Parents!
We have adapted the Soccer NS U9 League Structure and have adopted a Jamboree style game format. This means that each U9 Team will have 2x 25 minute games per game night (once per week) at the Host Club field(s).
Each Club will host jamborees throughout the season. Each jamboree brings together a group of 4 teams and each team will play 2 games against one of the other teams and those teams may not be from the Club hosting the jamboree to ensure every team has a chance to play each other throughout the season. Host Clubs will have at least one "home" team at each of their jamborees to make sure the field is set up properly etc.
Example: Thunder FC is hosting a U9 Boys jamboree. There is one Thunder team, one Chester team and two West Nova teams (total 4 teams). The games are: Thunder vs Chester, Thunder vs WNF1, Chester vs WNF2, and WNF1 vs WNF2. Each teams plays 2 games against different teams, even if they may be from the same Club.
Here is some information behind the adoption of the Jamboree Style of play.
Our Goals:
Keeping it fun
Positive
Encouraging
Exciting
Engaging
AND
Balanced teams
Dynamic game days
Reduce travel
Power play rule
Accessible and Inclusive
U9 is the first competition introduction for most players, parents and even the coaches. Ensuring the best balance of competition is not easy but is fundamental to building joy and retention in youth sport.
It also helps kids understand that they're more than just athletes. With more balance and less pressure, kids are more likely to perform at their peak. Ensuring we can provide a FUN and exciting environment for as many as possible is our primary concern.
-The first games of the year, along with club practices, are used to ensure teams within the club are competitively balanced with no one team being significantly stronger than another.
-Coaches are to ensure balanced time for all players, rotating players to all positions for experience, using the power play rule when scores permit, same day roster changes to adjust to competition levels if required
-Clubs are mandated to ensure coaches are aware of the requirement for balanced competition. Provide resources and time to assist in education for coaches to balance teams. Ensure communication to parents on the U9 standards.
Club teams must be balanced as much as possible to allow consistent competition levels across the District - Clubs will ensure the time is allotted to allow balanced rosters with the first league games internal to the club if they have more than 1 team
Players may move from one roster to another at any time it is deemed required to balance teams - (properly communicated to parents to allow education of the why, retention, encouragement, equity and inclusion, building success for further development)
Player Development - our goal is to teach the players how to play soccer to the best of their ability. To accomplish this all players are to be given equal playing time during games and attention during practice.
2 games each game night, scheduled at (25) minutes per game
5 v 5 (including goalkeeper)
Size 4 ball
Net size 6ft X 4ft
Field size - Width - 25/30m, Length - 30/36, Centre Circle - 7m, Goal Box (W=12m, L=8m)
All out of bounds balls will be a pass in.
Retreat line will be at half for all goal kicks and ball in hand with the keeper - Once the ball is played by the keeper, the defending players may advance past the retreat line.
Power play rule permits the trailing team to add a player in addition to the 5 on the field if they are down by 4 or more goals.
Note: Power play rule must be used if goal differential is more than 4 goals - Power play rule is rescinded once score differential is below 4 goals
All games must be reported with proper rosters - Reported games will be reviewed for rosters and scores - it is important to note which players were on the rosters for lopsided games to ensure actions are taken to allow the players to have the most appropriate competitions level.
When a lopsided game is noted, an adjustment to players and rosters can be made on the fly at the field during the games between any two club teams. We are free to share players across clubs to ensure competition is appropriate.
Game reporting, game sheet or RAMP app to include rosters
Monitoring games for proper competition level, tools that can be used
Ensure the retreat line is used - return to half when the keeper has the ball in hand or a goal kick. Proceed when the ball is played.
Positive comments at all times. Advice is fine but guide them to solve the problems on the field. If we make game decisions for them, they are not really playing or learning the game.
Humble - if your team is well ahead, we do not encourage more goals loudly. Celebrating another goal can simply be a “Well done.” Then focus on process actions.
Encourage process actions and efforts over results.
Dribbling Skills
Passing Skills
Teamwork
Taking shots
Taking Chances
Making mistakes and trying again
A focus on process over results allows young players to develop at the rate that suits them. Remember, they are kids, it’s a game and every child will progress at their own pace. There are no “Elite” U9 players, only current performers and learners.
If a player is showing to be significantly more advanced than their peers, ensure your club is aware and request assistance on how the player can be challenged to develop. There are always options to help challenge players who are currently performing above their peers. (Call ups to older age group games or practices)