Hi Washington Youth Soccer Coaches, Fan, Players & Referees -

Fall will always be our favorite time of year at WYS – a new soccer season means a world of opportunity for players to forge new friendships, try new skills, test limits, build confidence, learn to lose, practice healthy habits, and most importantly, have fun!

And it is our opportunity as administrators, directors, coaches, referees, spectators, volunteers, etc. – leaders and role models for our game – to create a positive atmosphere for all participants on matchday. Hopefully the information below helps to set the stage for a successful kickoff to the fall season this weekend and beyond.

U.S. Soccer’s Referee Abuse Prevention Policy Update

U.S. Soccer recently released updated Referee Abuse Prevention (RAP) policy information and resources which you can now find on WYS’ dedicated RAP https://washingtonyouthsoccer.org/resources/referee-abuse-prevention/ webpage in both English and Spanish, we recommend the following as a starting place,

• RAP Policy Video – Watch for policy overview.
o Link (English) https://youtu.be/wdH4DSdo_is
o Link (Spanish) https://youtu.be/P9EozJIyn7I

• RAP Penalty Summary Presentation – Share with coaches / families to understand what behaviors trigger the policy and to suggest alternative behaviors when a call does not go their way.
o Link (English) https://washingtonyouthsoccer.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Referee_Abuse_Policy_531-9_Penalty-Summary_US-Soccer.pdf
o Link (Spanish) https://washingtonyouthsoccer.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Referee_Abuse_Policy_531-9_Penalty-Summary_US-Soccer_Espanol51526.pdf

Lastly, two (2) additional RAP-related reminders as we take the field this weekend,
• Referees with green badges are minors – please be mindful that these referees are early in their development process and can use your support especially if they make a mistake. Also, any confirmed abuse toward a minor referee adds a significant multiplier to a suspension if incurred.
• In Washington State, coaches are responsible for spectator touchlines / behavior. If spectators are abusive toward a referee or assistant referee, steps to remedy are as follows,

o First, referee asks coach to address sideline issue.
o If problem persists, coach receives a yellow card for sideline behavior and is asked again to address the issue.
o Last resort is second yellow / red card and coach is dismissed if spectator mistreatment of referee continues.

Many thanks for your attention and support to educate our soccer community about the importance of U.S. Soccer’s RAP policy – it is our collective responsibility to ensure that soccer remains a positive experience for all those involved on matchday and beyond.

Last friendly reminder for this weekend – don’t forget to enjoy it! There is nothing more joyful than kids being kids lost in a game they love feeling supported and encouraged by the individuals most important in their lives – parents, coaches, and communities.

If any questions or clarifications needed, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
The WYS Team
washingtonyouthsoccer.org Contact info: +1 253-476-2237, info@washingtonyouthsoccer.org

RAP overview video link

The Soccer to the Maxx Jamboree is open to U07-U08-U09-U10 Boys and Girls teams from our Northwest Sound Youth Soccer Association (NSYSA) and registered with Washington Youth Soccer.

All Teams are guaranteed 3 games.
>>Games will be scheduled for play on Sunday October 4, 2026.
>>Games will be hosted by North Mason County Soccer Club at Sand Hill County Park, in Belfair.

Teams that register on or before Sunday, September 20th will receive a free T-shirt for all players and coaches.

Full details online here.

The tree leaves are beginning to turn, and the Fall NSYSA Schedules are beginning to be posted.

Fall play kicks-off the weekend of September 12.

Coaches and Clubs are updating individual team schedules. And once the rain falls, fields may be closed by their respective Parks or School site owners.

Bottom Line - Don't print once and assume that your schedule will remain unchanged for all 10 games of the season.

Check back often to make sure that you are in sync with your team's current schedule.

Check out the FAQ (link) on how to find and follow the dynamic schedules of your favorite teams!

Attend the next NSYSA Board Meeting

Monday, September 7, 2026 6:30PM via ZOOM only (no in-person option)

Individual Zoom pre-registration required

Link to current meeting details, code of conduct, and Zoom pre-registration link all found at the NSYSA Board Business page.

Join us!

Just in time for our Fall Season Kick-off!

Full Sided Rules; https://www.nsysasoccer.org/files/NSYSA_Full_Sided_Rules-U11_through_U19_and_U9-U10_COMP-08.19.2026.pdf
Small Sided Rules; https://www.nsysasoccer.org/files/NSYSA_Small_Sided_Rules-U5_through_U10-08.19.2026.pdf

Contact Rob, directorREC@nsysasoccer.org with any questions.

Play Fair and ENJOY the Beautiful Game!

U.S. SOCCER'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAYER HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAM covers this environmental condition, plus many others. Follow-> this link for full details. http://www.recognizetorecover.org/environmental/

Track - real-time - AQI and weather conditions at your practice or game field with these NSYSA tools.

First Locate your field:
Start by simply following the link below, select your home town and you'll see a list of the local soccer fields and the Club(s) that call them "home". The next step is to follow the Club/Organization link above the field chart to find out more about the type of soccer each Club offers (i.e. Rec, Select, TOP, Comp.) and how to register for upcoming Summer camps and Fall play!

For more information visit NSYSA: www.nsysasoccer.org/fields or contact: nsysa.president@NSYSAsoccer.org

Locate soccer fields near your home here more

Play smart. Play with knowledge!

All NSYSA Clubs with Small-Sided and Rec level teams seeking Fall Scheduling are invited to attend the August 22nd NSYSA Scheduling Meeting

Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. >> NOTE NO ZOOM << Only in-person Time 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

In-person only.

Join us!

Link to Read-Ahead document is HERE!

WYS Age Group Formation change to August 1 to July 31, beginning for the 26-27 registration cycle. You can find all relevant information on the WYS website at https://washingtonyouthsoccer.org/resources/age-group-formation/, including,

1. 2026-2027 Season Age Chart
2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
3. Link to downloadable Birth Year and Season Matrix (also attached)

A few quick highlights,

• Led by US Soccer, the age group formation change was made based on additional critical feedback, data, and expert input to better align players with their school-grade peers and help increase participation
• National youth soccer organizations including US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO have aligned around the change to August 1 to July 31
• WYS State Cups – Recreational Cup, Founders Cup, Presidents Cup, and State Championships – will be based on August 1 to July 31 age group formation for 2026-2027

Read more here.

WYS Age Group Formation change to August 1 to July 31, beginning for the 26-27 registration cycle. You can find all relevant information on the WYS website at https://washingtonyouthsoccer.org/resources/age-group-formation/, including,

1. 2026-2027 Season Age Chart
2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
3. Link to downloadable Birth Year and Season Matrix (also attached)

A few quick highlights,

• Led by US Soccer, the age group formation change was made based on additional critical feedback, data, and expert input to better align players with their school-grade peers and help increase participation
• National youth soccer organizations including US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO have aligned around the change to August 1 to July 31
• WYS State Cups – Recreational Cup, Founders Cup, Presidents Cup, and State Championships – will be based on August 1 to July 31 age group formation for 2026-2027

Read more here.

Congratulations to Norah McFeat of NKHS and Bainbridge Islanda Football Club, and Atley Carter of BHS and Bremerton Soccer Club for being NSYSA 2025 Scholarship Recipients!

Read more here.