News & Info
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Mark The Date-AGM Set
PA West Soccer's Annual General Meeting will convene on Sunday, July 11th at 2:00 PM at Slippery Rock University. The meeting will be held in the auditorium of the Advanced Technology and Science Hall.
US Youth Soccer Offers Scholarships
US Youth Soccer announced applications are now available for the second annual William J. "Billy" Goaziou Scholarships for post-secondary education. The $1,000.00 scholarships are awarded to one male and one female planning to attend a post-secondary education institute for the first time in the fall of 2010. For more info or to download an application the US Youth Soccer web site. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2010.
South District Elects New Director
The South District has a new District Director. Walt Kivala of South Park was elected by the district's club Presidents on Monday, January 25 at the District Presidents Meeting. Kivala replaces Bill Young who announced his retirement after several years at the post.
Kivala will serve on the Youth Board in addition to overseeing the various aspects of South District organization and operation. Kivala's election was effective immediately.
Volunteer of the Year Nominations Being Accepted
PA West Soccer Volunteer of the Year Award is offered to recognize those who truly make a difference in our game. The award allows anyone to nominate the person who makes sure all the little things are completed so the kids can play. They don't worry about how much time they spend; they worry that if they don't get it done the kids won't get to play.
If you know someone who is deserving of the honor. Please complete the nomination form and mail it to PA West Soccer, 111 Whitehead Lane, Suite 200, Monroeville, PA 15146. The deadline to nominate someone is March 31, 2010.
The Nomination Form is available on the Forms Page.
Youth Board Notes
January 11, 2010
-The Board accepted the resignation of Chuck Roth as the Division 3B Girls Commissioner.
-The Board approved appointing Brigid Polliard as the Division 3B Girls Commissioner in addition to her duties as the 3B Boys Commissioner.
-The Board approved the 2010 State Cup Rules.
Post-practice Hunger Means Snack Time With Bagel Bites
Bagel Bites is the official Snack of US Youth Soccer. Get your $1.00 off coupon on any nine, 18 or 40 count box by visiting the Bagel Bites web site.
Sunbelt® Free Kicks Helps Clubs Raise Money
Participation in the Sunbelt® Free Kicks program is simple and completely online. To start earning cash for your club:
--Buy specially marked packages of Sunbelt® Chewy Granola bars and Fruit and Grain bars; look for the Free Kicks logo.
--Register online at www.sunbeltfreekicks.com and select a US Youth Soccer club.
--Enter your code (located next to the Free Kicks logo) and watch the donation tally for your US Youth Soccer club go up! Ten cents will be donated for each code entered and your club will get a check twice a year.
--Each Free Kicks code entered gives your club a shot at a monthly giveaway of $1,000.00 and a bi-annual giveaway of $2,500.00!
--Take a Free Kick for your chance to win a $25 gift card to soccer.com!
It's that simple...there's nothing for your club to do. Enjoy the great taste of Sunbelt Granola and Fruit and Grain bars and help your favorite US Youth Soccer club earn some money.
Registration Fees For 2009-10 Season
Player Fees
In-house/Recreational - 11.50 per player
Div 3B-6 - 12.50 per player
Team Fees
Div 3B-6 - 25.00 per team
Classic U11 - 275.00
Div 1-Div 3A U12-U19 - 350.00 (per team if sponsoring 5 or more teams)
Div 1-Div 3A U12-U19 - 425.00 (per team if sponsoring 2-4 teams)
Div 1-Div 3A U12-U19 - 525.00 (if sponsoring only 1 team)
All player and team fee payments are due at time of registration with district or division registrar. Fees are only payable by club check. Checks must be payable PA West Soccer.
National Club Directory Now Available On US Youth Soccer web site
The new, free national club directory provides 24-hour access to clubs in your area and is a great tool to connect with those looking for soccer clubs, leagues and associations
US Youth Soccer is launching the new service on USYouthSoccer.org in an effort to assist those seeking US Youth Soccer programs in their area or maybe an area that they’ll be moving to in the future.
Leaders don’t delay, be the first to register with USYouthSoccer.org and upload your club information today.
How do I add my organization to the directory?
Looking for Tournaments? Check out the US Youth Soccer Tournament Database
Another US Youth Soccer member benefit is the US Youth Soccer National Tournament Database on USYouthSoccer.org. This database is useful for to find all approved soccer tournaments across the country. To add your tournament, please contact your state association to send notification of your event.
Heat Safety Tips For Soccer
G.O.A.L.
Get Acclimated…active kids need time to gradually adapt to hotter temperatures
On a schedule, drink up…thirst isn’t an accurate indicator of fluid needs. Young athletes should be encouraged to drink on a schedule or at regular intervals before they become thirsty.
Always bring a Gatorade…especially during games and practices in the heat, replacing electrolytes and providing energy is crucial to keeping kids safe. Learn the warning signs of dehydration and heat illness…if someone becomes fatigued, dizzy, nauseous or has a headache during exercise in the heat, have them stop, rest and drink fluids. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
BEFORE ACTIVITY
Young players should be well hydrated…light colored urine well hydrated; dark urine indicates dehydration.
DURING ACTIVITY
Drink early…even slight dehydration can compromise performance and increase the risk for heat-related illness.
Young players should consume 5 to 9 ounces (5 oz. for a player less than 90 lbs, 9 oz. for a player over 90 lbs.) of fluid every 20 minutes while active.
Sports drinks like Gatorade are preferred to water because research shows a young athlete will drink 90% more and stay better hydrated.
AFTER ACTIVITY
Regardless of thirst, drink every 20 minutes for one hour after activity. Fluids to Avoid During Practice or Games
Fruit juices, carbonated beverages, caffeinated beverages, energy drinks.
Drinks high in sugar content can slow fluid absorption and cause upset stomach. Carbonation can reduce voluntary drinking due to stomach fullness. Caffeinated beverages have a mild diuretic effect and could promote dehydration. Drinks high in carbohydrates such as energy drinks slow fluid absorption. Warning Signs of Dehydration
Thirst Nausea Dry lips and tongue
Headache Irritability Muscle Cramping
Lack of energy Red, flushed face Dizziness
Dark, yellow urine Be Prepared During Hot Weather
Children should wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Take breaks in the shade whenever possible. Always have a phone available and be familiar with emergency numbers. Keep ice and ice towels on hand in case of heat-related emergencies.
Lightning Safety Guidelines
Lightning is the number one weather hazard for athletic events. The following guidelines should be used to prevent tragedy from striking your soccer club.
- Monitor weather conditions prior to your match. Know what the weather forecast predicts for your area.
- Suspension and resumption of games should be planned for in advance when weather could include lightning. The coaches and referees should discuss the possibility of lightning prior to kick-off and know what to do should lightning force the suspension or cancellation of the match.
- Players and spectators should be advised to use SAFE evacuation sites in the event of lightning.
- Enclosed buildings with substantial construction
- Fully enclosed metal vehicles with windows up.
- Low ground.
- Use the lightning safety motto: “If you see it, flee it; if you hear it; clear it.”
- If caught by close-in lightning without immediately available SAFE evacuation site…(if you can feel your hair standing on end and/or hear crackling noises)…immediately remove all metal objects, place your feet together, duck your head, and crouch down low.
- Once a game has been suspended for weather…wait 30 minutes following the last visible lightning striker or thunderclap before returning to the field.
- UNSAFE SHELTER AREAS: Under bleachers, picnic pavilions, grove of trees, small structures in open areas. Avoid water, Avoid metal objects, Avoid open fields.
- People have been struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to handle. Apply first aid immediately if you are qualified to do so. Get emergency help promptly.
Please note: these are general guidelines and it is recommended you consult your club’s procedures for lightning for specific guidelines when dealing with weather related hazards.
Secured Goals And Safe Field Surface Provide Safe Practice And Games
Players rely on their coaches for just about everything, and that includes safety practice and game fields. It’s the coaches responsibility to make sure goals are properly anchored and the playing surface is safe, no potholes or sharp objects. Here are some guidelines for both areas of responsibility.
Goal Post Safety:
- Portable goals should always be properly secured and anchored; use only on level playing fields. Remember spring winds can blow over an unsecured goal in an instant.
- Inspect goals for sharp corners and general integrity (strength).
- Instruct all players and parents of the potential dangers associated with movable goals.
- Forbid any horseplay by players or members of the general public on or around any goal (permit or portable).
- Remove nets when goals are not in use.
- Portable goals should only be moved by authorized personnel.
- Portable goals should be secured in a safe place when not in use.
Field Safety:
- Inspect for foreign objects before every practice and game.
- Check for potholes, ruts and bumps.
- Make sure sprinkler heads are properly seated.
- Observe a three-foot restraining line from the touchline. Remind spectators of this as well.
- Notify your club and field owners of unsafe field conditions in writing.
- Do not allow participation by your players until noted hazards have been corrected.
PLEASE NOTE: These guidelines offer a sketch of proper safety practices; please consult your club’s specific guidelines to insure safe and fun practice and game fields.
How to Pick a Classic Team!
The Classic Division is the highest level of inter-district team play offered by PA West Soccer. Playing in the Classic Division involves a greater time commitment and, often time, a greater financial commitment to the sport. One of the questions asked most often is “how do I pick a Classic team for my son or daughter?”
Here are suggested questions that enquiring parents should ask prospective clubs. It is also important to remember the 3 stages of player development as noted by Bruce Arena, former US Soccer Men’s National Team Coach. Essentially Bruce states that from 6 to 10 years of age children are in the “turn on” phase, from 10 to 14 years of age in the “technical development” phase and from 14 to 18 years of age in the “competitive learning” phase. Hence, as parents of an U11 child in the “golden age of motor learning,” finding an environment that prioritizes player development and focuses on teaching excellent soccer technique is paramount. Furthermore, during the U12 to U14 ages the team coach is often the most important element in this environment.
Recommended Questions:
Q: Does the team/club have a written philosophy?
A: Ideally clubs should have a mission statement that discusses issues such as player development. If they do not, ask the Director of Coaching or Coach to put down his ideas on player development in writing (i.e., a letter).
Q: Does the club/team offer skill development sessions in addition to normal team practices?
A: Unfortunately the environment for many of our U10 and U11 players is not ideal in terms of technical development. Hence, players from PA West Soccer, when compared to their counterparts from states like Ohio, Maryland and Eastern Pennsylvania, are a couple of years behind. Consequently, our players have to play “catch up” and need extra technical coaching.
Q: What is the club/team’s position on roster stability?
A: The club’s goal should be to develop excellent players over the long-term, rather than to recruit for success.
Q: What is the U12 team coach’s philosophy?
A: Bill Beswick (a sports psychologist who works with pro teams in the English EPL) views the coach as the most influential person during the development phase. So, what is the coach’s position on teaching technique, developing committed players, making soccer fun, fueling soccer “ambitions” and keeping players “hooked?” Is the coach interested in short-term success (winning now) or is there a commitment to developing players over the long-term who are able to excel? Everything the U12 coach does should be shaped by a commitment to player development. Players should be able to play multiple positions, should receive intensive technical training, should be indulged to experiment on their individual skills, should not get too much tactical training, should play in tournaments “out of state,” etc.
Q: What are the coach’s credentials?
A: The greatest priority for a U12 coach is playing experience. This is because it is much easier to teach technique through demonstrations. Ideally coaches should have collegiate or professional playing experience. However, we cannot forget that coaches are teachers. Hence, coaches should be licensed. The “A” license is the highest available award from the USSF. However, the “B,” “C” and “National D” also indicate that coaches have shown an ability to coach at a higher level (n. b., USSF licenses at the higher end have a playing requirement…NSCAA Diplomas do not). Coaching experience is another factor to bear in mind.
Q: Is the coach supportive of team players participating in PA West Soccer player development programs?
A: Does the coach support US Youth Soccer’s Olympic Development Program? Can you miss try-outs to attend PA West Soccer player development programs?
Q: How does the team/club handle player-coach issues?
A: Clubs usually do not give refunds because of their financial commitments. But what is their approach if the coach fails to prioritize player development? Will the club intervene? |
