Touchline - PA West Soccer Association

TOUCHLINE
affiliated with US Youth Soccer, US Adult Soccer, US Soccer Federation and FIFA
The Official Publication of PA West Soccer Association October 2011
INSIDE
Executive Board
Page 3
Youth News Page 4
Coaching Page 5
Adult News Page 6
Referee Camp
Page 8-9
Sportsmanship
Tournament
Page 10-11
NEW SEASON KICKS OFF WITH YOUTH
SOCCER MONTH CELEBRATIONS
As the trees show off the colors of fall the clubs of PA West Soccer
have returned to the field for the 2011-12 playing season.
With the new season arrives Youth Soccer Month, the national
celebration of our game.
Clubs throughout western PA celebrated. There were
game day celebrations with travel teams welcoming to their
visitors while in-house programs hosted local dignitaries at
their Saturday morning ‘skirmishes’. The focus on fun,
family, fitness, and friendship was evident throughout
the month. US Youth Soccer added to the excitement by
holding “A Giveaway A Day” sweepstakes the entire
month of September.
As September and Youth Soccer Month pass the leaves
will begin to fall and the fall schedule will head down the
home stretch. Good luck in the remainder of your games.
Referee News
Page 14-15
BEADLING BATTLES TOP CLUBS IN US AND
HEAT AT NATIONALS
The Beadling U16 boys traveled to Phoenix in late July for the US Youth Soccer National Championships.
The Region 1 champs would face the Region 4 Champs, Region 3 Champs, and the National League Runnerup
in the land of sun and there was plenty of sun with daytime temps between 100 and 110 every day.
They opened the tournament against Eastside FC from Washington and dropped a heartbreaker giving up a
goal in the waning minutes of the game. The following day they lost 2-0 to eventual National Champion Concorde
Fire Elite; the Georgian team was one of the National League’s representatives. They capped the tournament
with a 4-1 thrashing of CESA from South Carolina.
The injury depleted side provided plenty of fight to earn a fifth place spot and the respect of all three teams
they played. Ryan Vilella was named to the tournament’s Best XI.
SOCCER ASSOCIATION
111 Whitehead Lane, Suite 200,
Monroeville, PA 15146
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
Paid
Permit #12
Indiana, PA

Visit
WWW.VIRIDIAN.COM/PAWESTSOCCER
today to enroll!

October 2011 Page 3
WHO IS
RESPONSIBLE?
In my 25 plus years of involvement in PA West Soccer,
I can’t begin to tell you how many times I have
heard some variation of “You people in PA West,” “PA
West’s fault,” “PA West doesn’t care,” and “Typical PA
West.” I have to admit when I was involved at the club
level, I uttered some of those same sentiments.
Natalie
Schwoeble
President
TOUCHLINE
It was only after spending some time as a member of the Youth Board
and subsequently on the Executive Board that I realized there’s a lack of
understanding of how we are organized and operate that cause people to
make those generalized statements. At times, the issue is with their club
and not even the association while at other times it’s a problem within a specific
division, district, competition, the Youth Division or the Adult Division.
I recently received a message from a club president. He was upset about
a situation and went on to blame me and PA West Soccer. He stated that I
have often said that I am open to thoughts, ideas and concerns, but his
experience with PA West Soccer has not been that way. I asked him for specific
situations, only to discover that his negative experiences had nothing
to do with me or the staff. In one example he referenced a curt response
made at the AGM by “one of your staff.” It was not a response from any
member of the office staff but that of a volunteer Board member.
As president of PA West Soccer, I have very limited authority to control
the actions of others. As President of the Executive Board I oversee that
Board and it is only responsible for the business operation of the association.
I can intervene with the office staff as they are paid employees
answering directly to the President. However, everyone else in a leadership
role is a volunteer. A club President once suggested if the volunteer is not
doing his/her job, I should fire them.
First, we have elected leaders who are Club Presidents, District Directors,
Vice President of Youth, Vice President of Adults, and approved leaders
within the Referee Division. These are elected volunteers and neither
the Executive Board nor I have authority to “fire them” or tell them what
to do regarding the fulfillment of their responsibilities in either the Youth
or Adult Divisions (or within their club); both divisions autonomous with
regard to establishing rules, organizing leagues, and resolving disciplinary
matters as well as many other issues.
I can offer an opinion and share my experience with situations from my
time on the Youth Board but they are very much independent until or unless
they cause conflict with our Constitution, Bylaws, or policies. The elected
members of our youth and adult boards serve at the will of those electing
them and are not subject to any authority of me or the Executive Board.
We also have appointed volunteers, most of which are appointed by the
Youth Board, but there are a few in the Adult Division. They serve at the
will of the VP-Youth and VP-Adult respectively.
I willingly accept responsibility for my decisions and actions and those
of office staff. However, I can only help to resolve issues with other elected
officials in our organization.
The author went on to say that the attitude of PA West Soccer starts with
me as President. I do encourage volunteers within the state association to
follow that example, however, I cannot accept responsibility when they
don’t.
If PA West Soccer was a business where everyone was employed and I,
as President, had control over their behavior, I would accept that responsibility.
However, in a volunteer-based organization that is not the case. I
try to set the example by being open and responsive but others are responsible
for their behavior.
I have spent many hours listening to coaches, parents,
club presidents, and others about issues with the
Youth Division or Adult Division. I always want to
know what is going on and will follow up with my
thoughts to the responsible individual. Some Presidents
in the past would just say, “Not my responsibility,
call the person responsible.” I don’t do that
because I want to know; I want to try to help resolve
the problem.
All of our volunteers give many hours to PA West Soccer. We take on
the responsibilities that others won’t. Most also have jobs, families, and
other responsibilities. The next time you approach a volunteer, please try
to remember they are subjected to the same frustrations, stress, and personal
problems you are. We hope they will respond promptly and appropriately
but sometimes their every day life gets in the way of their soccer life and
you’ll encounter someone who has too few hours or is burnt out. You may
not realize that your problem is the seventh that they have received in the
last hour that evening, and everyone expects immediate solutions. You also
can not always expect to get the answer that you want.
As we move forward, I stand by my statement that I want to hear from
you and I am always willing to listen and consider your concerns. But
please understand I am not always the person who is able, by our governing
documents, to do anything about them. I will listen. I will try to help
you get to the right person.
EXECUTIVE BOARD NOTES
August 2011
- The Board voted to accept the insurance program for 2011-12 season
proposal from Pullen Insurance.
- The Board voted to add a rider covering in-house referees who are
compensated.
September 2011
- The Board approved the Fundraising Business proposal presented
by Meridian Services.
- Ms. Schwoeble announced committee appointments:
Office - Natalie Schwoeble (Chair), Tom Beecher, Bill Kaminiek
Budget - Tom Beecher (Chair), Keith Renner, Thilo Boensch, Peggy
Neason, Cheryl Bejgrowicz
Finance - Tom Beecher (Chair), Keith Renner, Natalie Schwoeble,
Tim McCoy
Referee Assault & Abuse - Bill Kaminiek (Chair)
Amendments - Tim McCoy (Chair), Stan Hunter, Stu Benson
George Allen/AGM - Norm Hasbrouck (Chair), Cheryl Bejgrowicz
Nomination - Peggy Neason (Chair)
Hall of Fame - Larry Solomon (Chair)
Field Complex - the entire Board
She encouraged committee chairs to involve club Presidents or
other interested volunteers in their committees.
- The Board authorized Tom Beecher, as Treasurer, to “zero balance”
the restricted ODP funds on the recommendation of the auditor.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
President
Natalie Schwoeble
4133 Homestead-Duquesne Rd.
West Mifflin, PA 15122
412-462-9385
natjos@comcast.net
Vice President - Youth
Thilo Boensch
P.O. Box 274
Zelienople , PA 16063
724-316-8903
Thilo@zoominternet.net
Secretary
Peggy Neason
82 Lookout Ave.,
Monongahela, PA 15063
(H) 724-379-5386
pneason@comcast.net
Member-At-Large
Norman G. Hasbrouck
160 Quarry Lane,
California, PA 15419
(H) 724-938-3620
bod-hasbrouck@pawest-soccer.org
Member-At-Large
Bill Kamienik
2514 Bonnie Dell Drive,
South Park, PA 15129
412-653-4095
bill.kamienik@gmail.com
Vice President - Adult
Keith Renner
1021 McClure St Apt #3
Munhall, PA 15120
412-464-0829
RDKSportsinc@aol.com
Treasurer
Tom Beecher
4212 Tanglewood Dr.
Allison Park, PA 15101
412-486-2550
tbsoccer1@verizon.net
Immediate Past President
Larry Solomon
24 Timberline Court,
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(H) 412-521-8971
soccersol@aol.com
Member-At-Large
Cheryl Bejgrowicz
PO Box 8926
New Castle, PA 16107
724-714-1811
nerdudette@gmail.com
Member-At-Large
TBA

Page 4 October 2011
TOUCHLINE
YOUTH NEWS
It is against the rules for a player to “play down.” For instance, a U10
aged child cannot play in a U8 league. There are a couple of sound reasons
for the rule. First, when an older child plays in a competitive setting with
younger children the mismatch creates a risk to the younger children. Second,
young children grow at different rates and that small U10 could hit a
growth spurt that in a very short period of time sees the child grow from
the smallest U10 to the largest U10. Imagine the biggest U10 or U12
romping around the field with the U8’s or U10’s; can you say mismatch. Of
course the final reason…adults. Those of us fitting into the “big people”
category just can’t help ourselves; if we can win games (gain an unfair
advantage) by holding a kid back many of us will.
Playing up is permissible but…there’s a caveat. Players may play up
provided their club permits it and their parents complete and sign a play up
consent form. This applies to the age groups previously prohibited…U9
and younger in travel soccer. Some clubs permit play up and some don’t.
Paul Halford wrote an article in this publication a couple of years ago that
outline considerations for playing up and he also shared recently published
information that playing up has a stifling affect on player development. As
a parent, if you think your child should play up…feel free to contact Paul
to discuss the information in these articles.
Dual-Rostering-Part 1. A player may play on more than one team in the
same community club as long as the player is not playing on two teams in
the same age. This means a player cannot appear on the rosters of two different
U12 teams. He or she may play on a U12 and U13 team.
Dual-Rostering-Part 2. A player may play on a classic team and a travel
team. A player may never play for more than one community club or
classic club.
Club Pass. A player may use his pass from his original team to play for
any team same age or higher, same division or higher. The player does not
have to be on the team roster but must present his valid pass for one of the
club’s other teams to be eligible.
RULES PRIMER
Red Cards. Calls made by the referee during a game cannot be appealed.
The only decisions made by the referee that can be appealed are those that
are administrative in nature.
Roster Limits. The PA West Soccer Youth Division Rules clearly outline
the number of players permitted to be rostered to teams in each age group.
The roster sizes are specified in an attempt to provide each player with sufficient
time as to help each player better develop. Exceptions to the limits
are expressly prohibited by the rules.
Playing Time. Only in those leagues defined by our rules as competitive
(Divisions 1-4) can a coach determine playing time based upon performance.
Players competing in Divisions 5 and 6, as well as in-house, are
required to receive at least 50 percent playing time. Exceptions are illness,
injury, and reasons for discipline such as striking or biting another player.
A player cannot be “disciplined” for not playing well in a game or practice.
Youth Board President
Thilo Boensch
see Executive Board
Youth Board Secretary
Lindsay Keene
12 Railroad St.
PO Box 62
Allenport, PA 15412
724-938-8485
Hearing and Appeals
Randall A. Lowden
5059 Windriver Drive
McKees Rocks, PA 15136
412-720-7904
Division 3A Director
(Boys and Girls)
Brigid Polliard
321 Carriage Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15239
412-400-8765
bpolliard@inventionhome.com
State Cup Chair
Tim McCoy
111 Whitehead Lane
Suite 200
Monroeville, PA 15146
412-856-8011
tim@pawest-soccer.org
YOUTH BOARD
PA West Soccer Open
Tournament Chairperson
Patty Plaisted
162 Seneca School Rd.
Harmony, PA 16037
Recreation Director
Chuck Bauer
36 Westfield Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15229
412-931-0694
East District Director
Bruce Wiancko
2661 Farm Spur Road
N. Huntingdon, PA 15642
412-607-5229
bruce@wiancko.com
Lake District Director
Alan Wise
10495 Mohawk Road
Conneaut Lake, PA 16316
814-213-0089
alanpeggy@zoominternet.net
North District Director
Ron Hitchens
115 Colonial Drive
Sewickley, PA 15143
412-741-4796
northdistdir@comcast.net
Mountain District Director
Keith Lair
167 Jodon Avenue
Bellefonte, PA 16823
814-359-3450
klair@mtnittany.org
West District Director
Mike Burger
724-524-0078
South District Director
Walt Kivala
2985 Amy Dr.
South Park, PA 15129
412-805-4443
kivala@comcast.net
Classic Director
(Div. 1, 2 and 3A)
Kelly Genard
16 S. 8th Street
Youngwood, PA 15697
724-925-1606
pawestclassic@aol.com
Kiski Area Soccer celebrates receiving a $2,500.00 award from
Liberty Mutual’s “Responsible Sports” program. Pictured (L to R)
Steve Paes, Kiski Soccer, State Representative Joseph Petrarca,
Denny Joyner, Kiski Soccer, Representatives from Liberty Mutual,
and Randy Kanner, Kiski Soccer.
YOUTH BOARD NOTES
August 2011
- Elected Ron Hitchens as Vice Chair of the Youth Board
- The Board discussed improving communication from the District/Division
Directors to the club/teams.
September 2011
- The Youth Board re-appointed Lindsay Keene as Treasurer, Randy
Lowden as Hearing and Appeals Chair, Tim McCoy as State Cup
Chair, and Chuck Bauer as Recreation/Kohl’s American Cup Director.
- The Youth Board voted to require all clubs to use the Affinity
Sports online registration system for the creation of player passes and
team rosters, as well as game day rosters (line-up cards). All schedules
will be created, scored and tracked using the system as well.
- The Board voted to deny a request for an exception to the U12 roster
limits.

October 2011 Page 5
TOUCHLINE
COACHING
In 2005 I wrote this article for “Touchline”. It
now seems relevant to re-issue it with some changes
as there are a number of changes taking place within
our club structure, clubs merging, classic clubs getting
involved in the younger ages, more clubs hiring
Technical Directors.
What constitutes a club?
In December 2005 I attended a seminar titled “Elite Club Development”
The presenters included academy directors from England and France and
some of the top clubs from around the country.
I thought I would share with you some of the ideas that were discussed.
Club structure:
Group 1: Club Model
Group Leader: Paul Halford
Mission Statement: Provide a club structure that creates an environment
to develop players to their highest potential.
Philosophy: We will achieve our mission through age specific training
and consistent strength of competition with qualified coaches who will also
create opportunities for growth in a positive, competitive, challenging fun
environment.
Organization Chart
Director of
Coaching
Education
WHAT IS A CLUB
REVISITED
Head
Administrator
Director of
Coaching
Competitive
Programs
Board of
Directors
Technical
Director
Director of
Coaching
Youth
Development
programs
Director of
Coaching
Elite
Programs
Paul
Halford
Director of Coaching
& Player Development
Director of
Coaching
Goalkeepers
Ancillary Programs:
Goalkeeper training
Sport sciences; conditioning, nutrition
College development process
Coaching Requirements:
All DOC’s ‘A’ license & National Youth License
Recreation Coaches:
U6 – 12 Youth Modules
U13 –14 ‘D’ Certificate +
Competitive Coaches:
U10 – 12 ‘D’ License +
U13 ‘D’ License +
Select Coaches:
U11 – 18 ‘C’ License +
Teams:
All the teams in the club should have a similar philosophy, are they for
‘winning at all costs as a measure of success’ or is ‘development of the
players to give them the tools to succeed at the next level’ the goal?
Philosophies can change from club to club but it should be similar from
team to team. In other words is there a common vision for the teams and a
clear path for the players, starting at the youngest age and letting them see
the steps to the oldest team.?
With the introduction of a club pass for the players the focus of a similar
style between the teams becomes important. This way there is some
unity when they move up from age to age. For example; if a U14 player is
invited to play with the U15’s then the player should be able to slip into the
team with no major problems.
Technical Director:
There are a number of duties that a technical director has to undertake.
It is through the direction of the technical director that the club can develop
its philosophy. The hard work and vision that a technical director puts
into his job will be of vast benefit for the club in the long term.
Hiring coaches and implementing player development protocal’s for each
age group are also two jobs with which the technical director must spend a
lot of time. Setting up a curriculum for the various ages of players along
with the education of the coaches is an important part of the director’s job.
By updating the coaches with further education clinics and symposiums the
club can truly say it is doing the best for the players within the club.
Administrator
Competitive
programs
Director of
Coaching
Adult
Teams
Administrator
Adult
Teams
Administrator
Youth
development
programs
Administrator
Elite
programs
Programs:
Recreation: U6 - U14
U6 – U8 (Micro Soccer)
Volunteer coach education, mentoring program
End of season festival
Parent game nights
Parent Education nights
Academy: U8 – 10
Competitive: U10 – 14 (Soccer Plus)
Select: U11 – 18 (two teams in each age group)
Adult Division:
Open
Over 30
Over 40
Coaches:
It has been said that the best coaches should be with the younger teams
but no matter what age they coach the first priority is are they good for the
players, are they striving to further their education of the game? The game
is forever evolving and what we taught and/or how we taught 15 years ago
is probably not relevant now. The old style of screaming instructions from
the touchline should be replaced. It is now widely understood that the
shouting caused negative interference to the players thereby hindering their
decision making. It doesn’t allow the player to make mistakes and learn
from those mistakes which is all part of how we learn.
Whether the education comes from within the club or by utilizing the
state association’s licensing programs or a mixture of both it is vitally
important for the benefit of the players in the club that the coaches use the
resources they have at their disposal to further educate themselves.
COACHING/PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Director of Coaching and Player
Development
Paul Halford
412-856-8011
Administrative Assistant
Amy Fogle
412-856-8011
afogle@pawest-soccer.org

Page 6 October 2011
TOUCHLINE
ADULT NEWS
RIVERHOUNDS
ANNOUNCE OPEN
TRYOUTS DATES
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds will hold their 13th
Annual Open Tryouts for the 2012 season. Trials are
open to eligible college players, free agents, and
amateur players seeking a professional contract. The
tryouts will be held on December 8 and 9 at the
Greentree SportsPlex in Pittsburgh.
Players from the December Trial will be chosen
for an intense, ‘Invitation Only’ Combine in February
of 2012 with current Riverhounds and other
players from around the world.
To register for these tryouts you can call the
Riverhounds office at 412-539-1191 or by downloading
the Registration Form from the Riverhounds
web site. There is a non-refundable registration
fee of $100.00 to participate in the tryouts.
Registration deadline is Friday, December 2; any
player registering after the deadline will pay a late
fee of $125.00 for the Open Tryout..
For complete information visit the Riverhounds
web site at www.riverhounds.com.
Adult President
Keith Renner
1021 McClure St Apt #3
Munhall, PA 15120
412-464-0829
RDKSportsinc@aol.com
Pgh. Masters Director
Michael Hill
516 5th St.
Oakmont, PA 15139
412-828-7883
Michael.Hill@EmersonProcess.com
Pgh. Super Masters
Director
Rich Stover
2437 Saddle Drive,
Allison Park, PA 15101
412-486-6899
ADULT BOARD
West Penn Adult Soccer
Association
Harry Heh, Jr.
491 Sequoia Dr.
Pleasant Hills, PA 15236
(H) 412-655-1741
Adult Registrar
Ron Dambrosia
546 Summit Street
New Kensington, PA 15068
pasoccerref@msn.com
724-980-2951
GPSL Commissioner
Randall A. Lowden
5059 Windriver Drive
McKees Rocks, PA 15136
412-720-7904
Secretary
Elliott Sheffield
6207 Antler Hill Drive
Level Green, PA 15084
412-374-1203
sheffield3@mindspring.com
WGPSL Director
Rich Stover
2437 Saddle Drive,
Allison Park, PA 15101
412-486-6899
Pgh. Area Co-ed League
Marina Blocher
124 Maryland Drive
Carnegie, PA 15106
412-276-2224

October 2011 Page 7
TOUCHLINE
BOOK REVIEW
Soccer Anatomy
By Don Kirkendall
Human Kinetics
$21.95
Soccer may be the most
unique athletic endeavor among
the many man attempts. Unlike
other sports that require a pretty
narrow set of athletic skills, soccer
requires a broader more
complete athlete. Each player
must have quickness of mind
and body, speed, endurance,
strength, and agility unlike that
in most other sports.
In Soccer Anatomy, Kirkendall
does an outstanding job
of explaining the demands of
the sport and the body’s reaction to those demands. He explains
while the game appears to be non-stop, in part because there’s a running
clock, each athlete doesn’t play in a non-stop manner and the
demands of the sport change requiring both aerobic and anaerobic
function. There are charts and graphs to illustrate some of the physiological
demands of the game.
The book quickly transitions from the demands on the body to how
to make it more fit for the rigors of the game. From FIFA’s Eleven
Plus Warm-up that the world’s governing body spent considerable
time and effort to develop through a range of exercises to improve
strength and flexibility the book provides some guidance on ‘building’
a better soccer player.
This book makes it point to emphasize that soccer is not just a legs
sport but an entire body sport. There’s chapter for every muscle
group in your body as well as whole body training specific to soccer.
It also features great illustrations providing a look at the musculature
being isolated and developed by the exercises.
Nestled in book are some real important statements. “Intense,
small-sided training games develop fitness much better because it
trains the body to recover quicker due to short turn around.” “Jogging
around a field will improve jogging ability but won’t train the body
to do what is necessary to recover in a start-stop game.”
Kirkendall has been involved in soccer his entire life and works
with medical committees for both FIFA and US Soccer. The exercises
will help every aspect of a player’s game and could even be used
as part of a regular fitness routine.
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AFO-0152AO

Page 8 October 2011
TOUCHLINE
REFEREE CAMP
Sam Sain and a couple of campers discuss pre-game preparations.
A camper hustles to be in position.
SRA John Matter works with an AR on positioning and mechanics.
JC Morgante and Martin Schmidt take a moment to review a USSF
Memo.
SYRA Justin Frear lending support and insight.
John Douglass (foreground) leads a classroom session.

October 2011 Page 9
TOUCHLINE
REFEREE CAMP
Referees gathered to observe an adult match.
Referee Camp’s featured speakers CJ Morgante and Nate Clement.
Double the AR’s, double the fun.
A camper uses his flag to signal time to depart for lunch.
A post-match discussion between mentor Diane Coombs and her group
of campers.
Ref Camp instructors (l to r): John Douglass, Linda Shoup, Nate Utz,
and Charles Murphy.
2011 REFEREE CAMP
ANOTHER SUCCESS
This year’s referee camp was another success. CJ Morgante and
Nate Clement were the FIFA instructors; 130 referees attended and
enjoyed the planned events.

Page 10 October 2011
TOUCHLINE
SPORTSMANSHIP TOURNAMENT
Storming to the ball!
District teams battling it out.
U19 action.
Splitting the defenders.
A hot day…idle time…sprinklers!!! Down time at tournaments always
offers something fun to do.
Attempting to disrupt the offense.

October 2011 Page 11
TOUCHLINE
SPORTSMANSHIP TOURNAMENT
50-50 ball. Who wins? The ‘keeper or the attacker?
1 v 1 action under the watchful eye of the ref.
In pursuit of the attacker.
Gotta move quickly to avoid the defense.
REGISTRARS
The Sportsmanship Tournament isn’t just for kids.
State Registrar
Cheryl Mignogna
111 Whitehead Lane, Ste. 200
Monroeville, PA 15146
412-856-8011
cheryl@pawest-soccer.org
District 1 (East)
Nellie Wiancko
2661 Farm Spur Rd.
N. Huntingdon, PA 15642
(H) 724-864-9533
Nellie@wiancko.com
District 2 (North)
Cheryl Mignogna
111 Whitehead Lane, Ste. 200
Monroeville, PA 15146
412-856-8011
cheryl@pawest-soccer.org
District 3 (West)
Stephanie Mowen
227 Steiner Bridge Rd.
Valencia, PA 16059
(H) 724-898-1846
District 4 (South)
Cheryl Mignogna
111 Whitehead Lane, Ste. 200
Monroeville, PA 15146
412-856-8011
cheryl@pawest-soccer.org
District 5 (Mountain)
Sue Matalarage
1903 North Oak Lane
State College, PA 16803
814-237-0735
District 7 (Lake)
Cheryl Mignogna
111 Whitehead Lane, Ste. 200
Monroeville, PA 15146
412-856-8011
Classic League Registrar
Cheryl Mignogna
111 Whitehead Lane, Ste. 200
Monroeville, PA 15146
412-856-8011
cheryl@pawest-soccer.org

Date: Nov 25-27, 2011
Monroeville Sports Center
Under 8 –U19 Boys & Girls
Adults & Coed Adults
Date: Dec 26-28, 2011
Monroeville Sports Center
Under 8 –U19 Boys & Girls
Date: Dec 29-31, 2011
Monroeville Sports Center
Under 10–U19 Boys & Girls
Adults & Coed Adults
www.futsal.com
Do you want the best teaching game for sharpening your players ball
control skills? Do you want your players to be creative players? Do you
want a weekly game? If you want every player to be involved with multiple
touches on the ball every game, and you want the most affordable
prices in Pa-West?
Contact Keystone Indoor Kicks and ask about entering your team in a
winter league at 724-864-9330, email kicks@nb.net or visit
www.keystoneindoorkicks.com.
Futsal Community League
For U6 To U8 Boys and Girls
If your community program is looking to run its
own program indoors contact us and ask about
our “Futsal Community League Program.
Call 724-864-9330

October 2011 Page 13
IT’S ABOUT THE
KIDS
The fall got off to a roaring start. By roaring I mean loud,
obnoxious misbehavior. It wasn’t from kids misbehaving on
the field but adults not acting like adults off the field. Squabbles
over control of the club, coaches being maligned, referees
being accosted, and, of course, calls being questioned.
There’s a joke in youth sports circles that the best team to
coach is one from an orphanage. No parents! The reality…parents are essential to the
current structure of youth sports and it’s only a few who cause problems.
For every dad punching or shooting a coach there are uncountable numbers who
appreciate the coach’s effort. For every mom bullying a player to help her child earn
a spot on the team the majority leave tryouts to their kid’s talent and the coach’s judgment.
Most want nothing to do with club politics and the majority don’t embarrass
their kids with sideline antics that only “Candid Camera” loves.
As a collective group parents are pretty cool. It’s the one or two bad apples providing
a bad name to them all. So why do those one or two behave so badly?
Let’s look at some recent examples for cause and effect.
Playing Time
Several parents called and emailed with complaints about playing time. When
asked in which division their child’s team was competing none could tell me. That’s
important because in Divisions 1-4 there is no playing time requirement. They are
competitive divisions and playing time can be based on attendance at practice, performance
in practice or the game, as well as injury or illness and discipline. While
Divisions 5-6 require each player play 50 percent of each game (not 100 percent in
one game and none when playing a tougher opponent-yes coaches have tried to do
that).
The problem…the club/coach never explained to the parents the level of competition
and what to expect. Of course at the lower levels the clubs need to make sure the
adult in charge of the team understands what’s expected of him or her by the club and
pursuant to our rules. In the most notorious of cases, the parent didn’t find out what
the rule was he simply argued with and then shot the coach.
That’s A Foul
The Laws of the Game have been around forever. The interpretation of the laws
and the application of the laws is quite another thing. Offside, for instance, has
changed many times. Currently, a player is only offside if he’s actively involved in the
play. The ball can be played toward an offside player but if he makes no effort to
receive the ball or chase it play is to continue. AR’s are instructed to wait; they are to
be sure the offside player is going to play the ball before signaling offside. Most spectators
and, even most coaches, do not understand why the flag did not go up immediately.
Slide tackling is another issue frequently questioned. It is legal. But many clubs
have in-house rules against slide tackling. So parents learn during in-house slide tackling
is illegal, except it’s not. I think I got about a half-dozen calls after the first week
of travel play from parents concerned referees weren’t calling the opposing team for
slide tackling.
Parents and coaches shout at referees about rules they think they know. When players
hear their mom or dad screaming about a call and the kids know their parent has
it wrong it embarrasses them.
That’s Not A Foul
On the flip side, I get calls and emails about calls a referee made that shouldn’t have
been called. Coaches will argue a call or calls resulting in a send off and then complain
they were sent off with no warning. When you use foul and/or abusive language
you’ll likely be sent off because Foul and Abusive Language is a sending off offense.
A coach or player uttering something that meets the requisite criteria he or she will be
sent off-without warning. It doesn’t even have to include a curse word and certainly
doesn’t require a warning.
Parents will argue that the referee shouldn’t have made a call against their son or
daughter. My favorite happens time and again. A player will be sent off for violent
conduct and mom or dad will call arguing, “He only swung at him. He didn’t actually
hit him.” Any actions toward striking an opponent, whether contact is made or not,
is violent conduct. The result is immediate dismissal from the match with a two game
Executive Director
Tim McCoy
412-856-8011
tim@pawest-soccer.org
Office Administrator
Cheryl Mignogna
412-856-8011
cheryl@pawest-soccer.org
Touchline Submissions
touchline@pawest-soccer.org
STATE OFFICE STAFF
Administrative Assistants
Carol Gibbs
412-856-8011
carol@pawest-soccer.org
Carolyn Cacolice
412-856-8011
carolyn@pawest-soccer.org
State Office Address:
111 Whitehead Lane, Ste. 200
Monroeville, PA 15146
Tim
McCoy
Executive
Director
State Office Email:
stateoffice@pawest-soccer.org
State Office Phone:
412-856-8011
State Office Fax:
412-856-8012
See Our Website at:
www.pawest-soccer.org
TOUCHLINE
suspension plus review by the district to determine if the incident
requires a hearing and additional disciplinary measures.
Again, knowing the rules is important because it will likely
save a lot of frustration.
Club Can’t Do That
Often clubs make decisions that parents don’t like or
understand. I recently got a call about a coach who was
removed by her club. Clubs have a right to determine who
will and won’t coach. Some have specific policies for
appointing/hiring coaches while others don’t; if a club has a policy for appointing
and/or removing coaches it must follow those steps.
It’s recommended that every club have a coaching philosophy. That philosophy
should be shared with coaches, players, and parents. This will prevent confusion and
concern. If a coach is meeting the parents’ expectations but failing to do what the club
expects the process of replacing a coach will involve a lot of unhappy parents. The
same is true if the parents are not happy but the coach is fulfilling the club’s mandate.
Failing to make sure everyone is on the same page only means unhappiness and discontent.
With each incident I wonder what can be done to make things better for everyone.
Ultimately, it’s about education and communication. Each of us has an obligation to
learn as much about our game as possible. Our clubs must make sure we understand
what is expected of the players, coaches and parents.
How do we do that? That’s not just a problem locally but nationally. From my
experience on a couple of separate US Youth Soccer committees we confront the same
problem.
Some of the ideas tossed about.
Parent education…some states have had success with providing education opportunities
and having positive attendance numbers. Providing topic focused
seminars/forums for parents to attend would allow individuals to gain a greater understanding
of officiating standards, coaching standards, even player/child development
issues.
Organizational standards…many youth activities (mostly non-sports) require member
organizations to meet specific and gradable criteria to ensure the children involved
in the activity are being served by a quality organization.
Coaching and Referee Support…educational programs exist for both. But many
new coaches and referees take the field without the proper support/mentoring necessary
to give them a good start or to allow them to grow naturally through by having a
wily veteran from whom to draw insight and wisdom.
Administrator education…Board members often aren’t sure what they’re supposed
to do. They know what the job description says but there are usually plenty of blanks
to be filled in and learning on the job isn’t always a good thing. Board development
and education is as important to the club as coaching and referee education. A properly
educated and functioning Board provides the membership with a much better
experience. Sometimes education comes from a formal “Board Development” class
like those offered by Robert Morris University’s Bayer Non-profit Center and other
times it’s simply club Presidents or Registrars sitting down and comparing notes; but
regardless of source, education is important.
Standardization…big, small, medium…states and clubs come in a variety of sizes
and that combined with location makes our needs different or does it? There are basic
elements of operations that should be the same everywhere, not just locally but nationally.
Standardization allows a common set of rules and policies to be used. The aforementioned
in-house slide tackle rule is a good example of why having a standard set
of in-house rules would help resolve some of our many rules issues.
The goal is to make the game better for the kids. Communication is one way is to
make sure all the adults understand how their club and PA West Soccer is working
toward that goal.
PA WEST SOCCER CALENDAR
October
10 Youth Board Meeting, 6:30 PM State Office
24 Executive Board Meeting, 6:30 PM State Office
November
6 Final Day of the Fall Playing Session
11 Deadline To Apply For Region 1 Premier League
11 Deadline To Apply For Region 1 Colonial League
14 Youth Board Meeting, 6:30 PM State Office
24 Thanksgiving Day
28 Executive Board Meeting, 6:30 PM State Office
December
1 Classic Division Transfer Window Open
25 Christmas Day
31 New Year’s Eve
January
1 New Year’s Day
9 Youth Board Meeting, 6:30 PM State Office
23 Executive Board Meeting, 6:30 PM State Office
31 Classic Division Transfer Window Closes

Page 14 October 2011
TOUCHLINE
PA WEST REFEREE NEWS
RE-CERTIFICATION TIME
AGAIN
Reminder to all currently registered referees…you must attend a re-certification
clinic to be able to referee in 2012. These re-certification clinics
are listed on the PA West Soccer web site Referee Calendar. The cost will
be $50.00.
If your club wants to host a re-certification clinic or an entry level class,
please contact your district referee representative listed on the web site or
in Touchline. All referees must be re-certified by Dec.31, 2011 to be eligible
to referee in 2012.
GRADE 9
This will be the last year we will offer a re-cert for the remaining Grade
9 (Blue Badge) referees. By 2013 all Grade 9 referees will either have to
complete a bridge course or take an entry level grade 8 course. It is recommended
they attend the bridge/re-cert listed for this year and bridge over to
a grade 8. The cost is $100.00.
Clubs wishing to host a bridge course or and bridge/re-cert can do so by
contacting their district referee representative
State Referee Administrator
John Matter
3032 Amy Drive
South Park, PA 15129
724-348-6834
jmatter1@msn.com
REFEREE COMMITTEE
West District Representative
Brandon James
1193 Route 68
New Brighton, PA 15066
724-843-5037
James57@comcast.net
THANKS TO TEAMS
The Referee Committee would like to thank all the teams that entered the
Sportsmanship Tournament on July 23. Without your support we cannot
give the referees on the field training.
LIST OF REGISTERED
REFEREES FOR A CLUB
In order for a club to get a list of its currently certified referees they must
do the following:
1. President of club must contact Norm Hasbrouck and declare to him
whom their certified assignor is and provide that person’s contact information
2. Once this is done, Norm will contact our referee registrar to send list
to assignor.
3. Contact for Norm Hasbrouck (Hasbrouck@calu.edu), 724-938-1561.
RE-CERTIFICATION AS AN
ASSIGNOR:
1. Can be done online if you are a referee - just click assignor box on
your online application.
2. Send check made payable to PA West Soccer for $20.00
Mail to:
Peggy Neason
82 Lookout Avenue
Monongahela, Pa. 15063
*** Be sure to include for which club you assign.
State Youth Referee Administrator
Justin Frear
933-1 West Whitehall Road
State College, PA 16801
jrf281@gmail.com
State Director of Referee
Instruction
Peggy Neason
(see Secretary -
Board of Directors)
State Director of Referee
Assessment
Mark Finnegan
5132 Dorris Drive
Elizabeth, PA 15037
412-384-9454
mjfref@yahoo.com
Adult Division
Ron Dambrosia
546 Summit Street
New Kensington,Pa 15068
pasoccerref@msn.com
724-980-2951
Mountain District Representative
Linda Shoup
2117 15th Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601
814-940-5668
North District Representative
Dave Brooke
950 Oakwood Place
Natrona Heights, PA 15065
724-224-8653
Lake District Representative
Allen Sheasley
PO Box 3321
Erie, PA 16508
(W) 814-868-1386
a.sheashley@juno.com
East District Representative
Joe Martin
521 Buckingham Drive
Greensburg, PA 15601
724-850-7218
jambo297@aol.com
South District Representative
George Vargo
146 Columbus Ave.
Masontown, PA 15461
724-583-2343
gwvargo@yahoo.com
State Assignor Coordinator
Norm Hasbrouck
160 Quarry Lane
California, PA 15419
724-938-3620
bod-hasbrouck@pawest-soccer.org
Referee Registrar
Ted Bentley
4408 Jefferson Avenue
Munhall, PA 15120
412-461-8993
tedbentley@verizon.net
Dave Potter, John Douglass and Kathryn Nesbitt.
Kathryn Nessbit, Ron Dambrosia and Joe Martin.

October 2011 Page 15
TOUCHLINE
PA WEST REFEREE NEWS
YOUNG REFEREES OF THE
YEAR
The PA West Soccer State Referee Committee is pleased to announce
its Young Referee of the Year Award Winners:
Young Male Referee of the Year - Colin Nelson
Yong Female Referee of the Year - Erica Caracciolo
District Winners:
North - Michael Funyak
Lake - Trevor Smith
South - Brian Mazzeo
West - David Perrine & Emily McGaffic
Joe Martin, Nick Vuchenich and Josh Taylor.
Ian Forbes, John Groff and Justin Frear.
Touchline Information:
PA West Soccer Association
412-856-8011
Publishing:
Indiana Printing & Publishing Co. • Indiana, PA
Disclaimer:
Touchline, the official publication of the PA West Soccer Association, is currently published
four times a year - January, April, July and October. It is mailed free of charge to
all PA West registered players, coaches, referees and administrators. It is also available
by subscription. For more information, contact the state office at 412-856-8011
or at stateoffice@pawest-soccer.org. Materials or advertising should be submitted no
later than the 1st day of the month prior to publication.
All rights reserved. PA West assumes no responsibility for unsolicited queries, manuscripts,
photographs, graphics or other materials. PA West reserves the right to edit
materials submitted to the editor. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in
any form without the express written permission of PA West, with the exception of individual
reproductions not intended for commercial reproduction.
The contents of articles or advertisements in Touchline are not to be construed as
official statements, evaluations or endorsements by authors, editors or PA West. Every
reasonable effort has been made to give reliable data and information, but neither the
authors, editors or PA West can accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions
that may be made. The Touchline does not publish articles from anonymous sources or
contributors.
PA West Soccer Association is a registered name and trademark of the Pennsylvania
West Soccer Association. The use of its name and logo are prohibited, except from
our clubs using it in an official and approved capacity.
Congratulations to each of these outstanding young referees!
REFEREE CALENDAR
November
5 Bridge/Re-cert Moon High School LGI Room 8am-4pm
Contact: Rich Fuller, 412-747-0501, All5fullers@verizon.net
6 Grade 8 Hollidaysburg Jr. High 9am-Noon
Contact: Linda Shoup, 814-940-5668, lindashoup@atlanticbb.net
12 Grade 8 Shaler Township Municipal Building 9am-Noon
Contact: John Davis, 412-889-3427, Referees@shalersoccer.club.com
Grade 9 Central Valley High School Room 202 8:30-11:30am
Contact: guy Graziono, 724-775-6460, grazi7@comcast.net
Grade 8 Central Valley High School Room 202 Noon-3pm
Contact Guy Graziono, 724-775-6460, grazi7@comcast.net
16 Grade 8 South Park Community Room 6-10pm
Contact: bill Kamienik, 412-491-6952, Bill.kamienik@gmail.com
19 Grade 8 Moon High School 9am-Noon
Contact; Rich Fuller, 412-747-0501, All5fullers@verizon.net
20 Grade 8 St. Edmund’s Academy-Cafeteria 1-5pm
Contact: Martin Schmidt, 412-613-4997, msc2@pitt.edu
Bridge/Re-cert Altoona Training Center
9am-5pm
Contact: Linda Shoup, 814-940-5668, lindashoup@atlanticbb.net
Grade 5-6-7 Gateway High School Track 1pm Fitness test
Monroeville Sports Center
2-6pm re-cert
Contact: Peggy Neason, 724-379-5386
29 Grade 8 North Allegheny-Baierl Center-Ponce Room 6:30-10pm
Contact: Keith Quisenberry, 724-316-4471, K.qberry@gmail.com
December
4 Bridge/re-cert Trinity Presbyterian Church 9am-5pm
Contact; Jeff Stainbrook, 724-372-3552, referee933@zoominternet.net
6 Grade 8 Hampton HS Cafeteria 6-9pm
Contact: Tom Beecher, 412-716-4402
10 Grade 8 State College High School 9am-Noon
Contact: John Douglas, 814-933-2274, socerjid@gmail.com
15 Grade 8 Trinity Presbyterian Church 7-10pm
Contact: Jeff Stainbrook, 724-372-3552, referee933@zoominternet.net
17 Grade 9 Geneva College Northwood Hall Room 013 9am-Noon
Contact: Michael Jones, mjones@yourlawfirm.net
Grade 8 Geneva College-Northwood Hall, Room 013 1-4pm
Contact: Michael Jones, 724-622-0561, mjones@yourlawfirm.net
18 Grade 8 Somerset High School LGI 12:30-3:30pm
Contact: Mark Hicks, 814-445-7432, Hicher281@comcast.net

3v3 LOGISTICS
ROSTER LIMIT – 6
GAME LENGTHS
15 minutes; 7 minute halves, 1 minute break
NUMBER OF MATCHES - Minimum of 4
Top 2 Seeds in Bracket advance to Championship
round
AGE GROUPS
December 26th--U8/9 U10/11
December 27th--U12/13
GENDERS
Girls & Boys (Separate)
TOURNAMENT FEE
$175, Early Bird (November 15th): $150
6V6 LOGISTICS
FORMAT
5 Field Players & 1 Goal Keeper
ROSTER LIMIT - 10
GAME LENGTHS
25 minutes running clock
NUMBER OF MATCHES - Minimum of 4
Championship Rounds – TBD
AGE GROUPS
December 28th--U11/12
December 29th--U13/14
December 30th--U15/16
GENDERS
Girls & Boys (Separate)
TOURNAMENT FEE
$300, Early Bird (November 15th): $250