Effective for 2008-2009 Missouri Youth Soccer Association is Mandating “Small Sided Games” for ALL U12 and below teams throughout the state of Missouri as recommend by US Youth Soccer Association.

“Small Sided Games” Playing and Rostering Sizes

Under 6: 3 against 3 no goalkeepers; Single Field Method Minimum Roster of 4, Maximum Roster of 6. Dual Field Method Minimum Roster of 8, Maximum of 10.
Under 8: 4 against 4 no goalkeepers; Single Field Method Minimum Roster of 6, Maximum of 8. Dual Field Method Minimum Roster of 10, Maximum of 12.
Under 10: 6 against 6 with goalkeepers; Single Field Method Minimum Roster of 9, Maximum Roster of 11.
Under 12: 8 against 8 with goalkeepers, Minimum Roster Size of 11, Maximum Roster of 13.
Under 13 to Under 19: 11 against 11 with goalkeepers, Follow the current Rostering Requirements in the Rules of Play.

Realizing that some member organizations face limitations regarding coaches, roster sizes, field layout and availability, the Missouri Youth Soccer Association Board of Directors may accept a written request by June 15, 2008 to allow member organizations a one (1) year transition period to comply with the new Mandated “Small Sided Games” rostering, and playing requirements as recommended by US Youth Soccer Association for intra league play. Upon written request teams that play under a Missouri Youth Soccer Association/US Youth Soccer Association Sanctioned leagues would be allowed to keep their existing roster size of 14 players with the understanding of transitioning to the new roster sizes, and playing rules for “Small Sided Games” as recommended by US Youth Soccer Association by the 2009/2010 season.

Sanctioned Missouri Youth Soccer Association/US Youth Soccer Association Grandfathered Tournaments in this state that have been submitted and approved or in the process of being approved for the 2008/2009 season may also submit written request by June 15, 2008 to allow the organizations tournaments a one (1) year transition period to comply with the new Mandated “Small Sided Games” rostering, and playing requirements as recommended by US Youth Soccer Association. Missouri Youth Soccer Association/US Youth Soccer Association Sanctioned members who host sanctioned tournaments would be allowed to keep their existing roster size of 14 players in their current tournament rules with the understanding of transitioning to the new roster sizes, and playing rules for “Small Sided Games” as recommended by US Youth Soccer Association by the 2009/2010 season.

Pretty disappointing, in which a decision of this magnitude is just thrown out with only 2 weeks notice to fill out some waiver. This just shows once again the lack of leadership in the mysa organization. It appears we're making soccer a more individual sport, rather than a team sport. Smaller teams equal more teams, less player's per team. We all know it's hard to find good coaching, with this it just got harder. There is no way there are twice as many quality coaches sitting around waiting to coach small sided games.

bnet5150,

I understand the coaching issue, but with respect to the "small sided games", it really is not about the coach, it is about the players. Smaller teams means more touches for those kids, which in turn leads to that player getting better. If you look around, when a team that is young and playing 11 v 11, the amount of touches that take place is limited to a few players. "Small sided games" allows all the players on the field to be a part of the entire game, not just when the ball is around them.

There are several books, DVD's and training materials that will assist in coaching the "Small Sided Games"

Thank you for your comments, please feel free to contact me at anytime to discuss.

Travis C. Ross
President
Missouri Youth Soccer Association
1-314-620-9568 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

In my neck of the woods the new small sided games will be a good thing. I have limited number of players in each age group. Putting teams of 11v11 with subs together is a trick at times of how many age groups I can shove together and have enough players for a team. I personaly will like the new policy but I think that is was bad taste for MYSA to only give clubs 2 weeks to get all the papers together, unless that was the plan to quickly get the new policy into place.

You may be right, there may be some benefits. My big concern is the way it's just been thrown out there without little discussion it seems, other than from a select few. I reviewed your board minutes from Decemeber and the minutes from the Eastern District meeting held in March and it appears there was no mention of "Small Sided Games". I personally feel it's going to create confusion and frustration if it's moved on this quickly. If small sided games was the intention of the board, it should have been mandatory for next year, making it all or nothing. Having a situation where some teams are forced to choose this year, is tough. If I embrace small sided games this year, I need to cut players. There just is not enough time to evaluate the situation. It just sounds like the decision was rushed and is going to create alot of tension. Who knows maybe I'm the only one.

It certainly could have been timed better. Many teams are already gearing towards 11 v 11 and with two weeks to tryouts, it may be there is an inherent lack of interest.
The poll is certainly uninformative. How many of those responding are already playing 11 v 11? How many would have played 8 v 8 had this decision been made in March? Our team certainly wants it, but I fear the risk having a team and no league to support it when Fall rolls around.
I guess the upside to that happening would be fewer rainouts.