The following list is comprised of questions from current
and past Colts parents. We hope
that it helps you in finding the answers to the questions we hear most. When you have additional questions
please don't hesitate to contact your Coach or a member of the Colts Board. You can also get a PDF version of the FAQ.
The
Yarmouth Colts believes that every child should have the opportunity to play
soccer in Yarmouth and develop. To
that end, through U12 or 6
th grade, we don't cut any players and we
create balanced teams, which means the teams are of comparable skill level.
Beginning at the U13 level, we have one team and cuts may be necessary to
maintain the roster size. We begin this at U13 because players have an
opportunity to continue playing soccer in the Middle School.
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After
the registration is complete and coaches are identified, we schedule player
evaluations. These evaluations give us an opportunity to determine the skill
level of each player. For U10 through U12, the Colts board and the coaches use
the evaluation results to ensure that all teams in that age group are of comparable
skill level. Typically, U13 and U14 players are evaluated at the summer Colts
Camp. If they can't attend the camp, these players may attend one of the early
summer evaluation sessions..
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Playing time is important to the Colts. It does vary with age. Our playing time policy has been
updated to be consistent with Soccer Maine for U10 and U11. Each player will play at least half of
each game. For U12, each player
will play at least half of each regular game and playing time will be at the
discretion of the coach during competitive tournaments.
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We believe that each youth player needs to gain experience
and confidence in all positions. We encourage coaches to continuously rotate players throughout the
field.
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We support them fully, however,the middle school team is completely independent of the
Yarmouth Colts.
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U13
is the first age group in which we have only one competitive team. There is more emphasis on winning than
in the younger age groups, but winning is never the primary goal. Skill development is always the
priority and only after that does success follow.
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There
is a complete "try-out" and evaluation for each year. Traditionally, the U13
team goes on an international soccer trip during the summer before the U14 fall
season.
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Colts
Camp is not mandatory; however the camp traditionally is the time that we
evaluate the players trying out for U13 and U14.
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From U10 through U12 it is up to the individual coach to
balance the time off he or she gives the players.Since U13 and U14 is a "cut" program, the level of
participation is significantly higher. We expect, on most occasions, that Colts practices and games take
priority over other extracurricular functions.
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Colts encourages an
international trip near the end of the Colts experience and this typically
occurs during the summer after their U-13 season.Soccer destinations have included Canada, Norway and
Ireland. Fundraising for this trip
is usually starts about one year prior to the trip.The decision to take a trip lies with the coaches and
parents of the team.
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Unless
additional items are required by a player's coach or doctor, each player should bring
a soccer ball, water, shin pads and cleats to every practice and game.
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Our
regular game schedule is written by Soccer Maine (SM). Based on the weekend designated for the
end of season tournaments, SM schedules backwards to determine the weekend for
our first regular season game. This game is usually the third week in August.
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Soccer Maine cannot begin the scheduling process until each club has
registered. ue to these factors,
our regular schedule does not come out until just prior to the first game.
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Soccer Maine is the governing soccer organization in Maine; we eare
sanctioned under it. SM is in turn
sanctioned under the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA). SM provides the guidelines by which we
play youth soccer in Maine.
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Each team has a different practice schedule.We encourage each coach to have two
practices a week. Practices can be
combined with other teams of the same age group.Your coach will provide you with practice locations and
times.
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Each age group participates in a number of tournaments. Some are independent of the regular
season. U10 and U11 have an end of
season festival. For U12 and older
there is an end of season State Cup Tournament.All Colts teams play in a Labor Day tournament in Cumberland
and a Columbus Day tournament in Falmouth.Unless your coach has given your child permission to miss
that event, all tournaments are part of your Colts schedule.
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Soccer Maine provides a Back to List
The season ends at different times for each age group. 10/U11 will be completed at the end of
October. U12-U14 will finish in
the 1
st week of November.The older age groups will end their season with a State Cup final
tournament. The end of season
tournaments are hosted by volunteer town clubs.Sometimes clubs do not volunteer to host a tournament until
the season is underway. It is not
unusual to find out late in the season where your final tournament is.
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Friendly games are additional games that are not part of the
regular season. Regular games are
usually Sundays and Friendly games are added at the discretion of your coach,
usually on Saturdays. Friendly
games are a way to gain additional playing experience.
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There is a Colts Recognition Night for U12 - U14. It is usually the 1st Sunday of November. All teams, including U10 and U11 are encouraged to have a
team end-of-season social event.
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Most
correspondence from your Coach and the Colts Board will be sent via email.
It will be the responsibility of your
coach to disseminate any timely information regarding your team. You can also
check the Colts web site for general information.
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When issues arise pertaining to your child and your team,
whether positive or negative, please discuss them with your child's coach. If necessary, your coach will consult
with the Colts Board to resolve your concern.If you feel that your concern has not been resolved at that
level then you should contact the Colts Board directly through the Colts
President or the Director of Coaching.
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We are always looking for volunteers.Please contact a Colts Board member or
your coach if you are willing to help out.
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Each
team usually has a Team Administrator (TA) at the discretion of the coach.
Please let your coach know if you are
willing to volunteer.
If you
register on line please check off "team manager" under volunteer opportunities.
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The Yarmouth Colts is a community organization. We believe in giving back to our
community.In doing so, we support
two charitable organizations; the Maine Children's Cancer Program through the
Children's Cancer Walk, and Safe Passage through the 4v4 Soccer Blast.
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