Livingston Soccer Club

September, 2009

Greetings!

The Livingston Soccer Club Board of Trustees has worked hard to create a structure that maximizes the recreational aspect of soccer, facilitates the coaches’ ability to provide instruction and emphasizes the development of age appropriate soccer skills.

Playing Time/Positions

We will continue using a rotation system for all First and Second Graders. This system equalizes playing time among all of the children. It also assures that each child has a chance to learn ALL of the positions on the field by guaranteeing playing time in "offensive" as well as "defensive" positions. In addition, we will not keep "standings" for First or Second Graders.

The "rules" for older children are as follows:

PLAYING TIME (3rd - 12th Grade):
· Every child must play at least one-half of each game (but it need not be continuous play).
· No child may play more than one-quarter longer than any other child. (If one child plays the entire game, then no child may play less than three-quarters of the game.
· Conversely, if one child plays one-half of a game, then no one else may play more than three-quarters of that game.)

POSITIONS (3rd - 6th Grade ONLY):
· All players must play at least one-quarter of each game in a position other than Defender (Fullback, Stopper, Sweeper) or Goalkeeper.

CARPINI CUP (3rd - 12th Grade Only):
· Based on the positive results we got from our survey last year, we will continue with the guaranteed two game minimum, travel tournament style format (equal strength teams play each other, fun scoring system, minimize likelihood of penalty shootouts).
· Team numbers/roster sizes were optimized to have maximum playing time for all age levels.
· As in previous years, the coaches and substitute players will remain within a ten (10) yard area from the center of the field, and on the same side of the field, for the entire game.
· In addition, there will also be a "set-back" line at each field, which we expect all parents and other spectators to stand behind, for the safety and enjoyment of the children and officials.

The Board of Trustees is very serious about providing our children with the opportunity for equality of playing time and positioning. We have an Enforcement Committee to provide a forum for reports of any failure to adhere to these rules. Coaches who violate the rules will not be permitted to coach a team next year. Furthermore, any abusive or threatening behavior or remarks by players, parents, or coaches will subject the individual to possible termination of membership in the Livingston Soccer Club. Any parent, or coach, who feels that a player is being treated unfairly, and has not been able to resolve the matter with the child’s coach, is urged to contact a member of the Enforcement Committee. The committee is comprised of the following individuals:

• Steve Ferman, Head of Enforcement, stevef@compunite.com

• Steve Delman, coachlobos@aol.com

• Jim Kedrie, referee@lsclub.com

The Board of Trustees and the coaches spend quite a bit of effort getting the scores/player names from each week’s games in the paper/website (depending on age level). If your score is missing, please speak with your coach and/or grade coordinator (listed on the website). Please help us make this a positive experience for ALL of the young soccer players. Keep all of your cheering positive, supportive and encouraging. Remember, the goal is FUN!

Sincerely,

Andy Feigenberg

Livingston Soccer Club