Parents
Team Divisions
U-4, U-6 and U-8 will play at NMU Fields (Lincoln St) and U-10 through U-18 will play at the Kaufman Sports Complex (Hawley St)
Rules and Policies
The Superiorland Soccer Association is affiliated with the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association and United States Youth Soccer and as such adheres to the FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) Laws of the Game and also their recommendations for Small Sided Games. The SSA board of directors has approved the following modifications/clarifications of those Laws and recommendations.
Philosophy
The Superiorland Soccer Association (SSA) was organized to offer the opportunity for players to learn the game of soccer, develop soccer and sportsmanship skills, and have fun playing a great game. Parents and adult volunteers are reminded that this is a youth activity; it is not an appropriate arena to vent adult frustrations in socially unacceptable ways, or to encourage such behavior in children. Recreation soccer is developmental soccer – it is not about winning.
Field Rules and Etiquette
SSA matches are played at 2 locations in the area: NMU Intramural Fields and Kaufman Sports Complex. We share some of these locations with other user groups (BMX, Little League, etc.) and the parking areas can get quite crowded. Please park your vehicle courteously and maximize the available space.
Spectators will always remain on the opposite side of the field from the coaches and players. If the field is not fenced or bleachers are not provided, then spectators must remain at least 10 feet from the touchline and between the penalty areas. If a spectator line is not provided, please estimate generously. For reasons of safety and courtesy, and to ensure unobstructed play, spectators are not permitted in the following areas:
- Directly behind the goals at any field
- Inside the fences that enclose a soccer field
Substitute players will remain with their teams during the games. Players waiting for the next game to start are spectators, and must remain in the designated spectator area.
Abuse of league equipment or property will not be tolerated. The SSA Board may demand restitution and/or temporarily or permanently suspend a player for this behavior. Climbing or hanging on nets or goalposts is never allowed as it may result in serious injury and damage to equipment.
PETS: Out of concern for the safety of players, officials and spectators, and to maintain clean fields – we do not permit pets at the fields during any practices or games.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE NOT PERMITTED AT ANY OF OUR FIELDS!
2022 Recreational Soccer Game Guidelines
Player Equipment
Equipment inspections are conducted at the beginning of each game by the game’s referee (U9+). Illegal equipment will delay a player from entering a match. A player will not be allowed to play until his/her equipment is corrected to the satisfaction of the referee or field supervisor.
- Two shirts (provided by the league), must be tucked in
- Shorts or long pants, no metal zippers or tabs, no metal belts
- Socks – outside of and covering shin guards
- Shin guards – made of a suitable material (rubber, plastic or similar substances) which provide a reasonable degree of protection
- Cleats – soccer cleats. No football or baseball cleats, no footwear with a front toe cleat. Players found with these types of cleats WILL NOT be permitted to play.
- Absolutely no jewelry or barrettes (including soft jewelry like Livestrong bracelets, hemp jewelry).
- Players with casts will not be allowed to play
- Braces must be covered with a padded protective sleeve
- Goalkeepers must wear a colored shirt that distinguishes him/her from the players on both teams, and from the referee (no zippers or hoods).
- For safety reasons all SSA players must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to him or herself or another player (including any kind of jewelry). Earrings may not be taped. Exception: Emergency medical bracelets or necklaces may be worn, but must be covered with tape. Please bring this to the attention of the referee.
Players – Please do not forget to bring your water bottle to all games and practices!
Severe Weather Cancellation Policy
Severe weather or adverse Field conditions may cause the suspension or cancellation of Training Sessions &/or Games. If lightning is observed or thunder is heard during a Training Session &/or Game, the Referee &/or Program Supervisors will suspend the Training Session &/or Game. The Referee &/or Program Supervisors will not allow Play to continue until lightning has been absent from the local sky and thunder has not been heard for 30 minutes. All Players, Coaches, and Spectators will clear the Field and seek shelter during the delay. In the case of rain (or sleet!) Squads & Teams should always be prepared for the prevailing or unexpected weather conditions. In the event of cold weather, sweatshirts with or without hoods may be worn under Jerseys; however, hoods & strings must be tucked under the Jersey. Knit caps and gloves may be worn.
Different weather conditions may exist at different SSA Fields on the same night. It is always best to report to your Training Session &/or Game location on time and be prepared to Play. The Referee &/or the Program Supervisors will make the decision as to whether the Training Session &/or Game will take place and inform everyone on site. It is impossible to predict the Marquette area weather. We do heavily rely upon the weather forecast. Our SSA Weather Committee will do their best to decide as to the cancellation of Training Sessions &/or Games for the evening if inclement weather is predicted for the entire evening. Also, the cancellation of an early evening Training Session &/or Game at a given Field, does not necessarily mean a later Training Session &/or Game at that same Field will be cancelled. Please continue to check our Website, & check our Facebook Page for the most up to date information on weather related cancellations at: http://www.facebook.com/superiorlandsoccer.
Registration Refund Policy
If for any reason your child is unable to play after registration has closed, refund requests must be made in writing to info@superiorlandsoccer.com
Refunds for recreation registrations will be processed as follows:
- Up to registration deadline—Registration amount less $10 administration fees
- Up to First week of the season—Registration amount less $30
- Prior to July 1—Registration amount less $50 – refunds at this time will only be granted if acompanied by a statement of medical necessity
- After July 1 – No refunds will be given
Refunds for Camp Registrations will be processed as follows:
7 days prior to camp start date: Registration amount less $10 administration fees. No other refunds will be given.
Late Registration
Late registrations are not accepted.
Game Rules
2022 Recreational Soccer Game Guidelines
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
Late arriving team members may enter the game at the next stoppage, with the permission of the referee and after the player’s equipment has been inspected. At game time, if both teams have the minimum number of players required to start the game, but one team is short several players and the numbers are quite lopsided, we suggest the coaches meet with the referee and decide to both play short. (In the first half we suggest that the team with sufficient players only play with one or two players more than the team that is short players. However, in the second half the team with sufficient players may play their full complement of players). If one team does not have the number of players necessary to begin, the following policy will go into effect:
*No additional time will be added for stoppages. Please start games on time. In the event of extreme weather conditions, the game duration may be shortened by the referee.
MERCY RULE
If a team is ahead by 7 goals during a game, the losing team may add a player (if available) or remove 1 player from the winning team. If the score comes to a 3 point difference, they may then remove the additional player or add the other player back to the game.
YELLOW CARD OFFENSE*
For any yellow card issued to a player in the U-11 divisions, the coach may substitute that player if he/she or the referee deem necessary. Any yellow card issued to a player during a U-13 or older division match will result in an automatic 10 minute sit down period.
RED CARD OFFENSE*
Any red-carded offense, committed by a player or coach on a game night, from any position on or off the field, will result in a game suspension, in addition to the penalty imposed by the FIFA Laws of the Game, to be determined by the SSA Disciplinary Committee. Any player receiving a second red card in the season will receive a two game suspension and will be required to meet with the SSA Disciplinary Committee for an informal conduct review. A third red card for a player will result in a formal Board of Review, which will determine whether the player should be subject to additional penalty or be removed from the league.
A red-carded player must attend the next game, but will not be permitted to play. A red-carded coach will not be allowed to attend the next game. A coach receiving a second red card will automatically be subject to suspension pending a review by the SSA Disciplinary Committee.
*Yellow and/or red cards will not be issued to players in the U-6 and U-8 Divisions. If a player commits a yellow or red card offense, the referee and coach will explain to the player what they did wrong (foul or misconduct). The player may be substituted at the referee’s discretion.
We ask that parents and coaches refrain from negative comments about or to the referees. We hope that everyone in the SSA soccer community will help us encourage good sportsmanship and civilized behavior for all. Above all, the SSA Board would like to stress sportsmanship over winning. Remember, just as your child is learning how to play soccer, the refs are all learning how to be better referees and we would not have recreational soccer without referees.
Player and Spectator Code of Conduct
SSA BYLAWS
Tentative Schedule
2023 Training – Game – Field Schedule
Please note that this is a TENTATIVE Training & Game Schedule, & is subject to minor changes. Our Schedule is always based upon Player registration numbers & our Coaching staff availability.