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What's "Offside" In Soccer?
"Junior A"?
What's that?
The "Junior A" division, coming this Fall (2005), will be the "graduation point" for all of our maturing "Junior B" players to move up to, and also to make room for all of our maturing "Pee-Wee" players who will be "graduating" to the "Junior B" level.
Aside from segmenting our age groupings a little better (as was our intent from the start), there will be a few things about the newly created "Junior A" division that will be different.
1) Field size will be slightly increased from the "Junior B" field size of 55 yds. (length) by 33 yds. (width), to a "Junior A" size of 60 yds (length) x 40 yds (width). This will be done for a number of reasons, among which are the increased size, speed and kicking ability of the players, the desire to attempt to further "step" players toward a full-size field as they mature, and... read point two.
2) The goal will be (with adequate enrollment) to field eight (including Keeper) players per team, with a roster maximum of 15. This is as opposed to the fielding of six players per team in the "Junior B" division. This will also allow players more playing time and coaches and referees less substitution headaches. Standard configuration in the "8-On-8" format is 3 forwards, 2 mid-fielders (halfbacks), 2 defenders (fullbacks), and a Keeper. Note however, that aside from a designated Keeper, coaches can arrange their personell in any combination they choose (for example: 2 Forw, 3 Mid, 2 Def / 4 Forw, 1 Mid, 2 Def / etc.)
3) With the exception of unlimited substitution, play at the "Junior A" level will follow all FIFA field rules, including and especially OFFSIDE.
To this point, we've played a sort of "stepped" system in the C.Y.S.L. which was designed to better teach positioning and to prevent what is commonly known as "Herdball". The system was "stepped" in that "Pee-Wee's" were never allowed to cross over the center line, either to the opponent's side of the field when on defense, or back over to their own side when on offense.
In the "Junior B" level, the rules were identical, with the exception of a roving "Center", who could go anywhere on the field that he/she chose.
In the "Junior A" level, all rules will be as they are in standard soccer field rules. The "Offside" rule in particular, can be a challenging rule to understand, but to keep it simple, it is designed to prevent "Cherry Picking." In other words, to prevent an offenseman from simply running to the goal of the opposing team and standing there waiting for a pass so that he/she can score.
In Hockey (a game taken from Soccer), a Forward is not allowed to cross the "Blue Line" before the puck does. This is considered an unfair advantage and is "Offside".
In soccer, there is no fixed line such as a "Blue Line", rather, there is an imaginary line that moves with the Defense.
Keep in mind that the proper name for a Defender in Soccer is a "Fullback". Therefore, this imaginary "Offside Line" is drawn at the point where the last "Fullback" is standing. The attacking Forward is not allowed to cross behind this imaginary line (toward the goal) without the ball. To do so would give the attacker an unfair advantage, would encourage "Cherry Picking" and is OFFSIDE.
This, of course, is an overly simplified explanation of the OFFSIDE rule, but it will help you get the idea. Also, you may have noticed that the word "offside" in some of the paragraphs is in capital letters, is blue and is underlined. If you click on the word, the link will take you to an OFFSIDE rule page on the "soccerparent.com" website. Pay particular attention to the animated graphic at the bottom of the page. It explains a lot without saying a word.
As with all sporting rules, there will of course be specifics and particulars involved in the calling of this penalty. Coaches are obligated to learn the nuances of the rule and know them. Regardless, all referee calls on it will be final. Parents, many of whom are unfamiliar with rules specific to soccer should also familiarize themselves with the rule(s), and should also refrain from impromtu attempts at referee instruction from the sidelines!
A non rule-related change: Due to the fact that by the time our players have reached this age group, they should have a better and more mature understanding of winning and losing, our policy will be to only award trophies to players of the League Champion team. The Head Coach of the champion team will also win possession of the championship "cup" for one season (name to be determined).
Lastly. The reason that the C.Y.S.L. program has been "stepped" from the beginning is to encourage the practice of proper positioning and to decrease the tendency of every player on the field to pursue the ball, causing "Herdball."
Removal of Centerline "Offside" restrictions will open up the game to the possibility of "regressing" into sloppy play and positioning. Coaches, please teach and encourage your players to remember what they have learned, and use this next step in skill level to further develop their knowledge of positioning and team play.
Looking forward to a great 2005 Fall Season, hope you are too!
Coach Steve
President
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