Northeastern Clubs Development Association Rules
Northeastern Clubs Development Association – (NECDA)
LEAGUE CONCEPT
Division 1 – High School Varsity age (U17/18)
Division 2 – Junior Varsity age (U15/16)
Division 3 – Modified/Jr. High age (U13/14)
Division 4 – U11/U12
Division 5 – U9/U10
Division 6 – U8
PROFESSIONAL, HASSLE-FREE MANAGEMENT:
The Association will be managed by a Board of Directors made up of one designated member from each of its Full Association Member clubs. The Board has four scheduled meetings: one at the end of each season (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer). These may come in the way of conference calls or video chats.
UNIQUE SCHEDULING:
Unique to the NECDA is the coordinated traveling schedule. Each club’s entire contingent of teams travels together to all away event together. Two clubs will travel to another clubs home location on an agreed upon weekend day. This will allow for clubs to play two matches on a given play day. The league will have 6 games (3 play dates) and a Club Championship weekend. Start times will be staggered allowing coaching directors and multi-player families to watch several games. In the fall, all club teams at the U8-U12 level will compete on 3 play dates spaced out in 2 week intervals to allow for a quality ratio of training to games prior to their next set of matches. A championship weekend at Golden Goal Tournament Park (or other venue that can host with overnight accommodations) will be encouraged where teams spend the night. The compact league schedule provides each club with greater flexibility in scheduling additional games with US Club soccer, USYSA leagues, or tournaments and friendly matches during the outdoor playing seasons.
COMPETITIVE PLAY FOR AGE GROUPS U-14 THROUGH U-18:
For the 2015-2016 season we would like to move the Spring League to competitive play with our older teams. This would be offered for both boys and girls divisions U-14 through U-18. Divisional winners are recognized at the end of each season. Standings are determined by the 6 game schedule: three points for wins, one point for ties; and no points for losses. The League will offer U8 to U12 developmental play. Scores will not be recorded for these age groups. Through our partnership with the North American Sports Group we will have the ability to offer 4 playing seasons. (You do not have to do the Winter Futsal League or Summer 3v3 to be Full League Member). However, Clubs would need to enter teams into the fall and spring leagues.
FALL FRIENDLIES DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE (SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER)
Divisions 4,5,6
- Dates are for the Fall Friendlies program would be at the end of September and the end of October.
- All Clubs travel to 1 location for Games in a “festival” format
Winter Futsal (November–March)
Divisions 1-6
- Games may be played in Gyms or on Turf depending on what host teams have available to them
- Matches will be 5v5 (including a keeper) for Divisions 1-5
- Matches will be 4v4 (no goalie) on Pugg like goals for Division 6
- Futsal Rules and any local facility rules will be in effect
Spring League (April-June)
Divisions 1-6
- Atleast 2 Clubs will convene at 1 location to play 2 matches/team, Schedule determined by the clubs.
- Matches will be played in accordance with the League by-laws
- A League Select Program will allow the best players at each division an opportunity to play one another (To be added at a later time)
Summer 3v3 (June-August)
Divisions 1-6
- Club teams will have an opportunity to play in 3v3 events hosted by our own association members
- Matches will be played in accordance with the 3v3 small games rules
- Teams that participate in our events become eligible to play at the Kick It National Finals/ ESPN’s Wide World of Sports 3v3 Disney Championships.
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP (FUTURE – To be Discussed)
At the end of each season, an overall club champion is determined based either on standings in each of the boys and girls age groups, U11 through U18 or through the process of developing a championship weekend: The winning club retains the traveling trophy until the end of the next season.
LEAGUE SELECT PROGRAM (FUTURE – To be Discussed)
To further enhance the development of players, the Board of Directors will name two League Select teams that will play one another on an additional date (or at the conclusion of the championship weekend). The league players will consider it a great honor and tribute to be recognized and selected by opposing coaches to be a part of the League Select team to play a final match. Players are chosen for the two League Select teams because the coaches and the Board of Directors believe they show potential to play soccer at a higher level. Players will be observed by the directors and coaches during league play. A pool of players, 1/2 from one set of teams (NY/VT, North/South, East/West or however the Board decides to break them up) and 1/2 from another set of teams.
The League Select experience is provided to give those players an opportunity to play with the best players in the league in a highly competitive environment.
LEAGUE SCHEDULES
The Board of Directors approves a club-to-club schedule. The Master Schedules are approved at the December Board meeting for the spring season and at the June Board meeting for the fall/winter season.
Once the Master Schedules are approved, the directors of the individual clubs are free to create their own team-to-team schedules with the other club directors. During this process, the directors take into consideration such factors as multiple coaches, utilization of fields, and travel distance. (For example, the Master Schedule might list Team 1 @ Team 2 on April 18. All the teams from Team 1 will play all the teams from Team 2 at Team 2 on April 18.) The three directors then schedule the playing times for the individual teams to accommodate the needs of all three clubs. Each club then provides the game-day schedule for its families. Make-up games, when required, are also scheduled by the directors of the participating clubs. The League will publish standings [win, tie, loss] and points. It will not publish scores.
SANCTIONING
In the first 2 years of existence the goal is to develop trust and cooperation amongst the clubs that are in the Northeastern Clubs Developmental Association (NECDA). The Association will be fully sanctioned for league play through the US Small Games Association. Player rosters and liability insurance will be provided through North American Sports Group. Clubs would card their members through online registration with either US Club Soccer or USYSA.
In year three we will look to associate and sanction our established league with US Club Soccer.
ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP:
A Full NECDA Member is a club or academy that commits their club and the appropriate players U8-U18 players to play in the Fall and Spring Leagues. Clubs must be able to field a team in Divisions 2-5. They obtain the right to vote on all association matters and host association matches.
A Limited NECDA Member is a team who is playing in a division independently of their club or Academy. The team does not obtain a right to vote, nor will they be able to host association matches.
ACADEMY/CLUB TEAM FEES:
The fees will be $200/team for the entire season. If teams are only able to commit to one event the price is $75/team per event.
REFEREE ASSIGNOR FEES:
These will be paid by the league through Club/Team Fees.
BASIC PLAYING RULES:
See our Rules page.
LAWS OF THE GAME:
All games will be played under international rules (FIFA) as modified below.
TEAM ELIGIBILITY:
• Teams will be required to complete online registration through the North American Sports Group. At which time an approved roster will be available. One that all parents have signed-off on. This will be brought to the first NECDA event that a team attends. Printed game cards will not be needed.
• Teams may only declare a roster of no more than 14 players for each game for U9-U10 teams, 16 players for each game for U12 teams, 24 players for U14-U18 teams. Teams are to cross off players who are not playing.
• Teams may write players name at the bottom of roster if player names are not on the roster. You do not need to present player passes at games.
• Each player may only play in 2 games on a scheduled play date. For example they could play one match with their age appropriate team and play one match with their skill appropriate level. The only exception to this rule would be if a memberships team had only 4 substitutes. A team may add guest players from younger teams to get to 4 substitutes. The guest players should not be taking the spots of the regular team members but are there to support as needed. In this case a player may play additional games during a NECDA event.
INDIVIDUAL PLAYER ELIGIBILITY: (FUTURE – To Be Discussed and not in place presently) Each player must have a valid US Club player pass (No other organization player passes are accepted). Player pass does not need to be present at each match but does need to be present during the game should there be a question.
COACH ELIGIBILITY: (FUTURE – To Be Discussed and not in place presently) Each coach must have a valid US Club coaching pass. Coaching pass does not need to be present at games. Only 3 coaches may be present on the sidelines during the match.
CLUB PASS: Players may play with any team within their club at any time during the event. A player may only play 2 matches on a give play day. (Exception is only if a membership team has less than four substitutes. In this case, a player may play more matches for their club.)
DURATION OF MATCH:
• U8: Games will be 2-20 minute halves 5v5, Use a size 4 ball
• U10: Games will be 2-25 minute halves, 7v7, Use a size 4 ball.
• U12: Games will be 2-25 minute halves, 9v9, Use a size 4 ball.
• U14 : Games will be 2-30 minute halves,11v11. Use a size 5 ball.
• U16 : Games will be 2-35 minute halves,11v11. Use a size 5 ball.
• U18: Games will be 2-35 minute halves,11v11. Use a size 5 ball.
REFEREES:
All Referee Fees will be paid to the referees prior to each game being played. Referee fees will be split evenly between each team.
• U8-U12 matches will have a center referee.
• U14 –U18 matches will have a three-person referee crew if and when enough officials are available.
• For the 2013/14 season the following referee fees apply: $25/team/game
SUBSTITUTIONS:
Substitutions may be made on your possession, on the opponent’s possession when they are substituting, on any goal kick, on any other stoppage with the approval of the center Referee, and are not allowed on corner kicks unless the kicking team chooses to substitute.
START OF THE GAME:
The referee will flip a coin and the winning team will choose the side of the field they wish to defend. The opposing team will get the kick-off to start the game.
UNIFORMS:
Prior to the match coaches will determine which uniforms their teams will wear in order to have contrasting colors. All teams should have two jerseys at the field in order to adjust as needed. Each player must wear shin guards and an official uniform with a number on the back.
MODIFIED RULES OF PLAY FOR U8:
• Offside will not be enforced unless the referee determines the offside position is directed, intentional, and/or persistent in an effort to gain an unfair advantage (Law11). Defending teams will be awarded an indirect free kick from the offside players’ position.
EJECTION:
• Player: Any player or coach ejected from a match will be ineligible to participate in the team’s next match. No substitution for an ejected player. This player will also have to sit out the following NECDA event.
• Coach: In the event a coach is ejected from a match, he/she must leave the complex and not return until the conclusion of the team they were coaching completes their final match.
PROTESTS:
No protests will be accepted. The referee will have the final say on all issues.
INCLEMENT WEATHER/CANCELATIONS: (FUTURE – To Be Discussed not presently in effect)
The association has the right to shorten and/or cancel matches due to climatic conditions or other acts of nature, which are beyond our control. In the event that severe weather delays the event, all games that are at least at half time will be considered complete. All games that have not reached halftime will complete the half only if weather permits (in the event the game cannot be completed the game will be considered a tie). If the game determines a bracket winner the below standard for Semi-Finals/Finals will be followed for determining a winner. In the event Semi-Finals or Finals cannot be played due to severe weather the following tie-breaker format will be used to declare champions. Please note this for inclement weather only!
1. Penalty kick shoot out - 5 players per team; if still tied sudden victory penalty kick shoot out
2. Head to head competition between teams that are tied
3. Totals Points
4. Best goal difference for all games - up to 4 per game
5. Fewest goals allowed
6. Coin Toss
CANCELATION POLICY/ REFUND POLICY:
The association has the right to shorten and/or cancel matches due to climatic conditions or other acts of nature, and circumstances beyond the control of the tournament or soccer club. In the case of an event interruption or cancelation after the first scheduled game begins the association has no obligation to refund any portion of the registration fee.
CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY:
In the event that league officials determine that spectators are getting out of control the coach may be asked to speak to his/her parents. In the event there is a second occurrence the warned sideline will be asked to leave the field where the game is being played.
LEAGUE CONCEPT
Division 1 – High School Varsity age (U17/18)
Division 2 – Junior Varsity age (U15/16)
Division 3 – Modified/Jr. High age (U13/14)
Division 4 – U11/U12
Division 5 – U9/U10
Division 6 – U8
PROFESSIONAL, HASSLE-FREE MANAGEMENT:
The Association will be managed by a Board of Directors made up of one designated member from each of its Full Association Member clubs. The Board has four scheduled meetings: one at the end of each season (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer). These may come in the way of conference calls or video chats.
UNIQUE SCHEDULING:
Unique to the NECDA is the coordinated traveling schedule. Each club’s entire contingent of teams travels together to all away event together. Two clubs will travel to another clubs home location on an agreed upon weekend day. This will allow for clubs to play two matches on a given play day. The league will have 6 games (3 play dates) and a Club Championship weekend. Start times will be staggered allowing coaching directors and multi-player families to watch several games. In the fall, all club teams at the U8-U12 level will compete on 3 play dates spaced out in 2 week intervals to allow for a quality ratio of training to games prior to their next set of matches. A championship weekend at Golden Goal Tournament Park (or other venue that can host with overnight accommodations) will be encouraged where teams spend the night. The compact league schedule provides each club with greater flexibility in scheduling additional games with US Club soccer, USYSA leagues, or tournaments and friendly matches during the outdoor playing seasons.
COMPETITIVE PLAY FOR AGE GROUPS U-14 THROUGH U-18:
For the 2015-2016 season we would like to move the Spring League to competitive play with our older teams. This would be offered for both boys and girls divisions U-14 through U-18. Divisional winners are recognized at the end of each season. Standings are determined by the 6 game schedule: three points for wins, one point for ties; and no points for losses. The League will offer U8 to U12 developmental play. Scores will not be recorded for these age groups. Through our partnership with the North American Sports Group we will have the ability to offer 4 playing seasons. (You do not have to do the Winter Futsal League or Summer 3v3 to be Full League Member). However, Clubs would need to enter teams into the fall and spring leagues.
FALL FRIENDLIES DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE (SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER)
Divisions 4,5,6
- Dates are for the Fall Friendlies program would be at the end of September and the end of October.
- All Clubs travel to 1 location for Games in a “festival” format
Winter Futsal (November–March)
Divisions 1-6
- Games may be played in Gyms or on Turf depending on what host teams have available to them
- Matches will be 5v5 (including a keeper) for Divisions 1-5
- Matches will be 4v4 (no goalie) on Pugg like goals for Division 6
- Futsal Rules and any local facility rules will be in effect
Spring League (April-June)
Divisions 1-6
- Atleast 2 Clubs will convene at 1 location to play 2 matches/team, Schedule determined by the clubs.
- Matches will be played in accordance with the League by-laws
- A League Select Program will allow the best players at each division an opportunity to play one another (To be added at a later time)
Summer 3v3 (June-August)
Divisions 1-6
- Club teams will have an opportunity to play in 3v3 events hosted by our own association members
- Matches will be played in accordance with the 3v3 small games rules
- Teams that participate in our events become eligible to play at the Kick It National Finals/ ESPN’s Wide World of Sports 3v3 Disney Championships.
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP (FUTURE – To be Discussed)
At the end of each season, an overall club champion is determined based either on standings in each of the boys and girls age groups, U11 through U18 or through the process of developing a championship weekend: The winning club retains the traveling trophy until the end of the next season.
LEAGUE SELECT PROGRAM (FUTURE – To be Discussed)
To further enhance the development of players, the Board of Directors will name two League Select teams that will play one another on an additional date (or at the conclusion of the championship weekend). The league players will consider it a great honor and tribute to be recognized and selected by opposing coaches to be a part of the League Select team to play a final match. Players are chosen for the two League Select teams because the coaches and the Board of Directors believe they show potential to play soccer at a higher level. Players will be observed by the directors and coaches during league play. A pool of players, 1/2 from one set of teams (NY/VT, North/South, East/West or however the Board decides to break them up) and 1/2 from another set of teams.
The League Select experience is provided to give those players an opportunity to play with the best players in the league in a highly competitive environment.
LEAGUE SCHEDULES
The Board of Directors approves a club-to-club schedule. The Master Schedules are approved at the December Board meeting for the spring season and at the June Board meeting for the fall/winter season.
Once the Master Schedules are approved, the directors of the individual clubs are free to create their own team-to-team schedules with the other club directors. During this process, the directors take into consideration such factors as multiple coaches, utilization of fields, and travel distance. (For example, the Master Schedule might list Team 1 @ Team 2 on April 18. All the teams from Team 1 will play all the teams from Team 2 at Team 2 on April 18.) The three directors then schedule the playing times for the individual teams to accommodate the needs of all three clubs. Each club then provides the game-day schedule for its families. Make-up games, when required, are also scheduled by the directors of the participating clubs. The League will publish standings [win, tie, loss] and points. It will not publish scores.
SANCTIONING
In the first 2 years of existence the goal is to develop trust and cooperation amongst the clubs that are in the Northeastern Clubs Developmental Association (NECDA). The Association will be fully sanctioned for league play through the US Small Games Association. Player rosters and liability insurance will be provided through North American Sports Group. Clubs would card their members through online registration with either US Club Soccer or USYSA.
In year three we will look to associate and sanction our established league with US Club Soccer.
ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP:
A Full NECDA Member is a club or academy that commits their club and the appropriate players U8-U18 players to play in the Fall and Spring Leagues. Clubs must be able to field a team in Divisions 2-5. They obtain the right to vote on all association matters and host association matches.
A Limited NECDA Member is a team who is playing in a division independently of their club or Academy. The team does not obtain a right to vote, nor will they be able to host association matches.
ACADEMY/CLUB TEAM FEES:
The fees will be $200/team for the entire season. If teams are only able to commit to one event the price is $75/team per event.
REFEREE ASSIGNOR FEES:
These will be paid by the league through Club/Team Fees.
BASIC PLAYING RULES:
See our Rules page.
LAWS OF THE GAME:
All games will be played under international rules (FIFA) as modified below.
TEAM ELIGIBILITY:
• Teams will be required to complete online registration through the North American Sports Group. At which time an approved roster will be available. One that all parents have signed-off on. This will be brought to the first NECDA event that a team attends. Printed game cards will not be needed.
• Teams may only declare a roster of no more than 14 players for each game for U9-U10 teams, 16 players for each game for U12 teams, 24 players for U14-U18 teams. Teams are to cross off players who are not playing.
• Teams may write players name at the bottom of roster if player names are not on the roster. You do not need to present player passes at games.
• Each player may only play in 2 games on a scheduled play date. For example they could play one match with their age appropriate team and play one match with their skill appropriate level. The only exception to this rule would be if a memberships team had only 4 substitutes. A team may add guest players from younger teams to get to 4 substitutes. The guest players should not be taking the spots of the regular team members but are there to support as needed. In this case a player may play additional games during a NECDA event.
INDIVIDUAL PLAYER ELIGIBILITY: (FUTURE – To Be Discussed and not in place presently) Each player must have a valid US Club player pass (No other organization player passes are accepted). Player pass does not need to be present at each match but does need to be present during the game should there be a question.
COACH ELIGIBILITY: (FUTURE – To Be Discussed and not in place presently) Each coach must have a valid US Club coaching pass. Coaching pass does not need to be present at games. Only 3 coaches may be present on the sidelines during the match.
CLUB PASS: Players may play with any team within their club at any time during the event. A player may only play 2 matches on a give play day. (Exception is only if a membership team has less than four substitutes. In this case, a player may play more matches for their club.)
DURATION OF MATCH:
• U8: Games will be 2-20 minute halves 5v5, Use a size 4 ball
• U10: Games will be 2-25 minute halves, 7v7, Use a size 4 ball.
• U12: Games will be 2-25 minute halves, 9v9, Use a size 4 ball.
• U14 : Games will be 2-30 minute halves,11v11. Use a size 5 ball.
• U16 : Games will be 2-35 minute halves,11v11. Use a size 5 ball.
• U18: Games will be 2-35 minute halves,11v11. Use a size 5 ball.
REFEREES:
All Referee Fees will be paid to the referees prior to each game being played. Referee fees will be split evenly between each team.
• U8-U12 matches will have a center referee.
• U14 –U18 matches will have a three-person referee crew if and when enough officials are available.
• For the 2013/14 season the following referee fees apply: $25/team/game
SUBSTITUTIONS:
Substitutions may be made on your possession, on the opponent’s possession when they are substituting, on any goal kick, on any other stoppage with the approval of the center Referee, and are not allowed on corner kicks unless the kicking team chooses to substitute.
START OF THE GAME:
The referee will flip a coin and the winning team will choose the side of the field they wish to defend. The opposing team will get the kick-off to start the game.
UNIFORMS:
Prior to the match coaches will determine which uniforms their teams will wear in order to have contrasting colors. All teams should have two jerseys at the field in order to adjust as needed. Each player must wear shin guards and an official uniform with a number on the back.
MODIFIED RULES OF PLAY FOR U8:
• Offside will not be enforced unless the referee determines the offside position is directed, intentional, and/or persistent in an effort to gain an unfair advantage (Law11). Defending teams will be awarded an indirect free kick from the offside players’ position.
EJECTION:
• Player: Any player or coach ejected from a match will be ineligible to participate in the team’s next match. No substitution for an ejected player. This player will also have to sit out the following NECDA event.
• Coach: In the event a coach is ejected from a match, he/she must leave the complex and not return until the conclusion of the team they were coaching completes their final match.
PROTESTS:
No protests will be accepted. The referee will have the final say on all issues.
INCLEMENT WEATHER/CANCELATIONS: (FUTURE – To Be Discussed not presently in effect)
The association has the right to shorten and/or cancel matches due to climatic conditions or other acts of nature, which are beyond our control. In the event that severe weather delays the event, all games that are at least at half time will be considered complete. All games that have not reached halftime will complete the half only if weather permits (in the event the game cannot be completed the game will be considered a tie). If the game determines a bracket winner the below standard for Semi-Finals/Finals will be followed for determining a winner. In the event Semi-Finals or Finals cannot be played due to severe weather the following tie-breaker format will be used to declare champions. Please note this for inclement weather only!
1. Penalty kick shoot out - 5 players per team; if still tied sudden victory penalty kick shoot out
2. Head to head competition between teams that are tied
3. Totals Points
4. Best goal difference for all games - up to 4 per game
5. Fewest goals allowed
6. Coin Toss
CANCELATION POLICY/ REFUND POLICY:
The association has the right to shorten and/or cancel matches due to climatic conditions or other acts of nature, and circumstances beyond the control of the tournament or soccer club. In the case of an event interruption or cancelation after the first scheduled game begins the association has no obligation to refund any portion of the registration fee.
CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY:
In the event that league officials determine that spectators are getting out of control the coach may be asked to speak to his/her parents. In the event there is a second occurrence the warned sideline will be asked to leave the field where the game is being played.