Soccer is a sport for youth of all ages, fostering growth, enjoyment, and teamwork. The core values that guide us are:
With the right structure, coaching, and support, players can fully enjoy and benefit from the game. This section provides the fundamental policies that support our commitment to these values and to the ongoing success of BRYC Recreational Soccer.
Above all, we must remember that BRYC Recreational Soccer exists to serve the YOUTH who participate. This manual is dedicated to their experience, growth, and enjoyment of the game.
A. General Objectives
B. Specific Objectives
A. Purpose
To establish the process for formulating and modifying policies of BRYC Recreational Soccer (BRYC Rec).
B. Definition
The policy process is the administrative mechanism that ensures that realistic and meaningful policies are established, reviewed, and updated in order to assist the effective management of BRYC Rec.
C. Organization and Responsibilities
The BRYC Recreational organization is comprised of members who participate in supporting the BRYC community. Figure 1 illustrates the organizational relationship of those who principally execute the Recreational Soccer policy process. The Commissioner is the principal figure in the policy process, but the Deputy Commissioners, League Directors, Directors, and Coordinators have important and active roles. Each can propose revisions to policies, rules, and procedures.
Figure 1. Organizational Relationship
D. Policy Changes
EXCOM has regular meetings to go over topics related to operations, which can include changes to policies as well as new agenda items related to BRYC Recreational Soccer. EXCOM members may bring new business to any of the EXCOM meetings. The following guidelines dictate how changes are managed and governed:
A. General
All participants in BRYC Recreational Soccer (EXCOM members, players, coaches, officials, and spectators) are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the principles of good sportsmanship and appropriate behavior and will comply with BRYC policies, rules, and procedures.
B. BRYC Recreational Soccer Code of Conduct
Coaches and Players
Spectators
Officials
C. Conduct at Games
D. Discipline and Sanctions
A. General
Recreational Soccer is responsive to the EXCOM/BRYC Board of Directors through the Commissioner. Its objectives, policies, rules, practices, and procedures must parallel those of the BRYC Board of Directors. With the exception of on-the-field officiating, all support of Recreational Soccer is dependent on volunteers (parents, guardians, or other interested persons).
B. Structure
The Recreational Soccer structure, as shown in Figure 1, will continually be reviewed to ensure that it supports the objectives. The Commissioner administers the Recreational Soccer program and has a permanent position on the BRYC Board of Directors.
BRYC Recreational Soccer operations are supervised by the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) through the League Directors (LDs). The leagues (age groups) are not autonomous. While LDs are delegated the authority to manage their leagues within BRYC guidelines under the supervision of the appropriate DC, the overall responsibility remains with the Commissioner.
Recreational Soccer will consist of three divisions (Minors, Juniors, and Seniors) with leagues (or age groups) of at least four teams each. If a league consists of ten or more teams, the league may be split into two divisions at the LD’s discretion.
C. Staff Recruitment
The Commissioner establishes EXCOM to administer BRYC Recreational Soccer and its operations. The Commissioner and their supporting members identify positions and needs to fulfill. Reference Section IV: Policy Process to review the organization diagram.
New members of the EXCOM are appointed by the Commissioner with consent of a majority of the EXCOM. Members may exit via resignation or by a 2/3 vote of the EXCOM. The Commissioner may suspend members for misconduct or failure to follow the BRYC Code of Conduct. Suspended members may appeal to a panel chaired by a Deputy Commissioner within 30 days.
D. Officials Recruitment
The Referee Director is responsible for recruiting referees, assistant referees, and support personnel.
E. Risk Management
BRYC Rec is committed to a safe environment, preventing abuse, and empowering all members to act as protection advocates. Coaches, referees, trainers, and volunteers must complete a Risk Management Disclosure Form and pass a background check each season. No rosters or participation is allowed until approval is received.
If issues arise, the Commissioner or Risk Manager will evaluate and take action. Alleged misconduct is investigated immediately. Affected individuals may be barred or suspended pending resolution. Appeals go to the BRYC Risk Management Committee.
The Risk Management Committee (appointed annually) may reinstate, conditionally approve, or deny involvement. Final appeals may be made only through the Committee. BRYC cannot guarantee confidentiality for disqualifying records.
F. Guidelines for Appropriate Behavior
See full policy: BRYC Recreational Soccer Conduct & Saftey Policy
G. Liability and Conduct/Medical Release Forms
Parents/legal guardians must complete and sign these forms each season. Players 18+ co-sign their own forms. Coaches must carry these to all practices/games. If the medical form is unsigned, the parent must be present at all times. Players may not participate without a signed form or parent present.
H. Registration
Players must be properly registered with payment before participating. LDs handle registration; coaches cannot register players. Play-ups and play-downs require approval. Pre-registration and volunteer discounts may apply. Late fees and waitlists follow published policies.
I. Refunds
See full refund policy: BRYC Refund Policy
J. Team Organization
Team assignments prioritize coach’s children but also consider preferences like proximity, housing subdivision, and school boundaries. Final decision rests with the League Director.
Criteria | Consideration priority and order |
---|---|
Coach’s child | Primary priority |
Coaches’ preference (Parents) | Strongly considered |
Housing subdivision boundaries | Considered |
Distance from the child's home | Considered |
School district boundaries | Considered |
Coaching preferences (The coach) | Considered |
Team Structuring Stipulations
K. Player Eligibility
For detailed information on player eligibility requirements, age group rules, and documentation procedures, please refer to the full policy:
See full policy: View Player Eligibility Policy
L. Coach Recruitment
Coaches for Recreational Soccer are recruited and selected by the respective League Directors (LDs). Persons interested in participating as a volunteer coach should indicate this on the registration form or provide their name directly to the LD.
M. Field Assignment
Game and practice fields will be allocated to leagues and coaches by the Recreational Soccer Field Allocation Committee, consisting of the Commissioner, the DCs, and the Fields Director. The following policy considerations will be used in allocating the limited number of soccer fields available:
N. Field Use
League Directors are responsible for enforcing the status of fields due to inclement weather based on the BRYC Rec Soccer Website before the day's play begins. Referees and LDs determine continued field suitability. The County, Commissioner, or DCs may also declare fields unplayable. Referees may delay or terminate games for safety. LDs manage setup, takedown, and cleanliness, and report any field issues to the Field and Equipment Coordinator.
Placement Zones:
Field Marking/Size: Markings follow FIFA guidelines except where small-sided modifications apply. Hazards such as storm drains must be outside the pitch. Spectator areas will begin one yard behind the touchline and extend 15 yards from the center line on each side.
O. Uniforms
P. Equipment
Q. Officials
R. Season
Set by EXCOM. Each season includes a maximum of eight (8) games. Seasons typically run:
S. Practices and Training
T. Games
U. Cancellation/Postponement
Referees, DCs, or Commissioner may cancel or postpone games due to weather, field conditions, or misconduct. Games past halftime are considered complete.
V. Make-Up Games
LDs determine what games get replayed. Field/Referee Directors handle scheduling. No guarantee of make-up if resources/time do not allow.
W. Tie Games
Regular season games may end in ties.
X. Blowout Scores
To uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and ensure a positive experience for all participants, BRYC Recreational Soccer maintains a policy to prevent excessively lopsided game scores.
1. Score Differential Limit
No final score should exceed a five-goal difference.
2. Mitigation Strategies
When a team leads by four goals, coaches are expected to implement one or more of the following strategies to promote fair play:
3. Coach and Referee Collaboration
Coaches should collaborate with one another and include the referee in decisions related to score mitigation strategies during a lopsided match. Proactive communication ensures a shared understanding and supports fairness throughout the game.
4. Emphasis on Development
At all times, the emphasis must remain on development, enjoyment, and team values over competition and goal differential. Coaches are responsible for modeling sportsmanship and applying mitigation appropriately.
Y. Standings/Awards
Standings apply to select leagues. Scoring: 3 points for a win, 1 for a tie, 0 for loss. Awards are approved by EXCOM. No standings or awards for U5–U10 leagues. Weekly standings posted by LDs.
Z. Tie-Break Procedure
In the event of two or more teams having accumulated an equal number of points at the end of regular season play, the following tie-break procedure will be used to determine final standings:
1. Head-to-Head Record
The team with the best record in games played between the tied teams will be ranked higher.
2. Most Wins
The team with the greater number of overall wins during the season will be ranked higher.
3. Most Wins in Division
If the league has multiple divisions, the team with the most wins within its division will be ranked higher.
4. Least Number of Goals Allowed
The team that allowed the fewest total goals throughout the season will be ranked higher.
5. Number of Goals Scored
The team that scored the most goals throughout the season will be ranked higher.
6. Tie Breaker (Coin Toss)
If teams remain tied after all prior criteria are applied, a coin toss will determine the final ranking.
AA. All-Stars
For information on All-Star selection, eligibility, and guidelines, please refer to the full policy:
See full policy: All-Star Policy
BB. Bridge Soccer (Travel Soccer) (established: 3/16/2025)
BRYC Rec fosters the growth of players. As such, the EXCOM partners with Elite Bridge leadership to identify opportunities that allow recreational teams to transition into Bridge programs. The Elite Bridge Program supports grassroots growth by providing teams and coaches with the opportunity to move together as a team and family unit to a more competitive travel environment.
Qualifications
Application Process
CC. Coach Training and Certification (Modified 3/16/2025)
Coaches are required to participate in the VYSA Coaching Education Program by attending courses relevant to the age group of the players they coach. These courses include Grassroots training modules for small-sided play formats and the more advanced “D” License course. The Grassroots coaching courses are designed around the developmental needs of players at each stage and align with the formats used in recreational soccer: 4v4, 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11. Coaches are expected to complete the Grassroots module(s) that correspond to the age group and playing format of their team.
The “D” License is the most advanced state-level course and is intended for coaches working with players U12 and older. The course consists of 32 hours of instruction, including practical field work, and a 4-hour evaluation. While not required for coaches of younger age groups, the “D” License is recommended for those coaching U13 and is required for coaches working with teams U14 and older.
Certification Pathway:
For additional certification options and U.S. Soccer information, refer to:
U.S. Soccer Coach Certification Resource
Substitutions & Reimbursements
DD. Grievances, Protests, and Complaints
Grievances
Any individual involved in BRYC Recreational Soccer may file a grievance. Grievances should be submitted to the appropriate League Director. These must be resolved at the lowest administrative level, unless elevated due to severity. A grievance addresses BRYC policy, procedure, or rules—not game outcomes. Appeals may be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, and in matters of significant importance, to the Commissioner.
Protests
A protest contests a game result and may only be submitted by a team’s coach or acting coach. It must be filed with the LD within 24 hours of game conclusion. Documentation, including date, time, location, rule misapplied (FIFA Law or BRYC rule), and requested remedy, must be maintained. Unresolved protests may be escalated to the Deputy Commissioner in writing within 72 hours of the LD’s decision. Note: Referee judgment does not constitute grounds for protest—only misapplication of rules does.
Complaints
Only coaches or acting coaches may submit complaints about officiating. Complaints may be sent to the League Director or Referee Director. Coaches are expected to maintain composure during matches, as professionalism enhances the credibility of any post-game concerns shared with the BRYC Executive Committee.
EE. Weather Policy
For information about our weather policy, view complete policy: BRYC Weather Policy
Additional Guidance
A. Budget Year
The BRYC Recreational Soccer budget year is August 1 through July 31. BRYC Recreational Soccer prepares an annual budget in April that combines the Fall and Spring seasons for the upcoming year. Staff Coordinators and Directors must present proposed budgets for their areas of responsibility to the Commissioner and Budget Coordinator at least 30 days before the EXCOM budget meeting. The Commissioner and Budget Coordinator will draft the budget for the next fiscal year for presentation at the April EXCOM meeting. Once approved, the budget is submitted to the BRYC Board of Directors in May to ensure final approval before the start of Fall registration.
B. Income
Primary income is derived from registration fees. A $10 per player fee is remitted to the BRYC Board of Directors for allocation toward administrative costs and the Capital Improvement Fund. Additional sources of income include:
All checks or cash payments to BRYC Recreational Soccer must be submitted to the Budget Coordinator within seven (7) days of receipt. The Budget Coordinator will ensure timely deposit and notify the BRYC Treasurer for proper crediting to the Recreational Soccer account.
C. Expense/Reimbursement Policy
To receive payment or reimbursement for expenses, the following procedures apply:
BRYC Recreational Soccer also maintains a revolving charge account at Kinko’s Copies, 10683 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032. Volunteers are encouraged to review applicable Federal and State tax guidelines concerning travel-related expenses for nonprofit service.
D. Solicitation of Bids
Reasonable diligence must be used when spending BRYC funds. All purchases must seek the lowest reasonable cost. Ongoing contracts—such as uniforms, recurring equipment, or field services—must be put out for bid every three (3) years. Bids should be solicited from at least three vendors and evaluated based on price, service quality, and the vendor’s ability to meet service and delivery requirements.
BRYC Recreational Soccer, through the Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA), provides Accidental, Medical, and Liability Insurance. This includes limited personal liability and medical coverage for players. However, volunteer staff, coaching personnel, and parents/guardians are encouraged to review and maintain appropriate personal insurance coverage to meet individual needs.