| Q. |
Where will the soccer games be played? |
| A. |
All Recreational games will be played at GYSA Soccer Complex on Germann & Greenfield.
Games will be played on Friday nights (U8 and up) and all day on Saturdays. There are no games on Sundays.
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| Q. |
What is the appropriate ball size for my age group? |
| A. |
U4, U5, U6, U7 and U8 play with size 3.
U9, U10, U11 and U12 play with size 4.
U13 and above play with size 5.
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| Q. |
How many games will be played? |
| A. |
We play an eight game schedule. If there are an odd number of teams in a division it might be more. With an odd number of teams, we institute a double-header scenario for the teams U8 and above. More games = more play.
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| Q. |
When will the game schedule be available? |
| A. |
The game schedule is available 1-2 weeks before the season starts. All teams must be formed before the scheduling process can start.
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| Q. |
Who referees the games? |
A.
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A.. |
For U7 and younger; each coach is asked to oversee their game and correct the players per GYSA's guidelines for that respective division.
Positive encouragement and having fun should be first and foremost for U4-U7.
For U8 and up GYSA will provide youth/adult referees.
Is jewelry allowed ?
All items of jewelry( necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed to be able to play per US Youth Soccer and IFAB's Law's of the game.
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| Q. |
What if my child gets injured? |
| A. |
If the injury is serious enough to warrant a visit to a medical clinic, contact GYSA for insurance forms to fill out. Please notify GYSA with a phone call 480-926-0764 or email within 24 hours of injury.
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| Q. |
What if it rains? |
| A. |
In the event there is heavy rainfall over an extended period the Gilbert Parks and Rec. department may decide to close the fields. Notice will be put on our website as well as emails to the coaches.
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| Q. |
Are games re-scheduled if there is a cancellation? |
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| A. |
We typically schedule a make-up day at the end of the season in case we need it. In the event we have 50% of more of our games cancelled due to inclement weather, or any other unforeseen circumstances, we will schedule those games on the make-up day. Games that are cancelled because one or both teams are unavailable to play at the scheduled time will not be given a make-up.
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| Q. |
How do I check field status for games/practices? |
| A. |
For practice cancellations, contact your coach. For game cancellations, please check the GYSA website at www.azgysa.com. Any field closures on game day will be posted on the front page of the website.
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| Q. |
Why are we playing 4v4 U5 & U6 instead of 5v5, and 5v5 for U7 instead of 8v8? |
| A. |
The goal of GYSA is to provide an optimal learning environment and develop a love of the game. Learning and enjoyment are at a maximum when a player is involved in as many real soccer situations (ball, teammates, opponents, goals, space and direction) as possible. The smaller the number of players, the more touches of the ball and experience the player gets. It is also important to note that small-sided games provide players with problems that are reasonable to solve and allows them more success to help build confidence. The minimal format retaining all essential elements of soccer is 4v4.
Global studies have shown that 4v4 delivers optimal results in player development. Pioneered by KNVB (Dutch Youth Soccer Assoc.), 4v4 is now used extensively in both amateur and professional youth programs throughout the world.
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| Q. |
Why at divisions U5-U7 are goal keepers not used? |
| A. |
Using goalkeepers is not recommended for these age groups. One reason for this is that modern day goalkeepers must be able to control the ball with their feet and pass as well as field players. U5 - U7 are critical ages in developing those skills which is best done when children play as a field player. Children enjoy participating in the game. Having a player back in goal, stuck in a penalty box, often prevents them from participating and having fun.
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| Q. |
What is a suggested Parental Code of Conduct? |
| A. |
The parent or guardian will:
- Be encouraging, supportive, & affirmative in regard to all children?s play on the field, regardless of team
- Respect officials & accept their decisions
- Support the coach, the team, & GYSA
- Volunteer my services & talents to the team when possible
- Familiarize myself with the Laws of the Game
- Comply with rules, policies, & procedures of the team & GYSA as they apply to me
- Discuss my child
- only with the coach
- only at a time mutually agreed upon with the coach
- never prior to, during, or directly after a game
Further, the parent or guardian will never :
- Engage in dissent directed toward an official
- Engage in any kind or type of un-sportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent
- Interfere at any time with the duties and responsibilities of the coach
- Act in any manner which is detrimental to the team or GYSA.
Disclaimers:
These are just guidelines and our philosophy is to try to do what we think is in the best interests of each player balanced against trying to do what is best for the most players at the same time. |
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