Guidelines for GSA Middle School & High School Travel

1.      Play shall be conducted as 11 vs 11 including a keeper and using a size #5 ball. Substitutions may be made at the mid-line ONLY by either team during ANY stoppage due to the ball going out of play.

2.      A match shall consist of 2/30 minutes periods with a half time period of no less than 5 minutes and no longer than 8 minutes.

3.      The execution of a slide tackle is permitted in the Middle School league but are not permitted in the High School league.  They are STRONGLY discouraged.  Slide tackles will be viewed critically and improperly executed slide tackles will be penalized.

4.      Score is kept by the referee and the winning coach is responsible for reporting the score to the commissioner by the end of the day.

5.      Coaches, parents and supporters ARE NOT permitted on the pitch during play.

6.      Teams are to bench between the fields.  Parents and supporters are REQUIRED to remain on the opposite side of the pitch.

7.      There is tournament for the Middle School Travel age group for the fall and spring seasons.

8.      Both age groups are traveling teams which compete in the metropolitan Columbus area.

9.      Both age groups  are required to purchase uniforms which are distinct from GSA.

OFFSIDE

An offside position is gained when a player is ahead of the ball and closer to the opponents goal, while the opponents end of the pitch, than the opponents keeper and one other defender. However, this only results in a call of “Offside” if the player is in the area of or involved in active play.

Advantage

Advantage is called when the team which appeared to have been fouled remains in possession of the ball and on the attack, thus allowing any offensive opportunity gained to continue rather than penalize said team for the action of the opponent.

Dangerous Play

A call of dangerous play is made when any player is put into a situation where the act of conducting play is consider by the referee to place any player in a position to cause injury to themselves or any other players.

Ball in & Ball out of Play

A player may be outside the marked pitch and play the ball so long as the ball remains within the marked boundaries of the pitch. The ball is not considered out of play until completely over the marked boundary of the pitch, whether on the ground or in the air.

HandBalls

The call of Handball occurs when in the opinion of the referee they view any play, including the keeper in certain instances, deliberately handle, carry, strike, or propel the ball with their hand or arm. In most instances the referee may also look to see if in their opinion the hand went to the ball or the ball went to the hand, or if an advantage was gained, before making any call.

Expectations and Development Goals

1.                  All players must play at least 50% of the match in all games (league or tournament play) regardless of ability.

2.                  Teams should have at least 2 but no more than a total of 3 meetings per week for practice or games.

3.                  Players should understand offensive and defensive positioning (Ball side/Goal side).

4.                  Players should be able to execute “give and go” passes and overlapping runs.

5.                  Players should be able to receive and control a ball played to them on the ground and in the air.  They should be able to receive the ball with their feet, legs, chest, and head and have it close to them to pass or dribble.

6.                  Players should be able to execute a pass under pressure with both the inside and outside of both feet.

7.                  Players should be able to shield the ball while calling for support.

8.                  Players are expected to execute a throw-in and should know how to create space to receive the ball.

9.                  Players should know the difference between a direct and indirect kick and basic strategies for taking either one.

10.              All players should know the basic techniques for striking the ball with power for goal kicks, corner kicks, and direct/indirect kicks.  Players should know the techniques for “bending” a ball.

11.              Players should be able to execute multiple fakes, moves, and turns to beat players one on one.

12.              Coaches are expected to have completed the OSYSA U6 to U12 training modules and are strongly encouraged to complete the “F” license course.

13.              Coaches are encouraged to improve their knowledge of the game by playing in the adult league.