GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT  SYSO:  


Mission Statement:
Everyone Plays - Our goal is for every player on every team to play at least half of each game, regardless of how often they make it to practice. We understand that this will not always be possible in every game but please talk to the coach if you feel your child is consistently not playing their fair share of the game.  This is a recreational league - If you are interested in a more competitive league, please consider try outs for the Sturgis Soccer League.

Registration Fee - $35 for each child.

Game Schedule - Games schedules will be posted on the side of the Concession Stand as soon as available. It will also be posted in PDF format on this website.

Soccer Jerseys - This season we will again be supplying T-shirts (of varying color depending on the team).  The kids will get to keep them at the end of the season. 

Equipment Required - IMPORTANT INFORMATION: PLEASE READ

The following equipment is REQUIRED for ALL players to ensure the safety of everyone on the field. 

If a player is found to be playing without the required equipment, they will be removed from the game OR practice IMMEDIATELY. This policy is NOT debateable.

1. Shin guards MUST be worn at ALL games and practices.
2. Socks MUST cover shin guards even if wearing warm up pants.
3. Soccer cleats or athletic shoes must be worn for games. No metal spikes.
4. NO metal hair clips or jewelry allowed. This includes earrings, bracelets, necklaces & rings. You cannot use tape to cover the area.
5. NO buttons, snaps or zippers allowed on ANY clothing.
6. Warm up pants are allowed but cannot be baggy.
7. Game Attire: Team t-shirt provided by SYSO, black shorts, socks  with shin guards, athletic shoes. If a sweatshirt is worn, it must be underneath the team tshirt.

Residency Restrictions -
You DO NOT need to be a Sturgis Resident to participate in SYSO. 

Age Requirements -
Children must be 4 years old by 4/1/12 to participate.  Age divisions are Under 6, Under 8, Under 10, and Under 12/14.  Players are placed into divisions by SYSO officials according to their age as of 4/1/12. 
 
Good Sportsmanship -
Our program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in our players as well as their parents and coaches. SYSO reserves the right to remove any participant or spectator from the playing area if their conduct is disrespect to players, coaches, referees or other spectators.  This is a recreational sports league where children are learning the game.  Our intention is for it to be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Weather Policy: 
Lightning & Severe Weather - "If you see it (lightning), flee it; if you can hear it (thunder), clear it."  A player's parent/guardian has the primary decision-making responsibility regarding the safety of their child from severe weather.  SYSO is committed to the safety of all volunteers, players and spectators.

Procedure for game cancellations or delays - Decisions to cancel or delay a game may be based on any of the following:   
  · National Weather Service's issuance of either a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning in effect for St. Joseph Co., MI.    
 ·  Any lightning seen or thunder heard in the area.    
 ·  Severe weather in the form of rain or snow that makes the field unplayable.   
  · Tune into WMSH for cancellation notices. 
 · During a game, if lightning is seen or thunder heard a director will blow an air horn three times to suspend the game.  The referees will announce the game is being stopped due to lightning and/or severe weather.  The coaches will agree to the time remaining in the game and will instruct everyone to seek shelter.  The parent or guardian is primarily responsible for the safety of a player.    
  · During practices, coaches should exercise common sense for the safety of the players concerning lightning and/or severe weather.  Coaches should insist that players and parents quickly evacuate the field to a safe shelter when necessary.     
 · Safe shelter includes a car, truck, or van with a hard top. 
Avoid places such as pavilions, shelter under trees or poles, or remaining in an open field.  The playground is not a safe area for children during severe weather.

 Resumption of Play -    
A 30-minute waiting period is required before play may be resumed.  If lightning or thunder is observed during the 30-minute waiting period, the waiting period is re-started from the time of the most current observation.