Who plays in the Ross Valley Youth Soccer Club?

Approximately 400 children from Ross, Kentfield, Corte Madera and Greenbrae.

What is the difference between "Rec" and Competitive Soccer?

Recreational soccer is focused on the development of soccer skills, enjoyment of the sport and the participation of all players regardless of skill. It is lower pressure with game played locally and generally has a reduced time commitment.

Competitive soccer is for advanced players with a focus on skill refinement and an emphasis on competitive play. Players must try out to get on a team in this league. Competitive soccer is played within and beyond Marin County. Ross Valley is associated with the Central Marin competitive club - more details at:

Central Marin Soccer

How do I register?

Go Ross Valley Soccer website and follow the registration link.

Registration

When is registration and how much does it cost?

Registration is open April 24th.

Base fee for the 2009 season is $235 and is all inclusive, except for personal equipment. The club provides a full uniform (shirt, shorts and socks)

No tryouts are necessary; everyone makes a team.

New players need to attend an evaluation day to assess skill for proper team placement.

Late registration is possible on a space is available for a fee of $70.

How is the league organized by age?

Age group divisions are in two-year bands, called Under-(age). For instance the Under-12 playing league is for 10 and 11-year-olds. (Called U-12).

Soccer birthdates are calculated from August 1st of a given year. Example to join our U-12 age group, a child must be under 12 before July 31st.

Requests to play in a higher or lower age group must be approved by the RVYSC board.


age group chart by birthdate

How are teams selected?

Teams are selected using a blind draft system presided over by the RVYSC Board and the coaches.

What is the blind draft and how does it work?

The blind draft is the method by which teams are picked in the RVYSC. We begin by taking each child's rating and then divide the rating groups by age and distribute players evenly across teams.

Can I request my child to play on a team with his friends?

No. RVYSC uses a blind draft system to insure that all of the teams are created with balanced talent. The mission of the recreational league is to learn the sport and allow kids to learn to love. We have found that be creating balanced teams we have fewer blow-outs and everyone ends up having a better time because of it.

What if I want to volunteer?

You can let anyone at the RVYSC know that you are interested by emailing info@rossvalleysoccer.org, indicating your interest on the registration form or attending the schedule skill evaluation day.
We actively seek volunteers in various capacities to run the league. We need coaches, assistant coaches, age division managers, team manager, field liners and more.

Do you need to have soccer experience to volunteer in the RVYSC?

No. In recreation soccer we rely on professional trainers to provide specific soccer instruction.

When do we find out about team assignments, practice and game schedules?

You will be contacted by your coach with team assignments and practice schedules in mid August.
Teams generally practice twice a week.
RVYSC games are held on Saturdays and Sundays, generally between 9 and 4:00.

When is the Season?

The teams begin practice around the time school starts in late August and the season continues through.

Where are games played?

The U10 program has their practices and plays their games at Bacich and Ross Field.
The U12 and above programs practices at Kent, Piper, Hall, COM and Redwood High. Games are played at these same fields for home games. Away games are played throughout Marin depending upon the town of the team they are playing.

Who referees the games?

All games are officiated by paid United States Soccer Federation licensed referees. Most are local players, parents, coaches and volunteers.
Free entry-level USSF referee clinics are held each summer and we welcome and encourage our players and their parents to become referees and help our club.

Who are the coaches?

Volunteers who are typically parents.

What equipment will my child need?

The RVYSC supplies:

• Team jerseys
• Soccer shorts
• Soccer socks

• Shin guards (worn under the socks)
• Soccer (not baseball) cleats.
• Jewelry, watches, wristbands, earrings, casts or metal/air splints are strictly prohibited by RVYSC regulations.
  

How long are the games?

• U-10 games are 50 minutes - 10 minute halftime
  
• U-12 games are 60 minutes - 10 minute halftime
  
• U-14 games are 70 minutes - 10 minute halftime
  
• U-16 games are 80 minutes - 10 minute halftime
  
• U-18 games are 90-minutes - 10 minute halftime

How many players are on a soccer team?

U-10 = 8 per side
U-12 and older = 11 per side

Does the RVYSC belong to the Positive Coaching Alliance?

Yes. The PCA is a national organization that promotes good sportsmanship among coaches, parents and players. The RVYSC is a proud member of the PCA.
We take the concept of good sportsmanship very seriously. We recognize and always keep in mind that this is a game for our kids, not for us.