The PA West Soccer Youth Board’s agenda at their May meeting included nine Youth Division rule changes. They also consider two changes to the Open Tournament rules that were recommended by the Open Tournament committee.
The Youth Board approved both proposed changes to the Open Tournament Rules.
One proposal expanded all rosters by 4 players now allowing teams U13 and older to roster up to 22 players, U11-12 teams up to 20 players and U10 teams up to 16 players.
The second proposal clarified the tournament’s pet policy and aligned it with the university’s policy. Pets remain prohibited but service dogs are permitted. Service dogs must be registered with the university one week prior to the tournament weekend.
The Youth Board approved six of the proposed rule changes while two were withdrawn by the proposers.
The withdrawn proposals that were withdrawn will be further evaluated and adjusted so they can be incorporated into the Youth Division Policies and Procedures.
The Youth Board approved housekeeping changes to Sections 2.1 and 2.3 of the Classic Division Rules. The change to 2.1 changes the terminology from flight to bracket to eliminate confusion about team placement in the U12 age group while the adjustment to 2.3 to better define promotion/relegation for all teams in the Classic Division.
Approval of a change to 4.5.2 of the Classic Division Rules eliminates the use of handwritten additions on Game Day Rosters.
Approved change to Classic Division Rules Section 1 Age Groups and Structure was an addition of subsection 4. The addition requires all new teams entering classic play to begin in Division 3.
The definition of Pick-Up Game was removed from the Rules Definitions. The term is irrelevant to play in PA West Soccer.
Section 6 of the Classic Division Rules which establishes the tryout dates for all teams competing in Division 1-3 was removed from the rules. The section will be moved to the Youth Division Policies and Procedures to facilitate fluidity related to ODP training and conflicts with tryouts.
The Board approved increasing the game day roster sizes for the U10 and U12 age groups as set forth in Section 3.2. Beginning this fall teams in those age groups will be permitted to dress one (1) additional player.
The Open Tournament rules are effective for the 2023 edition that takes place in June at Edinboro University.
The changes to the Youth Division Rules are effective for the upcoming fall playing session.