Recreational Soccer FAQs

FAQs about WYSA

How is soccer organized?
    WYSA is registered with Indiana Youth Soccer Association (IYSA) which in turn is part of United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA). USYSA is a division of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the U.S. Affiliation with IYSA provides insurance and training support for WYSA participants.

How come theres only 3 (or 4 or 5) players on the field?
    Soccer has traditionally been played with 11 players on the field but studies have shown that players develop faster and have more fun if fewer players are on the field at one time. This prevents a player from getting lost in the crowd and allows him to get more touches on the ball. WYSA was one of the leaders in the switch to "small-sided" soccer and many surrounding clubs are now switching. We currently offer small-sided soccer up through and including U15.

Whats all this "U" stuff and how are teams formed?
    "U" stands for Under (U8 is under-8). Players are assigned to divisions based on their age as of August 1, 2005. For example, the U8 division consists of players who were 7 years old on August 1st. Team assignments are made by the division commissioners who attempt to balance teams. Factors include age, previous playing experience. WYSA does not allow players to play "up" in an older age group.

Can my three year old play?

No, the child must be 4 years old by August 1, 2005, to play in the fall 2005 and spring 2006 seasons.

When do they play and practice?
    All games (except makeup games) will be held on weekends. Games run from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. on Saturdays and 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. on Sundays. Your coach will distribute your schedule. Practices will be set by the coach but will generally be on weekday evenings. U5s and U6s will practice one evening per week. U7/U8 practices are 1 or 2 days per week while older teams will typically practice twice per week.

Where do they play?
    All recreational games and practices will be held at Habig Fields located at 156th and Carey Rd. (Approximately 1 mile east of Rt 31 on 151st Street to stop sign at Carey Rd then left 1/2 mile) and travel games will be played at the Habig Fields or the Shamrock Springs Fields (corner of 161st and Springmill Road).

What kind of equipment does my child need?
    While soccer is a relative inexpensive sport, their are a couple of items required to ensure your childs safety. Shin guards must be worn for games and practices. In addition, your child should wear soccer socks over the shin guards to provide padding for other players. Regular gym shoes are fine although soccer cleats may offer an advantage under certain field conditions (mud!). WYSA supplies a T-shirt but we ask that you get your child a pair of black shorts and socks for games.
    We also suggest that you child bring a soccer ball to practice. Balls come in 3 sizes: U5 thru U8 uses a #3 ball; U10 thru U16 use a #4 ball and older players use a #5 ball. Note: Don't forget to mark your player's name & phone number on the ball with a permanent marker.

How long is the season?
    In 2006, the springl season will be about 6 weeks for the Recreational teams and a few weeks longer for the travel teams.

What about rain?
    Soccer is an all weather sport. Unless the weather conditions are dangerous (i.e. lightning), we will try to get the game in. While the parents may not enjoy watching games in the rain, most children enjoy playing in the mud and getting dirty. We may also close the fields to prevent damage if large amounts of standing water are present. The general rule of thumb is to show up unless you hear from your coach.

What can I do to help my child?
    WYSA is a volunteer organization. Without parental support, we couldnt exist. In addition to providing moral support for your player and demonstrating good sportsmanship, wed like you to get involved with our program. We are always looking for coaches to help with the teams. As your soccer knowledge grows, consider becoming a referee. WYSA offers referee courses throughout the year.

Finally, please cheerfully offer your help if you are contacted to help with one of our fund raising tournaments. WYSA will be holding its 19th Habig Classic in June 2006. This tournament has grown to over 150 teams from across the Midwest. While the tournament is primarily for travel teams, the revenue generate from this event subsidizes the recreational program. Your help during these events helps keep our fees among the lowest in the area.

Need More Info?
The WYSA Board Members and Commissioners for the 2006 are listed on the Board Members and Commissioners page (click on the link in the left column). Please feel free to call them with any questions you may have. In addition, WYSA holds a monthly board meeting to conduct league business. The meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7:30 P.M. The meeting is in the Westfield Intermediate School Media Center. Have a good season.

Do goal posts have to be anchored to the ground?

YES YES YES

This is from OYSAN (Ohio Youth Soccer Association North). This is a tragic example of why it’s so important goals are properly anchored and that we make sure kids DO NOT hang from the goals.

http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-soccer21.html

Soccer victim's family to get $2.25 mil.

May 21, 2005

BY ABDON M. PALLASCH Legal Affairs Reporter

The Greater Libertyville Soccer Association has agreed to pay $2.25 million to the family of 6-year-old Zachary Tran, who was killed 1-1/2 years ago by a soccer goal post that blew or fell over on him.

An attorney for the boy's family praised the soccer association for its response to Zachary's death. The association no longer uses those goals, which had no counterbalance, said attorney Shawn S. Kasserman of Corboy & Demetrio.

"They've done a pretty good job of trying to eliminate the problem," Kasserman said.

The Vernon Hills Park District and American Playground Corp. of Indiana, which continues to manufacture the 186-pound goal that fell on Zachary, remain defendants in the Tran family's lawsuit in Lake County Circuit Court. The settlement the soccer association paid to the family excuses it from the suit.

Family 'on a mission'

Zachary Tran was a first-grader at Hawthorn Option School in Vernon Hills. On Oct. 1, 2003, he arrived at practice for his team at New Century Park in Vernon Hills. Zachary and another boy on his team were playing in the goal just before it fell, witnesses told investigators.

The 18-by-6-foot soccer goal was designed to be anchored with up to four metal stakes, but those weren't in place that day, said Lake County Deputy Coroner Orlando Portillo.

The boy who was inside the goal with Zachary told investigators that he wasn't hanging on the structure before it fell but didn't see if Zachary was, Portillo testified.

"He said he didn't have his hands on it," Portillo said.

Some said a gust of wind blew the goal over.

The movable goal had no counterbalance designed into it, Kasserman said.

The structure broke Zachary's skull. He died of a heart attack.

Tran was survived by a 9-year-old sister, and his parents have since had another daughter, Kasserman said.

"Since Zachary's death, our family has set out on a mission to create awareness and impact change across the country on making soccer goals safe," the family said in a written statement. "We felt a lawsuit was the quickest way to create change and prevent additional deaths from these unsafe soccer goals. Two other soccer deaths have occurred since Zach died."