and Regulations—6 Under28 Age Group Rules and Regulations—8 Under29 Age Group Rules and Regulations—10 Under30 Age Group Rules and Regulations—12 Under31 Age Group Rules and Regulations—14 Under32 Priorities33 Calendar of Events

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Message from the Commissioner

Aloha,

Welcome to the wonderful world of American Youth Soccer. AYSO is celebrating 53 years of soccer in 2017. We are committed to the safe development and nurturing of all children wanting to play soccer. We do this through parents like you who help make up a dedicated network of volunteers. Volunteering is a great way to have designated time with your child. Giving of yourself and your time benefit not only your own children but all the kids in our community as well. AYSO is a family affair…volunteer this season, help us nurture and keep our program strong while building family memories of treasured times spent together.

Our main goal is to develop and provide a positive experience for all keiki who desire to play soccer. We provide training all volunteers. For our program to move forward, we need you volunteer and to be the support base for your child and our program. We need you to be a positive, and encouraging parent, reinforcing our efforts to make the AYSO experience fun, fair and safe for every child.

Remember: Coaches coach, Referees ref, and Parents CHEER!On behalf of our Regional Board of Directors, thank you for being a part of our AYSO program.

“Annie” Diana Hayes

Regional Commissioner 7/A/892

“It’s a great day to be a volunteer!”

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Region 892 Board of Directors

Annie Hayes Regional Commissioner RC

VACANT Assistant Regional Commissioner

Katya Newton Region Treasurer RTR

James Hayes Coach Administrator RCA

Tony Griffith Referee Administrator RRA

Holly Pendergast Child/ Volunteer Protection

Advocate (CVPA)

Eileen Perchard Secretary

Anastasia Colt Registrar

VACANT Webmaster

VACANT Regional V.I.P Coordinator

Sky Delaney Director of Instruction

Ashlan Austin Safety Director

VACANCY Division Coordinators

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A Brief History of AYSO and our Region

7/A/892 ~ AYSO Region 892, which encompasses the West side communities of Maui, was started as a pilot region on May 28, 1993. Through the dedicated and determined efforts of the volunteers of that period the Region was designated as a chartered region on March 17, 1995.

We are part of a very proud and successful national organization born 1964 in Southern California. A dedicated and determined group of parents wanted a safe game of soccer provided to the youth of the area. Today an AYSO Region can be found in all of the states of our great union. Internationally, AYSO can be found in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Trinidad, and Tobago.

Today AYSO has nearly 1000 active regions divided into 14 Sections. Each Section is divided into Areas that are made up of the regions within its boundaries. Hawaii’s unique location has earned us our designation of Section 7. Hawaii is divided into three Areas…O, E, and A. Region 892 is part of Area A which is made up of all the regions outside of Oahu. Nationally we are recognized as: 7/A/892

Contact us:phone: 669-6883 fax: 667-2027lahainaayso@msn.comwww.westmauiayso.com/region892LIKE us on Facebook: West Maui AYSO

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6 PHILOSOPHIES

EVERYONE PLAYSBALANCED TEAMS

POSITIVE COACHINGOPEN REGISTRATION

GOOD SPORTSMANSHIPPLAYER DEVELOPMENT

Everyone Volunteers or there is no program.

AYSO Vision/ Mission Statement

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AYSO is an all-volunteer organization: Everyone is expected to volunteer! www.ayso.org

AYSO's Vision is to provide world class youth soccer programs that enrich children’s lives.

AYSO's Mission is to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs which promote a fun, family environment based on these Six Philosophies:

Everyone Plays Our program's goal is for kids to play soccer so we mandate that every player on every team must play 3 quarters before anyone plays 4. It’s no fun to spend the game on the bench…and that’s no way to learn soccer!

Balanced Teams Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible because it’s more fun and a better learning experience when teams of similar ability play. It allows for each player to gain the experience of a wide variety of teammates and coaches of different skill levels.

Positive Coaching Encouragement of player effort provides for greater enjoyment for the players and leads to better-skilled and better-motivated players. A coach can be one of the most influential people in a child’s life, so AYSO requires they create a positive experience for every boy and girl.

Open Registration Our program is open to all children between 4 and 16 yrs who want to play soccer. There are no elimination try-outs and nobody gets cut.

Good Sportsmanship We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, and our program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO.

Player Development We believe that all players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities, both individually and as members of a team, in order to maximize their enjoyment of the game.

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Parental Expectations1. Code of Conduct

By registering a player in Region 892 you are agreeing to abide by the following:

Encourage all players—from both teams—with positive comments.

Coaching by Coaches and Assistant Coaches ONLY.

Support the referees, even if you disagree with the call.

No inflammatory or foul language allowed.

Leave the area if asked to do so by a referee.

Treat all volunteers with respect, especially coaches and referees.

No smoking (including electric cigarettes) or alcoholic beverages on or around the playing fields.

Help pick up litter on and around the playing fields.

No dogs allowed on or around the playing fields.

No food vendors are allowed, we can lose our ability to use County soccer fields if someone is selling items without a permit. Kona Shave Ice has appropriate permits to be at our soccer fields.

Read and abide by the Rules of the Region.

Volunteer! Be more than just a hero!

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2. An Important Word for ParentsIt cannot be overemphasized that the AYSO program is for the players. The emphasis is placed on good sportsmanship by exhibiting the qualities of fairness and self-control. Parents and officials are role models for children; thus overzealous behavior is totally inappropriate. While participation in a competitive situation is an important aspect of the game, it should not be confused with a “win-at-all-costs” attitude. The soccer promoted by AYSO is a balance of fun, development, and competition. All of this can and often does, set the stage for some spectator situations that are not consistent with what AYSO is trying to do for our boys and girls. We have a responsibility to keep our all-volunteer soccer program fun for all. Consider the following:

Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports!

Remember, children want to be involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, NOT yours.

Encourage your child to always play by the rules.

Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Your child will then be a winner even in defeat.

Do not ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake.

Set a good example. Children learn best by example.

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Always tell your child that you are proud of him/her regardless of how well they play

Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sporting activities.

Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches, referees, and officials and give them their due respect. Without them there would be no AYSO soccer.

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3. Touchline EtiquetteAYSO soccer encourages positive self-esteem, discipline, personal responsibility, teamwork, perseverance, and acceptance of learning from both disappointment and success. It is an enjoyable game to watch as well as play. We believe that quality soccer can and should be developed, and that it can and should be fun. Therefore, the emphasis of our program is not on who wins but how the players and teams develop, and most importantly, did they have fun in doing so? We want all participants to reach their full, age-appropriate potential, while enjoying themselves in the progress.

An important aspect of the AYSO program is Sportsmanship. The players need to experience:

The fun of hard fought but fair competition

Learning how to be gracious winners

Accepting a loss with dignity

Improving one’s ability through practice

Acknowledging good plays by teammates as well as opponents

Learning the social skills involved in becoming a member of the team

One of the ways our children learn good sportsmanship is by our demonstration of good touchline behavior. Our children will learn by taking the clues from our conduct. Negative comments have no place on the field or on the sidelines; offer your support and encouragement. Keep a positive outlook and demonstrate it by supporting the players, the coaches and the

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referees, in spite of any mistakes they may make during the course of the game. Give them your respect…because without the players, the coaches and the referees, there wouldn't be any AYSO soccer. Some specific pointers:

Please allow the Coach to be the SOLE source of coaching during the game. When players hear conflicting instructions, it confuses them and thwarts their ability to "think on their feet".

The area off the field that the spectators occupy is on your own team’s side, no closer than two yards from the touch line, and between the penalty areas. Under no circumstances will anyone be allowed behind the goal lines.

The coach is responsible for the conduct of spectators. Discipline shall be up to the referee at each game, and the referee shall have the power and authority to discipline and send off players and coaches. Spectators may also be dismissed from the playing area if their conduct interferes with the course of play.

Entry to the field of play is by permission of the referee only.

Tell your child that you are proud of him/her regardless of how well they play

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION!

Player Code of Conduct/ExpectationsPlay for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach.

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Play by the rules.

Never argue with or complain about the referee's calls or decisions.

Control your temper! Resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged.

Concentrate on playing soccer and affecting the outcome of the game with your best effort. Work as hard for your team as you do for yourself.

Be a good sport. Cheer at good plays, whether it's for your team or for your opponent.

Treat all players as you would like to be treated.

Remember the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills, and feel good. Don't be a show-off or a “ball hog.''

Cooperate with your coaches, teammates, opponents, and the referees. There cannot be any soccer games without them.

Returning from a Medical Injury/Leave: If your child has been injured and treated by a doctor for

that injury during the regular season of play, he/she may not return to either practice or games until the Region/coach has received a written release from the doctor. Participation Release Form is in coaches packet.

Uniforms and EquipmentCasts/Splints: Hard casts of any kind are not permitted and there are absolutely no exceptions to this rule. Medical splints may be allowed as long as they do not contain any metal braces/brackets. Exceptions to this rule

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may be made for leg braces as long as the brace is sufficiently wrapped to protect other players from injury.

Uniforms: A uniform consisting of shirt, shorts and socks is provided for your child’s use at the beginning of the season and is theirs to keep. The uniform will be numbered and marked in accordance with AYSO guidelines. No uniform may bear logos, the name of any registered player. No other clothing, such as shirts and pants, may be worn over the uniform while a player is participating in a game. If it is cold or windy, dress accordingly and have layers under the uniform.

Headwear: Players may not wear hats, caps, bandannas, or any other head covering. Long hair should be tied back (a soft headband is allowed). No hard beads or bands in tie-back or braids.

Footwear: Every player must wear appropriate athletic footwear. Regulation soccer shoes, gym shoes, or sneakers (with or without rubber cleats) are permissible. Soccer shoes with removable cleats will be allowed, only if the cleat is screwed into the sole of the shoe. No toe cleats are allowed.

Shin Guards : Shin guards are required at all times for all AYSO competitions and practices. They are to be worn under/inside the socks with the sock pulled completely over/above the shin guard.

Ball: Each player must provide an age appropriate soccer ball. Appropriate ball sizes: 4-7 yrs old size 3, 8-11 yrs size 4, 12 yrs & up size 5

Jewelry/Other Items: Players may not wear any form/type of jewelry (bracelets, metal or plastic, rings, watches, chains, necklaces, earrings, hard pony tail holders, barrettes, bobby pins) during play. No exceptions. Earrings covered by

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bandages are not allowed. Prescription eyeglasses, hearing aids and knee braces ARE allowed, subject to referee approval. Goalkeepers may wear gloves, soft knee or elbow pads, and/or sweat pants for additional protection.

Medical Alert Bracelets: These contain important medical information about the player. These bracelets must be padded and taped to the player's skin –or– covered with a cloth wristband or something equivalent, consistent with AYSO National Guidelines.

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Refund PolicyAll requests for refunds must be made in writing, email or digital format. The annual AYSO membership fee is non-refundable. The Regional Board of Directors will review each submission and decide on the appropriate action as a committee. Refund checks may take 4-6 weeks to process.

1) Refunds will be issued when:a) player has moved, uniform is

returned.b) request submitted prior to August 1c) player is unable to play due to an

injury or illness. Uniform is returned.d) player does not want to play and

hasn’t actively participated. Uniform is returned.

2) Depending on the circumstances a partial refund, minus the following, may be issued after review by the Regional Board of Directors.

a) Uniform replacement cost.b) Administration fee $5

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Rain PolicyIn an effort to maintain the playing fields, the fields will be closed when conditions warrant. If a significant amount of rain falls within 24 hours of a practice or game be sure and check the field status. Coaches will be contacted by the appropriate staff should practices or games be rained out. Immediately stop all activity in thunder, lightning or both.

Picture DayTwo Saturdays will be scheduled for team and individual pictures. You will be notified by your team parent or coach as to your day and time. Picture order forms will be distributed prior to your picture day and also will be available on site.

Keeping Score & StandingsAYSO games increase competitively along with player age, but sportsmanship is always valued more highly than a focus on winning. 5U,6U and 8U divisions are instructional, and scores are not tallied. 10U and higher divisions Referees keep tallies, but no standings are kept.

Games and Travel5U, 6U and 8U teams practice & play games in Lahaina.

10U teams practice & play games at Napili Park, with travel to Kihei and Kahului. Location maps are on our website.

12U and 14U teams practice & play games in Lahaina, with travel to Kahului, Kihei, and Upcountry when scheduled. Field location maps are on our website www.westmauiayso.com

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Fields of PlayWest Maui

5U & 6U Saturday only ~ back field by baseball complex/ restrooms

8U Lahaina softball outfield south side of

the main soccer field.

10U Lahaina back field through gate past Boys & Girls Club

12U Lahaina main soccer field

14U Lahaina main soccer field

Central – Onehee Street, backside of Ka`ahumanu Ctr10U KCC 1

12U KCC 2 (Pit)

14U KCC 1 (tennis court side)

Kihei - New South Maui park off Pi`ilani Hwy10U Kalama Park

12U South Maui Park

14U South Maui Park

Upcountry12U Eddie Tam Middle field

14U Eddie Tam Low field

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Sponsors

Look for and please support Kona-Ice Shave Ice Truck located on the main soccer field throughout the season. They are one of our Annual sponsors/ supporters and carry all the proper Permits to be at our soccer fields.

Regional Sponsors greatly enhance our programs throughout our season. Donations help us to provide training for our coaches, referees, and regional staff. Much needed field equipment are also purchased with donated funds.

A very special Mahalo to last season’s sponsors for their much appreciated donations: Jim Falk Motors, Kona Ice Maui, Score, Westside Glass, Chevy Youth Sports, Meadow Gold

A list can be viewed on our website: www.westmauiayso.com

To become an annual sponsor or make a donation please contact your Regional Commissioner, Regional Treasurer, or any member of the Region’s Board for information.

Player Fee ScholarshipsThe Region has been able to provide a limited number of scholarships to families needing financial assistance. Funding for scholarships, partial or full, is limited. All requests are required in writing/ email and are subject to review by the Regional Board.

Please contact us for information and requirements at registration or through our email.

lahainaayso@msn.com

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Programs

V.I.P (Very Important Players)AYSO has developed and provides a program for our children who have special needs. Children who have physical or mental disabilities that make it difficult for them to participate on mainstream teams may choose to play on a V.I.P team. Families who wish to participate in or learn more about our V.I.P program are encouraged to contact the V.I.P coordinator for information and details.

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NCACE Accredited Coaching ProgramThe American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)

National Coaching Program is the only soccer coach education program in the U.S. that is

accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE.) The AYSO program has been reviewed in detail and has passed the very high standards of this

important accrediting body.

Mission Statement:The National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE) promotes and facilitates coaching competence within all levels of amateur sport by overseeing and evaluating the quality of coaching education programs. In addition, NCACE endorses comprehensive standards for sport practitioners, including: volunteer, interscholastic, collegiate, and elite coaches. Through accreditation, NCACE provides leadership and guidance to coaching education providers, sport administrators, and the public regarding the knowledge, values, and skills of effective coaches.

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VolunteeringAYSO is a national non-profit organization established in 1964 to teach the game of soccer and develop positive character traits in children through their participation in a quality sports program. Our local region administers this program strictly through the efforts of volunteers. In order to provide the quality program our kids deserve, we need YOU! Following is a list of opportunities for you to consider. All volunteers will receive instructions for selected jobs. Safe Haven Certification is now mandatory for all volunteers. Coaches and referees are mandated to be Certified in their age appropriate Divisions.

Remember: No Previous Experience is Necessary we are happy to provide free certifications and training!

COACH: One of the most rewarding opportunities, as it allows a parent to share in the excitement with the children. The coach is responsible for training the team, typically twice a week, and supervising the team during games. Prior experience is not required. AYSO has coaching clinics for all experience levels. As well as on-line support.

ASSISTANT COACH: The assistant coach helps the coach run the practices and manage the team at games. When the coach cannot be present, the assistant coach acts in the coach’s place. No experience is required. We will provide coaching clinics for you and you will learn much about soccer.

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REFEREE/ASSISTANT REFEREE: NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. We send you to an AYSO referee-training clinic to make sure you are adequately trained. Uniform provided by the Region. Contact the Regional Referee Administrator if you’re interested. You will learn the rules of soccer and how to conduct the game, and enjoy participating in the game with the players. Referees have the best possible view of the game. There is also a youth referee program available for children 12 and over. We are always in need of more referees and we can’t play without them.

TEAM PARENT: Administrative assistant to the coach. The Team Parent is the primary communicator between the coach and the parents. Oversees and coordinates other parents in several areas: refreshments, parties, newsletter articles, banner making, telephoning information, and anything else that pertains to the specific team. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. Team Parent Meeting provides pertinent information necessary to perform duties. Coaches greatly appreciate a committed volunteer to fill this position

REGISTRATION: Prepare and distribute registration materials at registration days.

PICTURE DAY: Help assemble the teams for their pictures and keep things moving in an orderly fashion.

TROPHY COORDINATOR: Coordinates the ordering and distribution of participation trophies and medals.

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DIVISION COORDINATOR: Help region staff communicate with coaches regarding schedule changes, help collect player information for awards at the beginning of the season.

OTHER: We need you to help with an activity such as fundraising, field or equipment maintenance, field or parking monitoring. We need help planning and implementing our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, help at registration, social media, etc. All families must help to ensure we can move forward from year to year.

Remember:

In order of ensure everyone to plays… we need everyone to volunteer!!

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Maui Friendship Games

The Maui Friendship Games is a two day AYSO tournament formatted event held during a designated weekend in October (refer to the calendar of events). The Friendship Games objective is to provide an opportunity for our players to participate in a “tournament” as well as to foster goodwill among the players and regions of Maui. Four teams in each of the 10U, 12U, and 14U age divisions (two per gender) are selected by a lottery to represent the region.

The Friendship Games are usually held in Makawao at the Eddie Tam sports complex.

Please be ready to make it your family-fun soccer weekend!

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Age Group Rules and Regulations 5U – age 4 years

Field size: 25 yards X 15 yards

Ball size: #3

Roster maximum: open

Max players in game: 3 v 3

Game length: 20 minutes

Jamboree session: 1hour 15min. per week

The 5U age group was developed as structured introductory program for boys and girls 4 years of age determined by the “player’s age as of December 31 of the year that the season commences”.

The format will be “One with One” which consists of primarily the interaction of player and parent. Team groups are formed on a weekly basis depending on how many players attend the session. Ideally we pair each player with their parent or other registered familiar adult to work with them on the field. It is important they have someone familiar with them on the field or the sideline at all times. This provides them a sense of security in large group activities.

A “Master Coach” will lead each session and introduce and demonstrate the activities to the parents and players. The Master Coach will circulate among the groups offering tips and encouragement.

Each Jamboree session will end in a 3v3 game free of coaching or teaching.

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Age Group Rules and Regulations6U – age 5 & 6 years

Field size: 25 yards X 15 yards

Ball size: #3

Roster Maximum: 5

Max players in game: 3 v 3

Game length: 20 minutes

Practice sessions: Max 2 hours per week

Rules of Play with modifications1. No Heading

2. No Slide tackling

3. No Goalies

4. Restarts will be throw-ins except for kick offs to start the game at the beginning of each half.

5. All “goal kicks” will be taken at the penalty line nearest the end line where the ball exited the field.

6. All “corner kicks” will be a throw-in from the corner nearest the end line where the ball exited the field.

7. Duration of game is 20 minutes divided into four five minute periods with a five minute halftime break.

8. No Score Keeping

Coaches are allowed on the field to guide the play and keep control of the game. Coaches will also be the referees and will keep to the basic rules of play.

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Age Group Rules and Regulations8U – age 7 & 8 years

Field Size: 35 yards X 25 yards

Ball size: #3

Roster size: 6

Max players in game: 4 v 4

Game length: 40 minutes

Practice sessions: 1 hour twice a week

Rules of Play with modifications

1. No goalkeepers

2. No Heading, no punting

3. No Slide tackling

4. No offside infractions

5. All restarts off of fouls will be Indirect Free Kicks.

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Age Group Rules and Regulations10U – age 9-10 years

Field size: 65 yards X 45 yards

Ball size: #4

Roster size: 10

Max players in game: 7 v 7

Game length: 50 minutes

Practice sessions: 1 hour twice a week

Rules of Play with modifications

1. No Heading, no punting

2. No Slide tackling

3. A new goalkeeper each quarter

4. Play down rule is in effect and mandatory unless a) the AYSO requirement that each player play a minimum of 2 quarters cannot be honored, b) both coaches agree to otherwise.

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Age Group Rules and Regulations12U – age 11 -12 years

Field size: 80 yards X 55 yards

Ball size: #4

Roster size: 12

Max players on field: 9 v 9

Game length: 60 minutes

Practice sessions: 1 ½ hours twice a week

Rules of Play with modifications

1. No slide tackling

2. No heading. No heading in practice and games.

3. Play down rule is in effect and mandatory unless a) the AYSO rule that requires that each player plays a minimum of 2 quarters cannot be honored or b) both coaches agree to otherwise.

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Age Group Rules and Regulations14U – age 13 -14 years

Field size: 100 yards X 55 yards

Ball size: #5

Roster size: 15

Max players on field: 11 v 11

Game length: 70 minutes

Practice sessions: 1 ½ hours twice a week

Rules of Play with modifications

1. No slide tackling

2. Heading allowed in game. Limit heading at practices to no more than 30 minutes and/or 15 per player weekly.

3. Play down rule is in effect and mandatory unless a) the AYSO rule that requires that each player plays a minimum of 2 quarters cannot be honored or b) both coaches agree to otherwise.

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PrioritiesTell your child that you are proud of him/her on a daily bases. Actively setting time aside just for them sets you up to be more than just their hero.

“A Hundred Years From Now…..

It Will Not Matter What My Bank Account Was,

The Sort of House I Lived In,

Or the Kind of Car I Drove……..

But the Whole World May Be Different because….

I was Important in the Life of a Child.”

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2017 Calendar of EventsAugust1 First day of the Fall Season1 Board Meeting, 7pm, Honokowai KauhaleTBD Regional Referee Completer Course19 Parent Orientation ~ 9am LIS cafeteria26 Coach Orientation ~ 9am LIS cafeteria

September5 Board Meeting, 7pm, Honokowai Kauhale9 First Game16 Games/ U5 Jamboree first day23 Games/ Picture Day #1

October3 Board Meeting, 7pm, Honokowai Kauhale7 Games/ Picture Day #214 Games21 & 22 No Games 8U & below…Maui Friendship Games Weekend for randomly selected 10U & above teams.28 Games

November4 Games7 Board Meeting, 7pm, Honokowai Kauhale11 Games12 Volunteer Appreciation Lunch – 1pm Senior Center18 Last Games, Season End

December6 Board Meeting, 7pm, Honokowai Kauhale

*Region 892’s Board of Directors meet the first Tuesday of each month February - December, 7 pm at the Honokowai Kauhale Community Room.*Calendar subject to change without notice.

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