Eligibility

SYS provides Fall and Spring Season programs. Children of the appropriate age (as indicated in pre-registration publicity) who live or attend school in Shrewsbury(public or private) are eligible to play. On rare occasions, and subject to board approval, SYS may allow players that are not residents of Shrewsbury to participate. SYS makes every effort to assign all registrants to a team. Some Fall and Spring age groups may be divided into divisions based on ability. In the Spring and Fall, all registrants in the Under 5, 6, 7 & 8 age groups will be assigned to a team. However, the number of select teams (Under 10 & older age groups) may be limited due to limited field space and /or availability of qualified coaches. 

Purpose

The purpose of the Shrewsbury Youth Soccer League is to encourage and support amateur soccer in Shrewsbury, especially among young people as a means of promoting coordination, physical fitness and fair play. The purpose of the SYS Board is to oversee the smooth running of our soccer program, set policies, dispense funds and make decisions for the good of the program.  Our primary focus in SYS is to educate the children on the merits of sportsmanship, teamwork, and the skills needed to play the sport of soccer. It is our philosophy that each child has the opportunity to enjoy the sport of soccer and develop good self-esteem while playing the game.

Age Groupings

For the Fall and Spring playing seasons, players shall be grouped as follows, utilizing the USYSA published chart listing the cut-off birth dates for the appropriate season.

• Under 18 year of age
• Under 16 year of age
• Under 14 year of age
• Under 12 year of age
• Under 10 year of age
• Under 8 year of age, Grade 2
• Under 7 year of age, Grade 1
• Under 6 year of age, K
• Under 5 year of age, Pre-K  (Spring only)

Each player should play in the age group appropriate to his or her birth date. Exceptions must be approved by the league of participation, the corresponding age group coordinators and the Board.

Ball Sizes

• Under 14 and above:  Size 5
• Under 10 and Under 12:  Size 4
• Under 8 and below:  Size 3

Uniforms

Players on a team shall wear uniforms selected by the Board. Cutoffs, jams and visible boxer shorts are not allowed. Sweats, spandex, etc. are only allowed if weather, medical conditions, or league rules dictate their use. No jewelry is permitted.

Protective Equipment

Each player must wear shin guards, or will not be allowed to play.

Playing Periods

• Under 18:  Two 45-minute halves
• Under 16:  Two 40-minute halves
• Under 14:  Two 35-minute halves
• Under 12:  Two 30-minute halves
• Under 10:  Two 25-minute halves
• Under 8 and below:  Four 12-minute quarters

Referee Support

The coaches shall provide support to the referees at all times.

Referee Reimbursement Policy

1. For Shrewsbury residents – Referee takes course and pays for it. If they pass, they are eligible for:

   a) reimbursement of the course fee and the initial license cost up to a maximum of $50.00, and;
   b) at the end of the first or second season after receiving the license (spring or fall), and;
   c) after refereeing at least eight (8) games for Shrewsbury.

   A referee can be reimbursed for each license upgrade (i.e. Grade 9 to Grade 8) that is received as long as the referee meets the above criteria.

2. For Shrewsbury residents – Referees are also eligible for reimbursement of their annual license renewal fee if in the preceding year they have refereed eight (8) games for Shrewsbury.

3. For all – Requests for reimbursement must be submitted to the Shrewsbury Referee Assignor in writing. A copy of the license received must be supplied along with documentation of expenses incurred to be reimbursed.

Coaching License Fee Reimbursement

In an effort to continuously improve the level and commitment of coaching within the organization, SYS commits to reimburse 100% or up to a maximum of $100, the lesser of the two, to coach's attending and passing Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association approved coach licensing courses.

Registrations

Players shall register with the SYS and pay registration and participation fees. SYS may set registration deadline dates for both Fall and Spring seasons.  If the registration date is missed, there is no guarantee of receiving a spot on a team. Age group coordinators will compile a waitlist and determine if a late request can be accommodated.  Players shall fill out a Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association/USYSA membership Form or approved alternative form and shall verify their date of birth with an acceptable form of documentation, such as a Birth certificate.

Waitlists

Players who do not register before registration deadlines shall be placed on a time-ordered wait-list.  If a spot becomes available, a late registration form and late fee must be completed and submitted.  Every attempt will be made to place players in SYS soccer programs, but due to timelines and registration procedures, not all requests can be met.  The Executive Board shall determine player placement.

Fees

Fees for participation and uniforms shall be decided upon at budget time and will be determined and incorporated into the Fiscal Year financial budget approved by the Board at a specified pre-determined meeting.  All registration and uniform fees shall be due and payable at registration.

Rules of Play

Current FIFA International rules shall govern play with exceptions as noted. If a team is playing in a league, the team shall abide by the constitution and bylaws of that league as appropriate.

Playing Time

It is our policy that as a member of a team, each player during a game be given equal playing time when possible. A child must play at least one half of each regulation game during the Fall.  For Spring select teams in an MTOC division in the U12 and older age groups, a child must play at least one third of each game (this includes league and MTOC tournament games). For all other teams & age groups in the Spring the child must play at least one half of each game.

Ejections

If a player or coach is ejected from the game by a referee, they will not be allowed to play/coach in the next game played by his/her team. This applies to all games, including any championship games.

Unbecoming Conduct

Player, coach or referee behavior that is judged unbecoming or inappropriate shall be referred to the Board Vice president in writing for immediate review and action.

Participation

Players are expected to participate in practices and games. Parents are expected to participate by insuring that their children are on time for, and picked up following practices and games, and that they have their equipment with them. If a player cannot be present for a scheduled game or practice, the coach should be notified in advance. Parents should support the coach, help maintain discipline, and promote good sportsmanship. If problems should arise that cannot be mutually resolved, they shall be brought to the Vice President for resolution with the coach. The Vice President then will inform the Board at the next meeting.  If the Vice President deems it necessary, he can convene the Board to resolve the situation.

Other Board Policies

1. The Medical and Liability Release section of the registration should be read and must be signed by a parent or guardian in order for a child to participate in the program.

2. No teams or coaches may conduct any private fundraising without prior Board approval.

3. All players selected for Spring MTOC teams can only play on that team within SYS.

4. Girls are eligible for selection to either Mixed or All Girls teams.

5. Players cannot be added or dropped from a roster without the consent of the Age Group Coordinator.

6. It is our policy that in all age groups the team and the coaches will be on one side of the field, while the parents and spectators will be on the opposite side of the field. Spectators should not sit behind goals at either end of the field.

7. The SYS Board will review and consider any extraordinary circumstances or situations which arise during the course of the season to maintain fair play and the spirit of the game.

8. If any player, coach or parent refuses to comply with the rules of SYS or USYSA and its affiliates, they are subject to suspension or expulsion from the SYS program.

9. No refunds will be provided, unless approved by the President of SYS for extraordinary reasons (i.e., Injury prior to the season, Move prior to the season, etc).  If it is the choice of the player or parent that was a possible foreseen situation, no refunds will be allowed (i.e., Conflict with another sport or activity).

10. No coach, assistant coach, and/or Board member may participate in any activities within SYS without a valid CORI form.

11. SYS will cooperate with other sporting or religious activities whenever possible.