S.A.Y. PHILOSOPHY

1. The Soccer Association for Youth (S.A.Y.) was formed to provide an organization within which children could learn and play soccer, the world’s most popular sport. The fact that any size player can be successful at the game and the modest expense required to field a team make it possible for many children to participate in organized competition. These factors, plus the enthusiasm of the children once they have played the game, have resulted in a rapid growth of the S.A.Y. Program.

2. It is the function of S.A.Y.

A. to provide

(1) guidance and instruction for new participants,

(2) an organizational structure to form leagues and schedule games; and

B. to prescribe rules and regulations which will ensure safe, enjoyable and fair competition.

3. A youth program should be, as its name implies, a program for the kids. To win at any cost may be the proper attitude for the highly skilled professional, but is contradictory to the basic objectives of the Soccer Association for Youth. Stacking teams, tryout camps, all-star powerhouses, etc., may produce a climate of excellence for a talented few, but will not in the long run be beneficial to the vast majority of young people involved.

4. Several of the S.A.Y. regulations have been written especially to implement this philosophy as far as practicable. The overall objective of S.A.Y. is maximum participation with even competition at the various age levels.