ALAMEDA-CONTRA COSTA YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE COACH'S NEWSLETTER

With the growth and outreach of our league over the last few years, we are finding it even more necessary to "spread the word" of hopes, expectations, rules and decisions our league and members must abide by. We hope this will update and inform you, plus improve the communications between our league board and you, the essential volunteer that makes Alameda-Contra Costa Youth Soccer League work! Please pass this information on to parents, players and anyone interested in the betterment of youth soccer. Thanks.

There have been some serious problems of games getting late starts and cutting into the starting times of the next game. With the shortage of referees, and many of them doing several games a day at different locations, we cannot afford to have games running behind. Remember, daylight savings time is coming soon and we must have time to finish all games and store equipment.

The league made an official decision that: All Class 4 rec games must start and end at the designated time. For any game starting late, playing time must be reduced evenly between the two halves in order to finish "on time". For instance; a game scheduled for 9:00am starts 10 minutes late and will run over 10 minutes into the 10:15 scheduled game. This late 9:00 am MUST be shortened by 5 minutes each half, in order for the 10:15 game to start on time and have full playing time available. 15 minute late start=loss of 8 minutes each half, etc. Notice of this decision will be mentioned on the ACCYSL website, emailed via league mailing lists, mailed out to coaches and referees leaguewide and signs posted at all ACCYSL game locations.

Shortage of referees, we hate to say, is still a problem of ACCYSL and measures to address this problem are being considered by the league. With the non-appearance of referees at games, some games have started late, been considered unofficial, started after teams initially agreed on an "appointed member" to referee the game but then terminated after one or both teams decided they did not like the decisions made by the "appointed member" attempting to referee the game.

The league's official decision is: All games must play - All games are to be played whether an official is present or not, weather permitting. Competitive teams (Class 1 and Class 3) have their official procedures and Class 4 rec will handle games as noted below:
• All games shall be played on time with officially assigned referee, weather permitting. Should no assigned official be present, the home team shall seek and provide a licensed official to handle game.
• If home team is unable to find and provide a licensed official, the visiting team will seek and provide a licensed official to handle game.
• If neither team is able to find and provide a licensed official, both coaches shall come to an agreement on one present member to officiate entire game.
• If neither coach is able to find and provide a licensed official and cannot come to an agreement on one present member to officiate entire game, the coaches must come to an agreement on two members, one from each team to do one half each, the home team to start.
• The entire game must be played, with the exception that the game has started late, thus the "LATE START RULE" comes into effect. ALL GAMES MUST PLAY rule-Official Decision Oct. League Board 10/19/00

If for any reason, teams are to cancel game, you must notify the referee coordinator and opposing team.

COACHES CLINICS: Robert Sackey's will be running a coaching clinic in the fall 2002 season. Details will be coming soon.

SLAUGHTER RULE: We have many new coaches in our league and many are not aware of the Slaughter Rule which was put in effect approximately 2-3 years ago for Class 4 play. The Slaughter Rule has been implemented within our league to avoid unpleasant situations due to an imbalance of skill levels. The Slaughter Rule basically states: When one team has a 4-0 score or +4 goal difference, the winning team will inconspicuously withdraw one player from the field, in an attempt to balance the level of play. Removal of players may continue until minimum allowed exist. Perferably, the coach will work to equalize the level of play by all other means. Our league recommends all and any attempts to equalize the level of play without removal of players, like such possibilities as:
• Playing forwards as defense and defense as forwards, giving new opportunities of play to teammates otherwise not familiar with position.
• Suggesting no shots taken on goal from within the penalty box.
• Suggesting no shots taken except with left foot, or with non-preferred foot.
• Substituting players that score as next goalkeeper change.
• Ask other coaches for a variety of suggested ways to make this a skill learning situation for both teams. If the losing team is able to score and come up from the +4 differential, the other team may resub- mit one player at a time, per score. Referees are not responsible to enforce this rule, but may recommend it to coaches. All ACCYSL coaches are requested to follow this rule of "Good Sportsmanship".

SPECTATOR'S SIDELINE: The league is recommending that all clubs paint a "Sideline" line for team spectators and coaches. This is an additional line, painted one yard back from the touchline. Please advise all members that this line is to be respected as where all viewing participants must stand behind; players, parents, coaches, fans alike.

ALCOHOL PRESENT ON FIELD: This has been said time and again, but still seems to be a reported problem at some fields. Please be reminded that referees are REQUIRED to TERMINATE games that has alcohol present within park. Coaches are reminded that disciplinary action may be taken against team for non-enforcement. Please speak with all team members and participants that alcohol WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AT YOUTH SOCCER GAMES. THIS IS A CYSA RULE.

TRI-CLASSIC DEADLINE: Any Class 3 U-12, U-14 teams interested in participating in the Tri Classic Tournament must pick up forms from Lori Wagner, ACCYSL President now, at 841 Peralta, Berk.

WINTER COMP TEAMS AND PAPERTEAMS with intent of playing must notify the league by Oct. 27, 2002.

ACCYSL SEASON'S END TOURNAMENT is scheduled for the last weekend before Thanksgiving. Nov. 15 and 16. If any Class 4 teams ( U9 and older) feel that they do NOT want to participate in this tournament, they must notify Lynn Bradshaw by Nov. 1, or will be scheduled and obligated to play. Lynn Bradshaw 525-1598, lynn@lmi.net

ACCYSL supports the Positive Coaching Alliance, a national organization for the improvement of youth sports coaching. There will be clinics during the year. There may be a charge at the door, but turn in your receipt and the league will reimburse you. THIS IS A NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OFFERING ASSISTANCE TO COACHES TO COACH IN A MORE POSITIVE WAY AND HELPING PARENTS TO BE POSITIVE SPECTATORS.

THE DISTRICT 4 BOARD has advised us that they are going to be enforcing the District rule of 2 red cards for one team within 4 games = one week coach's suspension. This ruling has already taken place within our league and several coaches have already served. Please keep this in mind and let your player's know that their behavior effects EVERYONE. No team will be allowed to play without a credentialed adult serving in the coach's behalf. Coaches: Make sure to register an assistant, manager or team parent for back-up.

PARA UNA COPIA DE ESA BOLETIN EN ESPANOL, FAVOR DE LLAMAR A JANET CEJA-OROZCO, 559-2230 (deja nombre y domicilio) Y LE MANDARE UNA. DISCULPA, PERO NO ESTABA LISTA A LA HORA DE MANDAR ESAS CARTAS. GRACIA. JCO