HOWELL SOCCER CLUB
HOWELL SOCCER CLUB Spring 2018
Membership Guide & Rules of Competition
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Howell Soccer Club - - - - X
Howell Soccer Club (HSC) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit youth serving sports organization housed at Oak Glen Park in Howell, New Jersey. Incorporated in 1972, HSC has had a long standing commitment to provide a top quality soccer experience for the youth in our community. With over 1,200 annual player registrations, 80 volunteers, and a full-time staff member, HSC is among one of the largest youth sports organization in Howell Township. The current structure of the organization provides recreational soccer and training programs for children between the ages of 4 and 18. As an affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation, US Youth Soccer, and NJ Youth Soccer, HSC has access to the most modern and relevant information around the game. HSC consistently seeks out new education opportunities for Coaches, Players, Volunteers, and Staff to enhance the experience for all.
Mission - - - - X
To inspire excellence in the youth of the community through the sport of soccer.
Vision - - - - X
To facilitate a passion for the game of soccer that goes beyond the field
Values - - - - X
Commitment to Community Professionalism Equal Opportunities for Youth of All Abilities Inclusive Environment; Regardless of Race, Gender, Sexual Orientation, Religion Responsibility to the Game
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Our Board of Directors & Sta - - - - X
Board of Directors
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Kevin Foley, President
Ryan Foley, Director of Operations
Steve Schwiering, Vice President
OPEN, Sport Management Intern
Nancy Rossi, Registrar
OPEN, Marketing Intern
Michele Foley, Recording Secretary
OPEN, Facilities Intern
Rod Pacheco, Fields
Mon-Fri: 10AM-4PM
Patty Bellanca, Member at Large
Phone: (848) 209-1039
Club Structure - - - - X
Howell Soccer Club is comprised of a Board of Directors that is responsible for setting policy and direction. The Board of Directors meets once a month to review the operating procedures and best practices for the organization. Once the Board of Directors has conducted its review, tasks are then filtered to the Howell Soccer Club Operations Department, where staff will execute the directives and initiatives for the organization. While Howell Soccer Club does have personnel that are committed to the day-to-day operations of the organization throughout the entire year, staff members are typically involved with various facets of professional or academic careers while fulfilling their club responsibilities. HSC prides itself on providing opportunities for personal and professional growth for all of its players, volunteers, and staff.
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Risk Management - - - - X
Howell Soccer Club’s main duty and responsibility is to maintain and protect the safety of all of its members. In order to do so, HSC has developed a comprehensive risk management program that is designed to mitigate risks.
KidSafe Program - - - - X
The KidSafe Program is a NJ Youth Soccer initiative that is implemented to protect children. As a part of the KidSafe Program, all volunteers and staff must submit a form stating their criminal history (violent crimes/crimes against a person) and will be subject to review by the State Association. To take this one step further, Howell Township requires that all Youth Serving Volunteers undergo a criminal background check that is subject to review by the township police department. Howell Soccer Club requires and maintains that both of these initiatives be valid, verified, and completed before a volunteer is able to participate in the organization.
Head Injury Safety - - - - X
In order to maintain the welfare and safety of our players, NJ State Law mandates that all coaches receive training on concussion safety. Howell Soccer Club recognizes the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Heads Up Concussion Safety Training. In addition, HSC has implemented a notification process for Parents/Guardians upon a player receiving a suspected Head Injury.
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Financial Risk Management - - - - X
As a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, Howell Soccer Club seeks to provide transparency into the funding and finances of the organizations initiatives. Each year, HSC conducts a review of the financial practices to ensure that there is efficient oversight and security in managing assets. Prior to each season, a budget is created based on projected registrations and is approved by the Board of Directors. A breakdown of this budget can be found on the HSC Website.
Golf Cart Policies - - - - X
Howell Soccer Club may deem it necessary to utilize a Golf Cart to support initiatives and special events of the organization. The following procedures must be in compliance for the use of a golf-cart: 1. All drivers must possess a valid driver’s license 2. No drivers under the age of 18 3. Drivers and passengers should keep all body parts inside the cart while the vehicle is in motion. 4. Carry only the number of passengers that there are seats. No passengers may ride in the cargo area. 5. Be aware of driving conditions, and reduce speed accordingly. Mandatory reduction of speed when encountering hills, steep turns, pedestrian crossings, motor vehicles and inclement weather. 6. Set the parking brake and remove key from vehicle when it is not in use. 7. Do not let unauthorized persons use the vehicle. 8. Return vehicle to its proper place when finished using it. 9. Drivers may not be under the influence of any substance that may impact driving ability or response time. 10. Coverage is for use for the carts during daylight hours only. 11. Drive safely at all times.
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Rules of Competition - - - - X
General Rules
● All players - regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or ability MUST play 50% of the game. ○ Except in the case of injury or misconduct. ● A Player may only play as a goalkeeper a maximum of 50% of the game. ● Players are not allowed to wear jewelry (earrings, bracelets, necklaces) for any reason (except medical). ● No slide-tackling in any division. Slide-tackling may result in a yellow/red card depending on the severity of the challenge. ● For all ‘technical’ fouls within the special rules, advantage may not be applied.
Sportsmanship
Howell Soccer Club holds the expectation and standard that all players, coaches, spectators, and referees will exhibit the highest level of sportsmanship, teamwork, and fairplay. This includes on the field behavior, interactions within the organization, and excessive scoring. Teams/Persons that do not exhibit these principles can be subject to disciplinary review and action with the recommendations below: ● 1st Offense - Warning ● 2nd Offense - 1 Game Suspension ● 3rd Offense - Removal From the Organization
*All Sanctions are Subject to Severity of the Offense and Review by the Director of Operations/Board of Directors.
All yellow/red cards and coach dismissals will be reported and tracked by the league. An accumulation of cards may result in suspension for players/coaches. The Board may also issue disciplinary sanctions based on observations made by board members and staff.
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Future Stars - - - - X
Number of Players
● Maximum 5 Players Per Team on the Field (5v5); Including the Goalkeeper
Ball Size
● Size 3 Ball (Provided on Game Day at the Field)
Game Length
● Starting at the Scheduled Game Time ○ 20 Minute Practice ○ Three - 10 Minute Periods ○ 3 Minute Break in Between Each Period
Special Rules
● Players are not permitted to head the ball. ● Goalkeepers are used. ● Kick In’s from the Sideline, No Throw ins ○ The ball should be placed on or behind the line ○ All opponents should be 3 yards away from the kick-in ● There ARE Corner kicks and Goal kicks. ● All Free-kicks/Fouls are indirect ○ Players cannot score directly from the kick ○ There are no penalty kicks ● No Offside ● No Referees ○ Start/End Games on Time ○ Coaches Keep Time, Call Fouls, And Ball In/Out of Play
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Instructional - - - - X
Number of Players
● Maximum 6 Players Per Team on the Field (6v6 including the Goalkeeper)
Ball Size
● Size 3 Ball
Game Length
● Three 15 Minute Periods ● 3 Minute Breaks in Between Each Period
Special Rules
● All Free-kicks/Fouls are indirect - No Penalty Kicks ○ Players cannot score directly from the kick ● Players are not permitted to deliberately head the ball. ○ Foul and Free-kick for the opposing team ● Goalkeepers are required ○ No Punting or Drop Kicking ○ Foul and Free-Kick for opposing team ● Throw Ins - A Player has two tries to throw the ball in correctly ● Substitutions can happen ‘On the fly’ ● No offside ● Build-out Line ○ Two Painted Lines that Divide the Field into Thirds ○ All Attacking Players must retreat behind this line when the goalkeeper has possession or there is a goal kick. ○ Attacking Players may not enter this area until the goalkeeper releases the ball or the ball leaves the penalty area on a goal kick. ○ Indirect Free-kick if an infraction occurs
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Peewee - - - - X
Number of Players
● Maximum 8 Players Per Team on the Field (8v8 including the Goalkeeper) ● Minimum of 6 Players Constitutes a Game
Ball Size
● Size 4 Ball
Game Length
● Two 25 Minute Halves ● 5 Minute Halftime
Special Rules
● Direct Free-Kicks, Penalty Kicks, Yellow/Red Cards Allowed ● Players are not permitted to deliberately head the ball. ○ Foul and Free-kick for the opposing team ● Goalkeepers are required ○ No Punting or Drop Kicks ○ Foul and Free-Kick for the Opposing Team from the spot where the goalkeeper punted the ball. ● Offside is introduced ● Substitutions allowed at any stoppage of play with the referee’s permission. Substitutes must be waiting at the midfield line. ● Build-out Line ○ Two Painted Lines that Divide the Field into Thirds ○ All Attacking Players must retreat behind this line when the goalkeeper has possession or there is a goal kick. ○ Attacking Players may not enter this area until the goalkeeper releases the ball or the ball leaves the penalty area on a goal kick. ○ Indirect Free-kick if an infraction occurs
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Novice - - - - X
Number of Players
● Maximum 9 Players Per Team on the Field (9v9 including the Goalkeeper) ● Minimum of 6 Players Per Team Constitutes a Game
Ball Size
● Size 4 Ball
Game Length
● Two 30 Minute Halves ● 5 Minute Halftime
Special Rules
● Direct Free-Kicks, Penalty Kicks, Yellow/Red Cards Allowed ● Players are permitted to head the ball. ○ There may be 10 year old’s playing up who may not head the ball. Coaches will discuss this with players. Referees are not responsible to manage this. ● Goalkeepers are required ○ Punting is allowed ○ The ball may not be punted into the opposing team’s penalty area. ■ An indirect free-kick is awarded at the spot the ball lands. ● Substitutions allowed at any stoppage of play with the referee’s permission. Substitutes must be waiting at the midfield line.
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Advanced - - - - X
Number of Players
● Maximum 11 Players Per Team on the Field (11v11 including the Goalkeeper) ● Minimum 7 Players Per Team on the Field(7v7 including the Goalkeeper)
Ball Size
● Size 5 Ball
Game Length
● Two 30 Minute Halves ● 5 Minute Halftime
Special Rules
● Players are permitted to head the ball. ● Goalkeepers are required ○ Punting is allowed ● Direct Free-Kicks, Penalty Kicks, Yellow/Red Cards Allowed ● Substitutions allowed at any stoppage of play with the referee’s permission. ● Coaches are not permitted to participate in any other capacity except as a coach. ● Should teams not have enough to play 11v11, the goals may be moved forward to accommodate the situation.
