Soccer Ball

• Each player must have a soccer ball (#3 for U6’s and U8’s, #4 for U10’s and U12’s and #5 for all others) at each practice and game.
• Write your name on your ball with a permanent marker.

Shin Guards

• Each player must have properly fitting shin guards.
• Each player is required to wear shin guards to participate in games and practices.
• Shin guards must be covered entirely by socks during all games and practices.

Soccer Shoes

• A well fitting pair of soccer shoes is highly recommended (but not required).
• Studs or cleats made of metal are not allowed. Baseball cleats can be used, but the toe cleat must be completely removed.

Jewelry

• Players shall not wear jewelry or other items that may cause injury to themselves or other players during games and practices (i.e. hair barrettes, earrings, etc.)
• Any articles that cannot be removed (such as Medic-Alert) must be taped

Player Safety During Games and Practices

• Players’ fingernails must be short and not sharp to participate.
• Players wearing braces must wear a mouthpiece to participate.
• Players wearing orthopedic casts are not allowed to participate.
• Each player should have a parent or guardian present at all times.
• Any injuries must be reported to the coach immediately for insurance purposes.

Playing Time and Game Schedule

• Each player that shows up for a game will get to play at least half of that game.
• Each player wanting to play goalkeeper will have that opportunity during the season (developmental leagues).
• All games are on Saturdays. No game on Labor Day weekend.
• U-6 games have four 8-minute quarters. U-8 games have four 10-minute quarters.
• Game schedules and game field assignments are posted online when they become available.

Water and Snacks

• Each player is responsible for bringing their own water to games and practices.
• Team parent should create and distribute a snack schedule for their team.
• Snacks should be healthy food—no carbonated drinks or sugary snacks.
• Please bring a few extra servings to share with players’ siblings, coaches and the referee.

Team Banner

• Each team provides its own banner and splits the cost evenly among all players.
• Each player’s banner fee is due to the team parent by August 1.
• The team parent is responsible for getting the banner prior to Opening Day.
• The team parent is responsible for seeing that the banner is set up at each game.
• Feel free to offer to help the team parent with the banner.

Opening Day

• Opening Day is typically the first weekend in August at one of the local high schools.
• Usually we meet there around 8am…exact time to be determined later.
• Players (ages U-10 and under) will march with their coaches in the opening ceremony.
• Families get to cheer wildly for their teams from the stands.
• Please be in full uniform (shin guards are not required, soccer shoes are optional).

Pictures

• Pictures are scheduled through out the entire day on Opening Day.
• Please be in full uniform (shin guards are not required, soccer shoes are optional).
• The entire team must be there on time before scheduled picture can be taken.
• Completed picture packs and checks are due back to the team parent by August 1.

Team Socials and Player Awards

• Teams may have one social at mid-season and one after the final game.
• The team parent is responsible for coordinating these events.
• Each team provides its own awards—usually it’s trophies, but there are other options.
• The team parent is responsible for arranging any awards. Check the Sponsors page on the web site for preferred vendors.
• The costs for all social events and awards are split evenly among all players.
• Please share your ideas and any offers to help with the team parent.

Communication

• If your player is going to be late or miss a practice or game, please contact the coach.
• Please bring up your concerns early so we avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
• Questions or concerns should be directed to the coach first.
• If you are unable to resolve issues with the coach, contact a DYSL Board Member.
• Points of contact for DYSL are (925) 439-4396 and www.deltasoccer.org.

Please Always Remember

• Soccer is a game…it should be fun for everyone at all times.
• Each player is still learning the game. Keep expectations realistic.
• Parent should not coach or give instruction from the sidelines. You may encourage, but not distract.
• Practices are for helping them learn. Saturday games are for letting them play, their way.
• The game is for the children. Your role is to help them learn to play it and enjoy it, their way.