February 2025 Touchline by chloevysa

knowing the rules, reporting referee abuse, and embodying behaviors that represent the best of us.

PENALTYOVERVIEW

NON-PHYSICALOFFENSES

The Penalties Matrix defines consequences associated with physical and non-physical offenses against Referees. PHYSICALOFFENSES

Insulting, Belittling, Insinuating or Taunting Behavior Undermining Referee Authority

Harassment, Intimidation, Retaliation, Abusive, or Threatening (Non Physical) Language

Aggression, Attacking, Derogatory, Cyberbullying, Doxing or Threatening (Physical / Violence) Language

Offensive or Discriminatory Act

of gross misconduct, abuse, and / or assault of gross misconduct, abuse, and / or assault

Minor or Slight Deliberate Touching

Pushing, Grabbing, Pulling, Squeezing, Pinching, Lightly Slapping, Use of Object in Non Striking Manner, or Physical Property Damage Hitting, Punching, Elbowing, Kicking, Biting, Spiting, Choking, Tackling, Throwing or Use of Object or Any Part of Body (Forearm, Knee, Head) in a Striking Manner

KEYPENALTYFACTORS

• Single offenses are at minimum the

prescribed game penalty or time penalty for non red zone offenses

• Penalties can be both game and time depending on severity / circumstances

• Second time offenders receive double punishment

• Third time offenders receive a lifetime ban

• More than one offense at the same time is at least the punishment for the most serious offense

• Offenses against minors are automatically subject to a “minor multiplier” resulting in triple punishment

• One offense warning per league to be managed by states and leagues collaboratively

• Game consequences are inclusive of 1 game penalty for any red cards given

• Optionality for 50% penalty for first offense from a minor

What is SafeSport

Required

Who Completes It:

How To Report a Concern

Safesport is a comprehensive program of policies and processes through education and training to help participants detect and report abuse, respond to it, and prevent future occurrences. Information on

To make a report, either fill and submit the form below, or call the US Soccer Integrity Hotline at (312) 528-7004 to leave a voicemail Please provide as much detail in your report as possible, including contact information, should you wish to be contacted concerning your report U S Soccer does not retaliate and does not tolerate retaliation against any individual who makes a report in good faith Please see below for more information

Participants

Proud Supporter of Virginia Youth Soccer

Congratulations to the VYSA Annual Award Winners! Many thanks to these individuals for their outstanding contributions to thier clubs and leagues throughout the 20232024 season! We look forward to honoring this group at the 2025 Annual Awards Gala on March 9th!

Coach of the Year Boys Competitive

Coach of the Year Boys Recreational

Coach of the Year Girls Competitive

Coach of the Year Girls Recreational

Administrator of the Year

Volunteer of the Year

Young Female Referee of the Year

Young Male Referee of the Year

TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year

TOPSoccer Coach of the Year

Dave Williams TOPSoccer Award

Manager of the Year:

Milos Draca, FFC

Daniel Velasquez – First Touch Soccer *

Tim Lenzo – Alexandria Soccer Association

Kris Newman – Richmond Kickers *

Chris Hudler – Gunston Soccer *

Alan Paez - NCSL *

Audrey Atwell *

Ben Schlenz

Olivia Fant - Culpepper Soccer Club

Fiona Kunkel - Alexandria Soccer Association

Boutia Pourhashemi & Betsy Fry

Kim Capp – FFC

Name bolded means the individual is a USYS National Award Winner

Names with a * means the individual was a USYS National Finalist

N A T I O N A L

O D P T E A M S E L E C T I O N S

C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o t h e 6 s e l e c t e d V i r g i n i a p l a y e r s !

Z A Y D E N B E D I A K O

C i t y S p o r t i n g C l u b

2 0 0 9 B o y s

L A W S O N W A T T

A r l i n g t o n S o c c e r

A s s o c i a t i o n

2 0 0 8 B o y s

C A M P B E L L K N I S E L Y

L o u d o u n S o c c e r C l u b

2 0 0 8 B o y s

L U C A S C A M P B E L L

C i t y S p o r t i n g C l u b

2 0 0 8 B o y s

J A M E S B A L D W I N

A r l i n g t o n S o c c e r

A s s o c i a t i o n

2 0 1 0 B o y s

J A N E T M I N E R

V i r g i n i a S o c c e r A s s o c i a t i o n

2 0 0 9 G i r l s

THE EXTINCT COACH

By Paul Shaw, VYSA Assistant Technical Director

"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most adaptable to change." Darwin

As we look at the career of a modern-day coach, one constant remains… change will occur. In our era of coaching, we could experience new league structure, changes in club leadership, a new team with different demands, new teaching methodologies, the needs of the post covid youth, the impact of social media and many more to mention.

Here are my keys to survival as a coach, in no particular order. Take care of your physical health Being intentional in nutrition while on the road when poor quality food is easy, have positive sleep hygiene, and an appropriate workout plan. This all goes a long way in your longevity. There are times you will be unhappy, overwhelmed, and in some cases depressed. Make sure you have a plan for handling your mental wellbeing. Seek a mentor who is open to share their time and experiences. Learning from others is a backbone of continued growth.

Surround yourself with coaches you can trust They must have your back in good and challenging times. Scientific research shows that the dropout rate is high in coaches who don’t have a positive community. Seek formal education through your state association, the federation, and other formally vetted programs Curriculum is always being updated and thus, you are staying current when you partake of formal education.

Informal coaching education opportunities are just as important. We have a list of books to recommend, watch others coach, club hosted clinics, YouTube and other virtual courses will support your growth.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COACHING ED

COACH FOR COMMUNITY

Coach for Community (C4C) provides coaching education resources for grassroots coaches and is intended to help increase player participation and retain players and coaches. The objective is to share best practices for player development in games and training sessions and share member benefits for the host organization.

The Virginia Youth Soccer Association C4C course is a FREE 2 hour program in the course material of your choosing. You can select the 4v4, 7v7 to 9v9, or 11v11 format. The course will have a one-hour classroom portion and one hour field session.

At the conclusion of a Coach for Community event, each person that attended will receive a $25 voucher to use when registering for an In-Person Grassroots course of their choosing.

If your club would be interested in hosting this FREE educational opportunity to your recreation coaching staff, please complete our host a course form!

Women And Girls in Soccer Announces WAGS Tournament is turning 50 Years Gold!

For half a century, WAGS Tournament has been a trailblazer in advancing opportunities for women and girls in soccer What began in October 1975 as a groundbreaking 25-team, all-female competition has grown into a premier national event, hosting over 600 elite female teams annually. Now, in 2025, we proudly celebrate our 50th anniversary a milestone that reflects our enduring commitment to fostering confidence, strength, character, and leadership in young women and girls through the beautiful game.

“It is incredible to think that 50 years have passed since the first WAGS Tournament,” said Adele Dolansky, past WAGS President “What started as a shared dream between Rael Vodicka, Mavis Derflinger, and me has evolved into a movement that continues to open doors and create lifechanging opportunities for girls in soccer”

The WAGS Tournament isn’t just a competition it’s the heart and soul of WAGS, Women and Girls in Soccer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking barriers and championing female players, coaches, and referees. As the primary funding source for WAGS, this tournament fuels five dynamic programs that provide scholarships, international outreach, coaching education, and referee development, ensuring a bright future for women and girls in the sport and beyond

“WAGS Tournament has been a driving force in empowering women and girls,” said WAGS Chairwoman Lula Bauer. “For 50 years, we have shattered barriers, invested in female leaders, and created a legacy of strength and inspiration. This tournament isn’t just about playing soccer it’s about shaping the future for generations of women and girls to dream bigger than ever before.”

To commemorate this golden anniversary, WAGS is rolling out a yearlong celebration leading up to the 2025 WAGS Tournament, taking place October 11-13 in Northern Virginia Expect an exciting lineup of special events, community outreach initiatives, recognition campaigns, and fundraising efforts to mark this historic occasion We invite our supporters, alumni, and the entire female soccer community to join us in celebrating this incredible milestone Be part of the legacy visit WAGS and WAGS Tournament online, follow us on social media, and help us continue our mission of empowering women and girls in soccer for the next 50 years!