2024-25 TCSL Fives Guide

TO TCSL FIVES! We are so pleased your child has taken this step into the great sport of soccer and we hope that everyone enjoys their TCSL Fives experience. The goal of TCSL Fives is to provide a fun, positive, energetic introduction to developmental soccer. TCSL Fives is the game model for 8 and under soccer, which we feel best prepares players for the 9U model of 7v7.

Please help us create the most positive of environments for these youngsters who will be at different stages of their development pathway.

TCSL encourages a relaxed but fun game day vibe: cheer for all the players and especially for their effort. Avoid coaching players, leave that for your coaches and let the referees officiate as they too will be learning about their side of the game.

Fives need not resemble adult soccer, there will be, and should be, many mistakes and amusing moments. This is all part of the learning experience.

This is the arena for player development, the children will learn so much just through their experiences.

Enjoy the beautiful game!

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About TCSL......................................................................6 About TCSL Fives...........................................................9 The details..................................................................... 10 Be ready for gameday............................................... 13 Sideline culture............................................................. 14 Questions & answers..................................................17

OUR MISSION

Twin Cities Soccer Leagues (TCSL) sets the standard for youth soccer, on and off the field, creating an exceptional league expereience for all.

OUR VISION

To collaborate with our members and partners to raise the level of every facet of the game.

OUR VALUES Collaboration

Listening first, we make shared decisions based on trust and transparency.

We are as strong as the relationships among our staff, member clubs, and partners.

Sportsmanship

We encourage and celebrate respect among clubs, players, parents, coaches, and referees.

Competition

We believe that appropriate competition is a cornerstone of player development and a sound soccer environment.

Excellence

We evolve and grow, on and off the field, to raise the level of the game for all.

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TCSL Fives provides festival-style match days during the Fall, Winter, and Summer seasons for 8U players and teams to better prepare players for the competitive “travel” soccer experience at 9U. Teams play 2 small-sided 5v5 games on each match day against neighboring clubs.

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PLAYERS 5v5 4 fielder players + goalkeeper

FIELD SIZE

Fields typically are 40-45 yards long x 25-30 yards wide

DURATION OF GAMES 2x20 minute halves, 2 games on each match day

REFEREES 1 Center 10

SPECTATORS

There is a team side of the field and a spectator side of the field, with only registered coaches and managers allowed on the player sideline.

Please place chairs and other belongings at least 6 feet back from the sideline on the spectator side of the field to allow the players plenty of space.

f o r g a m e d ay PARENTS

• Ensure your child has a packed bag that includes a size 3 fully inflated ball, plenty of water, cleats, socks, shinguards, and a club-provided uniform • Pack a comfortable chair • Bring a positive, cheerful attitude

COACHES

• Bring your coaching equipment • Remember staff credentials • Be ready to a be a positive influence on these young players

Stay in the game. Follow TCSL on social media.

@tcslsoccer

@tcslsoccer

Twin Cities Soccer Leagues

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Set an example for our players The SUPPORTIVE SIDELINES course: Take it today!

We believe that a positive gameday experience is critical to the health of youth soccer.

• A positive sideline culture will keep more players playing.

• A positive sideline culture will keep more referees refereeing.

• A positive sideline culture will keep more coaches coaching.

Most importantly, it creates an enviroment most beneficial to the players.

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SHARING FEEDBACK Players/Parents/Spectators Bring feedback about game day experiences to their coach(es)

> > Coaches Responsible for collecting/reporting issues to their Club leadership

> > Club Responsible for evaluating issues and bringing concerns to TCSL

> > League Responsible for listening and collaborating with Club to address feedback

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Can my child play in a cast?

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No orthopedic (hard) casts, air splints, or metal splints may be worn. Match officials have individual discretion to determine the appropriateness on a case-by-case and match-by-match basis. Any cast should be well wrapped in bubble wrap and secured firmly, but it is ultimately the official’s call whether play will be allowed in the given match.

What are league rules about jewelry?

A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to themselves or another player. In all circumstances, all jewelry must be removed for match play per the Laws of the Game. There are no exceptions for newly pierced ears, even if covered.

What is the “build out line” or “build out zone”?

Approximately one third to one half of the field is the build out zone. This may be a physical line on the field or marked with cones. On a goal kick or any time the goalkeeper is in possession of the ball, the defensive team must retreat behind this line. Ideally, the goalkeeper waits to put the ball into play until opposing players have retreated behind this build out line. This allows for an unopposed first pass allowing for a better restart of play.

Is punting or heading allowed at 8U?

No. In accordance with U.S. Soccer rules, there is no punting at this age level (through 10U) and heading is not allowed until 12U. Review the TSCL competition rules for more details.

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