Safety & Equipment
Participation
All players must be registered to participate in practices or games
Uniform
No alterations are to be made to uniforms (e.g. names).
Footwear |
Shinguards
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Soccer style or non-cleated turf shoes or approved, non dangerous, footwear must be worn. Only sneakers or rubber spiked soccer shoes are permitted. Shoes with a single toe cleat, square or rectangular cleats are not permitted. Spikes from any other sports are not permitted.
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No exceptions. Shin guards must be worn at games and practices. Adequate shin guards should be worn inside of socks, and be of substantial material to protect the wearer.
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Goals
GOALS MUST BE ANCHORED TO THE GROUND. Absolutely no hanging on or climbing on the goals. Repeated warnings will result in the child's dismissal from his/her team.
Jewelry and Medical Considerations
No jewelry of any type is permitted during practice or games. No jewelry is permitted, including watches, bracelets, necklaces, hair clips and earrings. All jewelry must be removed. Exception medical ID bracelets or tags may be worn if necessary. These must be taped, or otherwise safeguarded to protect other players. No hard casts are permitted.
NO PIERCED EAR RINGS. If players intend to get their ears pierced, we suggest that they do so a month before games begin, or after the season. Even taped earrings still pose an injury potential to the player if struck by the ball or another player.
NO PIERCED EAR RINGS. If players intend to get their ears pierced, we suggest that they do so a month before games begin, or after the season. Even taped earrings still pose an injury potential to the player if struck by the ball or another player.
Water Bottles
Players are required to bring filled water bottles to every game and practice.
Bleeding
If a player is bleeding they must leave the field, and may not reenter the field until the referee has checked to make sure the bleeding has completely stopped. Players can not continue playing when bleeding. Care Givers need to protect themselves and others from blood and other body fluids.. Dress the wound before allowing them to continue. Refer to the US Youth Soccer handout Handling Blood borne Pathogens on our web site under the coaches page for detailed information.
Role of the Coach
It is the responsibility of each coach to make sure all players are wearing the proper equipment and conforming to GHYSA Safety Rules.
Be sure to devote part of your first team practice to safety rules. Here are the most important:
Be sure to devote part of your first team practice to safety rules. Here are the most important:
- Absolutely no swinging or climbing on goals. And be sure that all goals are anchored to prevent them being blown or pulled over.
- Never allow kids to move a portable goal.
- Keep warm ups areas clear of gear bags and other items players might trip over.
- Move benches at least five yards away from sidelines.
- Insist that kids bring filled water bottles to every game and practice.
- Use corners flags that can be knocked over or safety corner cones.
- Check fields before you play. Look for broken glass, storm drains, raised sprinkler heads, holes, protruding bolts, hooks or nails on goal posts or crossbars - anything that can cause a gash, fall or sprain.
- Require your players to wear shinguards under long socks. Do not allow kids to play soccer while wearing jewelry.