Welcome to Patriot Soccer Academy

We are pleased that you have decided or are considering to participate with PSA in what we hope will be a fun and rewarding soccer experience for you and your family. To assist you in getting better acquainted with PSA Soccer, we have prepared this information.

Our Mission at PSA Soccer as a part of Patriot Community Sports is to provide a competitive atmosphere focused on player development in a Christian environment.

PSA Soccer brings together families with greatly differing levels of soccer sophistication. Parent experiences with soccer ranges from those who played soccer in college or beyond, to those with absolutely no real experience with, or understanding of the world's most popular sport. For those of you who are less informed about the game of soccer, we have devoted a section of this page to a mini-education in the rules of the game and standards of conduct for players and fans.

For all parents, we have attempted to answer in this page some of the recurring questions about the Club, its philosophy, and the Club policies regarding practice, evaluations and many other things.

The sport of soccer is growing dramatically in this country (especially for girls), and every season brings new ideas at all levels. Therefore our philosophies are also continuing to evolve, and our policies, we hope, continue to be molded and reshaped in ways that will better serve the needs of each player and of the Club as a whole. To some extent, and in order to fit peculiar circumstances, the policies of a particular team may vary somewhat from those set out in this page. Look first and foremost to the DOC (Director of Coaching) and your Head Coach for direction.

We sincerely welcome your suggestions, as well as your participation in the workings of the Club. It takes a tremendous effort to accomplish all that must be done in order to sustain a successful soccer program--the care of the fields, tournament arrangements, uniform arrangements, state and local registrations, practice organization, and much more. Too often the responsibility falls on the shoulders of a very few. We always are looking for volunteers and earnestly solicit your participation. If you are willing, we have a job for you.

Please read carefully the information set out in this page. Your familiarity with what is contained here will help insure that you and your child have a fun and rewarding PSA Soccer experience.

PSA is a member league of the Georgia State Soccer Association (GSSA), which is recognized by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) as the controlling authority for the development of youth soccer in the State of Georgia. The USSF is, in turn, a member of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA, the world-wide administrator of our sport, and the creator of the World Cup.) All of our rules and policies are derived from the international FIFA rules with modifications to accommodate our youth players.

Youth soccer in the State of Georgia is governed by the rules of the Georgia Youth Soccer Association, and is divided into three categories, Athena, Academy and Recreational. The distinguishing factor is whether or not a tryout process is used to select the team; Athena and Academy teams are allowed to hold tryouts, while recreational teams are not. Currently, all teams in PSA are designated Recreational. Teams are organized by the Director of Coaching (DOC) and staff for the purpose of player development within the framework of team development. These teams are small and limited in number.

PSA has two levels of participation depending upon your age. U4 through U8 players play in our in house Recreation program; players who are U9 and older can participate in the Premier Rec program.
Uncertain what age group your child falls into, please see the age group chart on the Recreation and Premier Rec pages, these are governed by GSSA.

We feel so blessed how God has grown and directed this program, teams are arranged into countries, which many are connected to mission trips that the church is visiting. Uniforms and equipment have a strong connection to your country with bright colors, our hope as a ministry is to create a global awareness of the need for prayer for your country you represent. In addition to creating an awareness of the cultural circumstances in those countries and recognizing how blessed we are here in the USA.

Our goal in the Recreation program is to give each player the opportunity to develop a solid foundation of soccer skills. Small teams and small sided games are designed to ensure that every player participates fully in the game, touches the ball frequently and learns basic skills in the process. This format is within the guidelines of our governing bodies the USSF and GSSA. The teams are organized by the PSA DOC and staff at the beginning of each season. At this level, no team standings or scores are kept.

Under 4, Under 5 and Under 6 age divisions are coed teams, each team consist of 6 players and typically has a Head Coach and Assistant Coach, these coaches are usually always volunteers and we have been so blessed with the individuals who volunteer their time. Games are played 3 v 3 on a field 20yds x 15yds with no goalkeepers, no out of bounds (coaches and parents put ball immediately back into play if it crosses field lines) and no stoppages. Coaches referee games. Goal size 4ft x 6t.

Under 7 and Under 8 age divisions are coed teams, however, we are continuing to hope that our growth may soon allow single gender teams at these age divisions. Each team consist of 8 players and typically has a Head Coach and Assistant Coach, these coaches are usually always volunteers and we have been so blessed with the individuals who volunteer their time. Games are played 4 v 4 on a field 35yds x 20yds with no goalkeepers, no out of bounds (coaches and parents put ball immediately back into play if it crosses field lines) and no stoppages. Coaches referee games. Goal size 4ft x 6t. 

Practice for U4 to U8 teams will take place one time per week for the duration of no more than 1 hour, some younger team practices may only last 30 to 45 minutes. Practice day and time is always dictated by the availability of our amazing volunteer coaches. These are offered Monday through Friday at either 5pm or 6pm. We always encourage coaches of younger teams to try and practice in the earlier time slot.

Games are typically played on Saturday mornings for U4 through U8 age divisions, however we sometimes may need to play Saturday or Sunday afternoon games to make up for cancellations. Length of games varies by age group, however, the total length of time for your game day event should be no longer than 1 hour.

 

Premier Recreation program has evolved from the continual growth of the recreation program, is offered for all players Under 9 and above, this environment is to build upon the foundations introduced in the recreation program, at this stage there are not individual age groups this is also in keeping with our governing bodies FIFA, USSF and GSSA. In addition the developmental process will begin to introduce more tactical awareness, more competitive environments and scores and standing will be published where appropriate

Teams in Under 10 age division play 6 v 6 (goalkeeper plus 5 field players) on a field 55yds x 40yds, goalkeepers, corners, offside and all rules governed by FIFA, USSF and GSSA are introduced.

Under 12 age division play 8 v 8 (goalkeeper plus 7 field players) on a field 75yds x 50yds, all rules governed by FIFA, USSF and GSSA are in place.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PSA DOC WILL MAKE MODIFICATIONS TO RULES OF THE GAME THAT ARE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PLAYERS DEVELOPMENT AND SAFETY IF NEEDED.

The Premier Rec program plays a regular season schedule with a combination of in house and travel games against like teams from outside organizations.

Practice routine

Without regular and proper practice, soccer skills and tactics cannot be mastered. We demand of the PSA Premier Rec coaches a tremendous commitment of their time, and we expect the PSA Premier Rec players to be willing to make the same commitment. We know that many of our players have other interests and demands on their time, but we believe it very important that you make every effort to have them attend each practice session. At an early stage in their development, these players are capable of moving beyond "kick ball" and learning some important soccer skills. They will need those skills if their team is to be competitive. So please make every effort to arrange their schedules to allow time for soccer practice.

PSA Premier Rec teams generally will practice twice each week during the soccer season. One session with your team Coach and one session with the PSA DOC. The times and days of your team's practice will be set by the Club and by your daughter's Coach. Each of these sessions are very important and attendance is essential for the development of the individual and team.

Team Practice Rules

We have very few Club rules, but there are one or two important PSA Premier Rec team rules which relate to practice. New and old players should be aware of these rules:

1. Playing time will determined by participation in practice, we understand there are extenuating and emergency circumstances, it is very important to communicate challenges openly.
It is important to come to practice regularly. You cannot miss practice or practice poorly and expect to improve. If you have a problem attending a practice, give your coach a call, in advance, if possible.

2. NO PROPER PRACTICE . . . playing time may be affected

Proper practice means that you:
(a) Pay attention to the coaches in practice;
(b) Make an effort to improve your skills at practice;
(c) Practice at game speed (learning to do a skill in slow motion will not help in a game);
(d) Do not distract others at practice (e.g., acting silly while attempting a drill is distracting to others);
(e) be punctual to practices and games.

3. GSSA playing regulations call for all recreation players to play at least half of each game, however this can be adjusted for any discipline issues or practice violations based on the above.

Premier Rec Games

Whilst every attempt is made to schedule all games on Saturday’s, it may be that there will be some Sunday games also, if this occurs we will typically schedule on Sunday afternoons. The only time this may not happen would be in a tournament environment and there may be the need to schedule on Sunday mornings. Dates and times of games will vary from week to week. Please do not expect consistent game times as in the Recreation program. Since we are attempting to schedule with outside clubs there are many factors that contribute to game scheduling and therefore we cannot guarantee same times and days at this level, therefore flexibility is paramount.

Uniform Policy

Whenever a PSA player is in uniform, they are representing the Club and they should wear the uniform properly and with pride. Please read and abide by the following guidelines:

1. All players will wear the uniform items distributed by the PSA DOC and staff, no items are to be substituted for your own preference, we have the blessing of special support from our uniform provider, in addition to the importance of the team aspect.

2. Jerseys will always be tucked into shorts whenever you are wearing the uniform (not just during the game). Sliding pants should be the same color as the shorts and should not extend below the uniform shorts.

3. Uniform socks will be pulled up whenever you have them on. Shin guards must always be covered by socks.

4. Arrive at games fully dressed, with shoes on and tied.

5. Leave your rings, watches, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, other jewelry and hairpins (except for rubber bands or other elastic bands) at home or in your equipment bags.

PSA Coach Commitment

As part of the PSA commitment to excellence, we require that all of our coaches make the following commitment to the Club, its players and parents:

As a PSA Coach I recognize my responsibility to provide spiritual and soccer instruction and guidance which channels the individual efforts of players and parents into an extraordinary team experience. To achieve the goal of honoring God whilst building a competitive and cohesive team, I promise the following:

• To lead spiritually in prayer before and after games and practices

• To plan and supervise practice sessions that are fun and instructive.

• To prepare for each game by creating a strategy suitable to the opponent, where appropriate

• Motivate and teach with positive reinforcement.

• Treat players and parents with respect.

• Observe and apply the rules of PSA and our team in a biblical conflict resolution manner.

• Balance the desire to win with the goal of insuring that all players have the opportunity to play and contribute.

PSA Coaches rules

1. Attend all practices and games. If a conflict arises, insure that a suitable substitute has been arranged for and properly briefed.

2. Conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times.

3. Insure that players wear their uniforms in a proper and complete fashion. Socks should be pulled up and jerseys tucked in whenever in uniform, not just during the game.

4. No foul language or abusive conduct.

5. No smoking in the presence of players.

6. No alcoholic beverages in the presence of players.

7. Remain aware of your players whereabouts and behavior.

8. PSA Coaches will ensure all players participate at least 50% in each game, unless there are discipline or practice violations as outline earlier.

9. PSA field usage policies:

a. All practices and games must be approved by the PSA DOC.

b. Practice spaces and times will normally be assigned by the PSA DOC and staff, and coaches are expected to cooperate in the use of field facilities.

c. All teams are responsible for cleaning up after practices or games, and for returning all equipment to its proper place.

d. All coaches are asked to help in monitoring the activities that take place at the PSA field, and to assist in keeping our fields clean, safe and secure.

10. PSA reserves the right to fine coaches or terminate contracts for missing practices or games, or for any unprofessional behavior.

PSA Drug and Alcohol policy

It is the firm commitment of the PSA to take an active role in the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse. Our policy is no drugs, no alcohol, no smoking and no destructive behavior. We will involve ourselves with the player and parents any time that a situation has an impact on our Club or its members. It is important that we be able to trust our players to obey Club rules, because of the responsibilities that we assume when we travel. Violation of this policy may be the basis for suspension or dismissal from the team, or for requiring that a player return home early from an out-of -town tournament. As our players get older, they are expected to be positive role models for the younger girls, not only on the soccer field, but in all areas of social behavior.

Disciplinary procedures

The PSA DOC is charged with the responsibility for investigating internal club complaints and disciplinary problems. When problems are referred to the PSA DOC, a hearing may be held and appropriate remedial measures may be directed. Please look first to your Coach for the handling of any problems which you encounter. If, after consulting with the Coach, you still feel that additional attention to the problem is needed, then you may refer the matter to the PSA DOC. All disciplinary issues will be approached from a biblical conflict resolution foundation.

PSA Facility Rules

We are proud of the PSA facilities. They are a gift from God and have been established and maintained through hard work. We hope that you, too, will take pride in these fields. To help us keep the fields in first-class condition, we ask that you always observe, and remind others to observe, a few special rules.

• No pets are allowed on the fields at any time regardless of size.
• Whatever you bring to the field, take it home with you at the end of the day. Do not leave trash on the facility grounds.
• Please be considerate of PSA field neighbors - we need their good will.
• Please be especially careful and drive slowly when entering and leaving the facility.
• Cars and bicycles should stay on the concrete areas and in the parking areas always. Take special precautions when the ground is wet.
• Soccer nets and goals are expensive--treat them with respect.
• Our fields are to be used only for PSA sponsored activities and only by PSA members. Please contact the PSA DOC for special requests.
• DRIVE VERY SLOWLY ALWAYS

Inclement Weather procedures

PSA Weather Hotline Number: 678-336-3369 This is your first choice and best source for information.

First check the special Hotline number for information on game or practice cancellations, field closure and other special messages. Do not leave messages on this line, use the PSA office number if you need further assistance at 678-336-3140.
The PSA website will also be updated with this information when possible at patriotcommunitysports.com

You can sign up for up to the minute field status for all PSA facilities by visiting statusme.com and creating an account.

Practice sessions

Please remember that, although it may be raining in your part of town, it may not be raining at the PSA practice fields. Please check the Weather Hotline for up to date status. When in doubt, please show up for practice.

Games

Even if it is raining, the games will be played unless there is a threat of lightning or the fields have been closed. This applies to even the youngest age groups. Soccer is a game that is played in all weather conditions, and it is necessary that all players and parents learn that this is part of the commitment to the game. It is the responsibility of the PSA DOC or staff to communicate top all necessary parties of any game cancellations. Again, please contact your Coach if you have doubts. If you have not heard from your Coach or the PSA DOC please show up at the game.

Parent Conduct at games and practices

Soccer games are as exciting for some parents as they are for their children. That's great. For many of the spectators, however, soccer is a sport about which they know very little. They want to support the team, cheer for the team, and encourage their child. Occasionally, this enthusiasm combines with a parent's lack of familiarity with the game, or lack of knowledge of the Coach's instruction to the team, in a way which causes problems. Please remember we are a ministry that desire to reflect the characteristics of Jesus into the community.We do not wish to curb your enthusiasm for the game. We do wish to make sure that your enthusiasm is channeled in a way which will be helpful, complies with the rules of the game, and is consistent with the Coach's instruction to the team. In this spirit, please keep these suggestions in mind as you attend PSA soccer games and practices:

(1)   DO NOT YELL AT THE REFEREE--It is our goal to build not only good soccer players, but good sportswomen and sportsmen. Your positive, or negative, example at games will either greatly reinforce, or significantly undermine, that effort. The Coach or team captain has principal responsibility, although limited latitude, in speaking with the referee. Let them do their job when, and if, they feel it is necessary. And finally, with respect to tournament play, oftentimes one tournament team is given a special award for good sportsmanship. Your yelling and screaming at a game can do much to rob the kids of an opportunity to earn such an award.

(2)   KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THE RULES OF THE GAME--Sometimes, parental ill-will toward the referee is based upon a parent's ignorance of the rules of the game. Common problems are the understanding and application of the rules governing off-sides and illegal contact. For your education, in a later section of this Handbook, we have set out a limited explanation of some of the basic soccer rules which will help you become a better-informed fan.

(3)   ENCOURAGE--DO NOT CRITICIZE--One of our goals is to help your child play good soccer. No less important is our goal to make every effort to insure that your child has fun. Your child understands the Club's high expectations of them and feels the peer pressure to do well. You can best help by confining your talk during the game to positive encouragement. The discussion later in this Handbook on becoming an "All-Star Parent" may be helpful to you in this regard.

If possible, be quietly enthusiastic and supportive. However, for those of you whose participation in and familiarity with other sports (football, basketball, baseball and so on) have ingrained in you an irresistible need to yell and scream during a sporting event, then we make the following suggestions.

What to cheer

• "Let's go PSA (team name, or color)--you can do it!" A good, general purpose cheer for a parent who feels compelled to cheer something. It fits almost every occasion.
• "Nice pass (or "shot", or "throw-in", or "tackle", or "save", and so on)" A nice, short cheer, for a parent concerned that if too much is said, ignorance of the game may be revealed.
• "Good hustle, PSA (team name or color)" Another good, all purpose cheer.

What to avoid Cheering

• Any sentence or phrase which starts with, ends with, or includes the word, "Referee" or "Linesman" For example, "Are you blind, Referee?" or "She's offsides, Mr. Linesman--get in the game!"

• "Kick it or kick it hard!" Possession of the ball is a primary goal in soccer. We are not playing "kickball." We try to teach the kids to pass the ball to teammates or to open space where teammates can win the ball. At times, because of defensive pressure or the proximity of the ball to our goal, we coach them to clear the ball long. But, unbridled encouragement of the kids to "kick it hard" can often be confusing.

• "Go get the ball!" Be careful with this one. Winning the loose ball is important. But, we do not want to play "bunch ball," where all of the players run all over the field chasing the ball in a pack. Maintaining space, trusting your teammates to do their jobs, maintaining positions of support and attack are important.

• Any negative comment directed at any player, especially your own daughter. This is the rule that separates the "All-Star Parents" from the also rans. When the votes are counted, into which group will you fall?

All star players deserve All star parents

A few years ago, Dr. Rob Gilbert wrote an article in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Journal on how to be an all-star parent. As your child moves toward more competitive soccer, take a minute to consider Dr. Gilbert's Three B's For All-Star Parenting:

(1) Be There--You can never hope to be an all-star parent unless you show up at games. Regardless of the skill level of your child or the success of the team, go to the games. Be supportive. Don't be a fickle, fair-weather fan.

(2) Be Positive--When your child puts on their PSA uniform, stop being a parent and become a fan. There's no trick to learn here. You already know what to do. Remember how you behaved when your child was learning how to walk? You were a fan and a supporter, weren't you? You applauded the "downs" as well as the "ups." You never said things like, "Why are you moving so slowly?" or "How come the kid next door is walking better than you?" or "Why do you keep making the same mistakes?" Why should it be any different now that your child is an athlete? Your job is not to be the coach or the expert. Be a fan. On the sidelines, if you can't say something positive, don't say anything at all.

(3) Be Seated--Even though it is good to be positive, it's not good to over do it. Don't stick out. Be an admirer - not a cheerleader. Players should not confuse your voice with the public address system.

Once you start to become a positive, acknowledging fan, an interesting thing may happen. Your child will want you at the games. You will know that you are considered an important member of your daughter's personal all-star support team.

 
A Mini education in soccer for parents

We believe that parents would be better fans, enjoy soccer more, and be better able to talk with their child about the sport, if they knew more about some of soccer's basics. Without providing too much detail, we offer the following basic education.


The Field of play

 

Fields of play will vary in dimensions based on the age group of the participating teams.
Please note that, for games where qualified officials are used in order to allow the Linesmen to run up and down the touch-line, spectators are requested to stay at least five feet back from the touchline. Also, the spectators are asked to sit on one side of the field, and the teams are required to stand on the opposite side of the field.


Laws of the Game

Without attempting to provide you with all of the rules of play, let us make an effort to acquaint you with the rules which govern illegal contact and offsides. These two subjects generate more than their fair share of parental confusion and frustration.

The offside rule is only applied in 6 v 6, 8 v 8, 9 v 9 or 11 v 11 games.

(1) The Offside Rule: A player is in an "offside" position if she is:
(a) ahead of the ball (closer to the opponent's goal line than the ball is), and
(b) in the opponent's half of the field, and
(c) there are fewer than two opponents ahead of or even with her. (A player is onside if she is even with the second to last opponent.) at the point the ball is played

A player in the offside position, described above, may be declared offside if she either:
(a) participates in play, or
(b) interferes with an opponent, or
(c) otherwise tries to take advantage of her offside position.
The position of the player at the moment the ball is played by a teammate determines whether she is offside. For example, if she were positioned onside at the moment the ball was passed by a teammate, she does not become offside if she runs to an offside position while the ball is in flight.

Exceptions: A player in an offside position is not declared offside if:

(a) the ball is last played by an opponent; or
(b) she receives the ball directly from a throw-in, corner kick, or goal kick.
If a player is declared offside, an indirect free kick is taken by the opposing team from the position of the offside player.

(2) Penalty Fouls: There are nine penal fouls which, in order to be judged foul, must be committed intentionally:

(a) kicking or trying to kick an opponent;
(b) tripping an opponent;
(c) jumping at an opponent;
(d) charging an opponent violently or dangerously (that is, where either the charging player or the charged player could be hurt);
(e) charging an opponent from behind [Exception: an opponent who legally obstructs (screens the ball from an opponent while the ball is within playing distance) may be charged fairly from behind (shoulder to shoulder blade), if done safely];
(f) hitting, trying to hit, or spitting at an opponent;
(g) holding an opponent;
(h) pushing an opponent;
(i) handling the ball, except by a goalkeeper in her own penalty area [Note: handball is a foul when a player touches the ball with any part of his hand or arm while intending to control the ball.]

When a penal foul is committed, the opposing team is awarded a direct free kick, or a penalty kick, if the foul takes place in the penalty area.

(3) Non-Penal Fouls: There are five non-penal fouls:

(a) dangerous play, such as high kicking near another player's head or trying to play a ball held by a goalkeeper [Note: If a player puts herself in danger, the referee may call dangerous play against that player];
(b) fair charging (shoulder to shoulder contact without danger to either player) but with the ball out of playing distance (more than about one step away);
(c) illegal obstruction, i.e., a player intentionally putting herself between the ball and an opponent, when not within playing distance of the ball, to stop the opponent from playing the ball. [Note: the goalkeeper must not be obstructed when attempting to put the ball into play];(d) charging the goalkeeper in her goal area when she is neither holding the ball nor legally obstructing an opponent;
(e) a goalkeeper:
(1) holding the ball for more than six seconds , or
(2) releasing the ball into play, then handling the ball again before another player touches it, or
(3) controlling the ball with her hands when intentionally passed back from the foot of a teammate, or
(4) otherwise wasting time.

When a non-penal foul is committed, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick. REMEMBER, HOWEVER, the referee may not stop play to punish a foul if, in his opinion, the fouled team is better off if he allows play to continue. This is called the "advantage clause."

See FIFA Laws of the Game for the most up to date information and complete details.

Rule Modifications for younger players

 

Please keep in mind that the younger age groups are still trying to learn the rules. As a result, the Club referees are instructed to use rule violations presented during a game as teaching opportunities. Also, some rules may be relaxed and some violations not strictly enforced at the discretion of the officials.