MHYSA, along with Boston Area Youth Soccer (BAYS), places player safety as one of the top priorities. This section is going to deal player safety and the rules that are going to be enforced.
Jewelry of any kind is NOT allowed to be worn during a game and should not be worn during practices. This includes necklaces, rings, watches, bracelets and Pierced Earrings. Sorry folks, but taping or putting bandages over the earrings do not count. If your child comes to a game with any kind of jewelry on, they will not be allowed to play until the situation is resolved. (Medic Alert's can be left on as long as they are taped over.)
All players must be wearing shin guards to play. Shin guards protect the players from injuries. They are required equipment. Properly worn shin guards must be worn underneath the socks, not over them. Socks must be long enough to cover the shin guards too.
Cleats are not required but usually provide the player with better grip on the field. Approved, molded soccer cleats are the only type allowed. Please make sure when you are purchasing cleats you are not getting baseball cleats or football turf shoes. These include a "toe pick" at the front of the sole and can cause injuries to others.
WEATHER ISSUES (Mass Youth Soccer guidelines)
Cold: Field conditions will be affected (sic) by freezing rain, sleet and snow. The ground may become frozen and be unsafe for play. Temperature means either ambient (still air) or wind chill index.
46 degree & higher: No change.
45 degree & lower: Additional clothing includes long sleeves; long pants; additional socks; gloves/mittens; stocking caps without straps; headbands; sweatpants or shirts under uniform; jacket under uniform so Referee can see uniform number. Clothing NOT ALLOWED include sweatshirts with hoods or strings; ear muffs; scarves.
40 degrees & lower: Shorten game by 5 min/half.
35 degree & lower: Suspend game.
HEAT INDEX:
Up to 84 degrees: Normal play.
85 - 89 degrees: Mandatory 2 min water breaks per half with time running.
90-99 degrees: Mandatory 2 min water breaks per half with time running. Shorten game by 5 mins/half.
100-104 degrees: Mandatory 2 min water breaks per half with time running. Shorten game by 10 mins/half.
105 + degrees: Suspend play.
Severe Weather: High winds, heavy rain, hail, lightening, thunder, tornados. Clear field immediately and take shelter in cars or permanent shelters. This should not include the Plains pavilion.
Thunder & Lightening: If a person can see lightening or hear thunder, danger is already present. If you can see it or hear it, clear it. Games should not be restarted for at least 30 minutes after the last lightening seen or thunder heard.
MASS YOUTH SOCCER LANYARD: Every adult team official (coach and assistant coach) must have their Mass Youth Soccer Coach's Credential/Lanyard with them when participating in any/all MHYSA activities. The lanyard must be worn during games. The primary purpose of the Adult Credential is for all parents of children to feel comfortable that all adults involved with their training, safety, well-being, coaching, etc. have been properly CORI checked and are in good standing.
All Board of Director members are CORI checked and are in good standing.
All adult Referees are CORI checked yearly and are in good standing.
DRONE POLICY: MHYSA has adopted the BAYS Travel Teams Drone Policy for all of our In-Town Program. BAYS policy: “If a referee observes or is informed a drone is operating near the field, the referee shall halt play until the drone is removed from the area. It is the responsibility of the home coach to address the operator of the drone. Should the drone operator decline to remove the drone from the area of the field the match will be abandoned.”