The Travel Program is our more competitive soccer program. Players that want to participate in this program must be part of the June evaluations, which are used to form teams for the Fall season.

The U8 teams play 5v5 format, the U9&U10 play a 7v7 format,  U11 &U12 play the 9v9 format and the U13 &U14 play 11v11 format.

LSA participates in the Roots league.

For all travel related questions please contact travel@longmeadowsoccer.org

Sunday, June 4th @ Wolf Swamp Fields
Arrive 15 minutes before the time slot to register and warm up

• Upcoming U14 (Grade 8 in Fall 2023) - 9 am 
• Upcoming U12 (Grade 6 in Fall 2023) – 10 am
• Upcoming U10 (Grade 4 in Fall 2023) – 11 am
• Upcoming U9 (Grade 3 in Fall 2023) - 1 pm
• Upcoming U11 (Grade 5 in Fall 2023) - 2pm
• Upcoming U13 (Grade 7 in Fall 2023)– 3pm

Saturday, June 10th @ Wolf Swamp Fields  (If games conflict with times we may need to adjust)
Arrive 15 minutes before the time slot to register and warm up

• Upcoming U14 (Grade 8 in Fall 2023) - 9 am 
• Upcoming U12 BOYS ONLY (Grade 6 in Fall 2023) - 10 am
• Upcoming U11 (Grade 5 in Fall 2023) - 1 pm
• Upcoming U12 GIRLS ONLY (Grade 6 in Fall 2023) – 1 pm
• Upcoming U13 (Grade 7 in Fall 2022) - 2 pm
• Upcoming U9 BOYS ONLY (Grade 3 in Fall 2023) - 2pm 
• Upcoming U10 (Grade 4 in Fall 2023) – 2 pm
• Upcoming U9 GIRLS ONLY (Grade 3 in Fall 2023) - 3 pm

Travel Soccer Evaluation Format

There will be four stations. Players will be scored at each station by independent evaluators.  LSA board members and coaches will facilitate stations, but will not be involved in the scoring process. The stations were developed based on best practices by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and Mass Youth Soccer Association (MYSA). LSA coaches are asked to practice the following stations with their teams, so that the players are comfortable with the evaluation process. 

• Station #1 -­‐ Technical Skills: Dribbling & Ball Control -
  Coervers: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6VikvER9hkg
  Peles: receiving/trapping with feet, thighs, chest and passing in pairs

• Station #2 -­‐ Individual Play: 1v1 -
  1v1 to cone goals, Emphasis on individual attacking and defending
   
• Station #3 -­‐ Small Sided Play: 4v4 -
  4v4 to pugg goals, Emphasis on passing and playing in combination
   
• Station #4 -­‐ Full Sided Play: 7v7, 8v8, 9v9 (based on age group)
  Larger field with modified goals, Emphasis on tactical abilities and teamwork

Practice Ideas: http://www.mayouthsoccer.org/coaches/session_plans/

I. TEAM STRUCTURE
Teams are encouraged to play in Division 1, but team placement each season will be determined by the results of the evaluations, number of players registered, and the availability of different divisions offered by the Roots league. Longmeadow soccer players will always come first in team assignments.

Age groupings are as follows: Ages are determined as of August 1 of the current year.

Age Groups

• Under 14 - One or more teams consisting of only 14 year olds in 8th Grade
• Under 13 - One or more teams consisting of only 13 year olds in 7th Grade
• Under 12 - One or more teams consisting of only 12 year olds in 6th Grade
• Under 11 - One or more teams consisting of only 11 year olds in 5th Grade
• Under 10 - One or more teams consisting of only 10 year olds in 4th Grade
• Under 9 - One or more teams consisting of only 9 year olds in 3rd Grade
• Under 8 - One or more teams consisting of only 8 year olds in 2nd Grade

1. The initial factor for placement of a player on a team is their grade unless prohibited by the age limitation.
2. The LSA Travel Committee may create extra teams for any division based on the number of available players. In order to be eligible for this, team players must first try out for their particular age division, when applicable. Additional teams will be formed from players unable to be included on the select age group team.
3. No child under the age of 7 as of August 1 of the current year is allowed to play on a Travel Team without LSA Board Approval.
4. Player movement between teams, in their own division, is up to the two coaches with approval of VP of Travel, as well as the League Bylaws. This is intended for the younger age groups where there are no A and B teams formed based on evaluations rating. Eighteen players are the maximum allowed on a travel team roster unless league rules state otherwise.  Any team requesting to roster more than 18 players will need LSA Board approval to do so.
5. If circumstances call for a new team to be formed with under aged players, it should be understood that the underage players must move down to their proper age group when a team for that age group is formed. All new sign-ups must play in their particular age groups.
6. Out of town players are allowed to play on an LSA team.  Waiver from the town where the player resides will be required.  If the town the player comes from does not field a team, a waiver is not necessary.  Out of town players may not take the place of an eligible Longmeadow player.  No Longmeadow player will be cut from the program to make room for an out of town player.  The LSA Board will review all waiver requests.
7. There are NO guaranteed spots on any team. Board members, coaches and assistant coaches’ children will be rated accordingly to their ability and will not automatically receive a roster spot because their parent is the coach. Players/parents can request a move from an A to a B team.
8. All players assigned to a Travel Soccer Team are expected to commit to both the fall and spring seasons, especially players that have been evaluated to be on the A team.
9. At the evaluations in June, players that make a certain team are guaranteed a spot for FALL and SPRING.  If a player from a "A Team" team decides not to play between seasons then a player from the "B Team" team can be called up to take spot.  Out of town players or school choice players who are given a spot at June try out will not be dropped in between Fall and Spring seasons as LSA will commit to the two season spot that a player is given.

No child may play outside their age/grade appropriate bracket unless:

• An opening exists in the next bracket up. No age/grade appropriate player, who is duly signed up, may be cut to make room for the underage player.
• Subject to tryouts this player is grandfathered only if additional age/grade appropriate players do not tryout.
• In rare situations when a player may want to play outside of their age division for any reason, the request must be approved by majority vote of the LSA Travel Committee. This would be a very rare exception.

II. EVALUATION PROCEDURES
Evaluations

• Evaluations will be held on two separate days, a third if necessary upon coaches request and approval of the LSA Board. Players must attend one day mandatory, two days at coach request. It is highly recommended to attend all tryouts for the best opportunity to be rated accordingly.
• Players must be registered in the online system before tryouts.  Multiple children families must pay full fees for all Travel players.  In Town policy is separate, SEE INTOWN BYLAWS.
• All players wishing to play for any travel team MUST attend an evaluation to be eligible.  Exceptions to include: injury, other medical condition, and personal family matters.  Any player wishing to play, that cannot attend an evaluation, must send letter or email to Longmeadow Soccer prior to the try out.
• In the event a player is unable to be evaluated with an approved absence by LSA’s Travel Committee then a previous coach may grade the player based on his/her history and judgment of the player.    Player who misses evaluations and has no previous Travel/Super Rec League experience will go to the bottom of the list for eligible players.

Evaluations Format

• All players will be given a number to wear on body, numbers will correspond to list that evaluators will have.    
• Players will be evaluated by independent qualified evaluators hired by LSA for this purpose only.

Evaluations Drills and Exercises

• There will be four stations. Players will be scored at each station by independent evaluators.  
• LSA board members and coaches will facilitate stations, but will not be involved in the scoring process.
• The stations were developed based on best practices by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and Mass Youth Soccer Association (MYSA).
• LSA coaches are asked to practice the following stations with their teams, so that the players are comfortable with the evaluation process. The stations were also presented at the August 2016 coaches meeting.
• Refer to the Travel Evaluation Format

Rating Players:

• Each evaluator will have a sheet where they will fill in the given player’s jersey numbers.
• Evaluators will use sheets to rate each player within the group they are put in, each evaluator will rate each player during the mini games, from 1-4, 1 being the best rating, 4 being the lowest rating. Each evaluator will look at each group and rating the players in each group as they see necessary. 
• We will use a rating between 1 and 4 so no middle number can be picked (recommended by MYSA).
• Head coach's children and or assistant coach’s children are not automatically given spots on rosters due to coach positions or board positions. 

Final Roster

• The final roster decision will be voted on by the LSA board for approval.
• The head coach’s discretion on the roster will be weighed heavily during the process but final decision will be LSA Board of Directors. 
• The two other evaluators will give their input and ratings prior to the full field breakdown. 
• The LSA Boards decision should be made in agreement with evaluators.  
• Travel Soccer Directors may also decide to modify numbers on a team to allow for second team (or to raise the roster number in the spring to avoid issues with other sports) if necessary. 
• These decisions will be made with best interest of LSA and the concerning team, and will not be done without LSA Travel Committee approval. 
• Head coaches are not to notify players of spots on the team until LSA Board has approved the rosters.
• Roster size will be determined with input from the head coach, LSA Travel Committee approval.

Evaluation records

• Grading sheets done by evaluators will be collected after team has been selected and will be kept on file with LSA for one season. 
• Records are not made available to anyone other than Travel Committee members, and general LSA Board members per request.
• The evaluations determine the creation of A Teams and a B Teams for age groups U11 and up. For younger age groups, the evaluations are used to create the teams in equal strength.
• In between Fall and Spring seasons, if any team loses players, the Travel Committee will recruit players from the previous tryout list first. Coaches may request a winter tryout to determine ability for team selection.
• The LSA board reserves the right to modify rosters, coach positions, and all other aspects of the team(s) during any point of the season or in between seasons that the Board feels is in the best interest of the team.

 

III. Uniforms

Uniforms will be purchased by LSA after registration is complete for all players, as a separate fee to the player. The uniform is the players and is not owned by LSA. Uniforms will be replaced to each team every 4 seasons (two years), and new players will be able to purchase their own uniform from LSA’s Apparel Store, link of which can be found on LSA’s website. Lost or damaged uniforms will be purchased by individual player. Additional Uniforms can be purchased on the LSA’s Apparel Store.

IV. Coach Licensing 

All Travel coaches must possess an appropriate MYSA license, prior to the start of their U12 season. If a coach does not have the mandatory license required and takes over an established team or starts a new team, that coach will have 18 months to get the license.  Accepting licenses from: MYSA, NSCAA, US Youth equivalents

If a coach does not meet the requirements of the Longmeadow Soccer Association for licensing they will be classified as an "intern" coach and will have to re-interview for the position each season after the team is posted for coaching applicants.

LSA will reimburse all qualified coaches for the registration cost of the required license, after they have paid, attended, and passes the course.

V.  Selection of Coaches

1.      A coach requesting to coach a Travel Team should have prior soccer coaching experience.

2.      Each team will be headed by two coaches selected by the Travel Committee.  In the event that there is only one coach volunteer, he/she may solicit for a second coach from the parents on the team. All assistants must be approved by LSA Board during final roster approvals and meet the MYSA requirements.

3.      The selection of coaches for all seasons will be approved by the Travel Committee of the LSA and may be removed by the Travel Committee.

4.      Coaches will move up with their respective teams when those teams advance to an older age group.

5.      The Travel Team Coach’s Body will be composed of the head coach of each team. Meetings will be called by the Vice President of Travel.

6.  Coaches will be renewed/approved by the Travel Committee at the end of each spring season, and prior to Roster announcement for the following Fall season.  

7.  Any coach inserted into a season for any reason will be considered an “interim” coach until end of spring season.  At that time refer to Section V. Line 6.

VI. Coaches’ Responsibilities

1. Coach will be provided with Travel Committee rules, regulations and procedures by the VP of Travel.
2. Coaches must familiarize themselves and their teams with all of these rules.
3. Coaches must familiarize parents with the rules governing parents, uniforms, and players.
4. Coaches must submit team rosters and player passes in accordance with Roots Soccer League Guidelines and with MYSA Soccer
5. During the season if a team is short of players then the coach should ask for a player from the same age group (e.g., A team coach asks for a player from the B team) or from the one year younger age group that is in the A division. The coach should strive to always have 2 substitutes per game at a minimum.
6. Coaches will be responsible to be represented at all meetings as directed by the Vice President of Travel. 
7. Coaches are required at the end of each spring season to submit an evaluation of each player from the previous Fall and Spring season.  These evaluations will be used as part of the evaluations process in June. 
8. Coaches provide input on the placement of their team in the appropriate Division. Coaches of a Girls team can request to compete in a Boys division as long as the majority of the team is in agreement with that decision, and the league can place the team in the requested division. 

 

VII. Disciplinary Action - Coaches/Assistants

For any infraction of the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association "Coaches Code of Conduct" (contained herein) or the Roots Soccer League Code of Conduct, or the LSA Code of Conduct, the Longmeadow Soccer Association Board will initiate an investigation. Based upon the results of the investigation the LSA Travel Committee may take the following action with any coach/assistant. A majority vote by the LSA Travel Committee is required to warn or suspend a coach/assistant. A 2/3 majority vote of the entire board is required to permanently remove the coach/assistant from any LSA events/teams.

Warning - the coach/assistant is given a verbal warning explaining the behavior that was deemed inappropriate and against the M.Y.S.A. or other governing body's "Coaches Code of Conduct". This warning will be documented in the LSA minutes.

Suspension - the coach/assistant may be suspended from coaching his/her team for a period of time as deemed appropriate by the LSA Travel Committee.

The LSA Travel Committee will then appoint an interim coach for the time.

The suspended coach/assistant MAY NOT participate in any practices or games with the team and MUST be on the parents side of the field during any league games during the suspension.

Removal - The coach/assistant can be permanently removed from coaching and LSA sponsored team or in any LSA sponsored event.

Two warnings within the same season (Fall and Spring constitute separate seasons) will result in an immediate 1 year suspension.

Any Coach/Assistant has the right to appeal the Longmeadow Soccer Associations’ decision to the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association or the organization that the LSA is currently affiliated with. All appeals must follow the governing organizations rules for appeals.

Longmeadow Soccer coaches are expected to represent Longmeadow Soccer Association, players, parents, and themselves appropriately at all times.  This includes:  regular season, practices, away tournaments, indoor soccer, and any other team event.  The Longmeadow Soccer Board can take appropriate action against coaches that do not represent themselves appropriately at any event with Longmeadow Soccer.

PARENTS

 Parents and fans will be required to stay at least 10 feet from the sidelines.

 No one will be permitted behind either goal.

 No alcoholic beverage will be permitted on the field at any time.

If a team forfeits a game due to the conduct of a Longmeadow parent, the LSA Travel Committee will take appropriate disciplinary action

Parents are subject to the ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY. Do not address the referees, opposing teams, coaches or other parents.

PLAYERS

At younger age groups such as U8, U9, and U10 coaches are strongly encouraged to play all players equally. For older age groups U11-U14, play time can be equitable, especially for A team that are in a competitive Division.  Coaches should be fair to the players. Parents should raise concerns with the coach and if there is no resolution to bring it up to the VP of Travel.

The position of a player and his/her playing time is left to the coaches’ discretion.

At any time during the season, a coach may request to drop a player from his roster if there’s an attitude or discipline problem. That coach must provide a written statement of the issues with the player to the VP of Travel Soccer.  Coach must notify the Travel Teams V.P. within 24 hours. Player can only be removed from the team by a 2/3 vote of the LSA Board.

Other reasons which may cause a coach to drop a child from his roster or not play a player in a game are absenteeism, inability to play as a team member and negative parent involvement. Coach must notify the Vice President of Travel within 24 hours.

TOURNAMENT PLAY

State Tournament Play

The LSA will pay the cost of State tournament play for all teams, which qualify for State play downs. Special consideration shall be given to all Longmeadow State Champions and Runner-ups.

Should a Travel Team(s) demonstrate exceptional performance in any mid-season or post-season state or regional competition the LSA Travel Committee may exercise an option of special consideration for awards.

FUND RAISING

If a team desires to raise money for any appropriate reason, by means of a fund raising activity, the LSA Travel Committee must first approve it.  The coach shall contact the VP of Travel with the details of the fundraiser in writing, who will then present it to the LSA Travel Committee.   That specific fundraiser, if approved, is good for one season (spring or fall)

AMENDMENTS

·        These Rules and Regulations may be amended by a majority vote of the Longmeadow Soccer Association LSA Travel Committee

MASSACHUSETTS YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION

Coaches Code of Conduct

The Board of Directors of Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association, Incorporated (Mass Youth Soccer) and the leaders of the affiliated Leagues are concerned about the conduct of all coaches and referees during games at all levels, from recreational to premier to ODP.

We want to ensure that games are fair, positive and enjoyable experiences for all of the children and adults involved. A soccer game should be friendly and unifying - a spirited social and athletic occasion for players, coaches, referees and spectators.

·        To clarify expectations of coach conduct, we jointly expect all coaches to conform to this code of conduct.

·        Before, during and after the game, be an example of dignity, patience and positive spirit.

·        Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the referee.

·        During the game, you are responsible for the sportsmanship of your players. If one of your players is disrespectful, irresponsible or overly aggressive, take the player out of the game at least long enough for him/her to calm down.

·        During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of the parents of your players. It is imperative to explain acceptable player and parent behavior in a preseason meeting.

·        Encourage them to applaud and cheer for good plays by either team. Discourage them and you may need to be forceful and direct from yelling at players and the referee.

·        During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of spectators rooting for your team.

·        During the game, do not address the referee at all. If you have a small issue, discuss it with the referee calmly and patiently after the game.

·        If you have a major complaint, or if you think the referee was unfair, biased, unfit or incompetent, report your opinion to your League. Your reactions will be taken seriously if they are presented objectively and formally.

·        After the game, thank the referee and ask your players to do the same.

  We stress two points:

1.      Referees - especially young and inexperienced ones - are like your players and yourself, in that they need time to develop. You can play an important role in helping them to improve by letting them concentrate on the game.  You can help by encouraging them, by accepting their inevitable, occasional mistakes and by offering constructive post-game comments. On the other hand, you could discourage and demoralize the referees by criticizing their decisions, by verbally abusing them and inciting - or even accepting - your own players' overly aggressive behavior.

2.      Your example is powerful, for better or worse. If you insist on fair play, if you concentrate on your players' enjoyment of the game and their overall, long term development, and if you support the referee, your players and their parents will notice. If you encourage (or allow) your players to play outside the rules, if you're overly concerned about results, and if you criticize the referee harshly, your players and their parents will also notice.  Think about what you're doing during a game! Uphold the Spirit of the Game! If you follow the expectations described above, the spirit of the game will be alive and well in Massachusetts and will grow, along with the enjoyment of all.

 Coaches who don't follow the expectations described above will be disciplined or removed

PREMIER SOCCER

Longmeadow Soccer and Premier Soccer integration guidelines

The Longmeadow Soccer Association will promote, assist, and comply with all players and their desire to further their soccer skills by playing premier soccer. Longmeadow Soccer Association will support all players and their desire to play for any premier organization.   Longmeadow Soccer will comply with all rules and regulations of dual rostering players between travel and premier (MYSA/US Club) as it pertains to conflicts and dual roster situations. Longmeadow Soccer will promote this throughout the organization so that at no time can a coach, parent, or other may distract, discipline, of forbid any player from participating in a premier organization. Longmeadow Soccer will ask that all players participating in premier play on Longmeadow travel teams.