Little River Elementary Soccer welcomes you! We are excited to have you here to play soccer this year. We hope you have a fun and positive experience.
Please consider these important guidelines as you prepare for the soccer season. Help your parents and coaches remember also.
 
Player Expectactions
LRE Soccer wishes to project a positive image. An attitude of cooperation, respect, maturity, and positive support for the players, coaches and referees is essential to maintain this image. The following information from the US Youth Soccer should be used as guidelines for behavior.
 
Player's Code

• Play the game for the game’s sake.
• Work for the good of your team. Don’t just play for yourself.
• Be generous when you win.
• Be gracious when you lose.
• Be fair always, no matter what the cost.
• Obey the laws of the game.
• Accept the decisions of the officials with good grace.
• Follow the school rules on NO bullying.
• Conduct yourself with honor and dignity.
• Never use language or gestures on the field that you are not allowed to use at school or home.

 
Player Uniform Information
The uniform is required and has been provided to all players.

• The uniform consists of a shirt (tucked-in), shorts and soccer socks.
• The official uniform (jersey and black shorts) must be worn for all games with no deviation.
• In case of cold or inclement weather, the uniform can be worn over a jacket or sweats.

 
Shin guards are mandatory.

• Required at all practices and games.
• THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS!
• Socks should be pulled over shin guards.

 
Shoes

• Closed Toe Shoes:  Soccer cleats are required for 2nd through 5th graders.  Tennis shoes are permitted for K/1 level, however, cleats are still highly recommended.  These rules apply to practices and games alike.
• Shoes with metal cleats and toe cleats (such as on baseball cleats) are not allowed.

 
Jewelry

• All items of jewelry are potentially dangerous on the soccer field.
• Rings, ear rings, leather or rubber bands (silly bands), and necklaces are not necessary to play and the only thing they can bring about is injury.
• It is mandatory for all jewelry to be removed before a game.

 
Game Day Guidelines
Please consider these important guidelines as you prepare for the soccer season:
 
Please arrive at your games at least 15 minutes early.

• Your coach will conduct warm up exercises before the game start time.

 
Sportsmanship.

• Be an example of Good Sportsmanship.
• You are responsible for your own actions.
• All players should show the utmost respect to each other at all times – on the field of play and even when you return to class at school.
• Please make only positive comments to your teammates, coach, the other team and officials.
• Cheer for both sides. Everyone will have more fun.

 
Coaches.

• Listen to your coach.
• Your coach is a volunteer giving of his/her time to develop and encourage you.
• Please treat them with respect and kindness.
• Please listen to their direction and give them the respect they deserve.
• If your coach is talking either at practice or a game, you should not be talking or playing. If you miss what the coach says, you could get hurt, or be missing out on important instructions.  Both of these things can hurt your team.

 
Referees.

• It is not acceptable to yell at or show disrespect to the referees at any time – before, during or after a game.
• If you feel the referees are not seeing particular actions by other players or if you disagree with a call, please speak directly with your coach and allow them speak for the team.
• Please make sure your parent or spectator group know it is unacceptable to criticize the referees before, during or after games.

 
Game Play Rules.

• K  – 1st:          No slide tackles or headers are allowed in this age group.
• 2nd – 3rd:       No slide tackles or headers are allowed in this age group.
• 4th  – 5th:       No slide tackles or headers are allowed in this age group or you will be penalized.

At these age groups, the ability to consistently and safely perform a slide tackle without injuring the opposing player is very difficult to achieve.  We understand this is a vital component of soccer, but believe players can still enjoy the sport now and save themselves trips to the knee doctor.

• All ages        No grabbing of jerseys and pulling the opponents to the ground.
• All ages        No pushing players to the ground.

 
***      The goalkeeper must be given the opportunity to play in each game as a field player unless that player and that player’s parents voluntarily agree to play the goalkeeper position only.