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Player Development Initiatives: Concussion Policy, Heading Policy, 4v4, 7v7, 9v9 Standards

Summary of US Soccer’s Player Development Initiatives

August 2016

 

Colorado Soccer Association would like to present to you, the following player development initiatives that were passed down to the states by the US soccer Association, and adopted by the US Youth Soccer Association.  We understand that changes typically take time, but CSA would like to implement these following initiatives as soon as possible.

 

US Soccer hopes to improve the coaching and playing environments, through a grassroots effort, by changing the way the 6-12 year olds play soccer throughout the United States.  The priority is on skill development.  US soccer is implementing, what they feel is a long term development plan, which will incorporate the following four initiatives: 

 

  • Birth year registration
  • Small Sided Games
  • Concussion Policy
  • Heading Policy

 

 

Birth Year Registration

US Soccer is requiring the states to change to a birth year registration system, where players will be registered by age, according to a January 1 to December 31 time frame.  The following age groups shall be comprise of youth players who are of age on or before the last day of December of the current year:

 

  1. 19 years of age and under
  2. 18 years of age and under
  3. 17 years of age and under
  4. 16 years of age and under
  5. 15 years of age and under
  6. 14 years of age and under
  7. 13 years of age and under
  8. 12 years of age and under
  9. 11 years of age and under
  10. 10 years of age and under
  11. 8 years of age and under
  12. 6 years of age and under

 

Small Sided Games

US Soccer is requiring the states to move to small sided games for all players, 12 years of age and younger.  New small sided standards are shown below, and in greater detail, in the attached documents:

                               

AGE GROUP                       NUMBER OF PLAYERS

U6 years of age and under                             4v4

U7 years of age and under                             4v4

U8 years of age and under                             4v4

U9 years of age and under                             7v7

U10 years of age and under                           7v7

U11 years of age and under                           9v9

U12 years of age and under                           9v93

 

Concussion Policy

Heading Policy

4v4 Standards

7v7 Standards

9v9 Standards

 
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