Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Team Selection and Playing Policies

Does Colts believe in balanced teams within an age group based on skill? If so, at what age does this end?

The Yarmouth Colts believes that every child should have the opportunity to play soccer in Yarmouth and develop. To that end, through U12 or 6th 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.

How are the teams balanced? What are the evaluations?

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.

Is equal playing time for all players important to Colts in the early years, or is this a matter of the coaches' discretion?

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.

Are younger players encouraged to develop their skills in a variety of positions, rather than specializing at a young age?

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.

Do the kids have to play on the school team?

We support them fully, however,the middle school team is completely independent of the Yarmouth Colts.

What is the focus at U13 and U14? Winning or skill development?

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.

In U13 and U14 is a player on the team for two years when they have been selected at U13?

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.

Is Colts Camp mandatory?

Colts Camp is not mandatory but many of our players participate, as it's a fun way to get ready for the fall season.

Can my child participate in other activities besides Colts?

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.

What are the International Trips all about?

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.

What else can you tell me about the U12 to U13 transition?

For more information about the transition from playing U12 to playing U13, see the U12 U13 Transition FAQ.

About the Fall Season

What do kids need for equipment?

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.

When does the fall season begin?

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.

Why does the season start so early but the schedule comes out so late?

Soccer Maine cannot begin the scheduling process until each club has registered. Due to these factors, our regular schedule does not come out until just prior to the first game.

Who is Soccer Maine and what part do they play in all of this?

Soccer Maine is the governing soccer organization in Maine; we are 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.

What is our practice schedule?

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.

How many tournaments do we play in and are they required?

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.

Are there rules specific to the different age groups and where do I find them?

Soccer Maine provides a handbook with rules specific to all age groups.

What are the age requirements for the various age groups (U9, U10, etc.)?

Soccer Maine follows US Youth Soccer for their age group definitions. A sample for the 2010-2011 season is shown here.

When does the season end?

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 1st 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.

What is a "friendly" game? Aren't they all friendly?

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.

Is there an end of season social event?

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.

Communication

How is information passed on to the parents?

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 and your team calendar for scheduling information.

When problems arise, who can we talk to?

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 (Jon Torres) or the Director of Coaching (Mike Hagerty).

What do parents do if they want to get involved in Colts?

We are always looking for volunteers. Please contact a Colts Board member or your coach if you are willing to help out.

Is there a team parent?

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.

What are the Children's Cancer Walk and the 4v4 Soccer Blast?

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.