Spring Soccer Frequently Asked Questions

U5-U6 Format

Our spring programming for our U5 and U6 age groups will now compliment our fall programming. Once per week our U5 and our U6 players will gather, on separate days of the week, and placed in small groups. These groups will rotate through 3-4 “stations” where they will participate in age related, fun activities that encourage competence with a soccer ball over the course of time. Stations will promote balance, coordination and  skill development. After rotating through each station the players will be placed onto teams for mini games to complete the practice.

We feel that this format allows players to have more contact with the ball which is key to development and will not have the focus on winning/losing each week. It also allows players to play with different team mates every week.

The practice sessions will be conducted by CFC staff under the guidance of our Staff Coaches Chelsea Brown and Tsandlia Van Ry.

U7-U8 Rules & Regulations

U7/8 GAMES:   

• No Jewellery
• Each game shall be played with 6v6 (5 plus keeper).
• Fields will be lined by cones and are approx. 30 yds x 45 yds. Size 4 game balls supplied by CFC.
• The smaller sized expandable aluminum goals will be used for this group. Goals are 8ft wide x 4ft. high.
• Goal kicks may be taken from any point within the 5 yd line in front of the goal. Generally, the ball will be placed on the line 5 yards from the goal line.
• During play, if the goalkeeper picks up the ball, they can place it on the ground and it is treated like a goal kick. This helps eliminate opposing players crowding the keepers and stealing the ball. Everyone is learning, so it’s more important to get play going fairly. There’s lots of time as they get older to play it as a live ball.
• Retreat Rule: On goal kicks, opposing players must be positioned 20 yds. from the goal line when a goal kick is taken. This helps eliminate the opposing team crowding the kicker and just kicking the ball back at the net. Coaches are asked to help encourage their teams to move back during goal kicks and not leave it up to the ref to instruct at every goal kick.
• Substitutions may be made at a stoppage in play and must be Ok’d by the ref. Substitutions are unlimited.
• There are no offsides.
• Duration of games shall be 2 x 25 minute halves with a 5 minute half time.
• The home team (listed first on the schedule) shall provide the game ball.
• Sliding tackles are not permitted and will result in an indirect free kick. Leniency will be given to goalkeepers if they slide using the upper body to prevent a goal – if the goalkeeper slides feet first, it will be considered a sliding tackle and an indirect free kick will be awarded
• Shin pads and soccer boots are mandatory equipment.
• All free-kicks, including any hand balls preventing a goal in the goal area, will be awarded as indirect.  In the goal area, the ball moves back to the top of the goal line for the indirect kick.  Opposing players can line up 8 yds away, in front of the goal.
• If, in the opinion of the referee, a player is being unduly aggressive toward the players on his or her own or the other team, the referee may order that player off the pitch for a five minute “cool down” period. A substitute player is permitted as a replacement.
• All turf field rules must be followed including spectators not permitted anywhere on the turf field and must stay behind the fences.

 COACH’S RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Chilliwack FC will have the fields for the U7/8 group set-up prior to the games being played. Coaches are asked to move the goals and field lining cones to the storage bin at the end of their games.
• Coaches are asked to ensure that all players are given a fair amount of playing time (min 25 mins)
• Coaches are asked to keep the score of games as even as possible. If the opposing team is not as strong as your team and your team is ahead by 4 or more goals you may ask the ref to have the opposing team add a player to the field. If you are on the losing side of a game and you are falling behind by 4 or more goals you should ask the referee at a stoppage in play to notify the opposing coach that you are adding a player. If the score continues to rise the winning team should drop one more player. Coaches are asked to work together to make the playing experience an enjoyable one for all players.
• As this is a fun non-competitive league with many new and inexperienced players, coaches are asked to offer much encouragement and display a positive attitude at all in times an effort to provide an enjoyable experience for the players.

CONDUCT TOWARD REFEREES:

Many referees in this league are just learning their role. They have limited experience but will learn more with each game. In the past our club has suffered from a shortage of young referees due to many dropping out as a result of abuse, intimidation and negative comments from the sidelines while they were in their early stages of development. We have just certified a number of new referees who will be officiating in the Spring Soccer League which is where they can hone their skills in a less structured and less competitive environment. Please help us retain these young referees by respecting their decisions and accept that from time to time their decisions may appear wrong. It is my experience that when it comes to referee decisions the old saying “you win some, you lose some” often comes into play. It is important that you encourage the parents of your players to display the same conduct to the referee’s also. Chilliwack FC adheres strictly to zero tolerance of abuse towards our young referees. If we receive complaints that abuse is being directed towards referees, the parent, coach, or player doing so will be given a warning.

U9/10, U11/12, and U13/14 Rules & Regulations

GAMES:

• U9/10 Boys and Girls will be playing on a new smaller field size. They will play 7v7 with 6 outfield players and a designated goalkeeper.
• U11/12 Girls play on a full Super 8 sized field. Girls play 7v7 (6 out plus keeper).
• U11/12 Boys will play 6v6 (5 out plus keeper) on 30×50 sized field.
• U13/14 Boys play on a full Super 8 sized field and play 7v7(6 out and keeper). 
• U13/14 Girls will be play 4v4 (no keeper) on a 20×30 sized field and use 4’x8’ expandable goals.
• The 12’x6′ expandable/portable white aluminum nets should be used for the U9/10 group and the larger Super8 goals will be used for U11/12 & up.
• A goalkeeper may handle the ball anywhere in the 6-yard box.
• Goal kicks may be taken from any point within the 6-yard box.
• Retreat rule: Opposing players must be positioned outside of the 18 yd retreat line during the taking of goal kicks. Opposing players can not enter the area until the ball is touched by the kicking team or the ball crosses the retreat line.
• Substitutions may be made at a stoppage in play and must be OK’d by the ref. Substitutions are unlimited.
• There are no offsides.
• Duration of games shall be 2 x 30-minute halves with a 5-minute half time.
• The home team (listed first on the schedule) shall provide the game ball.
• Shin pads and soccer boots are mandatory equipment.
• Sliding tackles are not permitted and will result in an indirect free kick. Leniency will be given to goalkeepers if they slide using the upper body to prevent a goal – if the goalkeeper slides feet first, it will be considered a sliding tackle and an indirect free kick will be awarded.
• All free-kicks, including any hand balls preventing a goal in the goal area, will be awarded as indirect.  In the goal area, the ball moves back to the top of the goal line for the indirect kick.  Opposing players can line up 8 yds away, in front of the goal.
• U13/14 BOYS- Goalkeepers cannot drop-kick the ball after they have saved or picked it up from a shot. They can throw the ball, or place the ball on the ground and play it with their feet within the 18 yd area. If the ball is set down, opposing players cannot touch the ball until it has been kicked outside of the 18 yard area. To ensure the ball is put back into play quickly the keeper must play the ball within 6 seconds of their initial save. Once the keeper plays the ball with his feet he can not pick the ball back up. If the keeper plays the ball outside the 18 yard. area the ball becomes “live” and the opposing team can attack the ball.
• In the U9/10 boys & girls, U11/12 boys & girls, goalkeepers can drop-kick the ball once they gain possession.
• All turf field rules must be followed including spectators not permitted anywhere on the turf field and must stay behind the fences.

COACH’S RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coaches are required to move the goals into position for the first games of the evening. The U9/10 goals are stored off to the side of the fields. They are too large for the storage bin. Coaches will need to find a net and place it centred on the goal line before the first games. They can be left in place after the second games.
• U13/14 and U15/16 use the larger Super8 sized goals. They are stored somewhere on the sides of the field. Each coach will need to put a goal centred on a goal line prior to the game. They can be left in place after the games
• Coaches are asked to ensure that all players are given a fair amount of playing time (min 30 mins)
• Coaches are asked to keep the score of games as even as possible. If the opposing team is not as strong as your team and your team is ahead by 4 or more goals you may ask the ref to have the opposing team add a player to the field. If you are on the losing side of a game and you are falling behind by 4 or more goals you should ask the referee at a stoppage in play to notify the opposing coach that you are adding a player. If the score continues to rise the winning team should drop one more player. If the game comes back to within one goal the coaches are asked to go back to 6 outfield players per side and adjust the numbers according to the score. Coaches are asked to work together to make the playing experience an enjoyable one for all players.
• As this is a fun non-competitive league with many new and inexperienced players, coaches are asked to offer much encouragement and display a positive attitude at all in times an effort to provide an enjoyable experience for the players.

CONDUCT TOWARD REFEREES:

Many referees in this league are just learning their role. They have limited experience but will learn more with each game. In the past our club has suffered from a shortage of young referees due to many dropping out as a result of abuse, intimidation and negative comments from the sidelines while they were in their early stages of development. We have just certified a number of new referees who will be officiating in the Spring Soccer League which is where they can hone their skills in a less structured and less competitive environment. Please help us retain these young referees by respecting their decisions and accept that from time to time their decisions may appear wrong. It is my experience that when it comes to referee decisions the old saying “you win some, you lose some” often comes into play. It is important that you encourage the parents of your players to display the same conduct to the referee’s also. Chilliwack FC adheres strictly to zero tolerance of abuse towards our young referees. If we receive complaints that abuse is being directed towards referees, the parent, coach, or player doing so will be given a warning.

U15-U16 Rules & Regulations

GAMES:

• The U15/16 Co-ed group will be playing 7v7 (6 out plus keeper).
• Games will be played on a full Super8 sized field. Please use the black field lines as your sidelines.
• Super8 size goals will be used.
• A goalkeeper may handle the ball anywhere in the 6-yard box.
• Goal kicks may be taken from any point within the 6-yard box.
• Retreat rule: Opposing players must be positioned outside of the 18 yd retreat line during the taking of goal kicks. Opposing players can not enter the area until the ball is touched by the kicking team or the ball crosses the retreat line.
• Duration of games shall be 2 x 30-minute halves with a 5 minute half time.
• Substitutions may be made at a stoppage in play and must be OK’d by the ref. Substitutions are unlimited.
• There are no offsides.
• The home team (listed first on the schedule) shall provide the game ball.
• Shin pads and soccer boots are mandatory equipment.
• Sliding tackles are not permitted and will result in an indirect free kick. Leniency will be given to goalkeepers if they slide using the upper body to prevent a goal – if the goalkeeper slides feet first, it will be considered a sliding tackle and an indirect free kick will be awarded.
• Goalkeepers cannot drop-kick the ball after they have saved or picked it up from a shot. They can throw the ball, or place the ball on the ground and play it with their feet within the 18 yd area. If the ball is set down, opposing players cannot touch the ball until it has been kicked outside of the 18 yd area. To ensure the ball is put back into play quickly the keeper must play the ball within 6 seconds of their initial save. Once the keeper plays the ball with his feet he can not pick the ball back up. If the keeper plays the ball outside the 18-yard. area the ball becomes “live” and the opposing team can attack the ball.
• All free-kicks, including any hand balls preventing a goal in the goal area, will be awarded as indirect.  In the goal area, the ball moves back to the top of the goal line for the indirect kick. Opposing players can line up 8 yds away, in front of the goal.
• If, in the opinion of the referee, a player is being unduly aggressive toward the players on his or her own or the other team, the referee may order that player off the pitch for a five minute “cool down” period. A substitute player is permitted as a replacement.
• All turf field rules must be followed including spectators not permitted anywhere on the turf field and must stay behind the fences.

COACH’S RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coaches are required to move the goals into position for the first games of the evening. The U9/10 goals are stored off to the side of the fields. They are too large for the storage bin. Coaches will need to find a net and place it centred on the goal line before the first games. They can be left in place after the second games.
• U13/14 and U15/16 use the larger Super8 sized goals. They are stored somewhere on the sides of the field. Each coach will need to put a goal centred on a goal line prior to the game. They can be left in place after the games
• Coaches are asked to ensure that all players are given a fair amount of playing time (min 30 mins)
• Coaches are asked to keep the score of games as even as possible. If the opposing team is not as strong as your team and your team is ahead by 4 or more goals you may ask the ref to have the opposing team add a player to the field. If you are on the losing side of a game and you are falling behind by 4 or more goals you should ask the referee at a stoppage in play to notify the opposing coach that you are adding a player. If the score continues to rise the winning team should drop one more player. If the game comes back to within one goal the coaches are asked to go back to 6 outfield players per side and adjust the numbers according to the score. Coaches are asked to work together to make the playing experience an enjoyable one for all players.
• As this is a fun non-competitive league with many new and inexperienced players, coaches are asked to offer much encouragement and display a positive attitude at all in times an effort to provide an enjoyable experience for the players.

CONDUCT TOWARD REFEREES:

Many referees in this league are just learning their role. They have limited experience but will learn more with each game. In the past our club has suffered from a shortage of young referees due to many dropping out as a result of abuse, intimidation and negative comments from the sidelines while they were in their early stages of development. We have just certified a number of new referees who will be officiating in the Spring Soccer League which is where they can hone their skills in a less structured and less competitive environment. Please help us retain these young referees by respecting their decisions and accept that from time to time their decisions may appear wrong. It is my experience that when it comes to referee decisions the old saying “you win some, you lose some” often comes into play. It is important that you encourage the parents of your players to display the same conduct to the referee’s also. Chilliwack FC adheres strictly to zero tolerance of abuse towards our young referees. If we receive complaints that abuse is being directed towards referees, the parent, coach, or player doing so will be given a warning.

Spring Soccer Turf Field Rules & Maps

SPRING SOCCER ON THE TURF

All games for the 2018 Chilliwack Ford Spring Soccer League season will be played at Exhibition Field on the turf. The benefits of using this facility for our spring program are many. No games will be cancelled because of closed fields, more adequate size goals and field sizes used for all age groups, no limit to the number of games per night because of darkness, and the same field configurations will be used in our fall program as our spring program.

Chilliwack FC is only one user group that has access to these fields. Chilliwack FC does not own or make the rules for field use. The rules and regulations listed below are set out by the City of Chilliwack and must be adhered to or we will lose privileges.

ACCESS & PARKING

• Parking access to Exhibition Field is off Spadina Avenue through Gate 4 north east of the stadium. Parking in this city owned lot is always free and the lot will always be open when games are scheduled.
• Parking in the Prospera Centre owned lot to the north west of the stadium is discouraged. Parking fees will be in effect during all event times at Prospera Centre.
• A new entrance to Exhibition Field has been built at the north end off the Gate 4 parking lot. There is no access to the field from the Prospera lots.
• Chilliwack FC appreciates your cooperation.

EXHIBITION & TOWNSEND TURF FIELD RULES & REGULATIONS

• Only players, coaches and officials are permitted on the turf playing fields.
• One parent per U5 – U6 – U7/8 team is permitted on the field during games to assist coaches in helping guide players off the field for bathroom breaks. We suggest this task be divided up among willing parents, each team can discuss how this task is assigned.
  
• Parents and spectators must stay behind the fences. The team bench area on the east side of Exhibition Field will be open for spectators for the U5/6 &-U7/8 divisions only. In order to access the team benches, spectators must walk around the outside fence from the main entrance – they are not to walk across the field.
• Players must not enter the field prior to their permitted time.
• Coaches have been instructed to gather teams outside the playing field fence at the nearest gate to the field the game is scheduled on.
• Teams are to enter the playing fields together once the earlier games are finished
• NO coffee, pop, juice, sports drinks or oranges. ONLY WATER is permitted on the turf. This means no oranges or other snacks are permitted at half-time. Players are allowed to carry water bottles onto the field. Oranges or other snacks will have to wait until after the game.
• NO food is permitted on the turf, including gum, sunflower seeds and nuts.
• NO food or drink is permitted in the team bench area at Exhibition Field.
• NO smoking within the facility.
• NO DOGS or animals within the facility.
  

Spectators will be required to stay behind the fences for the games scheduled at Townsend Park, there will be no access to the covered benches.

EXHIBITION FIELD CONCESSION

The concession at Exhibition Field is now being operated by Chilliwack FC and will be open during all spring game times scheduled. A variety of food is available.

FIELD MAPS

The maps below show the various field configurations for Exhibition Field.