Safety and Security

All Intercounty Coaches must be registered on the Cranford Soccer website and complete a background check.  Background checks can be completed by visiting:

http://cranfordsoccer.njyslive.com

In addition to a background check, all coaches must complete the Heads Up On-line Concussion Training as well as the SafeSports athlete abuse training.  Finally, while not required, coaches are encouraged to become CPR certified. 

Prior to the first game of the season, coaches must have parents complete medical forms for each player.  In the event of an emergency, medical forms provide child information, insurance, emergency contact and any allergies or medical conditions.

Any major injury, such as a concussion or broken bone, which requires medical attention, must be reported to the Club within 24 hours.  An injury report should be completed and emailed to the safety coordinator.

Additional details on Coach training, requirements and forms can be found on the Cranford Soccer Website.

Team Communications

Coaches should begin reaching out to parents and players once rosters are received.

Coaches should consider soliciting a Team Manager or parent volunteer to help with schedules and player availability.  There are a number of web-based and mobile apps which can be used to help make tracking availability easier.

The Suburban Youth Soccer League makes use of SportsEngine, which provides it’s own Mobile App, at no additional charge.  Team Snap and Team Manager are two other popular options with coaches.

Game Confirmation

Home games must be confirmed with the CSC Field Coordinator by the Tuesday, 8PM, prior to the scheduled game.  Game start time, field location and uniform colors should be confirmed between opposing teams as soon as possible.

Once games are confirmed, notification should be emailed to Tricia Pomponio, CSC Field Coordinator, [email protected].  Confirmation is required to secure referees and lock in your field assignment.

On scheduled game day, the Cranford Soccer Club may cancel home games due to foul weather or the threat of foul weather.  When this occurs a league-wide email is distributed prior to game start times.  It is the Home Team’s responsibility to notify the visiting team of any game day cancellation.

Referee Fees

Regular season payment for referees is the responsibility of the Home Team.  Payment is required prior to starting the game and payment must be made in cash, using exact change.  Prior to the first game of the season, coaches will receive checks to cover their home games.  Teams who make playoffs or have additional home games will receive additional funds.  Any excess funds at the end of the season should be returned to CSC.  Check distribution will be coordinated by the VP of Intercounty Soccer.

Referee fees for the playoffs are split equally between the home and away team.  Prior to your playoff game check with the home team as Referee fees may vary between townships.

Referee fees for tournaments and championship games are covered by the league and no payment is necessary.

Cranford Soccer Referee Schedule and Tip Sheet

Practice Sessions

Every Intercounty Team receives a 1-hour weekly training session with a professional trainer from USA Sport Group.  As part of Cranford Soccer Club’s 2-man rule, a coach or parent volunteer must be present for the training session.  Coaches who are unable to attend the training session consistently are encouraged to setup a volunteer parent rotation schedule.  Sign-up Genius or similar app can be used.

Trainer led practices can only be canceled by the Cranford Soccer Club.  In the event of foul weather the club will send a league-wide email indicating that training is canceled.

While not required, Coaches may also schedule their own weekly practice based on their availability.  (See 2-man Rule below).  Practices can be held on any un-used field CSC has permits for including OAS, LAS, HAS and BAS.  Field availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

2-Man Rule

Every practice session, or volunteer-run team activity, must include two adults.  During the USA Sport Group Training session, the professional trainer counts as one of the two required adults.

Scoring

Final game scoring should be recorded by the winning team, or the home team in the event of a tie, by Monday.  Results are recorded on the SYSL website.

Coaches are encouraged to confirm the final score with opposing coach and referee immediately following the game.  Coaches are encouraged to demonstrate good sportsmanship and manage games accordingly. 

SYSL considers a score differential greater than 5 (i.e. 6-0) to be excessive and reserves the right to penalize a team acting unsportsmanlike.

Equipment

Coaches are provided with a Game Ball, First-aid kit, Ice Packs and a Team Bench.  Additional equipment may be provided on an as-needed basis.  Players are NOT required to bring balls to Trainer-led practices

Uniforms

All players require an Intercounty Uniform which can be purchased at Go Soccer.  Home color is Gold, away color is Blue.  Duplicate numbers are allowed as per the SYSL league rules, hence borrowed or hand-me down uniforms are ok.  Pinnies can also be used in-lieu of uniforms.

For the 2019 Fall Season the U9 division has adopted a new uniform logo.  The new logo and design will be phased in over the course of the next few seasons.  There is no obligation to purchase the new design.  Players can continue to use old logo and design if preferred.