U5-U18 RECREATION
SVU Recreational Program exists for the dual purposes of enabling children in the local community to enjoy a healthy and safe organized physical activity, and to obtain at least a modest soccer education.

The Recreational League is open to ages 4–18, regard­less of ability. The intent is to maximize player enjoyment and promote player develop­ment through smaller-sided games, more contact with the ball and greater time on the field. SVU recreation program is not a competitive league. No results are published, no standings are tabulated, no champions are crowned.

SEASON SVU host two recreational soccer seasons:

• Fall: September through November
• Spring: March through May

 REGISTRATION

• Click HERE to register on line. Registration for the Spring 2012 season ends on February 10, 2012
  • Please note, that registration is not complete until payment is received
• Click HERE to download a paper registration
  • Mail the application and payment 54 East Market Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801
• Walk in registration
  • Paper applications are available at the SVU office. You can go in during regular business hours to complete an application and make payment during specified registration periods.
• Registration Fee and Uniform Fee
  • Fall and Spring registration fees are $65 (U9 and above) and $50 (U8 and below)
    • $10 Early Bird discount and $10 Late Fee apply (please see FAQ section)
    • All new players will need to purchase a uniform
    • The uniform fee is $17 and includes One (1) SVU jerseys, One (1) pair of shorts and One (1) pair of socks.
      • PLEASE NOTE: The uniform is the same as the 2010-2011 season.
        
        
        Recreation Refund Policy

All Refunds:

1. Subject to a $7 administration fee prior to registration closing
2. Subject to a $16 administration fee after registration has closed
3. Cost of jerseys will not be refunded unless a player can not be placed due to a division closing.
4. Requests must be made in writing, either by using the online refund request form (see below) or by mailing a request to the office. Refund requests must clearly indicate the reason for withdrawal. Requests to be mailed should be sent to: SVU 54 East Market Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801
5. Please allow three to four weeks for your request to be processed.

A. Full Refund

1. Player can not be placed due to the closing of a division or a girl’s only program.

B. Full Refund minus Administration Fee  

1. Player’s family moves outside a 60 mile radius for a job related move before the season starts
2. Player is injured before the season starts.

C. Partial Refunds (50% minus Administration Fee)

1. Player’s family moves outside a 60 mile radius for a job related move after the season starts but prior to the half-way mark of the season (based on the number of games).
2. Player is injured or has an illness that prohibits play and is documented by a physician before the half-way mark of the season (based on the number of games)  

D. No Refunds Will Be Given For:

1. Players participating in over half of the season (based on the number of games)
2. Players losing interest, schedule conflicts, etc.
3. Player suspension for disciplinary reasons.

E. All other refund requests will be assessed on merit

F. Outstanding Fines:

A player will NOT be registered for their respective league if outstanding fines or fees are not addressed. 

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

    Click HERE to download Financial Aid form

• A maximum of 50% scholarships are available. All participants will still be expected to pay 50% of fees if granted financial assistance. The applicant's portion must be paid prior to the start of the season.
• A copy of the financial aid form must be mailed to 54 East Market Street, Harrisonburg VA 22801 or alternatively brought to the office at the same address as above.
• Financial Aid forms are required to be turned in at least one month prior to the beginning of the season.

2011-2012 AGE GROUP CHART

 

Age Groups		Birthdates
		Between	Grade School Criteria (birthdate must be between July 31 and September 30 of specified year)
SVU Grouping	“U” (Under)
U5	U5	8/1/2006 to 7/31/2007	not yet school-aged
U6	U6	8/1/2005 to 7/31/2006	rising Kindergarten born after 7/31/2004
U7	U7	8/1/2004 to 7/31/2005	rising 1st graders born after 7/31/2003
U8	U8	8/1/2003 to 7/31/2004	rising 2nd graders born after 7/31/2002
U9	U9	8/1/2002 to 7/31/2003	rising 3rd graders born after 7/31/2001
U10	U10	8/1/2001 to 7/31/2002	rising 4th graders born after 7/31/2000
U12	U11	8/1/2000 to 7/31/2001	rising 5th graders born after 7/31/1999
	U12	8/1/1999 to 7/31/2000	rising 6th graders born after 7/31/1998
U14	U13	8/1/1998 to 7/31/1999	rising 7th graders born after 7/31/1997
	U14	8/1/1997 to 7/31/1998	rising 8th graders born after 7/31/1996
U18	U15	8/1/1996 to 7/31/1997	rising 9th graders born after 7/31/1995
	U16	8/1/1995 to 7/31/1996	rising 10th graders born after 7/31/94
	U17	8/1/1994 to 7/31/19954	rising 11th graders born after 7/31/93
	U18	8/1/1993 to 7/31/1994	rising 12th graders born after 7/31/92

 

Players should play in designated division according to birthdate or SVU also allows players to play with their grade peers. A grace period of 60 days will be allowed for players born between August 1 and September 30 in order to have the option to play-up with school peers. In some cases, the player’s birth date puts them on a team that is younger than the team for their grade level. These players may select the age division that matches their grade level without a petition to play up, or may choose to select the age division in their true age group. Players may not play down an age group for any reason. On a case-by-case basis, with the exception of the grace period, players may play up an age group, but ONLY at the VP, Recreational League's discretion. *There will be at least 2 age groups for teenagers. Probably a U14 & U18, but depending on registration numbers it might be U13, U15, & U18, or maybe U13 & U17. If the resulting age groups are not acceptable, the leagues policy is full refund (minus the blue sombrero fee of $4); however, cancellation must be done prior to the first game.

	U5	U6	U7 / U8	U10	U12/U13	U15, U16, U17
Game Format	3v3	4 v 4	4v4/5v5 NO Goalkeepers	7v7/8v8. Goalkeepers.	8v8. Goalkeepers.	7v7/8v8. Goalkeepers.
Field Dimensions (yards)	25 x 30	25 x 30	30x40-40x50	50 x 75	1/2 field or 55 x 65	1/2 field or 55 x 65
Goals	6' (h) x 18' (w)	6' (h) x 18' (w)	6' (h) x 18' (w)	6' (h) x 18' (w)	7' (h) x 21'(w)	7' (h) x 21'(w)
Markings: Goal Area & Center circle	Goal Kick taken anywhere on the goal box.	Goal Kick taken anywhere on the goal box.	Goal area is the area where the goalkeeper can use their hands. Goal kick taken within 4 yards of goal.	6 Box for goal kicks. Goal area for goalkeepers. Corner Kicks.	6 Box for goal kicks. Goal area for goalkeepers. Corner Kicks.	6 Box for goal kicks. Goal area for goalkeepers. Corner Kicks.
Ideal Roster Size	6-7 players	6-7 players	7-8 players	10-11 for 7v7; 11-12 for 8v8	11-12 players	11-13 players
Training Time	1 session/week. 45 - 60 minutes per session.	1 session/week. 45 - 60 minutes per session.	1 session/week. 45 - 60 minutes per session.	1 session/week. 60 minutes per session.	1 session/week. 60 minutes per session.	1 session/week. 60 minutes per session.
Game Duration	(2) 16:00 halfs, break at 8:00 when needed. 5 min. halftime.	(2) 16:00 halfs, break at 8:00 when needed. 5 min.halftime.	(2) 24:00 halfs. 5 min. halftime	(2) 25:00 halfs. 5 min. halftime	(2) 25:00 halfs. 5 min. halftime	(2) 25:00 halfs. 5 min. halftime
Ball Size	3 for games (4 is acceptable for training)	3 (4 is acceptable for training)	4	4	Size 4 for U12. Size 5 for U13.	5
Player Rotation/playing time	Minimum 50%	Minimum 50%	Minimum 50%	Minimum 50%	Minimum 50%	Minimum 50%
# of postions played	Multiple positions each game. Minimum 2.	Multiple positions each game. Minimum 2.	Multiple positions each game. Minimum 2.	Multiple positions each game. Aim for 3.	Multiple positions each game. Aim for 3.	Multiple positions each game. Aim for 3.
Laws of the Game	No offsides. No penalty kicks;indirect free kicks only for pushing or tripping. Kick-ins, not throws. Goal kicks & corner kicks.	No offsides. No penalty kicks; indirect free kicks only for pushing or tripping. Kick-ins, not throws. Goal kicks & corner kicks.	No offsides. No penalty kicks; indirect free kicks only for pushing, tripping and hand balls. Throw-ins. Goal kicks & corner kicks.	Referees on field. Offsides. Penalty kicks. Throw-ins. Goal kicks & corner kicks. As with FIFA Laws of the Game.	Referees on field. Offsides. Penalty kicks. Throw-ins. Goal kicks & corner kicks. As with FIFA Laws of the Game.	Referees on field, Asst. Referees for each sidleine. Offsides. Penalty kicks. Throw-ins. Goal kicks & corner kicks. As with FIFA Laws of the Game.
Accomodations	3v3, 5v5 if game day rosters are low or high	3v3, 5v5 if game day rosters are low or high.	4v4, 6v6 if game day rosters are low or high	6v6 if rosters are low	7v7 if rosters are low	8v8
Accomodations (cont.)	3v4 or 4v5 if one team is scoring lots of goals	3v4 or 4v5 if one team is scoring lots of goals	4v5 or 5v6 if one team is scoring lots of goals	7v8 or 8v9 if one team is scoring lots of goals	7v8 or 8v9 if one team is scoring lots of goals	7v8 or 8v9 if one team is scoring lots of goals
Other accomodations for all age groups	Limit the # of touches a player can take; "2 touch maximum"	As in U5 &/or limit scoring only to players who have not yet scored.	Limit touches (2 touch) Limit scoring to only with non-dominant foot.	Limit the number of players in the attacking half	Set a # of pass minimum before shooting (3-5)	Every player must touch the ball before shooting

TEAM SELECTION GAMES AND PRACTICES Players are placed by age group on teams, with co-ed and girls-only options when there are sufficient players to form teams. The season consists of one practice and one game per week. Games are sched­uled Friday night or Satur­day morning on fields in the local community. Each team will have scheduled weekly games consisting of at least 6 games.

 

 

COACHES SVU Recreation League relies heavily on volunteer coaches to make our programs a success. Volunteer Coaches will receive a FREE SVU coaches shirt.

• Click HERE to register as a volunteer in the recreation program

CODES OF CONDUCT & CONSIDERATIONS

• Click HERE to view PARENT SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS

SNACK SHACK The Snack Shack operates during our Recreational League Season.  Encourage your families to use the Snack Shack. All proceeds benefit the league.