EYSA Recreation Program Information

COACHES

coach Coaches are volunteers and are the backbone of the program. They are selected by the Commissioners after indicating a desire to coach. All who volunteer for Assistant Coach are assigned as well; anyone who steps forward to help in any way is graciously welcomed. Communication is generally by email, and although coaches do a great job of contacting the parents, it is the parents' responsibility to make sure they are aware of practice times, locations, postponements, etc.

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TEAMS

Eastchester's intramural, or Recreation League, plays in both the spring and fall seasons. Registration for the upcoming Fall season begins mid-May. There are (separate) girls' teams and boys' teams in each of the age groupings, from five years to fourteen years old.

During August, the Commissioners who head each division will determine the number of teams, select and notify the coaches and develop game and practice schedules. Team placement, which is handled by the Commissioners of the respective divisions, is intended to balance the teams in terms of (perceived) talent of the players.

team Age designation L (5-year old group) teams attend a clinic, practice and play on Saturdays, usually in an hour and a half time slot.
Age designation M (6-year old group) normally practices on Saturday (time slot determined by the coach) and play games on Sunday.
The 5 and 6-year old groups combined is called the Junior FutureStars.

The O and N players (the Senior FutureStars), where the 7 and 8-year olds play on the same team, also practice on Saturday and play games on Sunday.
The following year, the 8-year olds move to the Upper Division and the 7-year olds are joined by the group of current 6-year olds moving up from the Junior FutureStars.

The Upper Division is composed of two groupings (each of boys and girls):
The P and Q ages (9 and 10-year old) compose the Silver Conference of the Upper Division while the S, T and U (12 and 13+) compose the Gold Conference.
The R, or 11-year old, group may fall into the Silver or Gold Conference in any particular year.

coach Parents will be notified shortly before the season begins as to the team, the coach's name and contact information, and the field to report to and time for the first gathering. Because there is little time between the end of the school vacation and the start of the season, players may not be notified until Wednesday, September 7. If you are not notified by the end of the day on the 7th, you should send an email to esoccer@verizon.net specifying your child's name and date of birth and the best phone number to reach you; this information will be forwarded through the Commissioner and to the Coach so that you may be notified. You will not get an email response directly to your email.

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PRACTICE AND GAMES

players The Fall season starts the first Saturday following Labor Day and continues into early November. The Spring season commences in early April and depends upon the religious holidays. It ends in late May or early June.

Practices are on Saturdays. Practice times are decided upon by the Coach, in conjunction with the training staff and are generally the same time each week. Games are on Sunday afternoons (except for the 5-year old teams). They will vary in time. Schedules for games and practice are posted in this website.

players Both FutureStars groups play small-sided games on a smaller field. Coaches are expected to play each player at least half the game, with preference given to those who attend practices regularly.

The 5 and 6-year olds play with six on a side (6v6); games are played in four quarters of 8 minutes each. The 7 and 8-year olds play (8v8); games are played in four quarters of 10 minutes each. The Upper Division plays a full 11v11, with games in the Silver Conference having 25 minute halves and the Gold Conference with 30 minute halves.

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EQUIPMENT

uniform
Uniforms (shirt, shorts, socks) are provided by the league. Players need to have their own shin guards, soccer shoes (sneakers are acceptable although not preferred). It is recommended that each player have his/her own ball (size 4 for 5 to 10-year olds; size 5 for older). Among others, Modell's on Central Park Avenue in Yonkers carries soccer gear.

Jewelry of any kind is not allowed. Earrings may never be worn in any case or condition. This applies to games and practices. Tape over earrings is not acceptable. Having ears just pierced is not an excuse. Plastic earrings are likewise not allowed. Any referee allowing this will be suspended. Any parent allowing one's child to wear earrings will face sanctions from the league.
Metal framed glasses are never allowed to be worn during games at any level. Plastic framed glasses with safety lenses may be worn if strapped. Sports goggles are recommended.

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TRAVEL PROGRAM

EYSA has a number of travel teams who play in the Westchester Youth Soccer League against teams from nearby communities. Players are selected through tryouts and begin at the under-9 age level for boys and girls. More information can be found in the Travel Program Information part of the website.

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EYSA SOCCER CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS and SPECTATORS

EYSA recreational soccer exists to provide youth players with an opportunity to learn and appreciate the game of soccer. The league is designed to be all inclusive with no prior experience or knowledge of the game required because, that is the point; we will teach the game. The goal of the program is not just to win but to instill a love of and respect for the game. Teaching the values of teamwork, commitment, and sportsmanship is our highest priority.

The Code of Conduct for Parents is designed to ensure that all players have a positive and safe experience during the season. EYSA hopes to eliminate potential problems by making its expectations clear. Parents make a huge contribution to their child's soccer experience so please, let's work together to make it a success.

Be Positive. We encourage positive comments and cheers for specific plays during the games. Remember that if the players are trying their hardest and doing their best; they should be encouraged, regardless of the score. Don't forget to show appreciation for great plays by the opposition.

Don't Argue with the Referee. It is NOT acceptable for players or spectators to criticize or dispute the official UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, even if the official has obviously made a mistake.

Do not make negative comments or criticisms regarding any of the players or coaches. If you don't have anything nice to say, please don't say anything at all. Such comments hurt team morale, undercut the coaching staff, and can often escalate into unpleasant incidents. Never say anything to players of the opposing side unless it is genuinely congratulatory!

No Coaching from the Sidelines. Do not offer specific instructions to your child or other players from the sidelines. There are many reasons NOT to coach from the sidelines. The players hate it, it is distracting, confusing, and may directly conflict with the coach's instructions. It also raises pressure on the players.

Be Kind to your Child's Coach. All concerns, input about your child, and coaching comments need to be given over the phone or in some other private manner, and should never be done during a game or practice or in front of the team. Public confrontations are always bad for the team and are extremely unlikely to produce a positive result for you or your child.

Support the Team. There are many ways to enhance the experience for your child, ranging from bringing snacks, to arranging team outings. Similarly, if you have a complaint, why not offer to solve the problem?

Be a Role Model. Please be a model of good sportsmanship for your child. Be generous with your praise, and encourage them to succeed through hard work, commitment, and teamwork.

Most parents and spectators find that following the Parents Code enhances their enjoyment of their child's games. Occasionally spectators violate the Code; most often they recognize the problem and correct it immediately. On rare occasions parents or spectators (it is your duty to ensure spectators affiliated with you or your players are aware of and abide by this code) persist in conduct which violates the Code. In such cases the following rules will apply:

1.) The parent or spectator will receive ONE warning from the coach or the coach's designee.
2.) If the offending conduct persists; the coach will request the parent or spectator to leave the field.
3.) If the parent or spectator refuses to leave the field, the coach will remove the parent's player from the game.
4.) If a player is removed from the game under these circumstances, the player may not play in future games without the prior written consent of the Board of EYSA and the parent may be subject to further sanctions at the discretion of the EYSA board.

Please share this with all family members ...
as well as, any guest spectators attending to watch your child play.