COACH MANUAL
Coaches need to know guide to outdoor soccer
U12 Community
Contents
Section 1
EMSA North Information ......................................................................................................... 4
1.1
EMSA North Office & Hours .......................................................................................................... 4
1.2
Office Staff .................................................................................................................................... 4
1.3
Executive ....................................................................................................................................... 4
1.4
EMSA North Responsibilities......................................................................................................... 4
1.5
Board of Directors ......................................................................................................................... 5
1.6
Community Soccer Director Responsibilities ................................................................................ 5
1.7
Season Related Information ......................................................................................................... 5
1.8
Chain of Command........................................................................................................................ 6
1.9
EMSA North Contact with Coaches............................................................................................... 6
1.10
Contact Information for Opposing Teams .................................................................................... 6
Section 2
2.1
Coach Information .................................................................................................................... 6
Documents Required for Team official Registration..................................................................... 6
2.2 Documents Required for Team ........................................................................................................... 7
2.3
Coaching Courses / Training ......................................................................................................... 7
2.4
Dress Code for Coaching Staff....................................................................................................... 7
2.5
EMSA Soccer Portal ....................................................................................................................... 8
Section 3
Codes of Conducts .................................................................................................................... 8
3.1
Coach / Volunteer Responsibilities ............................................................................................... 8
3.2
Coaches’ Code ............................................................................................................................... 9
3.3
Players Code.................................................................................................................................. 9
3.4
Parent’s Code ................................................................................................................................ 9
Section 4
The Xtreme Program ............................................................................................................... 10
4.1
What is the Xtreme Program ...................................................................................................... 10
4.3
How do Player’s get on the Xtreme FC Team ............................................................................. 10
4.4
Trialists ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Section 5
Important Dates ................................................................................................................. 11
5.1
Season Play Dates ....................................................................................................................... 11
5.2
Automatic Rain-out Schedule ..................................................................................................... 11
5.3
Seasons Tentative Round Format ............................................................................................... 12
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5.4
Post Season Information ............................................................................................................. 13
5.4.1 Post Season Vs No Post Season ................................................................................................. 13
5.4.2
City Finals ............................................................................................................................ 13
5.4.3
Inter-Cities........................................................................................................................... 13
5.4.4
Provincials ........................................................................................................................... 14
5.5
Tournaments ............................................................................................................................... 14
5.5.1
Summer Sizzler .................................................................................................................... 14
5.5.2
EMSA North Fall Cup ........................................................................................................... 15
5.5.3
EMSA Tim Horton’s Jamboree ............................................................................................ 16
Section 6
Field Information..................................................................................................................... 16
6.1
Long Grass ................................................................................................................................... 16
6.2
Field Maintenance ...................................................................................................................... 16
6.3
Field Do’s and Don’t .................................................................................................................... 17
6.4
Team Practices ............................................................................................................................ 17
6.5
City of Edmonton Field Status Website ...................................................................................... 17
6.6
Closed Fields................................................................................................................................ 18
6.7
Open Fields ................................................................................................................................. 18
6.8
Poor Field Quality........................................................................................................................ 18
6.9
Lightening Policy (as outlined by the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA)) ................................ 19
6.10 Air Quality Health Index .................................................................................................................. 20
6.11
Field Lists ..................................................................................................................................... 21
6.12
Field Lining .................................................................................................................................. 21
6.13
Field Seating Arrangement ......................................................................................................... 22
Section 7
Game Day information ............................................................................................................ 23
7.1
Team Officials on the coaching bench ........................................................................................ 23
7.2
Late Arrival and Failure to No show ............................................................................................ 23
7.3
Notice of No show....................................................................................................................... 23
7.4
Concussion Management ........................................................................................................... 24
7.5
Fair Play ....................................................................................................................................... 25
7.6
Game Day Do’s & Don’ts ............................................................................................................. 26
Section 8
U12 Program .......................................................................................................................... 26
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8.1
Game Day Format ....................................................................................................................... 26
8.2
Equipment ................................................................................................................................... 26
8.2.1
Player .................................................................................................................................. 26
8.2.2 Coach.......................................................................................................................................... 26
8.3
Scoring & Game Sheets ............................................................................................................... 27
8.4
Referee Information................................................................................................................... 30
8.4.1
Referee Expectations .......................................................................................................... 30
8.4.2
Referee No Show ................................................................................................................ 30
8.4.3
Referee Accolades or Concerns ......................................................................................... 31
8.4.4
Referee Liaison Program .................................................................................................... 31
8.5
U12 Rule ...................................................................................................................................... 32
11.5.1
What Is a Trialist/ Guest Player? ......................................................................................... 32
8.5.2
Red & Yellow Card Infractions ............................................................................................ 33
8.5.3
Modified Off Side Law ......................................................................................................... 33
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Section 1
1.1
EMSA North Information
EMSA North Office & Hours
Office Location:
204, 9006-132 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5E 0Y2
Phone: 780-406-0798
Fax:
780-406-0825
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday 9am-4pm (Subject to Change)
1.2
Office Staff
Executive Director – Kylee Webster
Phone: 780-406-0798 X 1
Email: [email protected]
Accounting & Bookkeeping – Edina Hooper
Phone: 780-406-0798 X 2
Email: [email protected]
Volunteer Coordinator – Erika Lindsay
Phone: 780-406-0798 X 3
Email: [email protected]
Scheduling Coordinator – Carl Barton
Phone: 780-406-0798 X 4
Email: [email protected]
1.3
Executive
The EMSA North Executive and executive committee members represent EMSA North on a higher
level. The list of the EMSA Executive members, the executive committee and their role can be found
on the EMSA North website.
1.4
EMSA North Responsibilities
EMSA North’s job is to run the soccer program for all communities that declare teams in the North
Zone.
EMSA North does NOT put the teams together or take player registrations in the office, the
communities declare the teams. It is the responsibility of the communities to place teams together.
This is not a responsibility of EMSA North to facilitate.
EMSA North’s job is to ensure the safety of all of the children playing and run an organized
program for the entire zone.
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During the outdoor season EMSA North has approximately 400 teams to manage, which is why we
use a chain of command for questions or concerns which must be followed.
1.5
Board of Directors
EMSA North is run by a Board of Directors which is made up of a representative from every
community that runs a soccer program as listed on our website. Each community with a soccer
program holds one vote. Only the Board of Directors has the authority to make changes in the
program. A list of all Community Soccer Directors can be found on our website
EMSA North implements the program but the Board of Directors are the ones who pass the motions
that make up the rules. If you do not like something that is happening please contact your
Community League Soccer Director who has a voice to request a change. Soccer Directors are
directly involved with planning for the upcoming season. A planning session is held in January or
February for the outdoor season and in June or July for the indoor season. The soccer directors are
asked to provide suggestions or concerns approximately 2 months prior to the session, so please
provide any concerns or feedback to your soccer director.
1.6
Community Soccer Director Responsibilities
 Any matters arising within the current season your Community Director is your primary
contact. Please ensure you follow the proper chain of command.
 Registering children from the community and forming soccer teams with age appropriate
children
 Inputting all players into our soccer program for proper management
 Maintaining a current up-to-date database of all soccer players/coaches in our soccer
management program
 Declaring teams to EMSA North
To ensure the program’s integrity this should be the coaches’ first point of contact for any comments
or concerns.
1.7
Season Related Information
Communities hosting a U4 program schedule the games independently from EMSA North. EMSA
North runs the outdoor program for the U6-U12 age groups. EMSA Main runs the program for the
U14-U18 groups. It is our suggestion that you review the following websites in the order that is
shown in order to find the information you are looking for. If one website is silent on the issue –
please go to the next website for more information.
EMSA NORTH WEBSITE
(Edmonton North Zone Soccer Association)
www.emsanorth.com
↓
EMSA WEBSITE
(Edmonton Minor Soccer Association)
www.emsamain.com
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1.8
Chain of Command
In order to submit a complaint or a question the following chain of command must be followed. Should
one of these steps be missed, your enquiry or complaint will not be looked at.
Step 1
Have you waited the 24 hour cooling off period for any complaints?
EMSA North Discipline Committee will NOT review any complaint that is less than 24 hours after the
incident.
Step 2
Have you followed the proper chain of command on who you should contact?
Parent/Player
↓
Team Coach / Manager
↓
Community Soccer Director
↓
EMSA North Office – Discipline Committee
With few exceptions, the EMSA North discipline committee will only address complaints that come
from soccer directors.
1.9
EMSA North Contact with Coaches
All communications/correspondence from the EMSA North office will be sent out in email form. It is the
team’s officials and parent’s responsibility to ensure that they check their email regularly for
information sent from the EMSA North office. The email address that is provided in the EMSA Soccer
portal will be the email that the EMSA North office uses for contact.
1.10 Contact Information for Opposing Teams
EMSA North will NOT be releasing contact information for other teams in the pool. There should
be no need to contact the opposing team.
Coaches and Directors are NOT permitted to contact the opposing team to arrange a new play date
or reschedule the game.
Section 2 Coach Information
2.1
Documents Required for Team official Registration
EMSA North requires each team official (coach/assistant coach/manager) to complete the following
in order to be added onto the roster:
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Completed Team official registration on the EMSA Soccer Portal (must be completed each
season)
o Security clearance and third party authorization forms (valid for 3 years in most cases):
o These forms can be completed with your community soccer director or at the EMSA
North office from 9-4pm Monday – Friday. 2 Pieces of Government issued photo ID are
required one of which must be picture ID.
o Please note that in the event the EPS requires further information from you, you will be
contacted personally by EPS then it is your responsibility to provide this information for
EPS. Once this is completed EPS will send the results of your clearance direct to you and
it is your responsibility to submit to the to the EMSA North office. This must be done no
later than 4 weeks after the season start date in order to avoid removal from the roster
If you reside outside of the city of Edmonton, you must obtain your clearance at your local
RCMP center. You will need a signed letter from EMSA north stating the reason for the clearance
request. You can obtain this letter by contacting the volunteer coordinator at
[email protected] the results of this clearance must also be submitted to EMSA North
by yourself no later than 4 weeks after the season start date in order to remain on the roster.
2.2 Documents Required for Team
You will find your team information in the EMSA Soccer Portal under your team official role once you
have been cleared as per the information above as a team official.
The following form is also required to be submitted for your team if it applies, not later than May 12th:
 Withdrawal of Post Season Commitment Form (For U10 & U12 Teams only)
o If this form is not submitted to the EMSA North office and your team qualifies it is
expected that your team must attend post season play.
2.3
Coaching Courses / Training
A minimum of one (1) coach per team participating in the EMSA programs regardless of age, group, tier,
or gender must obtain at least one of the coach qualifications as follows;
1. Certification by ASA (ASA/NCCP Courses): The ASA Soccer for Life course is mandatory for any
community team U12 and up that may be eligible for tier 4 provincials. All teams must have at least one
coach that has taken the ASA course Soccer for Life. EMSA North is hosting a Soccer for Life course April
29th & 30th. Please visit our website for more information on how to register.
2. Certification by EMSA: EMSA Offers 2 levels of courses. EMSA Level 1 for U6-U10 coaches and EMSA
Level 2 for U12-U18 coaches. Please visit their website for more information at www.emsamain.com
2.4
Dress Code for Coaching Staff
It is expected that persons directly involved with youth in soccer in EMSA North including
coaches/assistant coaches/bench parents, etc. present an appropriate image to their players,
opposing teams and the general public. Clothing including, (but not limited to): tank tops/low cut
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t-shirts, short shorts, etc. do not belong on a soccer field/bench especially considering the age and
gender of those we coach.
Please ensure that all shirts/short/hats that are worn while coaching are suitable for the age group
you are coaching.
The discipline committee will step in should we find any coaching staff wearing inappropriate
clothing.
2.5
EMSA Soccer Portal
The EMSA Soccer Portal was developed as a database to allow parents to register and pay for
soccer, allow team officials to register online and allow administration staff to manage teams,
players and officials in a streamlined fashion using one database.
Players and coaches are activated by the EMSA North staff once all required paperwork is in place.
Activated players and coaching staff will appear on your team roster. If you do not have access to
your team roster or are missing a player or an official this could be related to missing documents or
an incomplete step in registration. If you note an omission please follow the chain of command and
contact your community league soccer director for more information.
What can you do/see in EMSA Soccer Portal?




See your player’s information
See your team’s roster
Set Scores (only for U10 & up)
Get your ASA Roster
Section 3 Codes of Conducts
3.1

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Coach / Volunteer Responsibilities
To remember that you are an ambassador for the Edmonton Minor Soccer Association
(EMSA), your Zone, and your Community, as such, carry oneself with respect, dignity and
pride.
To accept and work within all parameters set forth by the EMSA. To act in accordance with
the Aims and Objectives set forth by EMSA.
To demonstrate a commitment to a role chosen (coach, assistant coach, team manager, etc.).
To act in accordance with all EMSA Bylaws, Rules, Regulations and Policies.
To carry out one’s duties and responsibilities in a manner exhibiting the utmost
professionalism, dignity and respect.
To respect and honor the EMSA Codes of Conduct.
To carry out one’s responsibilities efficiently, accurately and to the best of one’s ability.
To be accountable for the behavior of one’s team (if affiliated to one (1)) including all its
coaches, players and parents.
To be accountable for all team-related activities including the accurate completion and
timely submission of game sheets, the proper registration of players, the proper use of
trialist players and the meeting of all league imposed deadlines.
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3.2
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3.3
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3.4
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To respect the authority and dignity of ALL EMSA game officials including game referees,
board of directors, staff and other volunteers.
To comply with any mandates handed down, including all player / coach suspensions.
To treat all EMSA Board of Directors, staff, fellow volunteers / coaches, players and parents
with the utmost dignity and respect.
Coaches’ Code
Soccer is a game for happiness.
The laws of soccer should be regarded as mutual agreements, the spirit or letter of which no
one should try to avoid or break.
Visiting teams and spectators are honored guests.
No advantages except those of superior skill should be sought.
Official and opponents should be treated and regarded as honest in intention.
Official decisions should be accepted without looking angry no matter how unfair they may
seem.
Winning is desirable, but winning at any cost defeats the purpose of the game.
Losing can be a triumph when the team has given its best.
The ideal is the greatest good to the greatest number.
In soccer, as in life, do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
EMSA Rules and Regulations – 2016 Outdoor and 2016-17 Indoor Page 50
Players Code
Play the game for the game's sake.
Be generous when you win.
Be gracious when you lose.
Be fair always, no matter what the cost.
Obey the Laws of the Game.
Work for the good of the team.
Accept the decisions of the Officials with good grace.
Believe in the honesty of your opponents.
Conduct yourself with honor and dignity.
Honestly and wholeheartedly applaud the efforts of your teammates and opponents.
Parent’s Code
Children have more need for example than criticisms.
Make athletic participation for your child and other a positive experience.
Attempt to relieve pressure of competition, not increase it. A child is easily affected by
outside influences.
Be kind to your child's coach and officials. The coach is a volunteer giving personal time and
money to provide a recreational activity for your child. The coach is providing a valuable
community service, often without regard other than the personal satisfaction of having
served their community.
The opponents are necessary friends. Without them your child could not participate
meaningfully. Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team.
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Section 4 The Xtreme Program
4.1
What is the Xtreme Program
Xtreme FC is EMSA North’s Premiere/ Club Program. The program is geared toward players seeking
a greater degree of challenge with opportunities to take their skills to the "club level" from U8-U18.
4.3
How do Player’s get on the Xtreme FC Team
Xtreme FC holds open try-outs before each season where interested players can demonstrate their
skills. All community players are welcome. If you have a player who is looking for a more
competitive level of play please direct them to the Xtreme FC program.
4.4
Trialists
Players that have the skill and talent should be playing at a premiere level. Coaches scout
community teams throughout the season. You may be approached by an Xtreme FC coach asking if
certain players on your team would like to play as a trialist. Any player can be brought up to play a
maximum of five (5) games and games must be pre-approved by the lending coach each time a
trialist is borrowed
Players on loan to Xtreme FC return to their community teams stronger and with a better sense of
game IQ. It is an advantage to both the player and lending team to encourage players to accept the
challenge of playing as a trialist.
Xtreme FC is your North Zone club program; only coaches from Xtreme are permitted to discuss
playing as a trialist on a Premiere team.
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Section 5
5.1
Important Dates
Season Play Dates
SEASON START DATE
Season start date is set for May 1, 2017 however if the fields are open sooner we will start sooner.
Schedules will be released around April 27, 2017 – however this date may change.
TENTATIVE PLAY DATES
Age Group
U6
U8
U10
U12
Day 1
Tuesday
Monday
Monday
Tuesday
Day 2
Thursday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Rain out Day
n/a
n/a
Sat/Sun
Sat/Sun
* Tentative dates: Please note that these playing days above are still tentative and are subject to change! You may play games on
Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Victoria Day as well.
SEASON LENGTH
Outdoor season runs from approximately May 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016.
*City-Finals are tentatively scheduled July 3-9th organized by EMSA.
* Inter-Cities are tentatively scheduled July 22-23rd by EMSA
*Provincials are tentatively scheduled July 21-23rd by ASA.
5.2
Automatic Rain-out Schedule
There will not be any reschedules for U6 & U8 games. U10 & U12 games will follow the automatic
reschedule procedure as follows below.
U10
Original Schedule
Day
Original Schedule
Tome
Automatic
Reschedule Date
Automatic
Reschedule Time
Location
Monday
6:00/6:15/6:30
Saturday
11:00am
Same Location
Monday
7:00/ 7:15/7:30
Saturday
12:30pm
Same Location
Wednesday
6:00/6:15/6:30
Sunday
11:00am
Same Location
Wednesday
7:00/7:15/7:30
Sunday
12:30am
Same Location
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U12
Original Schedule
Day
Original Schedule
Tome
Automatic
Reschedule Date
Automatic
Reschedule Time
Location
Tuesday
6:00/6:15/6:30
Saturday
11:00am
Same Location
Tuesday
7:00/ 7:15/7:30
Saturday
1:00pm
Same Location
Thursday
6:00/6:15/6:30
Sunday
11:00am
Same Location
Thursday
7:00/7:15/7:30
Sunday
1:00pm
Same Location
5.3
Seasons Tentative Round Format
EMSA North provides 14-16 games during the months of May to June however the total number of
games will depend on the weather, field status, the City of Edmonton and the number of teams
declared.
Some teams may get Exhibition games as part of their schedules due to an uneven number of teams in
the pools. All exhibition games MUST be treated as a normal game – including scoring and game sheets
(U10&U12)
U6 & U8 Teams will play one large round with the schedule set for the entire season, no advancement to
post season for these age groups although there may be the opportunity for a Jamboree wrap up.
The following is tentatively how the scheduling for U10 and U12 will look for the 2017 Outdoor Season:
Round 1:




Schedules released April 27, 2017
Plays from May 1st to May 26th
Consists of 7-8 games
Withdrawal from Post Season Commitment forms due May 12 (after 4 games played). All teams
are considered committed to attending all post season commitments unless this form is
completed and submitted by the deadline.
Round 2:



Schedules released by May 28th
Tentatively Plays from May 29th to May 14th
Consists of 4-5 games
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Round 3: Tournament of Champions
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Schedules released by June 17th
Tentatively Plays from June 19th-June 25th
Consists of 3-4 games
All concessions will be made to make games for this round during the week but depending on
rain outs and reschedules some games may fall on the weekend.
Seeding from the previous 2 rounds determines placement in this Tournament of Champions
Although this round determines which teams will be advancing to post season, all teams must
participate even if they submitted a withdrawal from post season.
Note: All information is tentative and could be impacted by weather, rain outs, reschedules and
number of teams in a group. Any deadlines for schedule release dates will be adhered to however if
the North Zone office is able to release schedules earlier it will be done.
5.4
Post Season Information
5.4.1 Post Season Vs No Post Season
On or before May 12, 2017 teams must decide if they are going to remain as a Post Season team or
withdraw from Post Season Activities. The following will need to be completed on or before that date
based on the decision you make:
a. Situation #1
i. Attending CITIES, INTER-CITIES and/ or PROVINCIALS
- do nothing
b. Situation #2
i. Not attending CITIES (which disqualifies you from Inter-Cities)
- submit Withdraw of Post Season and sign Confirmation Statement #1
c. Situation #1
i. Attending CITIES but not attending INTER-CITIES
- submit Withdraw of Post Season and sign Confirmation Statement #2
5.4.2 City Finals
Outdoor city finals competition will be held in Edmonton on July 3rd to 9th. Results from the Tournament
of champions will determine which U10 & U12 teams advance to city finals.
EMSA north is given a certain number of spots at City finals. This will be determined later on in the
season and will be posted on our website once confirmed.
5.4.3 Inter-Cities
Inter-Cities are held in Edmonton & Calgary and the results of the cities championship will determine
who advances in this competition. Inter-Cities is only open to U12 and older tier 5 & 6 Teams.
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For more information and to see how to qualify visit the EMSA main website.
5.4.4 Provincials
Provincials will be held within the Province of Alberta. This tournament is hosted by Alberta Soccer
association. Results of city finals will determine which tier IV team(s) advances to provincials. Provincials
are open to Tier 4 and older U12 community teams only.
5.5
Tournaments
5.5.1
Summer Sizzler
SUMMER SIZZLER 2017
June 9, 10 &11, 2017
REGISTRATION OPENS: enzsasummersizzler.com
March 1, 2017
EARLY BIRD DATE (NORTH ZONE TEAMS ONLY):
MAY 5, 2017
PAYMENT DUE DATE / REGISTRATION CLOSES:
May 19, 2017
SCHEDULING BEGINS:
May 19, 2017
SCHEDULES POSTED (TENTATIVE):
June 5, 2017
ENTRY FEE:
U8 - $110.00
U10 - $440.00*
U12 – U18 $490.00*
DISCOUNTS:
*A $25.00 early bird discount code is offered to EMSA North Teams only if you register your team before
May 6, 2016. This discount will only be applied if you enter in the coupon code online when registering
for the tournament. You are responsible to enter in the coupon code in order to receive the savings the
zone office does not have the means enter the discount after the fact if you fail to enter in the code.
Coupon Code: NORTHTEAM2016 (This code must be entered in in all caps) Here is an example of
how it will appear when you enter in the discount code:
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5.5.2
EMSA North Fall Cup
EMSA NORTH FALL CUP
September 11 to September 30, 2017
REGISTRATION OPENS: emsanorthfallcup.com
May 1, 2017
PAYMENT DUE DATE/REGISTRATION CLOSES:
August 31, 2017
SCHEDULING BEGINS:
August 31, 2017
SCHEDULES POSTED (TENTATIVE):
September 8, 2017
ENTRY FEE:
U10 - $500.00
U12 - $500.00
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5.5.3
EMSA Tim Horton’s Jamboree
Saturday, June 17th, 2017 (Rain Out Date is Sat. Jun 24)
Registration Opens
May 1, 2017
Registration Closes
June 2nd at 9am (space may fill up prior)
Open to:
U6 teams
Location:
EMSA WEST Complex, 10058 – 231 Street NW
Cost: $30.00
$30.00 per team (entries will not have a confirmed spot until payment has been made). Payment can be
made by cash, cheque or credit card.
Each team will have one 30 minute fun soccer game and at the end of their game each player will have
a season medal officially presented to them. There will be fun bouncers and face painting for the
players!
Section 6 Field Information
6.1
Long Grass
If you attend the field and the grass is very long – please feel free to put in a 311 call to the City of
Edmonton and ask them to mow it. You do not need to contact the office regarding this as we have no
influence with the City when it comes to mowing.
The City of Edmonton cuts grass on a rotating basis and can take weeks for them to return to a specific
field or area.
6.2
Field Maintenance
Many times you will get to a field and there are problems for example, a dangerous hole in the
ground, unstable nets, etc. We would ask that you please report this to the City as you will have
first-hand knowledge of the problem. Pictures are most helpful when dealing with them.
Please visit: www.edmonton.ca
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Go to FIELDS then FIELD MAINTENANCE
On the RIGHT hand sign you will see some online tools:
Please make a request for Sports Field Maintenance
6.3
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6.4
Field Do’s and Don’t
Pets at soccer games – As per the City of Edmonton bylaw, no pets of any kind are to be
allowed at fields or playgrounds so coaches need to ensure parents are reminded to leave
their pets at home. For more information visit the City of Edmonton link:
http://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/documents/PDF/Parks_For_Paws_Guide.
pdf
No smoking at the games/sidelines especially by the coaching staff.: City of Edmonton
Bylaw 14614
Sunflower seeds, if your parents are bringing these to snack on at the games please ask
them to bring a baggie for the shells being left behind. Not only are the shells creating a
huge mess but they are attracting birds which are snacking on them and then leaving their
own “mess” behind
All other snacks and drinks – please remind your families to clean up after
themselves. There have been many wrappers/napkins/juice boxes and general garbage
being left behind on the fields.
Please walk the field: If you are the first team on a field during the startup of the season take
a walk around in the field, especially near the goal area, looking for glass and other unsafe
objects on the field.
Team Practices
The City maintains a field availability webpage. Teams found practicing or playing on a
closed field could result in the team official being levied a $2,500.00 fine from the City of
Edmonton. Teams wanting to hold practices prior to the season opening should find a
suitable greenspace to play on.
6.5
City of Edmonton Field Status Website
The City of Edmonton determines every day at 4:00p (weekdays) and 10:00a (weekends) if the City
of Edmonton fields are playable. The City of Edmonton has the final determination on this.
Every coach/manager/assistant coach/parent MUST check the status of the City fields before each
and every game (if they weather has been bad) to determine if the fields are open or closed.
The status of the field can be checked at www.edmonton.ca or by phone at: 780.496.4999. You can
also subscribe to e-mail notifications with the City of Edmonton.
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City Website:
*Make sure you subscribe to both the Northeast and Northwest fields.
6.6
Closed Fields
If the City of Edmonton closes the fields or EMSA cancels the games, the game will be replayed for
U10 and U12 as per the Automatic Reschedule Process.
Also please note if the Zone Websites says Game’s Canceled for the night PLEASE DO NOT GO TO
YOUR GAMES. EMSA North has a group of 6 Directors that will determine if the games shall
continue that night or not due to severe weather or other factors affecting game play.
6.7
Open Fields
The EMSA North has created a Rainout Committee. If the City keeps the fields open, the Rainout
Committee has the authority to cancel the games if the weather is terrible. STEP 1 (a) is to check
the EMSA North website to see if the Committee has cancelled the games. This information will be
posted on the front page of our website by 4:30pm that day. You do not need to arrive at the field if
the committee has cancelled your game, please just follow the automatic rainout procedure.
6.8
Poor Field Quality
If the fields are open and the weather is unfavorable, coaches must still attend the field to
determine the status of the field condition. Please have the children stay in the vehicles while the
coaches determine whether it is safe or not to play.
PLEASE NOTE: Just because it is raining does NOT mean the game cannot go ahead.
Please remember that we do live in Edmonton and weather can change hourly and where you are
and where the field is – the weather can be completely different.
The following 2 situations would deem a field unplayable
 Large amounts of pooling water on field
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
30/30 lightening policy
If a Field is unplayable the following should occur
Step 1
Each team must attend the fame at the game time (Kick off) and have the minimum number of players
present
Step 2
If a Referee is present: The referee has the final say on the field as to whether or not the game goes
ahead.
If no referee is present: The coaches must mutually agree that the field is unplayable based on the 2
reasons listed about. The game should not begin and only then can it be abandoned.
Step 3
The home team must complete the game abandonment form online:
https://fs4.formsite.com/socceroffice/form58/index.html
The home team submits game sheets as per any regular game (for U10 & U12 Teams only)
The automatic rainout procedure would apply for the U10 & U12 teams
6.9
Lightening Policy (as outlined by the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA))
The safety of players, coaches, management and spectators is the primary concern in any weather
event that occurs during all matches. By understanding and following the information below, the
safety of everyone shall be greatly increased. Ultimately the referee has the final say over delaying
or restarting a match due to weather. Waiting to stop play or not waiting to start play may result in
a serious injury or loss of life. Referees are expected to act responsibly when dealing with such
events during matches they are controlling.
When lighting is detected, you can determine the distance of lightning in your area by counting the
number of seconds between the flash and the first sound of the thunder and dividing by five (5).
This will give you the distance in miles from your location. Remember, if you are in a higher
elevation, the lightning can come upon you much quicker and your reaction time is greatly
hindered.
30/30 Rule
When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If this time is thirty (30) seconds or
less, seek proper shelter. Wait thirty (30) minutes or more after hearing the last thunder before
leaving the shelter. If you cannot see the lightning, just hearing the thunder is a good back up rule.
Additional Information
Please note the following recommendations from Environment Canada:
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The existence of blue sky and absence of rain are not protection from lightning. Lightning can and
does strike as far as ten (10) miles away from the rain shaft. It does not have to be raining for
lightning to strike. Many lightning casualties occur in the beginning, as the storm approaches
because many people ignore initial precursors of high winds, some rainfall and cloud cover.
Generally the lightning threat diminishes with time after the last sound of thunder, but many
persist for more than thirty (30) minutes.
Lightning can strike ahead of the parent cloud – take action even if the thunderstorm is not
overhead.
Be aware of how close the lightning is occurring. The flash-to-bang method is the easiest and most
convenient way to estimate how far away lightning is occurring. Thunder always accompanies
lightning, even though its audible range can be diminished due to background noise in the
immediate environment and its distance from the observer.
Lightning awareness should be increased with the first flash of lightning or the first clap of thunder,
no matter how far away. This activity must be treated as a wake-up call to all. The most important
aspect to monitor is how far away the lightning is occurring, and how fast the storm is approaching,
relative to the distance of a safe shelter.
Recognize that personal observation of lightning may not be sufficient. Additional weather
information may be required to ensure consistency, accuracy and adequate advance warning.
6.10 Air Quality Health Index
An AQHI of 7 or higher will result in the EMSA north placing a message on the website advising
whether games will go ahead as planned or be rescheduled.
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6.11 Field Lists
The following is a list of fields that will be used this season and the applicable age groups they will
be used for.
U6
Belmont
Hairsine
Highlands Green Space
Overlander
Fraser green space A
Green Space Floden
Lago Lindo
St. Lucy
Dunluce
Elisnore
Klarevatten
Klarvatten Green Space
Caernarvon
Carlisle
Oxford Park
Greisbach
Lauderdale
Delton Green Space
Delwood
Cassleman
St. Dominic
John Barnett
York Green Space
Britnell Green Space
Horsehill Green
U8
U10
U12
Fraser
Floden Park
St Jerome
Belmont
Hairsine
Lago Lindo
St. Lucy
Dunluce
Elisnore
Klarevatten
Cearnarvon
Carlisle
Oxford Park
Greisbach
Lauderdale
Delwood
Casselman
St. Dominic
John Barnett
Fraser
Floden Park
St Lucy
St. Anne
Lago
Dunluce
Carlisle
Carlisle
Cumberland
Katherine Therrien
Lauderdale
Britnell Blvd
Kildare
St Vladamir
Overlanders Green
Space
Highlands Green Space
Green Space Floden
St. Lucy
St. Anne
Dunluce
Lago Lindo
Klarevatten
Klarvatten Green Space
Carlisle
Cumberland
Cumberland
Katherine Therrien
St Vladimir
Delton Green Space
Britnell Blvd
Kildare
York Green Space
Britnell Green Space
Horsehill Green Space
6.12 Field Lining
EMSA North has a crew that comes out to line the fields. We anticipate this happening 3 times per
season. It is quite costly to line the fields therefore the program sticks to the budgeted allotment of
lining fields 3 times per season. However with excessive rain or really dry weather conditions there
are times where the field lines may not last until the next scheduled lining date. We recommend
that you carry a bag of flour with you when you know conditions are not favorable for field lining,
this way you can mark areas such as the goal area or retreat line with flour.
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6.13 Field Seating Arrangement
The following should be followed by teams for field placement
The HOME TEAM chooses which side that they would like to be on
U6 &U8 teams will play on EMSA North lined U10 & U12 fields. This allows for the 2 U6 games to take
place on one field. Some communities have chosen to line green spaces for their teams. This decision
was made in order to assist with some confusion in the past on field size and location when these age
groups were using unlined green space.
Net Team A
Team A
Parents
seating
Team B
Parents
seating
Net Team B
Net Team C
Team C
Parents
seating
Team D
Parents
seating
Net Team D
For U10/U12 games the following format should be followed. Note: there may be some U12 games
hosting referees in training as assistant referees. Please leave space for the referee to run the touch line.
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Section 7 Game Day information
7.1
Team Officials on the coaching bench
In EMSA North league play up to 4 (four) team officials are allowed on the bench, one of which must
be the same gender as the team, and registered on the EMSA Soccer portal. This means that for
mixed teams there must be at least 1 male and 1 female registered team official.
It is mandatory for all teams to have at least one bench attendant or coaching staff member who is
the same gender as the team at game time.
7.2
Late Arrival and Failure to No show
A team will be provided with a 10 minute grace period for late arrivals or no shows. If after 10 minutes
the minimum amount of players to run the game is not present then the team will be considered a no
show and a default win will occur for the team ready to play. There will be no reschedules for Now
Shows. If both teams fail to show the game will go down as not played and will NOT be rescheduled.
Soccer Directors will be advised when a team fails to show to a scheduled league game.
Minimum Amount of Players Needed:
U6 – 4 players
U8 – 5 players
U10 – 6 players
U12 – 6 players
Process In the Event of a No Show
 The team that showed up must send in the game abandonment form online
https://fs4.formsite.com/socceroffice/form58/index.html
 For any U10 & U12 games the game sheet of the team that showed must be sent into the office
 For any U10 & U12 teams the team that showed up will be awarded a default win of 5-0
 Any teams that no show will be subject to a $100.00 no show fee.
A no show penalty will apply for any no shows to regular season, automatic reschedule and exhibition
games.
7.3
Notice of No show
In the event that your team is unable to make a game 48 hours notice must be provided to the EMSA
North office in order to avoid the $100.00 No show fee. However, even if you provide notice of the no
show the reason must meet certain criteria in order to qualify for a reschedule. If the reason for the No
show does not meet the criteria below then your game will still go down as a forfeit loss:



Soccer Tournament
Graduation
Final Exam
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Procedure:






7.4
The team requesting the reschedule request must contact emsa north via email at
[email protected] and advise the zone of the reason for the no show.
EMSA north will accept or deny the reschedule
If accepted the coach will be provided with the contact information of the opposing
team so that a suitable reschedule date can be determined
EMSA North must be provided with 1 weeks’ notice of the rescheduled date in order to
arrange a suitable field and / or referee
Once the game is rescheduled EMSA North will contact both affected teams with the
reschedule details
All reschedules MUST be completed before the end of the current round.
Concussion Management
Below is the easy to follow concussion protocol tool, please click HERE for more information from ASA
on concussion management.
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7.5
Fair Play
As coach it is critical to understand that you are role model to the children under your guidance. You
hear all the time this is “Community Soccer”. What does that truly mean? Community Soccer is meant as
a place where every child can play regardless of skill level, race, gender or religious beliefs. Typically the
commitment is two games a week and a possible practice for U6 and U8. For U10-U18 the expected
commitment is two games a week and one practice. The Club system caters to players and Coaches that
want more of a competitive atmosphere where winning is a primary focus. The skill level of the players
is higher and the time commitment is greater. Coaches are able to “select” their players at try-outs.
Community Soccer has its own element of competiveness to strive for. There is the Tournament of
Champions for the U10 and U12 teams, City Finals for teams in U10-U18, Tier 4-9 .There is Inter-cities
for most U12-U18 Tier 5-7 teams. There is Provincials for U12-18 Tier 4 teams. Club teams focus on
qualifying for Provincials and Nationals for the Tier 1, U15 and U17 teams. In some aspects community
soccer has a more competitive element than Club with the multitude of different opportunities for post
season play. It’s perfectly fine for community soccer to play with a goal of qualifying for post season
play; the question is when does competitiveness cross the line to become unacceptable in reaching for
this goal.
Within EMSA North there is a disturbing trend emerging that community coaches are playing to win,
regardless of cost. Sadly this is done at the expense of lesser skilled players as coaches are trending to
play more strongly skilled players without consideration to fair or equal play. As these players age,
weaker players are seeing less and less playing time and cannot develop their skills. The number of
parent complaints received by EMSA North is increasing each season resulting in upset parents who are
demanding refunds from their communities and players are leaving soccer, demoralized because they
are not getting the opportunity to play. This tactic of playing your best players at the expense of weaker
players does not make you a good coach; it just means you know who your best players are. The best
coaches recognize the need to develop, encourage, promote and play all players, regardless of skill level,
so they can all contribute to the team’s success. The very best coaches know and understand the role of
community soccer and encourage fun and enjoyment over a win at all costs attitude.
As you are gearing up to the start of you season please try and keep these points in mind on how you
can promote Fair Play while attempting to achieve team success:
As the coach you have the right to explain the rules and expectations of your team. Before the start of
the season clarify with the players and their parents exactly what is expected of them and also what
they are entitled to expect from their coach. Explain possible consequence if expectations are not met
i.e. benching, reduced playing time, dismissal from the team.



I will give all players equal playing time and equal opportunity to play in all positions on the
field.
I will ensure that all players receive equal instructions and support.
I will remember that players respond to a coach they can respect. Be generous in praise and
lead by example.
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




7.6
I will obtain knowledge of the game and the rules of the game according EMSA and ASA.
I will teach my players all aspects of Fair Play; to play fairly, to respect the rules, referees, our
opponents and spectators.
I will ensure that my team, their parents, and fans understand that the team may be penalized
for their inappropriate behaviour.
I will teach my players that it is not did we win or lose but how we conduct ourselves as a team.
I will work in cooperation with the referees for the benefit of the game.
Game Day Do’s & Don’ts
1. Home team gets a choice of which side their want their team and fans on.
2. Coaches please remind your families that they are not to be sitting behind the net for any
games. Parents are to be on the sidelines.
Section 8
8.1
Game Day Format
Age
U12
8.2
U12 Program
Halves
35x 2
Format
8v8
Ball
Size
4
Minimum #
of Players
Maximum #
of Players
8
16
75% of
Game
52.5 minutes
Equipment
8.2.1 Player
1. Cleats, soccer style shoes or running shoes are permissible footwear to be worn by players.
Referees shall have the final say as to what constitutes dangerous equipment which must be
removed in order for play to be allowed.
2. SHIN PADS ARE MANDATORY for everyone and your socks must cover the shin pad.
3. In any case, no player wearing a splint or cast will be permitted to play. Those players who
wear a knee or ankle brace will be permitted to play provided the brace does not have the
potential to injure others. This will be at the discretion of the game official.
4. Players refusing to remove any type of jewelry at the request of the referee, including all
external body piercing(s), will not be permitted to play.
8.2.2 Coach
Home Team is responsible for supplying/doing:
 Game Ball
 Flags (3)
 Net
 Change of jersey (if colors conflict) – Pinnies are acceptable.
 Submitting the following to EMSA North:
o Scores (score online with EMSA Soccer Portal)
o Game sheets (both home and away)
o Game abandonment form (if applicable)
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Away Team is responsible for supplying:
 Flags (3)
 Net
8.3
Scoring & Game Sheets
You will be required to fill out a game sheet before each game, listing the players, and their jersey
number. U12 and up must have a referee liaison at each game. The referee liaison must be
identified on the game sheet and must wear the band. The referee liaison is there to assist the
referee and/or the coach if a parent is not behaving appropriately.
Games sheets should be provided to the referee before the start of the game.
After the game, the home team is required to score the game on the EMSA Soccer Portal and email
or fax the game sheets to the zone.
It is the HOME TEAM’S responsibility to enter the game scores on the EMSA North’s website the
next business day after the game. If the game score still hasn’t been updated by the next business
day after the game a admin fee will be charged to the community league. Only coaches, assistant
coaches and managers who are registered as a team on the team’s roster can be scorekeepers.
It is the HOME TEAM’s responsibility to provide copies of both teams’ white game sheets and any
trialist forms must be sent to EMSA North office.
We ask that you have them sent in by the next morning after your game. However, if your game
sheets are not received by the next business day after the game’s completion there will be an
administration fee charged to the community league. All trialist forms must be faxed in along with
the game sheets.
Please ensure you are filling out your game sheets entirely.
Note that there is an administration fee that will be issued to the team if the game sheet is not
entirely filled out.
Ways to submit your game sheets:
- In person to office
- By fax 780.406.0825
- Scan in and e-mail game sheets: [email protected]
- Take a picture of your game sheets and send them to: [email protected]
Administration Fees
Offense
Incomplete Game Sheet
Failure to Score Game Results
Failure to Submit Trialist/Import Forms
Fee Amount
$50.00
$75.00
$50.00
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Instructions on how to score on the EMSA Soccer Portal can be found
HERE
You must ensure the following items are fully filled out or your game sheet will be
considered incomplete.
GAME SHEETS
EMSA Rule 408: Game Sheets
2. Each team shall provide a game sheet. Team officers shall sign the game sheet indicating that to
the best of their knowledge, the information is true and correct. It shall then be passed to referee
prior to kickoff. If it is not passed to the referee prior to kick off the game shall be forfeited by
that
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8.4
Referee Information

You will have a referee officiating your game.


The Zone will pay for your referee, you will not need to bring money to the game
Coaches and/or parents are NOT allowed on the field unless there is an injury; the referee
has stopped the game and has waived you on.
On occasion you may experience a referee no-show. In these cases each coach can referee
for half the game or even the entire game or a parent can be asked to referee. Please do not
cancel the game simply because a referee did not show up.



8.4.1





If a parent referees the game mark their name and contact information on the gamesheet
for payment.
The referee is in charge of the game and the ref’s call is final. Please remember that at U12
you may have young referees and they will be learning as well so treat the referee with
respect. Referees won’t always make the right call, but it is only a game and there will be
many games to follow. Young referees often have at least one parent at the field, how would
you feel if an adult was yelling or screaming at your child or another parent was yelling at
one of your players.
Referee Expectations
It is expected that all referees treat players, coaches, parents and each other with respect.
Be professional both on and off the field and apply the rules of the game. It is always easier
to de-escalate the situation, before it gets out of hand by being polite.
It is expected that all referees will wear the appropriate uniform to all games.
It is expected that any cancellation of games will be given with at least 48 hours of notice.
Unless there is an emergency.
It is expected that all referees will inform the Assignor if there is a no-show.
It is expected that referees will honor their assignments and will not turn back or switch
games because of pay or other reasons
8.4.2 Referee No Show
If your center referee is a no show for your game, please ask your Referee Liaison to give your
Referee Assignor a call and if they are able to answer the call he/she will try to send someone your
way.
If you are unable to get a hold of your Referee Assignor or he/she is unable to send you a referee,
you may have someone who is present ref your game as long as both coaches are in agreement on
the person.
Please indicate on the game sheet below that you are using a parent referee. Along with the contact
information for that parent.
If you start the game with a substitute referee that means that both coaches have agreed and there
can be no argument after the game because the coaching staff didn’t like how the substitute referee
handled the game. The game will stand as is.
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If you allow a parent to referee, the following note MUST be made on the Home teams game sheet:
REFEREEE ASSIGNOR CONTACT INFORMATION
Referee Assignor: Paull Cameron
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone Number: 780.721.1683
8.4.3
Referee Accolades or Concerns
All issues are to be reported from the appropriate individual directly when the following procedure
has been followed:
STEP 1:
Have you waited the required 24 hours cooling off period?
Our Referee Coordinator will NOT review any complaint that is less than 24 hours after the
incident.
STEP 2:
Contact our Referee Coordinator via our Web page.
We will only accept complaints from Team Managers / Coaches / Assistant.
The complaint / compliment form can be found at our website HERE
8.4.4
Referee Liaison Program
Background:
Every year every zone has issues with referee/assistant referee abuse. As many of you know it is a
province wide problem in the recruitment and training of referees because of the abuse they
receive on the field. By criticizing our young referees in a negative fashion, we drive them away
from progressing through the league and gaining the experience that they need to learn and
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become better. To get more young referees into the league we need to encourage these young
referees to learn from their mistakes and not criticize them at every opportunity.
This is a strong reminder that any referee abuse whether verbal or otherwise is not tolerated by
EMSA North or EMSA Main and will be dealt with quickly and forcefully. This unacceptable
behavior that must be addressed as a priority particularly if soccer is to have an adequate supply of
referees. Let’s be the example and show the other zones how well the North end teams treat our
referees / assistant referees. Please be advised that the EMSA North Discipline Committee may be
attending random games.
It is mandatory for every team to provide a referee liaison for every league game. The liaison can
be a different person each game and can be anyone with the exception of the coach or assistant
coach. The name of the referee liaison MUST be marked in the area provided on the game sheet.
The team has a 15 minute grace period in which to provide a liaison or they will default the game.
Please ensure the name is marked on the game sheet.
Description of duties:







8.5
Please introduce yourself to the referee prior to the start of the game and tell them that you
are here to help them if they require it.
Please wear the identifying armband provided by your team.
Monitor the behavior of your teams’ parents.
Be visible at half time and full time by walking onto the field with your fellow liaison from
the other team. Walk towards the referee and be ready to assist the referee if needed.
Quickly diffuse potential problems before they arise by either being visible or calmly
speaking with the individual(s) involved.
Deal with, and act on, inappropriate comments, gestures and/or general unsporting
behavior directed at referees, players or any other individual by your teams’ spectators or
coaches but please avoid getting into a confrontation.
Submit a brief report in writing to the EMSA office of any incident that you feel the EMSA
should be aware of involving inappropriate behavior by ANY individual. Based on any
official report, the EMSA will conduct an investigation into the incident and act accordingly.
U12 Rule
Rules for the U12 Program can be found HERE
Below lists some important Items in the rules that you need to be aware of
11.5.1 What Is a Trialist/ Guest Player?
A trialist is a player who plays on a team that he/or she is not registered with for normal season
play. This player can play on a team as a trialist/guest player as long as the proper rules are
followed.
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Each tournament has different rules for the use of trialists/guest players. Coaches/Manager must
read the rules first in order to determine who is eligible to be a trialist. If your team wishes to use a
trialist/guest player for a tournament or league, the coach of the team MUST obtain the signature of
the team that the trialist/guest player comes from.
This trialist form MUST be presented to the referee before the start of the game or prior to the start
of the second half, but only if the trialist is late (EMSA Rule 308.1)
Any player that is registered in the EMSA league is PROHIBITED from playing for an EIYSA team as
a trialist/guest player. EMSA players are prohibited from both regular league games and
tournament games. EIYSA players ARE permitted to play on an EMSA team as a trialist/guest
player ONLY for tournament play as long as the tournament rules have been complied with. (EMSA
Rule 308.1)
8.5.2 Red & Yellow Card Infractions
Cards will be given out as consequences for infractions; however there will be an emphasis on
teaching and learning as opposed to punishment. These rules are also in the ASA U12 rules with the
exception that in the EMSA rules the player does not need to leave the area of play and the timeout
is 5 minutes instead of a half. Players are allowed to remain with the team.
1. Developmentally and for teaching purposes we will be emphasizing the following:
2. The Referee shall explain all infractions.
3. Players receiving a yellow card will be substituted for another player in order for the coach
to explain the call and to give the player time to calm down or think. The player may return
to play after they have a 5 minute “Time Out”
4. If a red card is warranted the player will be substituted off for another player and will not
be allowed to play for the remainder of the game. Two yellow cards to the same player will
also result in a red card and the player cannot return to the game. The coach will explain the
call, there will be no further suspensions and the player will remain with their teammates
on the bench.
5. The team will not play shorthanded at any time for the yellow or red card offences.
6. Yellow and red cards will be noted on the game sheet for recording purposes.
7. The EMSA reserves the right to further suspend players due to violent conduct.
8.5.3
Modified Off Side Law
This rule is intended to HELP player development and referees are requested to do the best they
can. ASA would like to emphasize that the program is designed as a progressive step from the U10
Program. We consider it still to be development and learning, therefor requiring some variation
from the full FIFA rules; i.e the offside line at three quarter field encourages players to spread out.
The offside rule is in effect at the attacking 3rd of the field. This line may be marked as a dotted
line, and solid line or single cones or flags on the touch line. Coaches from both teams should bring
cones to mark this line in the event that the attacking 3rd line is not clearly marked on the field. This
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will allow players to develop an understanding of spreading out and creating depth in attack. It is
not an offence in itself to be in an offside position.
A player is in an offside position if:
 He or she is nearer to their opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-last
opponent
A player is not in an offside position if:
 He or she is not in the attacking third of the field of play
 He or she is level with the second-last opponent or
 He or she is level with the last two opponents
A player in an offside position is only penalized if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by
one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by:
 Interfering with play or
 Interfering with an opponent or
 Gaining an advantage by being in that position
There is no offside offense if a player receives the ball directly from:
 A goal kick
 A throw-in
 A corner kick
In the event of an offside offence, the referee awards an indirect free kick to the opposing team to
be taken from the place where the infringement occurred.
If you are just coaching for the win, if you are just coaching for the medals, you are
coaching for the wrong reasons.
Coach Manual Outdoor 2017
Page 34