BAYS Zero Tolerance Policy
Parents Code of Conduct
Players Code of Conduct
Nutrition
Soccer Glossary
FAQs
 
 
BAYS Zero Tolerance Policy

The Boston Area Youth Soccer (BAYS) organization has defined a zero tolerance policy that applies to all games played within their jurisdiction. The policy can be viewed at their website (http://www.bays.org/?q=node/52) It is strictly enforced to protect the referees, coaches, and players.

 
Parents Code of Conduct

The Board of SC Norfolk has approved the following Code of Conduct:

Parents will:
  1. Conduct themselves at all times in a mature, respectful, and sportsmanlike manner.
  2. Not force their child against their will to enter our soccer program.
  3. Learn, understand, and adhere to the BAYS Zero Tolerance Policy
  4. Manage the expectations of their child from season to season. Team placement may vary from season to season, and players may be offered the opportunity to play in different age groups, or different levels within an age group. This opportunity may not be available in subsequent seasons, so players must be prepared for this.
  5. Provide positive support for all players, coaches, officials, and spectators at every game and practice.
  6. Not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.
  7. Never criticize, demonstrate exasperation, ridicule, or yell at their child or other player for making a mistake, losing a game, or losing a tournament/competition.
  8. Advise the coach in advance if their child cannot attend a practice session or game
  9. Ensure their child is adequately prepared and properly attired for practices and games. This includes ensuring a properly inflated ball used for practice sessions.
  10. Not enter their child into concurrent sports or other activities that their child cannot adequately participate in our soccer program(s).
  11. Make every reasonable attempt to have their child at scheduled or rescheduled games, even if it causes personal/family inconvenience.
  12. Foster the team spirit in their child. Reinforce that their child is a valuable member of the team, and their lack of contribution/attendance affects the whole team.
  13. Highlight any issues or concerns in a timely manner to the team coach or a Board member of S.C. Norfolk. If confidentiality is required, contact the President or any other Board member they are comfortable with, and indicate the preference for confidentiality.
 
Players Code of Conduct

The Board of SC Norfolk has approved the following Code of Conduct:

Players are expected to:
  1. Conduct themselves at all times in a mature, respectful, and sportsmanlike manner.
  2. Attend all practice sessions and games, and at all times follow the instructions of the coach(es).
  3. Give priority to scheduled games over practices when on multiple soccer teams or in multiple sports.
  4. Not engage in disruptive or disrespectful behavior during practice sessions or games towards fellow teammates, other team players, the coaches, the referee, or spectators.
  5. Not engage in any bullying, antagonism, foul or abusive language, or other intimidation of teammates or other team players.
  6. Demonstrate a willingness to learn the game of soccer, and actively participate in drills, exercises, and scrimmages.
  7. Understand and accept that their placement on teams may vary from season to season, and that they may be offered the opportunity to play in different age groups or different levels within an age group. The same opportunity may not be available in subsequent seasons.
  8. Wear the proper S.C. Norfolk uniform and other protective equipment, and dress neatly. The uniform will be kept clean and in good condition.
  9. Ensure playing areas and sidelines are kept clean, and all trash and waste is disposed in the proper receptacles. If there are no receptacles, then all trash is to be taken away.
  10. Properly represent our soccer club, our town, and their family whenever they are attending games and practices.
 
Nutrition

The sport of soccer is very demanding on the players due to the fast and active nature of the game. Players require a mix of speed, agility, and stamina to maintain the same level of competition for the 60+ minutes of play.

Soccer is primarily an anaerobic sport - one that requires bursts of energy for short periods of time. There is no sustained activity over a period of time as in aerobic sports or exercise.

Anaerobic sport or exercise therefore cannot rely on energy stored as fat in the body - there is insufficient time for the body to convert this stored energy (fat) back into a usable energy form. Instead, the body relies on readily available sources of energy to sustain a player during these strenuous periods. Carbohydrates and fiber consumed in the period leading up to a game or practice provides this ready source of energy.
Prior to a game or practice session, please observe the following guidelines:

  1. Eat fresh or dried fruits, vegetable sticks, yogurt, low fat granola bars, rice or pasta, pretzels (low sodium), cereal, crackers, breads/bagels, etc.
  2. Avoid high fat foods - hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, potato chips, etc.
  3. Avoid sweets - lollipops, candies, treats, etc.
  4. Avoid soda’s - drink water, milk, fruit juice, or other non-carbonated drinks
  5. Avoid eating a large meal within 1 hour of a game or practice session - instead rely on small snacks if your child is hungry.
  6. If your child drinks Gatorade, please dilute the drink with 30-50% water as undiluted Gatorade can cause nausea in children of this age during strenuous activity.
Remember, an inappropriate mix of foods moving around in your child’s stomach can make you child feel nauseous, queasy, sick, or lethargic. In addition to healthy eating, a good nights sleep and rest before a game also helps prepare you child for the rigor of the game.
 
Soccer Glossary
A  B  C  D  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  R  S  T  V  W  Y 
 

A

Absorb
Using any part of the body to take the pace off the ball. The ball should drop to the ground within one or two steps of the player, allowing the player to take control and possession of the ball.

Advantage
A discretionary decision by the referee to allow a team to continue playing even though they were fouled. The referee will determine that by stopping play to allow the free kick will place the fouled team at a disadvantage by allowing the defending team to better position themselves. The referee will signal when he applies advantage.

All The Way
A player can take the ball all the way to the goal and have a shot as the field in front of him/her is clear.

Arc
The arc is the quarter circle in each corner of the soccer field. This is where the ball is placed for a corner kick.

Assist
A player passes the ball to another player, who then scores a goal as a result of the pass.

Attacker
Any player in possession of the ball trying to score.

Attacking Team
The team that has possession of the ball.
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B

BAYS
Boston Area Youth Soccer. The organizing body in the Boston area that S.C. Norfolk is a member.

Breakaway
When there is no one between the player with the ball and the goal.

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C

Call
A decision made about a play by the referee.

Centering
Kicking the ball from the wings into the middle of the field toward the goal or penalty area.

Chip
A kicking technique where there is no follow through with the kicking foot, that causes the ball to flip up into the air. The ball will usually have a back spin.

Chip Pass
When one teammate kicks the ball up into the air over the opponent's head to his/her teammate.

Chip Shot
A goal made over the goalie's head.

Close Down
A defender getting close to an attacking player and does not allow him/her to get past. The attacker may lose the ball or pass it to another player, but the defender has stopped their run.

Corner Kick
Any ball kicked from one of the four corner arcs to restart play. A corner kick is awarded to the team attempting to kick a goal if the defending team was the last to touch the ball before it passed out of bounds over the goal line. The player taking the corner kick cannot touch the ball again until another player touches it. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick.

Cover
Guarding a player to prevent them from getting control of the ball. Also a defender who is supporting a teammate by standing behind that teammate, ready to provide additional defense should the attacking team get past the teammate.

Cross
Play the ball across the field towards the goal. Also called centering.
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D

Defender
Any player trying to prevent a score.

Defending Team
The team that does not have possession of the ball.

Dribbling
Using one's feet to move the ball around the field with short, brief kicks. The player does not have to chase after the ball, rather the ball remains one or two steps in front of the player dribbling.

Direct Free Kick
A free kick as a result of a foul where a goal may be scored directly from the free kick. Fouls that incur a direct free kick are:

  • Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent
  • Tripping or attempt to trip an opponent
  • Jumping at an opponent
  • Charging at an opponent
  • Striking or attempt to strike an opponent
  • Pushing an opponent
  • Tackling an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with the opponent before touching the ball.
  • Holding an opponent
  • Spitting at an opponent
  • Handling the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his/her own penalty area)

Double Up
Two players mark up against an attacker to try and gain possession.

Drop Ball
A method of restarting play where the referee drops the ball between two players – one from each team. The ball cannot be kicked until it has touched the ground, otherwise the ball is dropped again. A drop ball is used when there has been a temporary stoppage of the game for reasons that do not constitute fouls or rule violations.
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F

Far Post
The goal post farthest away from the kicker.

Feint
A maneuver by a player that makes the opposing player believe the ball is going to go in a specific direction, but in fact moves in another direction.

Formation
Groups of players positioned in a pattern on the field. Players stand in formation at the beginning of play and then move into different formations as the game progresses.

Foul
A play or movement by a player that is illegal according to the rules.

Free Kick
When a team commits a foul, the opposing team is given a free kick. See also Direct Free Kick and Indirect Free Kick.
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G

Give and Go (also called Wall Pass)
A player passes the ball to another player, and then runs forward to receive a pass returned by the other player.

Goal
When a team's ball goes through the goalposts a goal is scored.

Goal Area or Box
The box or area in which the ball is placed to take a goal kick.

Goalie
The goal defends the area between the goalposts to keep the opposing team's ball from passing through. The goalie is only player on the team who is allowed to touch the ball with his/her hands.

Goal Kick
A ball kicked from the goal box by the Goalie. A goal kick is awarded to the team defending the goal if the attacking team was the last to touch the ball before it passed out of bounds over the goal line.

Goal Line
The line between the two corner flags on each end of the field.

Goal Posts
Also known as "uprights", these are the posts that form the goal.

Gorilla Position
The ‘ready’ position for a player not in possession of the ball, but near the active play. The player is balanced on the balls of their feet, legs slightly bent, arms out wide, body slightly leaning forward. This position allows quick movement in one direction or another.
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H

Half Line
The line that divides the field in half.

Half Time
The break between the two halves of a soccer game.

Heading
When a player uses his/her forehead to hit the ball.
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I

Indirect Free Kick
A free kick as a result of a foul where a goal may not be scored directly from the kick. The ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored. Fouls that incur an indirect free kick are:

  • The goalkeeper takes more than six seconds to release the ball from his/her hands
  • The goalkeeper touches the ball again with his/her hands after the ball has been released and has not been touched by another player
  • The goalkeeper touches the ball with his/her hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him/her by a team-mate
  • The goalkeeper touches the ball with his/her hands after he/she has received it from a throw-in taken by a team-mate
  • A player plays in a dangerous manner
  • A player impedes the progress of an opponent
  • The player throwing a ball in touches the ball a second time before it is touched by another player
  • The player taking a corner kick touches the ball a second time before it is touched by another player
  • The player taking a goal kick touches the ball a second time before it is touched by another player
  • The player taking a kick off touches the ball a second time before it is touched by another player
  • A player commits any other offense (other than for already defined fouls) for which play is stopped to caution or dismiss that player.

Instep Drive
When the top of the foot (laces) is used to kick the soccer ball.

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J

Juggle
A skills development technique where the soccer ball is kept from hitting the ground by repeatedly keeping the ball in the air using the feet, thighs, head, chest, or any other part of the body. Juggling can be performed by a single person or in a group. In the group situation, the ball is passed between the players without touching the ground. Experienced players can keep the ball from hitting the ground for extended periods of time.
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K

Keeper
A call to indicate the goalkeeper should get the ball. This saves the defenders from having to run too far back into the defensive half of the field to retrieve the ball.

Kick Off
A kick taken from the center circle. The ball must move forward, otherwise the kick is re-taken. A goal may be scored from the kick off.
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L

Linesman
The person near one of the touch lines who signals when the ball is out of bounds, or a player is offside.

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M

Man On or Man Coming
A call to a player to let them know an opposing team player is fast approaching them, and they must act quickly.

Mark Up
A player who guards an opponent and stays close to this opponent should they move to another position

MYSA
Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association. The state level organizing body that oversees youth soccer within Massachusetts. BAYS is a part of MYSA.
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N

Near Post
The goal post nearest to the kicker.

Nutmeg
Kicking the ball between the legs of another player to get past that player.
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O

Off the Ball
When players position themselves to receive the ball, by an open space.

Offside
When there are less than 2 defenders between the attacker and the goal. This does not apply if the attacker is not involved with the active play. This rule is not used in 6v6 soccer.

Out of Bounds
When the whole ball is outside the field (goal and touch) lines.
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P

Penalty Area
The lines in front of the goal and the only area in which the goalie may use his/her hands. If a foul is committed in this area by the defending team, a penalty kick is awarded.

Penalty Kick
A free kick awarded to the attacking team when the defending team commits a foul in the penalty area. The ball is placed on the penalty mark, and all other players apart from the goalie and kicking player must remain outside the penalty area until after the ball is kicked. The goalie must remain on the goal line until after the ball is kicked.

Pressure
To get into close proximity with an opposing team player that has the ball. The tactic is used to force the other player to make an erroneous (quick) decision or lose the ball.
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R

Red Card
A disciplinary action by the referee to a player(s), where the player(s) must leave the field and not return into play for the remainder of the game.

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S

Screening
A technique used by players to prevent the opponent from taking the ball.

Side Volley
Any ball played while it is still in the air.

Spin
Rotation of the ball during travel. Spin can either be forward (in the direction of travel), backward (against the direction of travel), or sideways. The direction of spin (if any) depends on where the foot strikes the ball during a kick.

Sweeper
A defensive position where the player moves sideways from one side of the field to get the ball if it gets past another defender.

Switch
Play the ball to the other side of the field.
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T

Tackling
When a player uses their feet to gain control of the ball from an opponent.

Throw In
A means of restarting play after the ball has crossed out of bounds over a touchline. The player must throw the ball over his/her head using both hands, and both feet must remain on the ground behind the touchline. The thrower must not touch the ball again until another player has touched it. A goal cannot be scored from a throw in.

Time
A call to a player to indicate he/she is not under pressure, and can take time to control the ball and make a considered decision.

Touch Line
The boundary lines on the long sides of the field.

Trapping
When a player stops a ball in motion with part of their body.

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V

Volley
When the player kicks an air bound ball

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W

Wing
The part of the soccer field near the sidelines.

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Y

Yellow Card
A cautionary signal provided by the referee to a player that committed an offense, warning them not to repeat the same offense. A second infraction results in a Red card.
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FAQs
1.What if it is raining? Who decides if a game is cancelled?
2.How is it decided on what team my child will play?
3.Where can I find the rules of soccer?
4.Why does another S.C. Norfolk player have the same number as my child?
5.How are the team divisions and sections determined?
6.What can I do if the referee is making bad calls? Is it OK to question or yell at a referee?
7.Why don't we have teams in all age groups?

What if it is raining? Who decides if a game is cancelled?
You will be notified at least two hours before a game if its to be cancelled. Your coach will either call you or leave a message on the hotline if a game is cancelled.

How is it decided on what team my child will play?
Player placement is ultimately the responsibility of the Board; however S.C. Norfolk designates a member of the Board to coordinate and manage the activities of each the boys and the girls group. Each Director will rely upon coaches’ evaluations, the ratings during the tryouts, the Director’s own observations, and the observations of other Soccer Board members during the season. S.C. Norfolk also follows a set of criteria when making team assignments. Every effort is made to place your child on a team commensurate with their ability and to provide teams with similar skill levels.

Where can I find the rules of soccer?
Your coach is provided with a set of game rules each season. However other sources include local libraries and bookshops. The complete rulebook can also be reviewed at the BAYS web site. The rules for the six-sided games we play are slightly different than full-sided soccer.

Why does another S.C. Norfolk player have the same number as my child?
Soccer shirts have a limit of 2 digits for their numbers (1-99), while there are over 200 players registered with S.C. Norfolk. Duplicate numbers will exist, however we ensure that no two players with the same number are on any given team.

How are the team divisions and sections determined?
Based on the number of registered players and their skill levels, S.C. Norfolk will request team divisions and sections that should provide a competitive environment with teams of similar skill levels. Even though S.C. Norfolk makes these requests, it is BAYS who ultimately decide on the division and section that we play in. We do not always get the levels we request.

What can I do if the referee is making bad calls? Is it OK to question or yell at a referee?
BAYS has a zero tolerance policy that inhibits coaches or spectators from speaking to the referee. Complaints about a referee can be made to Jeff Hilton, or email sent the BAYS Referee Representative (referees@bays.org).

Why don't we have teams in all age groups?
Depending on the number of players registered we will determine the age groups to entered. We aim for teams of 11 players (6 on the field, 5 substitutes), so we may need to combine players of different age groups.