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Manchester Soccer Club
In-House League Manual
About the Club
Manchester soccer Club, Inc. (MSC) was founded in 1979 to promote the game of
soccer. MSC is a 501(c)(3) organization that takes great pride in developing the whole
child. We teach both the technical and tactical aspects of the game appropriate for all
age groups. We provide In-house and travel programs for preschoolers through high
school reaching up to 1000 children a year!
MSC also hosts an annual soccer tournament that is the longest running youth soccer
tournament of its kind in Connecticut.
MSC is a parent run organization that operates for Manchester residents, thanks to the
efforts of hundreds of volunteers. MSC is a member of the Connecticut Junior Soccer
Association (CJSA). CJSA is one of 55 state run organizations that are members of the
U.S. Youth Soccer Association, Inc. (USYSA), which is the official youth division of the
US Soccer Federation (USSF). The USSF is the governing body for soccer in the
United States, also has a senior and professional division. USSF is the only soccer
organization in the US that is recognized by FIFA (International Football Association).
Sportsmanship
As a community group, we are obligated to remind all volunteers of the importance of
demonstrating good sportsmanship and fair play. You are a role model for the players
and the primary representative for our Club. Players notice what you say to opponents
and referees and they notice how you say it. They are distracted from the game or
practice as soon as you choose to verbalize your disagreements or frustrations in front
of them. Any constructive criticism should be reserved for after the game or practice in
an adult setting. Have fun, help the players learn the ins and outs of the game and
remain calm. Help the Club by reminding overzealous parents of the importance of good
sportsmanship. MSC is committed to raising the bar in all areas of the program, and it
needs everyone’s cooperation in doing so.
All players should participate in 50% of every game in our In-house program. Games
and practices are conducted on town fields in Manchester.
Sponsorships
By participating in the Manchester Soccer Club, we are providing children the
opportunity for organized exercise and play in a safe environment. By supporting MSC,
we are able to provide equipment needs, financial assistance and enhancing the profile
of the Club to attract more participants. MSC wants all players, regardless of financial
ability to be afford the opportunity to play soccer in our program. Our goal is to ensure
finances do not prevent a child from playing. The support from the community enables
us to provide financial assistance to families in need.
Rosters
● All Volunteers are required to complete a criminal background check prior to being
rostered to a team by completing the volunteer application.
● Contact Program Coordinator if a parent/guardian offers to help with the team.
● Players may be added to your roster throughout the soccer season. Program
Coordinator will contact you with player information as they register. Check your email
often.
● If a child is not listed on your team roster, they cannot participate in any of your team
functions. (i.e. siblings may not practice with the team).
● Note any special needs of your players. Not all health problems are obvious.
Contacting Players
Please contact the players listed on the attached roster provided by Program
Coordinator. Coordinator will provide a start date for your trainings.
Introduce yourself as the coach
Provide parents/guardians with:
1. Your name and contact information (phone & email)
2. Team name
3. Practice information (night/time/meeting spot)
4. Advise them to wear appropriate clothing, wear shin guards, and bring a
soccer ball and water bottle. Shin guards are mandatory for practices and
games
5. Discuss medical concerns and/or special needs with parents
Equipment
● Contact Division Directors if problems with equipment
● All equipment should be returned at the end of each season, following your final game
Weekday Practices
Identify the practice location for your team
Volunteer coaches should arrive a few minutes, prior to players arriving.
Trainers will run the lessen with the assistance of the volunteer coaches
Remind players to be on time to take full advantage of the MSC trainers
Never leave players unsupervised. In an emergency, make sure one adult stays
with the team, while the other calls for help.
Teach your players the rules of the game
Clean your area of debris before leaving
Games
Identify the game time & location for you and your players
Understand the rules for your division
Ensure 50% play time for every player, regardless of ability
Build a player’s all-around soccer skills; give each player the opportunity to play
both defense and offense
Respect the referee’s decisions
If you are missing several players, you may borrow players from your opponent.
There will be No forfeits.
Teams are responsible for turning-in score sheets at the end of every weekend
game. (Sheets are emailed to you from your division director)
Coaching
Enhance your understanding of soccer by getting additional soccer training
1. Work with your Division Director to help you identify additional training
programs available to you
2. Consult with the Club trainers for additional lesson plans
Coaching clinics – done during the offseason, summer or winter
MSC on-line training guide
Field Closing
Field closings will be noted on the home page of the MSC website. Please check
the MSC website before heading to any games/practices/training sessions if in
doubt.
Please sign up for E-Recreation Email Service to receive news about any
weekday cancellation of practices:
http://recreation.townofmanchester.org/erecreation/public/
Contact the Cancellation number through Parks & Rec:(860) 647-3162
MSC will make every effort to post weekend field closing on the MSC website.
Coaches and Parents should also check their email before heading to games
Picture Day
MSC provides a picture day once a soccer season. A photo schedule will be
distributed to all teams. All teams must follow the assigned schedule to avoid
delays. As a courtesy to teammates, players opting not to purchase photos
should still participate in team picture.
Jamboree
During the Jamboree, teams are given the opportunity to play shortened games
against different opponents from their divisions.
Dealing with Misbehavior
No corporal punishment is acceptable (push-ups, sit-ups, etc.). If a player is
behaving inappropriately, simply sit that player out. Before allowing that player to
re-enter, ask him if he understands why he/she sat out. Help create better people
as well as better players.
Coaching Conflicts
Be proactive in solving coaching conflicts and potential conflicts. Please do not wait until
the last minute to secure a substitute coach (rostered coach). If you do have a conflict,
make sure to inform your team in advance that you will not be there. It is not good
practice to have your players and parents show up without notice of your absence. Also,
make sure the substitute coach is up to speed.
Encourage players to attend other Manchester games
You and your players can help generate a greater “sense of club” by supporting other
Manchester teams. The Annual Tournament provides the perfect opportunity to do just
this with every travel team participating. A little sideline support can go a long way and
will be greatly appreciated.
Evaluations/feedback
Verbal feedback should be given on a regular basis before, during and after practices.
Be mindful of the age of the player when giving your feedback. Additionally, we may ask
our volunteer coaches to provide evaluations on players at the end of each season.
Questions/Concerns
A field marshal will be on site every Saturday. They will be wearing a MSC t-shirt with
the word “STAFF” printed on the back. They will be available to:
Direct coaches/players/parents to the appropriate field
Help explain the Laws of the Game
Provide first-aid
MSC Volunteers
Please visit the Manchester Soccer Club website for an updated listing of contacts.
Kennedy Road Soccer Complex – Field Layout
Playscape area
Kennedy 2B
Strikers
Coaches
Sideline
Coaches
Sideline
Kennedy 3B
Junior's
Kennedy 2A
Strikers
Coaches
Sideline
Coaches
Sideline
Field
Marshal
Kenned
y
1D
Kenned
y
1B
Kenned
y
1C
Kenned
y
1A
Kennedy 3A
Seniors
Entrance and Parking Lot
Playing Rules
Divisions
Striker Division
Juniors & Seniors Division
Ball Size
Developmental
Division
3
4
4 (Juniors); 5 (Seniors)
Game Format
3 vs. 3 (No GK)
6 vs. 6 (includes GK)
7 vs. 7 (includes GK)
Goal Keeper
No
Yes – If GK steps out of box
and handles ball, stop play,
explain boundaries, and give
2nd chance.
At Halftime
Conform to FIFA rules
At Halftime
Any stoppage, permission of
referee
Any stoppage, permission of
referee
Substitution
Prior to throw in
Prior to goal kick
After Goal
After Injury
At Halftime
Any stoppage
Playing Time
Each player should
receive 50% of the game
Each player should receive
50% of the game
Each player should receive
50% of the game
Player
Equipment
Cleats or sneakers, skin
guards (inside socks);
no jewelry
Cleats or sneakers, skin
guards (inside socks); no
jewelry
Cleats or sneakers, skin
guards (inside socks); no
jewelry
Referee
Coach
Yes
Yes
Coach
1 Coach allowed on field
Coaches sideline
Coaches sideline
Spectators
May sit on same
sideline, no one allowed
behind goals
2 x 14 minute halves
Opposite sideline from
Coaches; no one allowed
behind goals
2 x 18 minute halves
Opposite sideline from
Coaches; no one allowed
behind goals
2 x 22 minute halves
Game Breaks
5 minute halftime
5 minute halftime
5 minute halftime
Offside’s
No
No
Conform to FIFA rules
Fouls &
Misconduct
Indirect free kick – coach
should explain infraction
to player
Conform to FIFA rules –
referee must explain all
infractions to offending
players
Conform to FIFA rules –
referee must explain all
infractions to offending
players
Duration of
Game
Throw-Ins
A 2nd throw-in is allowed
if 1st throw in is a foul
A 2nd throw-in is allowed if 1st
throw in is a foul
Conform to FIFA rules
Free Kicks
A goal cannot be scored
until the ball has been
played or touched by a
2nd player of either team
A goal cannot be scored until
the ball has been played or
touched by a 2nd player of
either team
Conform to FIFA rules
Corner Kicks
3-4 yards of space for
kicks, no players in the
box
Conform to FIFA rules
Conform to FIFA rules
Goal Kicks
5 yards of space
Conform to FIFA rules
Conform to FIFA rules
Penalty Kicks
No
Conform to FIFA rules
Conform to FIFA rules
Start of Play
Opponents should be 35 yards from Center line
Conform to FIFA rules
Conform to FIFA rules
Method of
Scoring
Entire ball crosses the
goal line
Conform to FIFA rules
Conform to FIFA rules
After Goal
Scored
Opposing team restarts
game
Conform to FIFA rules
Conform to FIFA rules
League
Record
Keeping
No
No
No
Soccer terms
(Reference: US Youth Soccer Parent’s Guide)
Field Locations
Center Circle – a circular marking with a 10-yard radius in the “center” of the field from
which kickoffs are taken to start or restart the game. Purpose: Simply a reference line
for the referee and defenders. Defenders must be as least 10 yards away from the ball
prior to start or restart.
Center Line – See Midfield line.
Center Spot – The “center” of the center circle from which kickoffs are taken to start or
restart the game. Not too complicated!
Corner Arc – an arc or quarter-circle with a radius of 1 yard located at each of the 4
corners of the soccer field. Purpose: Also a reference line, the ball must be kicked from
inside this arc on a corner kick.
Corner Flag – the flag located at each of the 4 corners of the soccer field, inside the
corner area.
End Line – the boundary line extending from corner to corner along its width at each
end.
Field – the rectangular area where soccer matches are played.
Goal Area – the rectangular area (20 x 6 yd. on a full-size soccer field) marked within
the penalty area (or inside the larger rectangle) and directly in front of goal. Purpose:
Marks the area from which all goal kicks must be taken.
Goal Box – commoner’s term for the goal area or sometimes the penalty area.
Goal Line – same as the end line.
Midfield Line – a line in the center of the soccer field that divides the field in half along
its width and runs parallel to the goals. Purpose: Used for start and restart as well as for
calling offside. A player cannot be offside on their half of the field. Also called the center
line.
Penalty area – The larger rectangle (18 x 44 yd. On a full size field) in front of the goal
that includes the goal area. Purpose: Marks both where the goalkeeper is allowed to
touch the ball with his hands AND the area where harsh fouls committed by the
defending team result in penalty kicks.
Penalty Arc – The arc at the top of the penalty area. Purpose: Designates how far back
all players must be away from the ball while a penalty kick is being taken.
Penalty Mark (or Spot) – the mark on the soccer field from which penalty kicks are
taken.
Pitch – Another word for the field.
Sideline – common word for the touchline.
Touchline – the line that runs along the length of each side of the field. Commonly
called the sideline in other sports.
Soccer Actions
Center – a pass from either side of the field towards the middle of the field. It is used
primarily to get the ball closer to the front of the goal. The words “center” and “cross” are
used interchangeably.
Caution – a disciplinary action in which the referee shows a player the yellow card (for
violating a soccer rule, obviously). A second caution in the same match results in the
player being shown the red card (ejected from the game).
Corner kick – a direct free kick that is awarded when the defending team puts the ball
over the end line. A corner kick is taken by the offensive team from next to the corner
flag.
Dangerous Play – an action by a player that the referee considers dangerous to that
player or others. Examples are high kicking, playing while lying on the ground, or
playing the ball while it is in the possession of the goalkeeper.
Direct Free Kick – a free kick that is awarded at the spot of the infraction for a physical
contact foul such as tripping, holding, pushing, tackles from behind, jumping into an
opponent, or for hand balls. A direct free kick can score by going directly into the goal. It
does not have to be touched by anyone other than the kicker.
Drop Ball – a method of restarting a game where the referee drops the ball between 2
players facing each other. A drop ball restarts the game after play is stopped for no
penalty situation (e.g. after an injury) and in other circumstances (more than one soccer
rule about this). The ball is dropped where it was last in play or at the nearest point
outside the penalty area.
Foul – when the referee judges a violation against an opposing player. The team that
suffers the foul is awarded with a direct free kick unless the foul is committed by a
defensive player inside his own penalty area, in which case the foul results in a penalty
kick.
Goal Kick – a type of restart that is awarded when the attacking team puts the ball over
the end line. The ball is kicked from anywhere inside the goal area away from the goal
to restart play. After the kick is taken, the ball cannot be touched again by any player
until it is outside of the penalty area.
Indirect Free Kick – a free kick that is awarded at the spot of the infraction for other
fouls that are judged not to be serious such as obstruction, dangerous play or charging
(non-contact fouls), as well as for offside. Indirect kicks must touch another player
(either team) before the ball goes into the net in order to score.
Offside – a difficult soccer rule.
Not good enough for you? Ok, ok. Here it is: a violation that occurs when an offensive
player is closer to the opponent’s goal than both the ball and the second-to-last
opposing player at the time that the ball is passed to the offensive player by his or her
teammate. Players cannot be called offside if they are in their own half of the field or if
they receive the ball from a throw in, corner kick, or goal kick. When a player is called
offside, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick.
Obstruction – a foul in which a defensive player, instead of going after the ball, illegally
uses their body to prevent an offensive player from playing it.
Penalty kick – A kick taken from 12 yards in front of the goal as a result of a contact
foul or hand ball that takes place inside the penalty area.
Red card – a referee shows a player a red card to signal that the player has been
banned from the rest of the match. A red card can be shown for a single serious offense
or as the result of being shown a second yellow card in the same game. After a player is
shown a red card, the player must leave the field of play and cannot be replaced by a
substitute, meaning that his or her team must finish the match with one player fewer.
Sending off – an ejection resulting from a player being shown a red card. See also Red
card.
Throw-in – a way to restart play when the ball goes out over the sidelines. The team
that did not touch the ball last is allowed an overhead throw.
Yellow card – see Caution.
Charging – a method of running at and unbalancing the player who has possession, or
is attempting to gain possession of the ball; the act of using a "shoulder" against an
opponent’s shoulder to gain an advantage, allowed only when the ball is playable (i.e.
within 3 feet).
Clearing – the act of moving the ball out of the area of one’s own goal by throwing
(goalkeeper only) or kicking it.
Cross – another word for center.
Fake – a move by a player meant to deceive an opposing player. Used to gain an
advantage, it is frequently used when dribbling to get past an opponent.
Feint – another word for a fake.
Foot Trap – the use of the foot, usually the bottom, to control a rolling or low bouncing
ball.
Header – When a player passes or shoots the ball with his head.
Save – the act of a goalkeeper in stopping a shot that would have otherwise gone into
the goal.
Screening – another word for shielding.
Shielding –used by the person with the ball to protect the ball from a defender; the ball
carrier keeps their body between the ball and the defender.
Slide Tackle – a move where a player attempts to win the ball by sliding towards the
ball. If the tackling player touches the ball first, he is allowed to make contact with the
player controlling the ball. If the tackling player strikes the player before the ball, a foul is
assessed. A tackle from behind is always a foul regardless of whether the tackler
managed to get to the ball first.
Tackle – the act of taking the ball away from a player by kicking or stopping it with one's
feet.
Trap – the use of one’s body to slow down and control a moving ball, most often using
the chest, thighs or feet.
Positions
Defender – A player who works mainly in the defensive third of the field. They are
primarily focused on stopping the opposition’s attackers from scoring.
Forward – A player who is responsible for most of a team's scoring. They play in front
of the rest of their team (or in the attaching third of the field) where they can take most
of the shots.
Goalie – The person who protects the goal.
Midfielder – A player generally positioned in the middle third of the field between the
forwards and defenders. Their job is to link the defense and the offense through ball
control and passing. They play both an attacking role and a defensive role.
Striker – Generally the same as a forward, though it sometimes refers to a forward that
is his team’s primary scoring threat.
Central Defender – A player who guards the area directly in front of their own goal,
often considered the strongest defender.
Central Midfielder – The midfielder most responsible for organizing play in the midfield
area, creating scoring opportunities for the attackers, and often a team's leader.
Good luck and thank you for
volunteering!