Good morning:
Just a few things as we enter the fourth week of our season.
At the Developmental Level, here are some rule/protocol reminders:
1. Build Out Rule – Grades 1 through 4 should be playing the build out rule. This rule is meant to allow players to build out defensively on a goal kick or keeper stop without the offense crashing the net immediately. Once the keeper has the ball or a goal kick takes place, the offensive opponent should retreat behind the build out line and not advance until (i) a second defensive player touches the ball or (ii) the ball rolls out beyond the build out line. Once either item (i) or (ii) occur, offensive players can then advance beyond the build out line. At grades 1 and 2 the build out line should be midfield. At grades 3 and 4 a separate build out line should be marked that is midway between the penalty box and the kickoff circle. This build out line replaces midfield line for off side determinations as well. On Grass field the build out line can be marked with field paint (usually a dashed line) or cones. On Turf fields, the build out line can be marked with tape, cones or flat rubber discs.
2. Off Sides – Grades 3 through 8 will play their entire season with the off side rules in place. Grades 1 and 2 start the season without that rule in place to simplify the learning process for them. By the first week of October I would encourage 1 and 2 grade teams to start introducing offsides into your games to get the players used to it. The end of season tournament on Oct. 26 will have the offsides rule in place (although for grades 1 and 2 it will be limited to obvious offside calls (as determined by the refs).
3. Score Control – I know that this can be difficult, especially at the younger levels, but please see the DSL rule book for guidance on effective ways to control the score and utilize them on your game days. Some of the easiest solutions are putting offensive players in defensive spots or vice versa, focus scoring to weaker players who don't often score, reducing the amount of players on the field until a competitive balance is reached or offering the other coach a chance to put an extra player or two out there to even things up (this last one also needs referee ok). Also, if you find yourself on the wrong side of a mismatch and the coach offers to let you put more players out there please take them up on that. It will make the play more enjoyable for all involved.
Tournament Registration – Registration for the Oct. 26th Tournament is open and will remain open until October 11 or when a bracket fills up completely. The tournament will include brackets for all teams in grades 1 through 4, as well as girl-only 5v5 teams in grades 5 through 8.