VYSA

Weather & Cancelations

Unless you have been called, assume your game is on. Listen to what the coaches say, but remember, the final decision is yours. Keep safety in mind at all times. The referee crew should make an inspection of the entire field, with special attention to the goal areas. Confirm that the weather has not affected the goals and that all field markings are visible. We recommend you do some 'test runs' and 'sudden stops' to gauge if the field is too slippery and a danger to play on. Again, the decision to play is yours to make. You may be swayed by a coach, parent or player, but please make safety of everyone your primary objective — we can replace a lost game, we can't replace a person.

When there is thunder there is usually lightening. Suspend the match for 30 minutes, no exceptions! During the suspension, everyone should be in a vehicle and not on the field or under trees. If your parents have dropped you off, ask a team parent or coach to give you shelter in their car.

Our referee assignor attempts to schedule games that meet your level and availability. If you have been assigned a game and you are not able to officiate the match, you must contact the VYSA Referee Assignor 48-hours prior to receiving your schedule. Please don't wait until the last minute. If you have found someone to replace you, you need to let us know right away.

We use a 3-referee system — center and two assistant referees. The center referee is responsible for providing flags to the assistant referees. If an assistant referees does not show you may use someone from the crowd as a club linesperson. He or she is only allowed to call when and where a ball goes out-of-bounds and nothing else. They also do not get paid. Competitive games should never take place using a 2-referee system.

Referee Payment Rates

VYSA referee payment fees were raised in 2008 and are very competitive with neighboring towns. If you have any question concerning the fees, or experience any problems in collecting your fee, please contact Andre Dumais.

Payment for Rec duties will be on the first Saturday of each month (10/4 and 11/1) inclusive of that day. I will be at the snack shack (or somewhere in that vicinity) from 8:30 – 10 on those days. If I do not see you that day, I’ll mail you a check.

TIP 1 - BE PREPARED

Put together a first-aid kit with What you're likely to need. That means fewer band aids and mostly REAL ICE, including a way to wrap a player in that ice with compression. Don't use refreezeable gel, blue ice, or chemical cold packs. They do not work and they are dangerous! Use only REAL ICE.

TIP 2 - BE FIRST ON THE SCENE

Part of your obligation as coach is to control what happens on the field, so it's in your best interest to take charge. There should be only ONE decision maker.

The World's Most Popular Sport

Soccer as a sport continues to grow in America. In fact, soccer is the fastest growing sport in the US. The role the parents plays in their child's progression in Vernon Youth Soccer is vital. In order to help your future soccer star succeed at the game, you need to know the basics of the sport. Beyond the 'fun factor', soccer offers:

• Valuable life skills, like how to get along with others, how to work as a team, and how to deal with disappointment and adversity.
• The ability to make friends and become more social and outgoing.
• Helps kids learn healthy habits like exercising and eating healthy.

Whether you have a little or a lot of time available, there are numerous ways in which you can learn more about the game. This guide lists text books geared to the new soccer parent which I recommend or that have been recommended to me. It's be no means the end-all list of soccer book guides. In fact, as I review new books, I will continue to update this list.

Amazing Run

The Vernon Sparks capped its amazing run through the U-10 Division at Oakwood with a 4-4 tie against Glastonbury Arsenal on Jan. 17, clinching the Session I Indoor Championship at the Oakwood Sports Center in Glastonbury. The Sparks, who had defeated Arsenal 6-3 on Jan. 3, finished at 7-0-1 in the 12-team league, which included premier level teams from Oakwood and Northeast United along with travel squads from five other towns. The Sparks defeated four of the top seven teams en route to the title, outscoring their opponents by a combined score of 59-16, an average of more than five goals per game. A balanced attack and the league's best defense spurred the Sparks to the championship. All 12 players scored at least one goal and the Sparks allowed the fewest goals in the league.