Crowley Independent Soccer Association

Uniforms FAQ

What size ball should my child be using?

Soccer balls used in youth leagues come in sizes 3, 4, and 5.

3-7 Years Old (U4-U8): Size 3
8-12 Years Old (U9-U12): Size 4
13 on up (U13-U18): Size 5

A Size 5 ball is the same used by adults. There are also Size 1 balls, which are often called 'skills balls' that players can use to practice foot skills.

What uniform items do I need to buy?

CISA provides a Jersey, Shorts, and Socks for recreational youth players to use during their games. Additional items that parents must purchase are shin guards, soccer cleats, and an appropriate size ball. Also, extra soccer socks, shorts, and practice shirts to be used during practices will be necessary. Players should be wearing athletic apparel to practices and not blue jeans, polo shirts, jewelry, etc.

CISA sells practice t-shirts at the concession stand and at registration. Parents are also encouraged to purchase these for themselves to wear to games and show support for your team and Crowley Soccer.

Soccer balls used in youth leagues come in sizes 3, 4, and 5.

3-7 Years Old (U4-U8): Size 3
8-12 Years Old (U9-U12): Size 4
13 on up (U13-U18): Size 5

A Size 5 ball is the same used by adults. There are also Size 1 balls, which are often called 'skills balls' that players can use to practice foot skills.

Shin guards have sizing charts on the package. Please pay special attention to this and get a pair of shin guards that fit the player. Too small or too big can hamper the protection the shin guard is supposed to offer.

Soccer cleats are very specific. The most noticeable difference is that soccer cleats do not have a toe cleat at the front of the shoe. A player cannot play if they have the wrong cleats on. Regular athletic shoes are allowed, but may cause the player to slip and cause injury during a game.

Why can't my daughter wear her earrings?

Jewelry of any kind, including earrings (even if covered with a band-aid or tape), are not permitted while playing soccer. Jewelry can cause injury to the player and/or other players during the match. Referees will not tell you that you have to take the earrings out, they will just tell you that the player cannot play with them in. The parent is responsible for deciding what they would like to do at that point.

My child has a cast on his/her arm and the doctor says they can play soccer. Is this permitted?

A child with any type of cast may only practice or participate in games if it is covered with foam padding. Bubble wrap is not acceptable. The player may be eligible for a refund for the season – check our website for more information. How the cast is covered and whether or not it is accpetable for play is still up to the referee of the match. It is best to check with the referee before the match to allow for any modifications that must be made.

Coaching FAQ

NTX New Game Rules 2016-2017

The following rule 3.14 was passed at the 2016 Semi-AGM, with some housekeeping modifications made in June 2016. These are already incorporated in the NTSSA Bylaws and Rules. Listed below in red are some additional housekeeping changes made by USSF in August 2016, that may be used but are not yet incorporated in the NTSSA Bylaws and Rules:

(Please note rule 3.14 and Tournament Rules changes are recommended 2016/2017; mandated 2017/2018)

3.14 NTSSA RULES OF COMPETITION

FIFA Laws of the Game as Modified (recommended 2016/2017; mandated 2017/2018)
The Rules of Play for Adult and Youth competition of NTSSA and its affiliated members shall be the FIFA Laws of the Game modified as follows in each Law of the Game below:
3.14.1 Law I - Field of Play

Realizing that we must generally accept and play upon fields furnished by the various municipal parks departments, the following are recommended field and goal sizes:

Age Groups Field Width Field Length Goal Size
Adult
All Ages Max. 80 yds. Max. 120 yds. 8ft. x24 ft.

Youth
Under 19 Max. 80 yds. Max. 112 yds. 8 ft. x 24 ft.
Under 16 Max. 75 yds. Max. 112 yds. 8 ft. x 24 ft.
Under 14 Max. 75 yds. Max. 112 yds. 8 ft. x 24 ft.
Under 12 44 - 55 yds. 70 – 80 yds. Max 76.5 ft. x 2118.5 ft Recommend 6.5 ft. x 18.5 ft..
Under 10 35 – 45 yds. 55 – 65 yds. Max. 6.5 ft. x 18.5 ft.
Recommend 6.5 ft. x 12 ft.
Under 8 and younger 15 – 25 yds. 25 – 35 yds. 4 ft. x 6 ft.

3.14.2 Law II - The Ball

Ball sizes for various age groups will be as follows:
Age Groups Ball Size

Under 13 and older Size #5
Under 12 and Under 10 Size #4
Under 8 and younger Size #3

3.14.3 Law III - Number of Players and Substitution

1. Under 13 and older shall play 11v11.
2. Under 12 shall play 9v9
3. Under 10 shall play 7v7
4. Under 8 and younger shall play 4v4 with no goal keeper.
5. Substitution Rule – Youth under 8 and older
a. At a throw-in, by team in possession only;
b. Either team, at a goal-kick;
c. Either team, after a goal is scored;
d. Either team at an injury, when the referee stops the play:
e. At halftime or quarter /period for Under 8 and younger;
f. When a caution (yellow card) is given in Under 9 and older, that player may be substituted for.
*** NTSSA allows for the use of the "Quarter Substitution System" for those Youth Member Associations who want to use it in the Under 87 and younger age groups only.
The referee will hold up the game for substitutions at a normal stoppage of the game (throw in, goal kick, etc.) at a time nearest to one-half the way through each regular half time period.
6. Each recreational player, when present at a game, shall be required to play a minimum of 50% of the time, unless the player's time has been reduced for medical or disciplinary reasons, in which case the coach must notify the player, and the opposing coach prior to the beginning of the game that the minimum time has been reduced (non-attendance at practice and non-payment of fees may be cause for disciplinary action).
7. Substitution Rule - Adults: FIFA rules for substitution will apply.
8. Teams shall be allowed the following maximum number of players on its roster at any given time during the seasonal year.
 Adult – maximum 25 players
 Under 16 and Under 19 – maximum 22 players
 Under 14 – maximum 18 players
 Under 12 – maximum 16 players
 Under 10 – maximum 12 players
 Under 8 and younger– recommend 6, maximum 8 players

3.14.4 Law IV - Player's Equipment

Each player shall have a number on the back of his jersey not less than four (4) inches high. Shin guards, meeting the standards set forth in the FIFA Laws of the Game or subsequent memoranda, shall be mandatory.

3.14.5 Law V - Referee *** Conforms with FIFA - Except for Under 8 and younger the following applies:

1. Registered Referees
2. Parent/Coach or Assistant Coach
3. Referee's decisions on points of fact connected with the game shall be final.
4. All rule infractions shall be briefly explained to the offending player.
5. Only registered Referees have the power to caution or send off players.

3.14.6 Law VI - Assistant Referee

Properly trained and registered referees may be used by Member Associations for Under 9 and older There are no Assistant Referees in Under 8 and younger.
3.14.7 Law VII - Duration of Game

Age Groups Length of Periods Length of Overtime Adult
Adult Two 45 min. Two 15 min.
Youth
Under 19 Two 45 min. Two 15 min.
Under 16 Two 40 min. Two 15 min.
Under 14 Two 35 min. Two 10 min.
Under 12 Two 30 min. Two 10 min.
Under 10 Two 25 min. Two 10 min.
Under 8and younger Max. Four 10 min.Three 15 min.None
Recommend Four 8 min.

Under 7 and younger Four 8 min. None

3.14.8 Law VIII - Start of Play *** Conforms with FIFA except for Under 8 and younger opponents must be at least ten (10) feetthree (3) yards from the ball.

3.14.9 Law IX - Ball in and out of Play *** Conforms with FIFA

3.14.10 Law X - Method of Scoring *** Conforms with FIFA except for Adult Coed play, two (2) points may be awarded for a goal by a female player if local playing rules so provide.

3.14.11 Law XI - Off-Side *** Conforms with FIFA except that for Under 8 and younger there is no offside, and for Under 10 there is no offside between the halfway line and the build out lines.

3.14.12 Law XII - Fouls and Misconduct

1. Charging the goalkeeper in possession of the ball is NOT ALLOWED in any youth play in NTSSA. Possession is defined as: "One or two hands on the ball, holding it, bouncing it, tossing it up and then catching it, or patting it along the ground." Charging the goalkeeper in adult competitions (per FIFA laws) is left strictly up to the Adult Leagues involved.
2. It is not intentional "hand-ball" offense for any player to attempt to protect the vital areas of his or her body (chest, crotch, face) by placing hands or arms across them to protect them from

being struck at close range by the ball. The match referee shall be the sole judge of whether the hands or arms were used to deliberately propel the ball.
3. Coaches and assistant coaches are subject to the same game disciplinary procedures by the referee as are the players, i.e., cautions and/or ejections.
4. Under 10 and Under 9 – no punting is allowed. All attacking players must move behind the build out line which should be equidistant between the penalty area line and the halfway line.

3.14.13 Law XIII - Free Kick *** Conforms with FIFA except thatfor all free kicks are indirect kicks in Under 8 and younger and opponents must be at least ten (10) feetthree (3) yards from the ball.

3.14.14 Law XIV - Penalty Kick *** Conforms with FIFA except that there arefor no penalty kicks in Under 8 and younger.

3.14.15 Law XV - Throw-In *** Conforms with FIFA except for Under 8 and youngerUnder 7 are allowed a re-throw. Under 8 and younger6 and younger may use kick-in.

3.14.16 Law XVI - Goal Kick *** Conforms with FIFA except for Under 8 and younger opponents must be at least ten (10) feetthree (3) yards from the ball.

3.14.17 Law XVII - Corner Kick *** Conforms with FIFA except for Under 8 and younger opponents must be at least ten (10) feetthree (3) yards from the ball.

NTSSA YOUTH TOURNAMENT RULES
Recommended 2016/2017; mandated 2017/2018
(Rules used for all tournaments unless exceptions approved by NTSSA Cups and Games Committee)

1. Each team must have unique numbered jerseys. Alternate jerseys or numbered T-shirts must be available with a unique number for each player. Pennies may be used over the jersey resolve color conflicts. Goalkeepers are not required to have a number on their jersey but should be identified by number on the roster. Violators will be removed from the field and not allowed back on the field of play until player equipment is corrected. Home Team is team listed first on schedule. Home Team will change jerseys if there is a color conflict.
2. Home Team will occupy either the North or West side of playing field, except at complexes which are setup for teams/players to be on the opposite side of the field from spectators.
3. A game may be declared a forfeit by the Tournament Director/Committee if a team is not ready to play at the published time within ten (10) minutes of the game. At half-time the teams must be ready to resume play within five (5) minutes of the referee's designation.
4. The only protests allowed are for ineligible player and misapplications of the laws of the game that the referee admits. All protests must have a material impact on the outcome of the game and be reported in writing, with a One Hundred Dollar ($100) cashier's check, money order or cash.
5. Teams will play Mini-Games in preliminary & quarter-final games. Semi-final and Final games will be full length. Half-time will be five (5) minutes. (Under 6 – Under 8 do not play advancement games)

Division
Mini-Game Length
Full Game Length Ball Size
Overtime
U-87
and younger

n/a

(4) 8 Minute Quarters

n/a
U-8 n/a (3) 15 Minute Periods 3 n/a
U-10 20 Minute Halves 25 Minute Halves 4 (2) 10 Minute
U-12 25 Minute Halves 30 Minute Halves 4 (2) 10 Minute
U-14 30 Minute Halves 35 Minute Halves 5 (2) 10 Minute
U-16 30 Minute Halves 40 Minute Halves 5 (2) 15 Minute
U-17 35 Minute Halves 45 Minute Halves 5 (2) 15 Minute
U-19 35 Minute Halves 45 Minute Halves 5 (2) 15 Minute

What type of equipment do I need to coach?

At the bare minimum, you need some disc cones (20 or 30 is ideal) and some pinnies. Players can bring their own soccer ball. However, most coaches will accumulate additional equipment over time that can come in very handy. Optional equipment includes:

A coach's first aid kit
Pop up goals or even portable full size goals like GOLME
A dry erase clipboard with a soccer field stenciled on it. Handy for keeping papers together and drawing out things you may try to explain
A stopwatch - handy for keeping track of time during matches
A small ball pump
A colorful keeper jersey and gloves
Extra balls are always nice. It helps keep the practice moving if you don't have to chase balls all the time

For older players - training aids like an agility ladder, hurdles, ball hoops, poles, etc.

You'll notice one item that's not on the list - a whistle. Most experienced coaches won't use a whistle and instead teach the players to listen to what they say.

How much time does it take to coach a soccer team?

This will depend on the type of team and age level of the team you are coaching. Recreational teams will often practice 1-2 times a week and play once a week. So you can expect a commitment of about 3-5 hours total including setup, picking up, etc. Add in an additional hour or so for preparation (practice plans, paperwork, etc).

Regardless of the age of your team or level, you should recruit a team manager to handle all the league paperwork, snack and make-up schedules, etc. It can be a huge help.

A good recreational team schedule to follow is:

U4 - once or twice a week for 30-45 minutes each session
U6-U8 - once or twice a week for 45-60 minutes each session
U9-U12 - twice a week for 60-90 minutes each session
U13 and up- twice a week for 90 minutes each session

What are the field rules for CISA?

Equipment
The home team is responsible for supplying an adequate game ball for use during the game. If the home team does not have an adequate game ball, a ball from the visiting team can be used.

Jewelry
No jewelry is allowed to be worn by the players during the game except for medical or religious purposes - in this case they must be taped to the body. Earrings of all types, necklaces, and bracelets (including Live Well type bands) cannot be worn during games.

Band-Aids/tape cannot be placed over newly pierced ears during games. All players must wear age appropriate shin guards worn under the socks. In case of a jersey conflict (color), the home team will wear alternate color jerseys with numbers - colored pinnies can be worn over the numbered game jersey.

Pets
All pets are strictly prohibited at our complexes. We have experienced children injured by "small, well behaved pets on a leash." We have also experienced animals injured by running children and soccer balls. We will enforce this prohibition. Games will not be started or continued until animals are removed from the complex.

Parent Code of Conduct
1. Encourage good sporting-like behavior.
2. Act as a positive role model by showing positive support for all players, coaches and game officials.
3. Refrain from criticizing game officials or opponents, without them my child could not participate.
4. Accept the results of each game; encourage my child to be gracious in victory, and to turn defeat into victory by working towards improvement.
5. Never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of the players.
6. Teach my child to play within the spirit and rules of the game.
7. Emphasize that the game is played for fun and the benefit of youth.
8. Remember that soccer is a team sport and will encourage my child to work with his or her teammates.
9. Avoid giving special rewards to my child for scoring, but rather promote the positive, fun aspects of team participation in the game.
10. Under no circumstances, authorize the use of performance enhancing substances.

What do I need to do to become a coach?

All Coaches-Registration/Background Checks
All coaches and assistant coaches need to be registered and have an approved background check. We are issuing coach cards for all our recreational coaches. These will take the place of the background check cards that are shown when you are approved. You need to register using the coach link on the registration tab. You will automatically be sent a confirmation email with your gotsoccer coach account login information. The background check access is on your gotsoccer coach account in the gray bar. You will click either submit new report. The new report box will bring up an online form for you to fill out and submit. Once you have registered as a coach, you will need to email the registrar about signing your coach card. Thanks so much for volunteering with CISA

Expectations for a CISA Coach
The coach of a team sets the attitude of everyone around them. This includes the players, parents and spectators. As the coach "the leader of the team" your responsibility is to provide a positive environment in which the children can learn and develop. The lessons that they learn extend beyond the child's soccer skills.
They include how to deal with conflict and how to demonstrate good sportsmanship before, during and after the game. BISA expects the coach to lead by example and do their very best to provide a positive soccer experience for their team. Please keep this in mind when interacting with players, parents, referees and the opposing team.

Coach Mantras
Primary focus on "development", not "winning" - subtle difference but very important. Winning is desirable of course, but making it your primary focus, especially your primary short-term focus, will most likely lead to bad decisions in your training program and game execution.

Skills/Practices
We want our coaches equipped with the knowledge and experience to teach our boys and girls good fundemental soccer. With that being said we will offer coaching clinics before each season. With focus being on the younger age groups first and work our way to the older. Please if you are a new coach and would like someone to come out and train with you and your team and help you get organized for practices do not hesitate to email lgonzales@crowleysoccer.com.

Laws of the Game

http://theifab.com/laws

Playing Leagues FAQ

What league will my team play in?

After teams are formed, they are usually placed into a playing league. The playing league is governed by the officials that run that specific league. The rules of play and administrative requirements may vary, as will the locations the games are played. Crowley Independent Soccer Association teams participate in the following playing leagues:

CISA U4-U8 Recreational League
This league consist of Crowley and Burleson U4-U8 teams. Typically, U4 and U6 age levels only play Crowley & Burleson Teams.

Metroplex Soccer Alliance Recreational League
This league consist of U9 and above teams. This is the default league that teams are assigned to. The Metroplex Soccer Alliance is made up of recreational soccer teams from Brownwood, Burleson, Cleburne, Crowley, Glen Rose, Granbury, Mineral Wells, Stephenville, and Weatherford. Teams will play half their games at home and half of their games at an opponent's location. For more info, visit http://www.metroplexsoccer.org

Arlington Soccer Unlimited Recreational League
This league consist of U11 and above teams. Any U11 and above team may opt to play in this league instead of the Metroplex Soccer Alliance League as listed above. The games are played in Cleburne as well as many areas in and surrounding Arlington. Teams will play half their games at home and half of their games at an opponent's location. For more info, visit http://arlingtonsoccer.org/asa/leagues/recreational/. Coaches must notify the Registrar that they wish to play in this league before teams are made.

Arlington Premier Invitational League (Competitive)
This league consist of U11 and above competitive teams. Any U11 and above team may opt to play in this league instead of the recreational leagues as listed above. The games are played in Arlington. There are several requirements to be met for a team to play competitive soccer, so it is imperative that coaches get with the Registrar in June or sooner to discuss the requirements and get the paperwork in order. This is a full year committment starting in July of each year.

When and where are practices or games?

The coach chooses the practice night(s) that best fits his/her schedule. CISA does not dictate when or where a coach practices his/her team. Becasue of the number of teams we have, CISA also does not have a master schedule of practices or locations teams practice at.

Coaches set the practices times, but generally begin between 5:30-6:30pm depending on the time of the year. They tend to last around 1-2 hours depending on the age group (practices are shorter for younger age groups, longer for older age groups).

Each coach sets the practice schedule with a suggestion of two nights per week for children U8 and above. One night per week for U4, U5 and U6. The first week available for practice is mid to late March for the Spring season, and early to mid August for the Fall season for youth recreational teams. Academy and Select teams may practice year round.

Game times depend on the age group. Regular season Saturday games start around 9:00 am and are slotted all day long. Each game last roughly 45 - 90 minutes (younger ages play shorter games). Weeknight evening games start after 6:00 pm.

During tournaments, games may start as early as 8:00 am and last until after dark depending on light availablity at the field being playerd on. Sunday tournament games may occur in the morning in order to get all the game completed.

Do we play on holidays?

We are mindful of the holidays and try to respect everyone's ability to celebrate, however we must get the required number of games in during the season.

Easter Weekend: No games (but there are games in the proceeding week).
Mother's Day: Yes, games may be scheduled on this day, but not ususally for the younger teams. Your team might also choose to participate in tournaments, so confirm with your coach.
Memorial Day: The recreational season is typically over at this time. Your team might also choose to participate in tournaments, so confirm with your coach.
Father's Day: The recreational season is typically over at this time. Your team might also choose to participate in tournaments, so confirm with your coach.
Labor Day: No regular season game are scheduled during this weekend. However, your team might choose to participate in tournaments, so confirm with your coach.
Halloween: Yes, although late afternoon games might be rescheduled.
Thanksgiving: There are many tournaments that happen the weekend after Thanskgiving if your team chooses to participate. Invite the family to come out and watch.
Christmas & New Years: There are many tournaments that happen around this time if your team chooses to participate. Invite the family to come out and watch.

Where are games played?

For U4 and U8 age divisions, all games are played at Crowley or Burleson.

For U9-U12 teams, you will participate in the Metroplex Soccer Alliance and will play half (or more) your games in Crowley and other games in other cities that participate.

For U13 teams and up, you may participate in either the Metroplex Soccer Alliance or the Arlington Soccer Association league. Coaches must notify the registrar if they wish to play in Arlington, otherwise they will be placed in Metroplex if that age division is available.

What should I do if the referee makes a bad call?

You should respect the difficult job that referees have and recognize that the referee, according to the FIFA Laws of the Game, is the ultimate authority on the field. Whether a coach, spectator, player or parent, you should not vocally dispute a referee call (or even call out for an explanation) during the game.

The coach may speak privately with an adult referee at halftime or after the game to seek an explanation. Youth referees should NOT be approached at half time or after the game to discuss calls. If you have a question, it may be directed to the youth referee through the Referee Assignor or Director of Referees.

At no point in time, in the history or future of soccer, will a referee's decision be reversed. You must consider this when deciding if you want to "argue" with the referee about a call or seek "clarification" as to why a call was made. In the end, you still may not agree with the call, but you will at least know why the referee made the call.

Many of our referees are young. They are some of the best kids around and have played soccer and respect adults. Do not take advantage of that respect by "bullying" them after they have made a call. It teaches your players bad sportsmanship and may get you removed from the game and/or coaching.

Many of our referees are also coaches. This means they have been subjected to "bad calls" from other referees. Understand that the referee cannot see everything and what they do see, they may see differently than you. This is a part of the game and you must teach your players to adapt and overcome any obstacles to perceive are out there.

Team Formation FAQ

I do not want my child to have the same coach as last year. What can I do?

On the registration form, just indicate that you do not want to be on the same team and your child will be removed as a core player from that team. Your child will be placed in the Player Pool for random assignment to a new team. NTSSA rules require that children be assigned to teams in a fair manner. As long as there are more than two teams/coaches in a division, you may request that your child NOT play for a particular coach by designating this in the appropriate area on the registration form.

I liked my child's coach from last year, but I don't want him/her to play with the same kids. What can I do?

You cannot request the same coach but with different players. You do have the option to request your child not play on the same team and be placed back in the Player Pool for random assignment.

I don't like a situation that I saw on the playing/practice field. What should I do?

As a parent, the most important thing for you to do is have good communication with your child's coach. Talk to the coach about the situation. We want to encourage good sportsmanship, fun, and safe play.

We rely on volunteer coaches for all of our recrational teams. If you have a young child, please just allow them to have fun on the field. If you have an older child whom you feel is more competitive than the recreational team they are on or whom you would like to be come competitive, you might consider a select club. There are many select leagues in the DFW Metroplex.

Please remember that a recreational team is comprised of many different playing abilities, coaching levels, parent expectations, and referee skill levels.

I would like my son/daughter to play on a friend's team or for a specific coach.

We try to honor such requests and urge you to register by the deadline, although we cannot guarantee requested placements.

If your child is a returning player, every effort will be made to place your child on the same team as last season, as long as the coach and team are returning and you've not requested that your child be assigned to a new team. Please keep in mind that it's CSA policy to place additional players on teams with the shortest roster and without going over state-regulated roster size.

Coaches may NOT request that you play for their team. This is a serious violation of the recruiting rules.

I want my son/daughter to play in a higher age bracket. Is this possible?

The decision to have your child "play-up" is something that requires careful consideration. Such a request is generally made when a player demonstrates a skill level above his/her age of play and when there is a team available. Such a request should be made to the appropriate age group commisioner and requires board approval if the player is requesting to play up more than 1 year.

Two things to note: you need to register your child in their correct age-group, using the Special Request Form to request that they "play-up." CISA has final approval of any player requesting to "play-up."