Registration for the Entry Level, or as US Soccer now refers to it, Grassroots, Referee Program is open through the end of August. To register the candidate must turn 13 by 12/31/18. Once the online and in person session, which run through September 9th, are completed the referee can start officiating immediately and will be certified through 12/31/19. Please have the candidates follow the detailed instructions at https://www.ctreferee.net/files/referee_instructions/new_referee_grassroots_instructions_31Jul18.pdf. It is easiest to have the instructions open on one device and complete the registration on another device.
Hopefully, 2019 recertification will open in the next few weeks.
Certified Refs:
There are several in service clinics posted. This year the in service clinics will emphasize the 2017/2018 law changes, US Soccer Small Sided Initiatives, Teamwork and Signals and the phsychology of officiating.
In-House Rec Refs:
Attention current and new rec referees. If you would like to ref rec. games for PSC please plan on attending a mandatory ref clinics at Community Parks and Rec Center; next one is on TBD. Please bring a whistle if you have one. More dates to come.
Please inform PSC's Assignor (Heather Iannone - hmiges@yahoo.com) if you wish to become a in-house Rec Ref and also, once you become certified, as she has to update your PSC profile.
The Law has a three-pronged approach:
1) Any adult interacting with amateur athletes in the program has a duty to report abuse and or suspected abuse within a 12 hour period (Connecticut). EVERY adult is a mandatory reporter.
2) The statute of limitations in CT is extended 30 years after the minor reaches the age of 18.
3) Limits an athlete under the age of 18 from being alone with an adult who is not their parent.
*What is an amateur athlete? Any child or minor under the age of 18. Legislation is available for download (click here).
What are the requirements for NGB’s and NGB-Affiliated? Reporting: A mechanism that allows a complaint to be easily reported for a reasonable suspicion of Sexual or Physical abuse/neglect, within a 12 hour period of awareness. Federal regulations state that reports should be made to a) local law enforcement and b) local/state child protective services c) US Soccer, and d) the US Center for SafeSport.
EVERYONE is a MANDATORY REPORTER.
Mechanism for Reporting: Everyone listed below MUST be contacted when physical or sexual abuse is suspected
1) Local Law Enforcement Number (recommended to post on club website and give to athletes and parents)
2) State Department of Children and Families (DCF) 1-800-842-2288 (TDD: 1-800-624-5518)
3) Club Risk Manager Contact Information (every club should have a point person for reporting)
4) State Association’s Main Office - Josh Krusewski, Executive Director, executivedirector@cjsa.org
5) National Governing Body (NGB)
US Soccer Integrity Hotline Number: (312) 528 - 7004
US Soccer: https://www.ussoccer.com/integrity-hotline
US Center for SafeSport: https://www.safesport.org/report-a-concern
Mechanism for Reporting (cont.): Other forms of misconduct such as emotional abuse, bullying, hazing, or harassment.
1) Club Risk Manager Contact Information (every club should have a point person for reporting)
2) Club or BOD Review/Hearing – There should be a process in place to document and address this other misconduct. The decision of the Club or BOD should be sent to the State Association’s State Office (Josh Krusewski, Executive Director, executivedirector@cjsa.org )
CJSA member clubs and club personnel can access Mandated Reporters Training provided by Connecticut’s DCF in two different ways, one for individuals and one for group sessions:
1) The first, for individuals, is through an on-line training video produced and provided by the DCF and available via the internet. Any interested individual can gain access to the approved DCF video training (it takes about 60-90 minutes to complete) simply by completing a required DCF Inquiry Form available at this DCF link: http://www.dir.ct.gov/dcf/TA/MRT_video_form.aspx
A link embedded in the form will take you directly to the training video after completion of required information.
2) A second way that is open to clubs who would like to provide a group training session to its members is to invite certified DCF personnel available across the State of Connecticut who will provide Mandated Reporters Training to any size group. This service through Connecticut’s DCF is available free of charge to CJSA club and district meetings upon request. To access this type of group training use this form: http://www.dir.ct.gov/dcf/TA/MRT_form2.aspx
CJSA strongly encourages its member clubs to have ALL of its coaches, administrators and volunteers whether they are paid employees of the club or volunteers to take the time to learn as much as possible about this important issue and to take the Mandated Reporter Training at their earliest convenience.
CJSA has adopted the US Soccer and US Youth Soccer recommendations regarding heading and the protocol for suspected concussions. Compliance is mandatory for all CJSA members for all activities where CJSA insurance applies effective April 1, 2016.
This means that:
Heading Restrictions
Players who are 10 and younger
No player who is 10 or younger may deliberately head the ball, regardless of the age group of the team they are playing on. This includes all activities where CJSA insurance applies, such as practices, scrimmages, and competitions at all levels.
No player on a U11 team or a combined team including the U11 Age Group, (e.g. U11/12), even if the player has turned 11, may head the ball deliberately.
This restriction will be enforced in competitions for teams U11 and younger (including combined age brackets including U11 and younger) by award of an indirect free kick for the opposing team. Coaches and parents are responsible for applying this restriction for players who are 10 or younger and playing up.
Players who are 11-13.
Players who are age 11 to 13 and on teams for age groups U12 and older, are restricted to up to 30 minutes of practice heading the ball per week. There is no restriction on the number of times these players can head the ball in a competition, unless the team is competing in a combined bracket that includes U11.
Concussion Protocol
Where a Health Care Professional (HCP) is Present at a Game or Practice
Any player who sustains a significant blow to the head or body, who complains about or is exhibiting symptoms consistent with having suffered a concussion or is otherwise suspected of having sustained a concussion, must be evaluated on the sideline by an on-site HCP engaged in this capacity for the competition who will perform applicable testing.
Any player suspected of suffering a concussion will not be allowed to return to play until he or she is cleared by the HCP. Coaches, parents/guardians or players may not overrule the HCP.
If a coach seeks to allow a player to re-enter a game who has been removed from a game for a concussion assessment and who has not been cleared to return to play by the on-site HCP, the referee shall issue a warning to the coach. If a coach persists in seeking to allow such player to re-enter the game after having been issued a warning, the referee may take other disciplinary measures against the coach as are permitted under the rules applicable to the competition.
Unless an HCP determined that the player has not suffered a concussion and clears the player to return to play, the player will not be permitted to return to practice or play until the player has successfully completed the return to play protocol and has been cleared to return to play by a Physician.
Where a Health Care Professional Engaged for the Event is Not Present at a Game or Practice
Where a HCP engaged for the event is not present at a game or practice, any player who sustains a significant blow to the head or body, who complains about or is exhibiting symptoms consistent with having suffered a concussion or is otherwise suspected of having sustained a concussion, must be removed from play and evaluated by an HCP before the player will be allowed to return to practice or play.
No coach shall permit a player who has been removed from a game for a concussion assessment to return to play until cleared to do so by an HCP.
If a coach seeks to allow a player to re-enter a game who has been removed from a game for a concussion assessment and who has not been cleared to return to play by the on-site HCP, the referee shall issue a warning to the coach. If a coach persists in seeking to allow such player to re-enter the game after having been issued a warning, the referee may take other disciplinary measures against the coach as are permitted under the rules applicable to the competition.
Unless an HCP determined that the player has not suffered a concussion and clears the player to return to play, the player will not be permitted to return to practice or play until the player has successfully completed the return to play protocol and has been cleared to return to play by a Physician.
Definition of Health Care Professional
Health Care Professional (HCP) are licensed professionals such as an Athletic Trainer Certified (ATC) or Physician (MD/DO), with skills in emergency care, sports medicine injuries and experience related to concussion evaluation and management.
Compliance is mandatory for all CJSA members for all activities where CJSA insurance applies effective April 1, 2016.
U4/U5 Soccer Opportunities – Prospect Soccer Club offers The MiniHawks program that is designed for kids age 3 to 5. The program helps to get young players engaged with soccer by getting involved in basic trainings and soccer activities in a team setting. Sessions run on Saturdays for a 6 to 8-week season starting in Mid April in Prospect. MiniKickers I (for 3 and 4 year olds) is from 9:00-9:45 and from 10:00-10:45. MiniKickers II (for 4 and 5 year olds) is from 11:00-11:45, 12:00-12:45, and 1:00 -1:45.
All children receive age appropriate professional training*, a shirt, shorts, and ball. Cleats are not necessary for this age group, but we recommend shin guards. Trainings alternate between Pent Road in Beacon Falls and Hotchkiss Field in Prospect for the fall season.
*Parental involvement is encouraged.
For more details Contact Chris Golia @ chrisgolia@sbcglobal.net
Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.”
— Unknown
Only with your volunteer help we can succeed at providing an affordable and quality soccer program.
The Prospect Soccer Club (PSC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is primarily run through the dedication of its volunteers, from the supporting coaches, to the smiling faces of team managers, down to the members on the Board.
With hundreds of youth participants, PSC relies heavily on your volunteer support to help keep registration fees for its members as low as possible and making soccer available to everyone.
PSC is dedicated to providing the highest quality and most affordable recreational and travel soccer experience to Prospect and the surrounding communities. However we need your help in succeeding this!
All PSC families are encouraged to volunteer during the season.
Whether you have 1 hour or 40 hours to dedicate to volunteering,
PSC has volunteer opportunities for you.
Select where you feel your talents would be best suited:
Board Member, Coordinator Support, Coaching, Communications, Field Support, Game Time, Fund Raisers, End of Season Celebration, and For Children - Community Service
Registration for the Entry Level, or as US Soccer now refers to it, Grassroots, Referee Program is open through the end of August. To register the candidate must turn 13 by 12/31/18. Once the online and in person session, which run through September 9th, are completed the referee can start officiating immediately and will be certified through 12/31/19. Please have the candidates follow the detailed instructions at https://www.ctreferee.net/files/referee_instructions/new_referee_grassroots_instructions_31Jul18.pdf. It is easiest to have the instructions open on one device and complete the registration on another device.
Hopefully, 2019 recertification will open in the next few weeks.
Certified Refs:
There are several in service clinics posted. This year the in service clinics will emphasize the 2017/2018 law changes, US Soccer Small Sided Initiatives, Teamwork and Signals and the phsychology of officiating.
In-House Rec Refs:
Attention current and new rec referees. If you would like to ref rec. games for PSC please plan on attending a mandatory ref clinics at Community Parks and Rec Center; next one is on TBD. Please bring a whistle if you have one. More dates to come.
To sign up for the clinic or for questions please contact: Matthew Iannone at or 203-910-4043
Please inform PSC's Assignor (Heather Iannone - hmiges@yahoo.com) if you wish to become a in-house Rec Ref and also, once you become certified, as she has to update your PSC profile.
The Law has a three-pronged approach:
1) Any adult interacting with amateur athletes in the program has a duty to report abuse and or suspected abuse within a 12 hour period (Connecticut). EVERY adult is a mandatory reporter.
2) The statute of limitations in CT is extended 30 years after the minor reaches the age of 18.
3) Limits an athlete under the age of 18 from being alone with an adult who is not their parent.
*What is an amateur athlete? Any child or minor under the age of 18. Legislation is available for download (click here).
What are the requirements for NGB’s and NGB-Affiliated? Reporting: A mechanism that allows a complaint to be easily reported for a reasonable suspicion of Sexual or Physical abuse/neglect, within a 12 hour period of awareness. Federal regulations state that reports should be made to a) local law enforcement and b) local/state child protective services c) US Soccer, and d) the US Center for SafeSport.
EVERYONE is a MANDATORY REPORTER.
Mechanism for Reporting: Everyone listed below MUST be contacted when physical or sexual abuse is suspected
1) Local Law Enforcement Number (recommended to post on club website and give to athletes and parents)
2) State Department of Children and Families (DCF) 1-800-842-2288 (TDD: 1-800-624-5518)
3) Club Risk Manager Contact Information (every club should have a point person for reporting)
4) State Association’s Main Office - Josh Krusewski, Executive Director, executivedirector@cjsa.org
5) National Governing Body (NGB)
US Soccer Integrity Hotline Number: (312) 528 - 7004
US Soccer: https://www.ussoccer.com/integrity-hotline
US Center for SafeSport: https://www.safesport.org/report-a-concern
Mechanism for Reporting (cont.): Other forms of misconduct such as emotional abuse, bullying, hazing, or harassment.
1) Club Risk Manager Contact Information (every club should have a point person for reporting)
2) Club or BOD Review/Hearing – There should be a process in place to document and address this other misconduct. The decision of the Club or BOD should be sent to the State Association’s State Office (Josh Krusewski, Executive Director, executivedirector@cjsa.org )
CJSA member clubs and club personnel can access Mandated Reporters Training provided by Connecticut’s DCF in two different ways, one for individuals and one for group sessions:
1) The first, for individuals, is through an on-line training video produced and provided by the DCF and available via the internet. Any interested individual can gain access to the approved DCF video training (it takes about 60-90 minutes to complete) simply by completing a required DCF Inquiry Form available at this DCF link: http://www.dir.ct.gov/dcf/TA/MRT_video_form.aspx
A link embedded in the form will take you directly to the training video after completion of required information.
2) A second way that is open to clubs who would like to provide a group training session to its members is to invite certified DCF personnel available across the State of Connecticut who will provide Mandated Reporters Training to any size group. This service through Connecticut’s DCF is available free of charge to CJSA club and district meetings upon request. To access this type of group training use this form: http://www.dir.ct.gov/dcf/TA/MRT_form2.aspx
CJSA strongly encourages its member clubs to have ALL of its coaches, administrators and volunteers whether they are paid employees of the club or volunteers to take the time to learn as much as possible about this important issue and to take the Mandated Reporter Training at their earliest convenience.
CJSA has adopted the US Soccer and US Youth Soccer recommendations regarding heading and the protocol for suspected concussions. Compliance is mandatory for all CJSA members for all activities where CJSA insurance applies effective April 1, 2016.
This means that:
Heading Restrictions
Players who are 10 and younger
No player who is 10 or younger may deliberately head the ball, regardless of the age group of the team they are playing on. This includes all activities where CJSA insurance applies, such as practices, scrimmages, and competitions at all levels.
No player on a U11 team or a combined team including the U11 Age Group, (e.g. U11/12), even if the player has turned 11, may head the ball deliberately.
This restriction will be enforced in competitions for teams U11 and younger (including combined age brackets including U11 and younger) by award of an indirect free kick for the opposing team. Coaches and parents are responsible for applying this restriction for players who are 10 or younger and playing up.
Players who are 11-13.
Players who are age 11 to 13 and on teams for age groups U12 and older, are restricted to up to 30 minutes of practice heading the ball per week. There is no restriction on the number of times these players can head the ball in a competition, unless the team is competing in a combined bracket that includes U11.
Concussion Protocol
Where a Health Care Professional (HCP) is Present at a Game or Practice
Any player who sustains a significant blow to the head or body, who complains about or is exhibiting symptoms consistent with having suffered a concussion or is otherwise suspected of having sustained a concussion, must be evaluated on the sideline by an on-site HCP engaged in this capacity for the competition who will perform applicable testing.
Any player suspected of suffering a concussion will not be allowed to return to play until he or she is cleared by the HCP. Coaches, parents/guardians or players may not overrule the HCP.
If a coach seeks to allow a player to re-enter a game who has been removed from a game for a concussion assessment and who has not been cleared to return to play by the on-site HCP, the referee shall issue a warning to the coach. If a coach persists in seeking to allow such player to re-enter the game after having been issued a warning, the referee may take other disciplinary measures against the coach as are permitted under the rules applicable to the competition.
Unless an HCP determined that the player has not suffered a concussion and clears the player to return to play, the player will not be permitted to return to practice or play until the player has successfully completed the return to play protocol and has been cleared to return to play by a Physician.
Where a Health Care Professional Engaged for the Event is Not Present at a Game or Practice
Where a HCP engaged for the event is not present at a game or practice, any player who sustains a significant blow to the head or body, who complains about or is exhibiting symptoms consistent with having suffered a concussion or is otherwise suspected of having sustained a concussion, must be removed from play and evaluated by an HCP before the player will be allowed to return to practice or play.
No coach shall permit a player who has been removed from a game for a concussion assessment to return to play until cleared to do so by an HCP.
If a coach seeks to allow a player to re-enter a game who has been removed from a game for a concussion assessment and who has not been cleared to return to play by the on-site HCP, the referee shall issue a warning to the coach. If a coach persists in seeking to allow such player to re-enter the game after having been issued a warning, the referee may take other disciplinary measures against the coach as are permitted under the rules applicable to the competition.
Unless an HCP determined that the player has not suffered a concussion and clears the player to return to play, the player will not be permitted to return to practice or play until the player has successfully completed the return to play protocol and has been cleared to return to play by a Physician.
Definition of Health Care Professional
Health Care Professional (HCP) are licensed professionals such as an Athletic Trainer Certified (ATC) or Physician (MD/DO), with skills in emergency care, sports medicine injuries and experience related to concussion evaluation and management.
Compliance is mandatory for all CJSA members for all activities where CJSA insurance applies effective April 1, 2016.
U4/U5 Soccer Opportunities – Prospect Soccer Club offers The MiniHawks program that is designed for kids age 3 to 5. The program helps to get young players engaged with soccer by getting involved in basic trainings and soccer activities in a team setting. Sessions run on Saturdays for a 6 to 8-week season starting in Mid April in Prospect. MiniKickers I (for 3 and 4 year olds) is from 9:00-9:45 and from 10:00-10:45. MiniKickers II (for 4 and 5 year olds) is from 11:00-11:45, 12:00-12:45, and 1:00 -1:45.
All children receive age appropriate professional training*, a shirt, shorts, and ball. Cleats are not necessary for this age group, but we recommend shin guards. Trainings alternate between Pent Road in Beacon Falls and Hotchkiss Field in Prospect for the fall season.
*Parental involvement is encouraged.
For more details Contact Chris Golia @ chrisgolia@sbcglobal.net
Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.”
— Unknown
Only with your volunteer help we can succeed at providing an affordable and quality soccer program.
The Prospect Soccer Club (PSC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is primarily run through the dedication of its volunteers, from the supporting coaches, to the smiling faces of team managers, down to the members on the Board.
With hundreds of youth participants, PSC relies heavily on your volunteer support to help keep registration fees for its members as low as possible and making soccer available to everyone.
PSC is dedicated to providing the highest quality and most affordable recreational and travel soccer experience to Prospect and the surrounding communities. However we need your help in succeeding this!
All PSC families are encouraged to volunteer during the season.
Whether you have 1 hour or 40 hours to dedicate to volunteering,
PSC has volunteer opportunities for you.
Select where you feel your talents would be best suited:
Board Member, Coordinator Support, Coaching, Communications, Field Support, Game Time, Fund Raisers, End of Season Celebration, and For Children - Community Service
Additionally, our smart phone users, make sure you get the app for our PYS league athleticssystem. This app provides instant access to team schedules and notifications and it even interfaces with Google maps to navigate you to the away games! Use this link to learn more about the app features and download it today! https://leagueathletics.com/mobile_promo.asp?org=prospectsoccer
The PSC board and coaches meet the first Monday of every month at the Prospect Firehouse at 7:30pm (check PSC web site for time and location - www.prospectsoccerclub.com).
These meetings are open to all; please attend when you can and know that all suggestions that can improve upon our programs are always welcome.
Mail Address: 50 Waterbury Rd. Box 333 (The UPS Store) Prospect, CT. 06712
Earlier this week, soccer’s national governing body, the United States Soccer Federation, announced (see membership notice below) that a resolution has been reached in a 2014 lawsuit filed against U.S. Soccer, Unites States Youth Soccer Association and a number of other American soccer organizations by a group of citizens concerned by concussions in youth soccer.
U. S. Soccer indicates it will announce in the near future, specific details, including a number of new initiatives and recommendations concerning the modification of substitution rules and limitations on heading the ball as well as a more comprehensive player safety campaign U. S. Soccer was working on before the litigation was initiated. We understand that the new recommendations include the elimination of heading the ball by players 10 years of age and limiting heading during any practice session for players between the age of 11 and 13.
CJSA will provide you these details as well as any corresponding timelines for implementation as soon as they are received from the Federation or U S Youth Soccer. Any new updates will also be posted on CJSA’s website at www.cjsa.org.
Since the U. S. Soccer announcement, CJSA has received a number of media requests for comment. CJSA will not be making any comments on this issue until U. S. Soccer provides specific details on these new recommendations and associated timelines. CJSA is requesting that its members also refrain from making any comment and, as requested in the notice, forward any local media inquiries you may receive to Neil Buethe, U. S. Soccer’s Director of Communications at:
/312-528-1270.
I would also like to take this opportunity to remind all CJSA member clubs that earlier this year the Connecticut General Assembly passed a new law regarding concussions in youth athletics. This new law requires that as of January 1, 2016, CJSA and each of its member clubs make available at the time of a player’s registration, a written or electronic statement regarding concussions to each CJSA player and their parents or legal guardian. This new requirement was highlighted last August at CJSA’s annual President’s Meeting in Cromwell.
To assist member clubs with this obligation, CJSA has developed and made available on its website a notice which provides information compiled from the materials distributed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Member clubs will be receiving additional information via a separate email.
(http://www.cjsa.org/resource_center/concussion_information)
