Starfire Sports :|: indoor microleague

The Starfire Sports Micro League is an exciting introduction to team soccer. Our focus is on fast-paced play that allows young players to develop an understanding of the game in combination with the importance of teamwork. Micro league games are played indoor, on small fields. The field surface and size encourage children to grow controlled ball skills, even at a fast pace. Growing these skills in a non-competitive game environment supports children’s long term soccer success.

Our Micro League is a parent-coached league. Parent volunteers work with teams weekly, guiding them through an initial practice session followed by 6 weeks of game play. Parent-coaches encourage fun and fair play, helping children rotate between offensive and defensive positions. Games are refereed jointly by team coaches.

Cost: $60 per participant, Starfire membership required. T-shirt uniforms are included.

Teams: will be formed of 5-7 players, allowing for 3 field players, 1 goalie and substitutes. At least 1 parent-coach volunteer is needed per team. Starfire Sports randomly assigns players to their teams. We work to meet placement requests. Players will receive team assignments, uniform shirts and rosters the first week of each session. We are looking for parent coaches! Please be available to attend our coaches meeting Wednesday, 10/22/08 at 7pm.

Length of games: 20 minutes, 2-10 minute halves with a 3 minute half-time. Practice time is available 15 minutes prior to game time.

Equipment: uniform t-shirts included, passed out at practice the first week of each session. Shin guards are required. Athletic or turf shoes only, no outdoor soccer cleats allowed.

Important Notes:

No scores are kept; focus is on fair play, skill development, teamwork and fun

Players and coaches only on the field. Parents, friends and fans can watch from the bleachers or cheer from behind the wall.

Games start on-time. Arrive early for warm-ups, team meetings…

Bring water bottles- labeled!

No games April 26

Young players need encouragement and support. Your involvement ensures a positive experience for players and volunteer coaches alike!

Questions? contact Nora Wheat at 206.431.3232 ext #208
or email nora@starfiresport.com

MICRO SOCCER LEAGUE RULES and FORMAT:

Field Dimensions and Equipment: The field measures 15 yards x 25 yards; Goal size: 4 x 6 feet; Ball size: 3

Players: Players on the field include: 3 field players, and 1 goalie.

Playing Time: Players must rotate and play all positions throughout the season. All players must play in the game unless they are hurt.

Substitutions: Substitutions are allowed as running substitution-these can happen at anytime during the game, however the coach must be responsible for making sure the substituted player has left the field in a timely manner.

Player Equipment: Each team will be given a t-shirt to wear for every game, goalies will place a pinny over their t-shirt. Shin guards are mandatory, and must be worn under long socks. NO OUTDOOR SOCCER CLEATS ALLOWED. Athletic or turf shoes are acceptable.

NO Jewelry, outdoor styled-cleated shoes, and metal/plastic hair clips are allowed. Eyeglasses must have shatterproof lenses and be secured behind the head. Players are not allowed to participate with a cast or any other medical equipment, unless cleared by the Starfire league coordinator. Medical bracelets must be taped to the arm in order to participate.

Referees: Coaches or an assigned parent will be used to volunteer as referees.

Length of Game: Two 10-minute halves will be played, with a 3-minute half time.

Start of Play: All games will begin with a single whistle from the Starfire league official; the game clock will run continuous without any interruptions. The Starfire league official, will also end both halves, and whistle for the restart of the second half.

Out of Play: The ball is out of play if the ball crosses entirely out of either of the 2 end lines, or the 1 side-line. The wall is allowed and can be used during play. The ball is out when the whole of the ball has completely crossed the goal line or any touchline, whether on the ground or in the air and when the referee has stopped the game.

Scoring: A goal is scored when the whole of the ball has crossed the goal line, between the goal posts, and under the goal cross bar. No Scores Will Be Kept.

Offsides: There is no offside rule.

Free Kicks: All free kicks will be classified as indirect free kicks. All players on the defending team must remain 10 yards away from the spot of the free kick ball. There are on penalty kicks.

Fouls and Misconduct:

A. Charging from Behind: a player cannot charge, even in a controlled manner, another player from behind.

B. Hands: intentionally playing the ball with the hands, any part of the arm below the start of the shoulder.

C. Hitting: hitting or attempting to hit another player.

D. Holding: holding or grabbing another player’s body or uniform.

E. Obstruction: intentionally blocking the path of another player without being able to readily play or touch the ball.

F. Pushing: pushing or attempting to push another player.

G. Slide Tackling: sliding to play the ball, whether in a group of people or by themselves. Any player guilty of slide tackling will be given an automatic yellow card.

H. Tripping: tripping or attempting to trip another player

Goal Kicks: When the ball has completely crossed the end line, after last being touched by a player from the opposing team, it is put back in play from anywhere within 3 feet of the end-line. The ball must leave the penalty box area before any player is allowed to play it. Goals may not be scored directly from a goal kick, into the opposing teams goal. All restarts from the sideline will begin with a kick-in, there are no throw-in’s.

Corner Kick: When the ball has completely crossed the goal line after being last touched by a player from the defending team, it is put back into play by a kick from the corner nearest to where it went out. The ball can be placed anywhere within a 3-foot radius of the corner.

Goalie Possession: To prevent injury, the referee will stop the play when the goalie has control of the ball and is subjecting him/her to danger. The goalie will be awarded possession if he/she has one hand on the ball. The goalie may punt or throw the ball to place it back in play.

Cards: Cards will be given to players, coaches and spectators who act inappropriately at any time immediately before, during or following a game. The referee or the Starfire League Coordinator may issues cards at his or her decisions, and their decisions are final. Players, parents, coaches and spectators may be asked to leave the indoor complex if their behavior is out of control. No parents (except parent coaches) may be on the field during game time. The field is reserved for the players and coaches only.

Coaches: Each team will be allowed up to 2-3 coaches on the field during game time. One coach will be assigned to field assistance, while (up to 2 others) will assist with team management, and substitutions. Coaches or coaches may assign a parent, will be responsible for sharing the refereeing duties, and assist with setting up and taking down the fields.