By now, you've likely seen your team roster as well as your match schedule. Below, we've listed answers to common questions
What is the uniform?
Jerseys are being ordered this weekend, and they will be distributed to coaches in about two weeks. Recommended equipment that players will need to wear/bring to practices and games are:

Soccer Ball (Size 3 for U6 & U8 and Size 4 for U10 & U13) Shin Guards (for player safety, shin guards must be worn underneath soccer socks)
Athletic shorts or pants
Soccer Cleats/Athletic Shoes (no metal spikes or baseball cleats)
Water Bottle

What Are The Rules?

Each age division has a slightly different set of rules. Please become familiar with the rules for the age division that you are coaching. 
(Note that U13 will play 8v8 on the smaller sized field this season)

Penalty kick rules will be enforced when intentional handballs and fouls occur inside the penalty area (aka 18-yard box) for U13 games only.

There are no penalty kicks for U10, U8, and U6 age groups in recreation soccer. Direct kicks will be taken outside of the penalty area when intentional handballs and fouls occur inside the penalty area.

There are some additional rules: 

1. No Heading

Per NC Youth Soccer policy, heading is not allowed for any teams in all of our age groups, including U13. This means no head balls in both games and practices. An indirect free kick shall be awarded in a game,

2. Moving Soccer Goals

No players or children under the age of 18 are allowed to move soccer goals. Only adults are allowed to move soccer goals to the soccer fields.

Sandbags should be placed on the back of the soccer goals to weigh them down and to prevent them from tipping over.

3. Competition

If an opposing team leads by 5 or more goals, an extra player from the losing team can be added to the field (extra player is taken off of the field if a goal is scored and the opposing team leads by 4 or less goals)

How Else Do We Keep Games Competitive?

Coaches of dominant teams should make adjustments to keep scores of games close. Coaches of both teams are encouraged to talk with each other during the game to prevent games from becoming blow outs. Some suggestions are:

• Rotate players to different positions (e.g. keep high goal scorers back on defense)

• Require a minimum number of passes before your team can shoot on goal

• Limit playing time of dominant players to 50% of the game

How Many Practices?

Each coach determines how many practices his or her team will have during the season. Coaches should hold at least two practices before the season starts on March14. Teams should average one to two events per week, whether practices or matches.

Where Can I Practice?

The Rotary Soccer Complex and Wilson Park are the two locations available for recreation soccer practices. The Rotary Soccer Complex has several fields which are designated for specific age divisions 

U6: Fields 1, 3, and 7

U8: Fields 4 and 8

U10: Field 5 and 6 (Field 6 reserved for Academy practices T-Th 5:30-7:15)

U13: Field 2 

Match Schedule

A personalized match schedule will be sent to each of you and your players, and it will send reminders the day prior of each game.

Pictures day information will follow in due course.
Are the Soccer Fields Closed Due To Bad Weather?

The fields may be closed due to inclement weather conditions. LYSA uses a service known as RainedOut to communicate field closures. All coaches and parents are encouraged to sign up for RainedOut by following this link or texting "soccerlenoir" to 84483.

All coaches, players, parents, and spectators should seek shelter immediately if thunder is heard or lightning is seen at the soccer fields. If no thunder is heard or lightning seen after 30 minutes, everyone can return to the fields.