GAME PLAY

Applies to both practices and games.

BAYSA is a developmental league. Please make sure to remember it is about the kids. Many times in youth sports coaches and parents will make the game about winning and forget the big picture is to help them improve and build teamwork skills. There will be no scouts and winning a tournament should not be your main focus. 

BAYSA is designed to allow all skill levels the opportunity to play at a recreational level.  We enjoy competition, but if winning becomes the focus we will pull tournaments.  All teams should be focused on developing players.  

Three things to focus on are listed below.

1. Teamwork: Please focus on working as a team and learning the fundamentals.

2. Positions: All players should have the opportunity to play all positions.

3. Playing Time: All players should play equal time

The player must be listed on the official season roster to be eligible to play (exceptions are when teams will be short subs please notify the board).  The BAYSA board will determine which team players will be assigned for Honeybees, Bumblebees, and Passers  (Requests are determined on an individual basis.  No team stacking will be allowed).  Other age groups (Wings, Strikers, and Kickers) are determined by MVYSA member leagues. 

General Rules:

• Spectators must be a minimum of five yards behind the touch lines (side lines).  No spectators on end line or behind goals.
• Shin guards are mandatory and must be worn under socks.
• BAYSA will provide shirts and socks for games.  They should be worn for games.  Jerseys should be tucked into shorts. 
• No hats, jewelry, or metal spiked cleats shall be allowed.
• Slide tackling – See age groups
• Offsides – See age groups
• Head balls – Allowed for 13 yr. olds and above only.  Prohibited for all other age groups
• No Forfeits – If you don’t have enough players please contact the BAYSA board prior to game day.  If the coach knows someone who can sub from another team, you must still contact the board so we are aware.  Sharing of players from the other team is also allowed.  No subs are allowed unless your team would have to forfeit and coach contacts the board.   
• All hard casts (should a child have a broken arm/wrist) must be wrapped with something soft (ie bubble wrap, towel, blanket).