RED DIVISION (DOB 2011-2013)

The RED Division is part of the SVSC Community League. RED (U12) teams play 7V7 matches with goalkeepers. The RED Division serves players who do not wish to play on a Competitive team. SVSC wants players to have the opportunity to continue to play soccer in a recreational and fun format.

Why doesn't each team have its own coach?

There are several reasons, some overlap with answers to different questions, but one big reason is that at our current numbers it would require 6 Lil Groms coaches, 10 Surf Division coaches, 12 United Division coaches, 8 Red Division coaches, and 4 Blue Division coaches - 40 total coaches. It is unrealistic to expect that we can secure 40 coaches, much less 40 quality coaches. Utilizing stations at practice and having one coach manage both teams at a game reduces our need to 12 or 13 coaches.

Why don't the Red and Blue Divisions have practices?

These divisions are pure recreational divisions. The purpose of the division is fun and exercise while playing a game, not to pursue higher-order future goals. While the coach/ref does give some instruction and guidance during games that is not the primary focus of the game. This concept is very common for collegiate intramural play and adult recreational leagues. SVSC does offer options that are more focused on skill and tactical development. If you are interested in that you should inquire about the Competitive Program.

How can one person possibly manage to coach both teams and referee the game at the same time?

This would be difficult if the primary objective was for one team to beat the other, but the primary objective is for the players to enjoy the game and exercise. This allows the coach to concentrate on the flow of the game in general and some specific individual or situational instructions. Likewise the referee duties are dramatically eased when the focus is not on whether every referee decision impacts the outcome of a match.

Why aren't players allowed to head the ball?

The US Soccer Federation banned heading a long time ago for players under 12 years of age in order to reduce the risk of concussion in young players, and rightly so. The reasons for this are many and backed up by extensive research. At SVSC we have extended that to the Blue Division (U15) as well. Heading is a secondary skill in soccer and more appropriately developed once players' are more physically developed.

What about the other rule changes?

If heading is not a part of the game at this level then there are natural trickle-down effects. If players can't head the ball, why put them in situations where their choice is to head the ball (illegally and perhaps dangerously) or get out of the way? That's why punting and long goal kicks are not allowed (US Soccer rules for 7v7). Requiring shorter passes develops players' abilities to pass and maintain possession. At SVSC we extended the spirit of that rule to free kicks and throw ins. If long balls create undesirable situations, why encourage that practice? If passing is desired, why not increase the number of passing opportunities by requiring one free pass from all dead ball situations? This is one way that learning and development are baked into the fabric of the league.