IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR WINTER LEAGUE

1. 1. 1. MASK POLICY – At this time, we do not have restrictions in place for masking but we always want people to understand that if the university requires a special policy (i.e. masking indoors), we will have to follow it!

      2. THE MEDICAL WAIVER – If you forgot about that extra form when you registered, now is the time to print it out and get it ready. EVERY PLAYER must turn in their signed medical form before they are permitted on a futsal court for the first practice.

      3. PARKING/ENTERING THE GYMS – When arriving at Lock Haven University for futsal sessions and games, please use the large commuter parking lot next to Zimmerli Gymnasium (along Susquehanna Ave.). You will be able to come in a door directly from that parking lot that will put you on the 3rd floor of Zimmerli, where the gyms are located.

      4. SPECTATORS – Parents will NOT be permitted to sit along the sidelines during training sessions but WILL be able to do so during games. Only parents who have volunteered to help with bathroom breaks (Grades K-2) who have also provided clearances will be able to enter the training sessions. During games, parents will sit on one sideline with teams on the opposite sideline.

      5. STAYING ON SCHEDULE – PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME FOR SESSIONS, no more than 5-10 min. early. Players will only have access to a gym during their scheduled time.

      6. EQUIPMENT NEEDED - All players must come to practices and games wearing shin guards covered by soccer socks, and have either indoor soccer shoes or sneakers on. No cleats or soccer balls. (Futsal balls will be provided by LHU.)

      7. COACHING – Through this program, our youth soccer players will have an opportunity to learn from MANY different coaches. There will be coaches and players from LHU & KCSD. They may not have the “same coach” for every training session or game.

      8. TRAINING SESSIONS – Each week, coaches will be focusing on player development of specific skill areas, using curriculum developed and/or approved by Lock Haven University coaches. Some teams/divisions will be grouped together for training sessions. 

      9. GAMES – Games for Grades K-2 and 3-4 will consist of (2) 20-minute periods. Games for Grades 5-6 will consist of (2) 24-min. periods. Each will have a 5-minute halftime. Please see "More Futsal Information" below to learn more about this sport. 

      10. BEHAVIOR – We are here to promote an inclusive and positive environment for children to grow their love of soccer. With that said, children are expected to come prepared for soccer training and listen respectfully to all coaches. Please remember to use positive and encouraging language with your player(s) and refrain from unsportsmanlike conduct. If behavior is a problem, we will contact you.

MORE FUTSAL INFORMATION

WHAT IS FUTSAL? Futsal is a type of soccer that is played indoors on a much smaller court than the typical-size grass soccer fields. The smaller field size ensures a game of Futsal is fast-paced and more intense, with more opportunity for goal scoring. Another difference is in the number of players and ball. Futsal is played 5v5 (4 players plus a Goalkeeper) with a smaller-size (Size 3 or 4) weighted ball.

BASIC RULES OF FUTSAL: 

• 5 players versus 5 players, one of which will be a Goalkeeper. It is expected that each player will have to take a turn being Goalkeeper at least once. 

• Subs on the fly, like hockey

• No offsides

• No goalkeeper punts, ball must stay below head height, otherwise possession and a free kick will be awarded to the opposing team (and the Goalkeeper can also only have possession of the ball for 4 seconds!)

• No slide tackles, players must not go to ground to steal possession back

• No Throw-ins from the sidelines. Instead ball is placed on ground and passed in to a teammate with the foot

• Free kicks and corners the opposing team has to be minimum of 5 yards away from the ball

• With a penalty kick, all players must be behind the ball except for the penalty kicker

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE POSITIONS IN FUTSAL? 

• GOALKEEPER 

• WINGERS

• PIVOT (also called a Forward or Striker)

• DEFENDER

• UNIVERSAL PLAYERS - These players can travel around freely during the game, and include wingers, defenders, and the pivot. Some teams choose not to assign positions and allow the players to be universal.