Parents & Players |
PARENTS
At GHYSA we know that you, the parents, are the driving force behind the amazing kids that play in our association. With your help we hope to make this the most amazing experience for your child this upcoming season!
Parent Expectations
Show respect to players, coaches, referee's, other parents and spectators.
Support the coach’s and referee’s decisions. While their decisions might not always be agreeable to all participants and spectators, THEY ARE FINAL.
Recognize the commitment of the coach or coaches that involves many hours of preparation beyond the time spent at practices and games. If you take issue with the way your coach is handling the team discuss your issue with your coach in a non-public and in a non-threatening way as adults. Be supportive of your coach
Cheer in a positive way, remain calm and have good manners.
Help in keeping the field areas clean of trash.
_____
Provide transportation to and from all practices and games ensuring that the player is prompt (on time or early) not only in arriving but also in departure.
If unable to attend the practices or games teach children not to talk with or leave practices or games with strangers.
Ensure child brings equipment to and from all soccer games and practices when appropriate. (See equipment list)
Support the coach’s and referee’s decisions. While their decisions might not always be agreeable to all participants and spectators, THEY ARE FINAL.
Recognize the commitment of the coach or coaches that involves many hours of preparation beyond the time spent at practices and games. If you take issue with the way your coach is handling the team discuss your issue with your coach in a non-public and in a non-threatening way as adults. Be supportive of your coach
Cheer in a positive way, remain calm and have good manners.
Help in keeping the field areas clean of trash.
_____
Provide transportation to and from all practices and games ensuring that the player is prompt (on time or early) not only in arriving but also in departure.
If unable to attend the practices or games teach children not to talk with or leave practices or games with strangers.
Ensure child brings equipment to and from all soccer games and practices when appropriate. (See equipment list)
Player Responsibilities
To arrive at practice and games on time.
To bring proper equipment to each practice and game.
To treat teammates and coaches with respect.
To play within the intent of the rules.
To tell the coach if they will miss a game or practice.
To bring proper equipment to each practice and game.
To treat teammates and coaches with respect.
To play within the intent of the rules.
To tell the coach if they will miss a game or practice.
Player Equipment Information
BALL
Encourage each player to have his or her own ball and to use it often, not just during team practice. Players will not derive maximum benefit from practice unless they each have their own ball for warm-ups and individual drills.
Soccer balls come in a variety of sizes, each designated by a number:
•size #3 - smallest standard size, for the youngest players (U-6 to U-8).
•size #4 - intermediate size, appropriate for U-9 through U-12.
•size #5 - largest standard size, for U-13 to adult.
SHIN GUARDS
An absolute requirement for games, should also be worn for all practices. The pull- “legging” type with foam padding protecting the front of the leg from ankle to shin is an excellent shin guard. Shin guards with plastic inserts offer additional protection, especially for the older player. Consider wash ability when selecting a shin guard. The shin Guards should be completely covered by the socks.
SOCCER SHOES
Recommended, but not absolutely required by the league. Baseball or football type shoes with square or rectangular cleats are not legal for soccer. Soccer cleats for most recreational play must be rubber or molded plastic (no metal cleats), and no less than 3/8 inch in diameter. Sneakers may be worn.
WATER BOTTLE
Fresh water should be available to your players at each practice and game. It is easier for the coach if each player provides his or her own water bottle. Make sure to have identifying marks on your bottle.
SHIRTS, SOCKS, SHORTS
Shirts and socks are provided for each player by the league. See the parent letter for a description of the well dressed soccer player. Player will need to provide their own shorts and as the weather turns cooler sweat suits. Team jersey will be worn outside of any cool weather clothing. No alterations are to be made to uniforms (e.g. names). Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams.
Encourage each player to have his or her own ball and to use it often, not just during team practice. Players will not derive maximum benefit from practice unless they each have their own ball for warm-ups and individual drills.
Soccer balls come in a variety of sizes, each designated by a number:
•size #3 - smallest standard size, for the youngest players (U-6 to U-8).
•size #4 - intermediate size, appropriate for U-9 through U-12.
•size #5 - largest standard size, for U-13 to adult.
SHIN GUARDS
An absolute requirement for games, should also be worn for all practices. The pull- “legging” type with foam padding protecting the front of the leg from ankle to shin is an excellent shin guard. Shin guards with plastic inserts offer additional protection, especially for the older player. Consider wash ability when selecting a shin guard. The shin Guards should be completely covered by the socks.
SOCCER SHOES
Recommended, but not absolutely required by the league. Baseball or football type shoes with square or rectangular cleats are not legal for soccer. Soccer cleats for most recreational play must be rubber or molded plastic (no metal cleats), and no less than 3/8 inch in diameter. Sneakers may be worn.
WATER BOTTLE
Fresh water should be available to your players at each practice and game. It is easier for the coach if each player provides his or her own water bottle. Make sure to have identifying marks on your bottle.
SHIRTS, SOCKS, SHORTS
Shirts and socks are provided for each player by the league. See the parent letter for a description of the well dressed soccer player. Player will need to provide their own shorts and as the weather turns cooler sweat suits. Team jersey will be worn outside of any cool weather clothing. No alterations are to be made to uniforms (e.g. names). Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does registration open for the season?
Registration is usually open in the late March/early April timeframe.
How can I get involved?
The league is always looking for volunteers to coach, assistant coach, schedule referees, maintain the practice and game schedules, maintain the finances, etc. If you are interested in helping, please email [email protected] and/or [email protected].
Interested in playing in winter or spring, are there leagues?
GHYSA does not offer a winter session. Spring session has started for 2024, hopefully this will continue in the future. Follow Greater Hazleton Youth Soccer Association- GHYSA on Facebook or check back next Feb/March for information on Spring sessions.
What levels of competition are available?
GHYSA offers a for fun “recreational” soccer league.
Age groups are as follows:
U6
U8
U10
U13
U19
Age groups are as follows:
U6
U8
U10
U13
U19
How are GHYSA Recreational soccer teams formed?
Teams in the U6 and U8 divisions are co-ed. We try to keep teams intact from previous years, however, because of age differences this may not always be the case. Teams in U10 and U13 are single gender teams. U19 teams are co-ed, primarily because of the number of participants
Can my child play up or down an age group?
No player may play down an age group. Players may play up one age division at the discretion of both the league and coaches for that age group.
When do we start to practice and play games?
Practices usually begin around the first of August. League games begin later in August. A typical schedule would include 1 hour of practice and one game each week. There could be adjustments made throughout the season
How will I find out my child’s team placement and practice/game schedule?
Your child’s coach will contact you with this information as soon as the teams in your age group are formed and finalized. The league tries to have this completed before the end of July.
What about requesting a particular coach or team?
Our coaches are volunteers and are assured of being matched up with his or her own child. Any player can request to avoid a particular coach, can request to be placed with a particular coach, can request to be moved from one team to another because of scheduling conflicts, BUT, those requests may or may not be accepted.
What does my registration fee include?
It covers all the costs associated with running the league (field maintenance, building maintenance, line paint, referee fees, etc.) plus shirt and socks plus insurance (through EPYSA).
Where can I find the game and picture schedule?
All schedules will be posted on the site once they are ready for the year.