League Information:

The SPFSA Website:

The SPFSA website is the communications hub of our association.  Key administrators’ contact information, league schedules, registration, rainout updates and all other key announcements are communicated via the website.  Our website address is www.scotchplainsfanwoodsoccer.com

 Referees:

 For the majority of our house league games, the referees are children from our community.  It is our responsibility as parents to set a great example on the field for our children.  That said, the SPFSA House Program is a ZERO tolerance endeavor. That means parents of players should have ZERO communication with referees during and after games.  In addition, coaches should have minimal communication with referees other than to offer polite encouragement or to assist if there is a player argument or injury on the field.  If a parent has a concern with a referee, that parent should speak only to the coach.  If a coach has a concern with the performance of a referee, that coach should bring it to the attention of the age appropriate division manager.  If a parent or coach is disrespectful or rude to a referee, that coach/parent could face league discipline, which may  include suspension from SPFSA participation.  These guidelines should be communicated by coaches to all parents.  Please remember that these officials are our kids.

Gametime:

The House Program is a recreation and instructional league.  This is not travel soccer and winning games is not the primary focus.  We do not keep score in pre-k, K, and 1^st grade games.  Education, teamwork, encouraging the growth of social skills, and fun is our mission.  Parents should shout only encouragement from the sideline.  At no time during should anything negative be yelled, or communicated to kids by coaches and/or parents. 

The field of play:

For the younger age groups (pre-k, K, 1^st grade) only one coach is allowed on the field to help direct the flow of games.  Starting in the 2^nd grade coaches should not be on the field.  All other parents should be on the sideline, and not stationed by the goal.  It is encouraged that teams stay on the opposite sideline of parents & friends and watched by an assistant coach.

Uniforms:

Uniforms will be provided by the league.  Pre-k division receives t-shirts.  Starting with the Fall 2005 season, Kindergarten division and older children will be issued blue/white reversible jerseys, with black shorts and black socks.  All children are required to wear shin guards at all times.  No jewelry should be worn at any time during games.  That includes earrings, bracelets, necklaces, chains, and rings.  Medical bracelets are the exception.  Caps cannot be worn during games.  Starting in 1^st grade referees will examine player’s uniforms prior to games.  Referees have final say on what players wear during games.

Trainers:

Trainers are provided by the league to assist the development of house league players.  Trainers are used in the pre-k, K, and 1^st grade divisions.  During the first 20 minutes of each game period, trainers will work on individual skills with the players.  In the pre-k, K, and 1^st grade divisions (where there are not referees), trainers will assist in running the games.

Rosters:

Starting with the pre-k division the rosters are formed by equally distributing an equal number of boys and girls.  Starting with the K division, boys and girls are separated. Special requests will be honored for parents that have specific carpool requirements.  Beyond that your child is not guaranteed to be placed on a certain team, with certain players, or with a certain coach.  Children are very adaptable and make new friends easily.  Rosters are not set from year to year, and your child may have new teammates each season.

Practice:

Starting in the kindergarten division teams practice once per week.  Fields are coordinated through the SPFSA VP Operations and individual team coaches.