Several clubs have asked for information about next year’s competitions regarding the U11 and U12 playing size.  As you know, at the last GBM the decision was made that the associations and clubs may decide whether to play 8 v 8 or 11 v 11 at the U11 and U12 age groups.  Western District had previously suggested that the U11’s be 8 v 8  and U12’s play 11 v 11, since that would be consistent with their current team rosters and would cause less disruption. 

Since the rule currently in place allows the associations and clubs to decide, I wanted to provide you with as much information as possible so an informed decision could be made, realizing that there will be another chance for rule changes this summer, and another next February before Cup competition begins.   Our best information at this point is that

·         Eastern District, especially at the higher levels of competition, will generally be playing 8 v 8, but  may have some teams playing 11 v 11. 

·         Eastern District does not want to play any Fall Championships in Division I, and did not do so last  Fall.

·         WDDOA has apparently announced that their D1 U11 and U12 teams will play 11 v 11.

I have discussed this matter with Jesse Harrell, the STYSA President, and Jesse responded as follows:

“Our response should be that STYSA will hold playoffs in the format approved by STYSA rules.  In the case of dual formats, this would be subject to there being enough teams to make each format logical at each particular stage of the competition.  The current approved format is either 8 v 8 or 11 v 11.  We still have one GBM to get through before we know for sure what the approved STYSA format really is.”

I know one of the concerns is WDDOA’s statements that they will play 11 v 11 and how that will affect National and President’s Cup.  Please know that per STYSA Rule 2.13.4, one of the responsibilities of the Western District Vice President is:

“the coordination and management of Snickers/US Youth Soccer National Championship competition for teams from within the Western District and any competitions within STYSA which involve teams or players from the Western District.”

Since elected as District Vice President, I have allowed WDDOA to continue operating National and Presidents Cup in Western District because I did not see a problem with them doing so, and it made  logistical sense given the number of DI teams in these competitions.  However, I have the authority to set the parameters for which the Spring Cups must be conducted. 

As such, please know that I will accommodate all Spring Cups at both 8 v 8 and 11 v 11, if the rules in place at the time permit and if there is a team demand to do so. 

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Chuck Jeffords

Western District Vice President

cjeffords@austin.rr.com

512 250-9274 (home)