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Dealing with Head Injuries

By Randy Vogt 

We have all seen soccer players return to the field too soon after suffering a head injury, including in the 2014 World Cup final. It’s one of the reasons that US Soccer launched the Recognize to Recover Program.

The people at soccer fields now understand that head injuries can be serious so nobody dissents when I immediately stop the game whenever I see a head injury, no matter where the ball is.

Now you might question why Randy is writing an article about dealing with head injuries. After all, I am not a neurologist or even a medical doctor. And that’s precisely my point as all too often at soccer games, particularly youth soccer games where there is generally not a health care professional at the field, the refs and coaches are the ones to ensure that the kids remain safe. And without being able to give a medical opinion on what’s going on with a player, it’s much better to be safe than sorry and to err on the side of caution.

Let’s take a recent Boys-Under-17 futsal game that I refereed as an example. In the fifth minute, a player scored on a shot but he slipped on his follow-through and his head struck the basketball court. He grabbed his head so I asked the coach to attend to him. With head injuries when there is not a health care person there, it’s important for the ref to observe the interaction between the coach and player for signs of a possible concussion. The boy walked off the field on his own, a good sign. I told the coach that he needed my approval for the player to return to the field as the boy had a head injury.

Another coach of the team gave him a basic concussion protocol with the boy’s eyes being able to follow the coach’s finger plus the boy was alert and knew where he was.

Signs to look for of a possible concussion are confusion, headache, dizziness, nausea, unsteadiness/loss of balance, feeling “dinged” or stunned or “dazed,” seeing stars or flashing lights, ringing in the ears, decreased attention or concentration or double vision. Other things to look out for include depression, anxiety, anger, irritability, being emotionally unstable and changes in sleep. All the signs of a concussion might not be immediately visible.

The boy said he also hit his jaw and put ice on it as he sat on the bench. He remained there and 15 minutes after his injury, I observed him with his head slightly lowered, holding his forehead with both of his hands. That did not look right to me so I told the coach that he is not coming back to the game. The coach told his player.

Halftime arrived as the boy got ready to leave the gym and he told my futsal referee partner, Bob Koch, that his jaw hurt in addition to his forehead. I sent a supplementary report to the league and per US Soccer guidelines, the player could only return to play with clearance from a health care professional (licensed professionals such as ATC, MD or DO with skills in emergency care, sports medicine injuries and experience related to concussion evaluation and management).

As fate would have it, Bob and I were assigned to ref the team’s next match, a make-up game, six days later. We asked the coach how he was doing and he said that he went to school, he believed he was asymptomatic and his family was taking him to see a neurologist to make sure he was fine. Soon after, the boy arrived with a letter from a neurologist clearing him to play. The letter stated, “Findings revealed the absence of concussion or any neurological deficit. He is cleared to continue participating in soccer.”

Seeing him well and running around with his friends was the best part of Bob’s and my day!

I have dealt with head injuries before including actual concussions. Two concussions that stand out in my mind were college soccer games where the keeper on the ground was kicked in the head. But being college soccer, there was a trainer there who swiftly attended to the player and an ambulance was called. Minus a health care professional at the field, let’s continue to err on the side of safety, no matter how important that player is to the team.

[enysoccer-blog]

How Refs Can Spot Off-the-Ball Fouls

By Randy Vogt 

You can never relax while driving and the same is true when officiating a soccer game. Years ago, I heard many officials say, “I’m just a linesman,” and a new crop of officials say “I’m just an assistant referee” when given an assignment not in the middle. Although the term for that official might have changed, unfortunately the attitude of some officials has not as it’s a privilege to be given an assignment, no matter where you are on the field.

Law 6 is now about “the other match officials,” including the assistant referee. They assist the ref with offenses and infringements when they have a clearer view than the referee. In many cases, they will be able to spot off-the-ball fouls committed behind the ref’s back. It’s crucial to get this call correct.

 A few years ago, I was refereeing a Girls-Under-15 Eastern New York Premier League game that went south very quickly midway through the first half. I wound up having to caution four players the rest of the half, which eventually calmed things down, and the teams solely concentrated on playing soccer in the second half. Credit to the coaches who told their players at halftime just to concentrate on the game.

 At halftime, I asked the AR’s if they had any idea what was the issue in this game. One AR said, “After play moved up-field, blue #11 elbowed white #4 twenty yards behind your back.”

These were two of the players who I cautioned later in the half. As I had given pre-game instructions to the AR’s to watch for fouls behind my back and inform me if they saw them, I asked the AR why he did not follow instructions. He said, “What was I supposed to do? You were 40 yards from me running up-field.” The problem was his attitude of “I’m just an AR.”

The answer is he should have raised his flag to get my attention. If that did not work, the other AR was to raise his flag too (as I would have seen that) and after he had my attention, pointed to the AR with the original flag. If the other AR did not do that, the AR with the foul could have simply yelled my name to get my attention.

This is the perfect scenario when electronic communication among officials would have worked. After cautioning or sending off blue #11 (which would have been determined by what the AR thought as he had seen the incident), the game would have calmed down right there.

But not every game has two assistant referees. There’s a bit of a trick for refs to follow to spot off-the-ball fouls, whether you are blessed with having good AR’s or not. Just after the ball is kicked, continue to watch the action there for a second or so. There is more chance of a bad foul occurring at the spot of the kick than with the players up-field jostling for position as the ball is travelling. Especially if the ball is in the air and has not arrived to where it’s going to.

If the ref whistles an off-the-ball foul, chances are very few on the field saw the same thing as they were watching the ball. The ref will often be questioned, “What happened?” and “What are you calling?” This is the time for the ref to give a brief explanation to what had occurred.

During the course of my career, I’ve had to whistle many fouls of players who continued their tackle into opponents after the ball was kicked. As well as dealing with those fouled retaliating a second later. The color of the card was determined by the severity of the contact and whether it was a deliberate action.

Even by doing this, the ref working solo will still miss some off-the-ball fouls as one person cannot watch all 22 players at once. But by being observant at all times and not relaxing, the ref will still do as well as possible in spotting off-the-ball fouls.

[enysoccer-blog]

How Coaching Hurts

By Tim Bradbury

I had the unfortunate responsibility recently of being an ambassador at a soccer event where I was forced to observe game after game. I must admit it was considered to be a high level event with an associated group of coaches who would consider themselves “quality coaches”.

First off, I believe the game is the player’s game and they must make decisions as they play. They must learn to understand the game and solve its problems on their own. I have experimented socially with how well people make good decisions while others shout their version of the correct choice as loudly as possible and found it simply doesn’t work. I invite all the coaches and parents reading this to try it. Put yourself in any environment where you need to make split second decision under physical pressure from another athlete and have a chorus of adults shout a mixture of ridiculous, sarcastic, mean and nonsensical things at you as you do. I believe you will discover two vital things

1.    The experience stops being FUN.

2.    You either make the wrong or no decision at all as you’re paralyzed in a moment of fear.

Now I know you believe I am exaggerating and thinking it simply cannot be that bad. So to put things on the record. The comments below are all things shouted in loud aggressive tones at the player in possession of the ball or to the team in general. Fasten your seatbelt and get the tissues ready.

“Just kick it!”

“Don’t control it there just get rid!”

“For some reason you’re getting it all wrong”

“Over, over, over, over, over!” (louder each time)

“Get your body strong!”

“Meghan, push her out of there!”

“Clooose!”

“Man, time, head, play!”

“Get uuuup!”

“Don’t dare dribble there!”

“Don’t think, I will do that for you.”

“Why, why, why, why are you trying to pass?”

“Boot it out of there!”

“I have told you before we never pass backwards.”

“Leave the thinking to me.”

“What are you doing?”

“You can only make passes when we have the ball in their half.”

“You are not good enough to do that…so don’t.”

I wish I had the ability to magically transform anyone reading this to the exact moment in the game where your player with the ball being deafened by the comments above. Imagine the emotional state of the player in question and hear the conversation in their head………

Player: Great, my hard work payed off and I received the ball just where I wanted. I know their full-back’s out of position and this pass with the outside of the foot will…

Coach: Don’t think, just kick it!

The player’s moment of excitement gone and in rushes the fear and self-doubt.

Player: Why does coach shout that nonsense when I am trying to think.”

Ask any youth player who still plays, they will tell you the same thing, "I hate being ordered around as I’m playing."

I highly recommend that all coaches reading this do the following:

1.    Never shout orders at players during the game.

2.    Never coach the player on the ball.

3.    If you must coach during the game, coach those away from the ball with questions- e.g. “Tim, how can you get wide and quicker and still see the play?”

4.    Observe the game and your player’s actions to give you a concrete idea of how they are developing.

[enysoccer-blog]

Eastern New York Supports the 2017 FIPFA World Cup

Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) has joined with United States Power Soccer Association’s (USPSA) in support of the 2017 FIPFA World Cup. In July, eight of the world’s most elite power wheelchair athletes will converge in Florida to demonstrate their abilities and bring added attention to Power Soccer*. Costs for USPSA to host the 2017 Cup will run upwards of $700,000! ENYYSA has decided to lend a hand to help USPSA raise money for the event. You can help too!

Your gift will help support the needs of Team USA as they head to the World Cup. Your support will not only make this event possible, but open doorways for future players as well.

 Ways to donate:

Donate

You can donate to United States Power Soccer Association here to help raise money for the 2017 FIPFA World Cup.

Volunteer

If you will be in Florida during the event, you can help by volunteering! Click here for more information on how to volunteer: http://www.powersoccerusa.org/volunteer

Tell a friend

Tell your friends about the 2017 FIPFA World Cup and ask them to help by sharing this link: http://bit.ly/2nYkBce Have a friend who lives in Florida? Ask them to volunteer.

[enysoccer-blog]

USA Defeats Russia Twice With 6 of the 9 Goals Scored By Eastern New York ODP Alumnae

By Randy Vogt 

The United States Women’s National Team, defending World Cup champs, defeated Russia twice in the past week with six of the nine goals being scored by players who refined their skills in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association’s Olympic Development Program (ODP).

The USA shut out Russia, 4-0, on April 6 in Frisco, Texas with all the goals scored by New Yorkers. Allie Long scored two goals as did Crystal Dunn.

Dunn picked up right where she left off three days later, adding two more goals to lead the United States to a 5-1 victory over Russia on April 9 in Houston. She was also brought down by Russia’s Ksenia Kovalenko which led to a penalty kick, converted by Carli Lloyd in the 20th minute, for the first goal of the game.

Dunn, currently competing for Chelsea in England, grew up a short corner kick from the Eastern New York office in Rockville Centre, received the 2012 Hermann Award as college soccer’s best player and was the 2015 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Most Valuable Player. She spent her formative years in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), playing for the Rockville Centre Power, Rockville Centre Tornadoes and Albertson Fury ‘91. She is also a spokesperson for the At Peak educational app, which Eastern New York has provided to its players to prevent injuries.

Long, from East Northport, played for three LIJSL club teams––the Northport/Cow Harbor Mustangs, Oceanside Express and the Albertson Express, winning four consecutive State Open Cup titles with the Express. She now plays professionally for the NWSL’s Portland Thorns.

“It’s very exciting to follow the careers of these two great players from Eastern New York and know that ODP contributed to their development,“ commented Eastern New York ODP Chairperson Jim Volpe.

[enysoccer-blog]

Offside Decisions: Defender’s Deliberate Play vs. a Deflection

By Randy Vogt

When a junior college coach asked me to meet him at a restaurant in Flushing, Queens two summers ago, I checked to make sure that his team was not on my referee schedule (it was not) before I accepted and chose a Vietnamese restaurant with good reviews.

I explained what was then a new interpretation of the offside rule, the attacker playing the ball, then the defender simply misplaying the ball and the ball going to another attacker, who was in an offside position when the ball was originally played by the attacker. Considered offside in the past, now considered onside.

Upon the conclusion of our meal, he said to me, “Geez, I’m going to win and lose a lot of games based on this interpretation.” Actually, not as many as he thought as a very small percentage of goals, like 1% or 2%, are scored after a defender misplays the ball, at least in the games I have officiated during this time.

Gaining an advantage is by playing the ball or interfering with an opponent when it has rebounded or been deflected off the goalpost, crossbar or an opponent or been deliberately saved by an opponent. A player in an offside position receiving the ball from an opponent, who deliberately plays the ball (except from a deliberate save), is not considered to have gained an advantage.

Therefore, the officials must decide whether the defender deliberately played the ball or whether it deflected or rebounded from him/her. Factors to consider in making this determination include whether the defender moved a body part toward the ball, the distance of the defender from the ball when it was played and whether the ball is expected by the defender. Yet the attacker in an offside position (when the ball was originally played) receiving the ball from a goalkeeper or a defender from a deliberate save is still offside.

Let’s take these scenarios that occurred in my games:

In a game that I was refereeing without AR’s, the ball after a corner kick is played to the corner of the penalty area (where the 18-yard line meets the 18-yard line). With three attackers in offside positions in the goal area but not interfering with any opposing players, an attacker plays the ball on the ground toward the front of the goal. The second-to-last defender, 15 yards from the ball when it was originally played, miskicks the ball and it goes to an attacker behind him who scores. The defenders appealed for offside and were shocked that call was not coming.

An attacker dribbling up the touchline crosses the ball toward another attacker, in an offside position 30 yards away. Between those players was a defender who stuck out his foot. The ball rebounded off his foot to the other attacker. The AR raised his flag but I overruled him as that attacker scored. Yes, I heard it from the opposing coach but I explained that offside could not be called as the defender deliberately played the ball.

At the time the keeper punts the ball, the only players in the other half of the field are the opposing keeper and an attacker, who is in an offside position five yards into the other half. The punted ball drops to a defender on the halfway line, who mis-kicks the ball backwards into the path of that attacker who is now running on to the ball. The AR correctly keeps his flag down as the attacker goes to goal on a breakaway and the keeper winds up making the save.

A through-pass is made 10 yards from the attacker in an offside position with a defender close nearby. That defender jumps to head the ball and the ball glances off her head to the attacker. The AR correctly leaves his flag down as the defender had deliberately played the ball. Another defender tracks back and tackles the ball away.

An attacker plays the ball and it hits off the defender’s stomach two yards away and goes to another attacker who was is in offside position when the ball was originally played. Offside is whistled as the ball had deflected off the defender.

A shot is taken and the keeper parries the ball to an attacker who was in an offside position when the ball was originally played. That attacker scores but the goal is disallowed as the attacker received the ball from a deliberate save.

There is a goal mouth scramble and the ball goes out to an attacker 10 yards from goal. The keeper comes out of his goal to cut down the angle. Behind the keeper are two players, one an attacker and one a defender. The attacker is in an offside position as he’s behind the keeper so that attacker needed another defender, even with him or closer to the goal line, to keep him onside. A shot on goal is taken and it beats the keeper but it does not beat the defender, who sticks out a leg. The ball rebounds to the attacker who was in an offside position when the ball was played. The attacker scores. The goal is disallowed, even though the defender deliberately played the ball, as the defender had made a deliberate save.

[enysoccer-blog]

What’s Up with Corner Kicks?

By Randy Vogt

Soccer’s last rule, Law 17, is on corner kicks. The corner kick must be placed inside the corner area (formerly called “corner arc”) nearest to the point the ball crossed the goal line. Which is interesting as the goal kick can be kicked from either side of the goal area, no matter which side of the goal that the ball crossed the goal line, but the ball on a corner kick must be kicked from the corner on the side that the ball went over the goal line.

A reason for the discrepancy is the placement of the ball becomes more precise the closer the ball is the goal being attacked. So on goal kicks, the ball is far from that goal. The ball could go past one side of the goal but the ball kid is on the other side. The kid throws the ball onto the field and rather than it having to be moved to the other half of the goal area, as the rules once stated, the ball can be played from anywhere in the goal area.

Corner kicks are closer to the goal being attacked. And if a team could take the kick from either corner, you would have players running 70 yards by the goal line to take the kick, either to waste time or to get the service from the preferred corner, such as in-swinger vs. out-swinger.

Some people mistakenly believe that the mark outside the field for opponents to stand behind is 10 yards from the corner flag. This is incorrect as it’s 10 yards from the 1-yard corner area, therefore 11 yards from the corner flag, as the opponent must be positioned at least 10 yards from the corner kick.   When I started officiating soccer, refereeing the corner kick was not a big issue. But it has become much more challenging during the past decade or so as officials in pro games have allowed way too much contact to occur before and during corner kicks in front of the goal that they would not allow to occur at midfield. And all the grappling and holding on corner kicks has filtered to the other levels of play.

At an English Premier League game that I was a spectator at a decade ago (2007: Sheffield United-Newcastle United), my seat was behind one of the goals and there was so much grabbing that I thought I was watching Wrestlemania rather than a soccer game. Certainly ref Mark Halsey had as clear a view as me sitting behind the Newcastle goal of the two hands grabbing a Sheffield attacker’s jersey, preventing him from jumping to head the ball off a corner a few yards from goal. Yet no whistle was coming and the players knew it. Not meaning to single out just one ref as this high level of contact has been allowed on corner kicks in way too many games.   Easy for me to write as I am not refereeing in front of tens of thousands at the stadium and millions more watching at home. Yet all we would need is some fouls to be whistled, especially against the defense resulting in a penalty kick, and the contact would go way down on corner kicks. And when the amount of contact goes down, the number of goals and clear opportunities off corner kicks will go up as it’s challenging to get a header on goal with all the physicality.   Players trying to circumvent the rules on corner kicks do not stop in what’s going on in front of the goal. Now it’s also a matter of where the ball is placed. For years in my games, the kicker automatically placed the ball inside the corner area and the kick was taken.   Pro players certainly know where the ball must be placed. But when players are taking the corner kick from the flag on the left wing, they now sometimes try and place the ball slightly outside the corner area and hope that the ref standing 20-25 yards away does not spot this. Once again, poor behavior has filtered to the other levels of play, including in my games. I’ve had to approach the corner area on many occasions recently to make sure that the ball was being properly placed.

[enysoccer-blog]

Should New Refs Be Identified?

By Randy Vogt

There are hundreds of soccer referee certification clinics held across the United States every year, including throughout the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association. The Long Island Soccer Referee Association (LISRA) conducts these clinics here to insure all Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) and Eastern New York games are covered by certified officials. Sadly, 75% of the refs passing these courses quit within their first two years of refereeing with verbal abuse by the adults in youth soccer being the number one reason for quitting.

(Photo Credit: Dailymail.com)

The experience on Long Island is not different from the rest of Eastern New York or throughout the United States as most refs quit within their first two years with the behavior of adults being the top reason for quitting.

While writing this blog, I recalled my first year of refereeing when I was 16 years old, reffing the Syosset Soccer Club’s Girls-Under-12 intramural games, which were 11 vs. 11 back then. The coach of one of the teams, who was about 40 years old, had it out for me. I try not to dwell on the negative, yet nearly four decades later, I can still remember his name and a bit of what he did even though I don’t remember his team’s name or the color they wore.

Yes, I would be able to deal with him much better today with what I now know about managing situations and people, but I was just starting out. He was just starting out as well and did not know much about soccer, he even mistakenly called a caution a “yellow ticket.” So with his complaints, the age group commissioner came to his team’s games and that coach still complained about me after those games.

His coaching career soon ended and he did not affect me like too many adults affect new refs when they decide there are better ways to spend their weekends than being verbally abused. And you are reading this blog post right now because I continued refereeing.

Probably every new ref has a horror story about at least one adult who did not like the officiating, or even the ref personally, and was going to do what he or she could to get the point across.

So I believe we need to do more to support new referees and my idea is taken from Driver’s Ed. I know that when I am driving and see a Driver’s Ed sign on top of a car, I stay away from that car, knowing that it’s an inexperienced driver prone to mistakes. I believe other drivers do the same and I can never recall a Driver’s Ed car ever being beeped at by another driver. Nor do I know of any Driver’s Ed student who has said, “Forget about getting a Driver’s License! The other drivers are absolutely crazy!”

Yet I routinely hear new refs say the adults in youth soccer are nuts! People at soccer fields would support new refs but these new officials need to be identified. So my proposal is in the first two years of officiating, the referee is given a gray shirt (as very few teams wear gray) with Referee Education written across the front of the shirt. They would wear this shirt to all games during the first two years of officiating.

Just as US Soccer has gotten the word out about heading, concussions and build-out lines, it would get the word out that we need to support new referees. The rationale being that there is a shortage of soccer refs because too many refs quit and in order for your child’s game to continue to have a ref, we need to support all referees, particularly new refs who are just starting out just as your child probably is as a player.

Leagues would make it a point that any coach dismissed by a ref wearing a Referee Education shirt would face a penalty double that of the normal suspension. And those coaches cautioned (as coaches can be cautioned in recreational youth soccer games, contrary to the Laws of the Game) would get a phone call from the local club or league that the behavior is unacceptable with suspension to follow after another caution.

Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their team’s parents and would be cautioned or dismissed if the parents cannot be controlled as well.

I’ve found that the great majority of people at soccer games are very reasonable and believe they would support new referees when told but the refs need to be identified. I also think this is the way forward to get more new refs to continue officiating. Your thoughts?

[enysoccer-blog]

Lost in Translation

By Randy Vogt

During Bob Bradley’s brief tenure as coach of Swansea City in the English Premier League, he was criticized for not using British terms all the time. So let’s look at how American terms correspond to British terms:

United States                                                            United Kingdom

soccer                                                                         football

field                                                                             pitch

coach                                                                          manager

fan                                                                               supporter

uniform                                                                        kit

cleats                                                                           boots

game                                                                           fixture

cup game                                                                    cup tie

tie                                                                                draw

shut out                                                                       clean sheet

zero                                                                             nil

outside back                                                                fullback

assistant referee                                                         linesman

standings                                                                     table

upper 90                                                                      top corner

 The origin of the term “soccer” actually comes from the UK. In English boarding schools in the 19th century, it was cool for the boys to add “er” to the end of words. So rugby became rugger, a term still in some use today. And association football or assoc. football became soccer.

Arguably the most prestigious of all British soccer magazines is World Soccer, first published in 1960. Many Brits used soccer interchangeably with football throughout the 1940s and ‘50s. Now it has fallen out of fashion, and a reason for that is that many of the younger generation incorrectly believe it's solely an American word because the Yanks use it.

A cup tie in the UK is an elimination match in a cup competition. Yet a 1-1 score in the United States is a tie while in the United Kingdom, it’s a draw.

Most Brits still refer to the official by the touchline as a linesman even though the rulebook changed the term to assistant referee two decades ago.

Can you think of any other terms that are different in the US and UK?

[enysoccer-blog]

17 Reasons Over 100,000 Kids Are Playing Soccer in Eastern New York in 2017

[enysoccer-blog]

Top Five Moments of 2016

By Arthena Sherwood

5. Crystal Dunn scores a goal in RIO

In August, three Eastern New York Alumnae represented the US Olympic team in Rio. One of which was Crystal Dunn. Crystal grew up playing soccer for Rockville Centre Soccer Club and in Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP). We were thrilled to watch her score her first Olympic Goal, as that is what ODP training is all about. Our only regret is that she couldn’t celebrate her goal the way she planned.

4. Jack Harrison selected for the MLS Draft

In 2014, Manhattan PSG ’96 were named the BU17 US Youth Soccer National Champions. On the team roster and one of the tournament’s top scorers was, Jack Harrison. Only two years later, Jack was the number one MLS SuperDraft pick. It was the first time a product of Eastern New York was selected as the first SuperDraft pick overall. Chicago Fire was the lucky team to make the pick, after picking Jack the Fire traded him to New York City FC for the number four pick and general allocation money. This ended up being in Jack’s favor as he now plays professionally in the same city he played youth soccer in.

3.  Eastern New York teams head to Nationals

This year Eastern New York had four teams earn their place at the US Youth Soccer National Championships in Frisco, Texas. Of the four teams, two made it into the semi-finals (Smithtown Arsenal and Dix Hills Hurricanes). Smithtown Arsenal has built quite the reputation for themselves these past few years, but they are mostly known for winning the national championships back in 2013. The Dix Hills Hurricanes are a force to be reckoned with, they have yet to win a national title, but came very close to it this year. Dix Hills were rewarded second place at nationals after a 1-0 loss to Loudoun (VA). The team is currently playing in US Youth Soccer National League, where they are at the top of their bracket. It is not every year that Eastern New York has teams go to Nationals and for this, these teams have earned a place on this list. You can check out the profiles of these four amazing teams here.

2. Over 80 Eastern New York Player Selected for Regional Pool

ODP is considered the highest level of competition in the state. Every year, players must be re-evaluated by the ODP professional staff of coaches for a position on each age-specific team. The identification process ends each summer with the most elite players within Region 1 competing for a position on the regional team. This summer, over 80 players were selected for the regional pool. A ground breaking moment for Eastern New York’s ODP program and one of the best moments of 2016.

 1.  ENY ODP win the National Championships

All other moments may arguably hold their position on this list, but the 1999 Boys South team winning the ODP National Championships is, by far the best moment of 2016. How often do you see a team win a tournament without scoring a goal in regulation or extra time? Well, that is exactly what our ‘99 Boys South team did when they overcame Minnesota ’99 in Phoenix, Arizona, all while playing a man down. Their coach, Ralph Pascarella said the team was “the best group of kids [he has] ever coached in three decades of coaching.” Aww, how sweet!

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The Damage We Are Doing

By Tim Bradbury

I have had many discussions with fellow DOC's from the rest of the country and also with Sam Snow the technical director for US Youth Soccer regarding the frequency and number of overuse injuries that we now see in players as young as 8 and 9. Unfortunately the frequency and extent of these injuries does not surprise me at all.

“The risks of overuse are more serious in the pediatric/adolescent athlete for several reasons. The growing bones of the young athlete cannot handle as much stress as the mature bones of adults. For example…A young gymnast who performs repetitive hyper-extension activities may develop (a stress fracture of the spine), which is an injury particular to the age group.”

In addition, youth athletes may not recognize signs of an overuse injury which encompasses a larger problem, because “they may be unable to cognitively connect vague symptoms, such as fatigue or poor performance, as a sign of injury.”

“Identifying youth at risk of overuse injuries is the first step to prevention. Guidelines for parents, coaches, and athletes need to be developed to provide opportunities for education, injury reduction, and early recognition of overuse injuries.”

Source: Overuse Injuries, Over-training, and Burnout in Child and Adolescent Athletes, FROM THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS, Joel S. Brenner, MD, MPH and the Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness.

The multi-sport bandwagon has been promoted for many years by many different people and organizations. Discussions on multi-lateral development and how a broad based spectrum of physical literacy can help produce athletic excellence later in life have fueled the multi-sport tank to overflow. For far too long I have had to be content to be the quiet voice in the wilderness suggesting that what has happened to the multi-sport concept is disturbing, dangerous and ultimately harmful to our youth players. Now with more and more studies being presented on the frequency and sever nature of overuse injuries to players as young as 10, coaches and parents around the country are starting to be concerned. Supporting quote:

“As more children are becoming involved in organized and recreational athletics, the incidence of overuse injuries is increasing. Many children are participating in sports year-round and sometimes on multiple teams simultaneously. This over training can lead to burnout, which may have a detrimental effect on the child participating in sports as a lifelong healthy activity. One contributing factor to over training may be parental pressure to compete and succeed.” Source: Overuse Injuries, Over-training, and Burnout in Child and Adolescent Athletes, FROM THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS, Joel S. Brenner, MD, MPH and the Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness.

Those promoting multi-sports as a solution to the ludicrous intensity and win at all costs nature of many youth teams never dream that the evils of the pressure to win at all costs mentality and culture would simply be multiplied as youngsters took on more sports. The truth of the matter these days is that the same issues that haunted over indulgence and pressure in one sport are simply amplified and multiplied as our u10 players deal with the same stress in Basketball, Hockey, Lacrosse, Baseball, Softball and of course Soccer.

The obvious damage to the body that playing 3 or 4 sports year round in a serious way is now being exposed by the number of overuse injuries that our younger players are suffering. It may be that this issue is the one that leads to parents and coaches having to decide what a sensible sports diet is for our youth players. As a strong advocate of the importance of “play” where kids choose the game, the rules and the duration of the activity as they play in the street or garden I believe that 2 sports played concurrently is the max that is advisable. One in a serious way, child’s decision fueled by the love of the game and one played in a more social way. I believe that this diet of self-directed play, one formal and one social sport each season is more than enough for the young developing body to handle.

“The over training syndrome can be defined as a “series of psychological, physiologic, and hormonal changes that result in decreased sports performance.” Common manifestations may include chronic muscle or joint pain, personality changes, elevated resting heart rate, an d decreased sports performance.”

Source: Overuse Injuries, Over-training, and Burnout in Child and Adolescent Athletes, FROM THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS, Joel S. Brenner, MD, MPH and the Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness.

An over emphasis on attempting to play 3 or 4 sports at the same time does more than physically damage our players. They also suffer emotional, psychological and social pain as they are forced to deal with the following scenarios:

1)    Which practice, friends and coach do I let down today as there is a conflict that I cannot avoid?

2)    How do I explain to my coach and teammates that I will only be trying at 50% in today’s game as I have two other games to deal with later today?

3)    How can I lie to this coach about missing the game next weekend because mom and dad say I have to go the lax game instead?

4)    It just doesn’t feel right to be on this team, I miss more than half of the practices and the kids don’t like me anymore.

5)    It’s so embarrassing to hear mom and dad say how good I am and how I deserve lots of playing time, I know I missed the last game and the last two practices. It’s strange that they demand I am honest and truthful when they simply can’t be the same.

“Pushing a child to participate in a sport increases the likelihood that the child will develop sports-related burnout. Rather than advancing in overall development, forced participation can inhibit the child from enjoying the activity, decrease a desire to succeed at it and increase the risk of injury. The child may begin to view sports negatively and lose interest in competing altogether. The negative connotation may cause the child to miss out on the many positive attributes associated with healthy sports participation. Being pushed to participate also can prevent the child from learning to manage his life and naturally develop interests. These factors can damage the child's overall wellness and productivity while stunting creativity.” Source: Negative Effects of Parents That Push Their Children into Playing Sports, Live Strong, Baldwin Ellis.

Perhaps the thing that bothers me the most about the multi-sport conundrum is the damage that is being done to the traditional definition of what sport is about and the lessons in life it helps us with. I was raised in a house where team and sport meant the following:

A)   You always try your best and give 100% effort regardless of the score or the odds against you – simply put you never give in.

B)   Your team and teammates come first so at some point you may miss a dance or a party but to be on a team sacrifice and discipline are two very important life lessons that you will learn.

C)   Your team and coach deserve you to be at your best on game day so planning what you eat, when you go to bed and how you prepare to play are important issues that will affect your performance. Choose wisely and plan effectively.

D)   You will learn on your team how to deal with problems and disagreements with teammates and coaches - you will learn to express your opinion politely and honestly while also learning to listen and respect the opinions of others.

E)   Ultimately with discipline, maximum effort and dedication you will learn that excellence is a product of hard work.

F)   Through all the above you will develop a true love for sport and have great fun with your team. 

I am absolutely sure that our youth players are missing out on some very valuable and irreplaceable life lessons as parents pursue sport, after sport, trophy after trophy and bumper sticker after bumper sticker I only wish I understood why.

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By Randy Vogt 

Eastern New York is excited to see one of our alumni, Bruce Arena, return to his position as the US Men’s National Team coach. The US is currently working to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia after two losses in the final stage of qualification.Bruce was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Franklin Square, where he played for New York Hota in the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL). He played both soccer and lacrosse at Carey High School, then both sports at Nassau Community College and later at Cornell University.

Just like Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders and Dave DeBusschere, Bruce played two sports professionally. He played box lacrosse for the Montréal Québécois in 1975, but the National Lacrosse League folded at the end of that season. So he moved across the continent to play in goal for the expansion Tacoma Tides of the American Soccer League in 1976 as a back-up behind Jamil Canal. The move to Tacoma was significant as it introduced him to coaching when he was asked to coach the men’s soccer team at the University of Puget Sound.

Bruce made a name for himself coaching the University of Virginia men’s soccer team from 1978 to 1995, winning five NCAA championships during that time. Then it was on to MLS franchises DC United, New York Red Bulls and the LA Galaxy, winning five MLS Cups along the way. In his first stint as US National Team coach from 1998 to 2006, he brought his players back to his old stomping ground at New York Hota, which George Vecsey wrote about in The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/16/sports/sports-of-the-times-bruce-arena-goes-back-to-his-old-neighborhood.html

Welcome back Bruce!

(via GIPHY)

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What’s Wrong with this Picture?

By Randy Vogt

There are at least 11 things wrong with this photo that was taken on a local soccer field in Eastern New York. Study this photo for a few minutes and circle the problems. Now look at the answers. Did you get all of them?

All the players have shirts that are not tucked into their shorts.

The socks on the red players do not match.

There is a hole on the right sock of the white player

The white player should not be wearing the red thing on his wrist.

A spectator is standing on the goal line

Another spectator is standing right by the goal

There is a hole in the net

The goal is behind and not on the goal line

The referee’s case is on the goal line

There is an umbrella on the goal line next to the referee case

There are no corner flags

 How many items did you see that are wrong? Did you see any others that we did not spot? If so, let us know in the comments.

Although socks being slightly different or a bit ripped is not necessarily a big deal, the other issues are easily correctable and needed to be done for the good of the game.

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoXL4Keau_s)

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New Hyde Park’s Richard Bletsch (pictured on the right, wearing a grey sweatshirt) Honored as Personality of the Month in Eastern New York.

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The Build-Out Line, 7v7 and Player Development Finally Put First

By Tim Bradbury

Many people hate change and, based upon actions I observe and comments I hear, most people would prefer the status quo and go down with a sinking ship than go about doing things differently. As I have written and presented about on numerous occasions, youth sports in the US has issues. At the heart of many of the problems is the simple truth that many coaches and parents put winning before development. They are happier for their child’s team to have a winning record than to see their child learn to master the fundamental skills and ideas of the game.

The problem is more serious than that, I believe. It would be true to say that a large number of parents and coaches, given a choice between development or winning––you can have one or the other, would unfortunately jump to the give me the win, nothing else matters, position very quickly. Leagues, clubs, governing bodies and administrators frequently caught up in the moral dilemma of “We can do what is right by the players or we can try to placate the parents (in the hope we do not lose some registrations),” unfortunately have often been forced into decisions based on self-preservation.

So US Soccer, in a brave and amazing move, recently made sweeping changes to the game format across all leagues and clubs.

That’s right, regardless of which banner you play under and claims to the contrary, within the next 12 months, all will be playing from the progression in numbers from 4v4, 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11 model. This decisive and sweeping change was brave enough and had player development at its heart. Thankfully in some situations they went even further to protect the game and player development and so we have the 7v7 build out line.

The concept is a simple one. On any goal kick, the opposing team is forced to drop behind a line on the field (equidistant between the edge of the penalty area and the half way line) until the goalkeeper's pass leaves the penalty area. Brilliant! Even better, goalkeepers in this age group are no longer allowed to punt the ball (mindlessly down the field to their lone forward, who is often heavily outnumbered). At last changes in the game that make developmental sense.

Admittedly, the change only makes sense if you understand the following logical recipe:

1. Players learn and develop by touching the ball in a controlled fashion.

2. Players learn to make decisions by having the ball and being allowed to decide what to do with it (without fear as the driver).

3. The more passes a team plays, the more each player touches the ball and, therefore, the more they learn about the game.

4. Any team or coach who states they are most invested in player development is therefore honor bound to play a possession-based game. Yes, playing style and formation do have a direct impact on player development.

5. Possession soccer starts with the goalkeeper playing a calm and short pass to his nearest supporting player.

6. This pass causes the chain reaction in which passing and possession breaks out and player development occurs.

 There are not many hard and fast rules in soccer but the recipe presented above for player development at younger ages is without doubt something we should enthusiastically encourage.

Thankfully, US Soccer understood this and initiated the build-out line described above. How do I know that many people hate change, because despite all of the above there are those that say they hate the build out line but put player development first? For the record, this statement makes no sense. It’s a bit like the parents who claim they know the screaming hurts and yet go to every game and yell at their child every time they touch the ball.

This rule change presents a chance for a real tipping point, a change in culture where learning skills and having fun get placed as a priority before win, win, win. This will only happen if all concerned coaches, refs, educators and administrators take the time to both support this change and teach parents what it is all about.

As I said, not many absolutes in soccer but the build-out line idea is one we can bank on.