Beginning January 1, 2002, a new policy governing how games for the U-09, U-10, and U-11 age groups are conducted will go into effect. The policy has three steps and will be phased in over a three year period of time, with January 1, 2002 being the first step.

In 2002, all U-09, and U-10 tournament divisions must be held as festivals. U-12 will be the youngest age group contested at NYSW Snickers State Cup and the NYSW Chevrolet Presidents Cup. Please read through the policy statement for all the details and the steps to be phased in for 2003 and 2004.

NYSWYSA Policies For U9, U10 & U11 Age Divisions (Approved by the NYSWYSA Board 07/28 01, Revised 09/13 - 01)

To be voted upon by the membership at the AGM, Nov 18, 2001

A. Effective as of 1/1, 2002:

1. Tournament Play

All U9 and U10 play in tournaments must be advertised/marketed as "Festivals" or "Jamborees." Format of play must be round robin with no game results recorded/ posted. There shall be no awards based on win/loss records for these age divisions -- only participation awards for all players.

2. Snickers Championship & Chevrolet Presidents Cup

The U12 age group will be the youngest division contested in both cups.

B. Effective as of 1/1, 2003

1. Outdoor Tournament Play

All tournament play for the U9 and U10 age divisions must be no more than 7 v 7, including the goalkeeper, on a field with maximum dimensions of approximately 60 x 40 yards, with modified goals.
All tournament play for the U11 age division must be 9 v 9, including the goalkeeper, on a field with maximum dimensions of approximately 85 x 60 yards, with full sized goals.

2. Permission to Travel

Teams in the U9 and U10 age divisions will only be granted permission to travel out of state to tournaments/festivals that play a maximum of 8 v 8, including the goalkeeper, on modified fields with modified goals, and that meet the NYSWYSA Tournament Play guidelines stated in section A1 above.

3. Travel League Play

There will be no U9 competitive leagues in any of the six NYSWYSA districts.
League play for the U10 age division must be no more than 7 v 7, including the goalkeeper, on a field with maximum dimensions of approximately 60 x 40 yards, with modified goals. League play for the U11 age division must be 9 v 9, including the goalkeeper, on a field with maximum dimensions of approximately 85 x 60 yards, with full sized goals.

4. Premier League Soccer

Premiere league play will begin at the U12 age division. NYSWYSA will assist in developing guidelines for a promotion and relegation system to be implemented statewide.

C. Effective as of 1/1, 2004

1. Travel League Play

There will be no U9 or U10 competitive leagues in any of the six NYSWYSA districts.

D. Notes:

1. The NYSWYSA Board strongly encourages all travel clubs to keep the U9 & U10 programs as developmental programs playing 4 v 4 or 5 v 5 games, with occasional matches against neighboring clubs by invitation to compete in small - sided games. This system will better prepare players for the travel programs beginning with the U11 age division.

2. A "Competitive League" is a league where scores and records of wins and losses are kept.

3. The NYSWYSA Board encourages tournament hosts, wherever possible, to try implementing the age division guidelines listed in B. 1. Above for their 2002 tournaments.