2024 AGE GROUP RULES
All-League Rules:
No heading for players 12 years of age and younger. Free kick awarded.
NO SLIDE TACKLING
Profanity will not be tolerated.
2019/20: (u6)
Fields Used: 1 and 2
Field Size: 25x15 yards
Players: 3v3 - No Goalies
Ball Size: 3
Goals: Pop up
Kick Ins - NO THROW INS (defense back up 5 big steps)
Duration: 4 x 6 min quarters (2 min break between quarters, 4 min halftime)
Referees: Coaches - there will be high school time keepers, but we ask coaches referee these games!!
2017/18: (u8)
Fields Used: 3 and 4
Field Size: 30x20 yards
Players: 4v4 NO GOALIES
Ball Size: 3
Goals: 3x3
Kick Ins - NO THROW INS (defense back up 5 big steps)
Duration: 4 x 10 min quarters (3 min break between quarters, 5 min halftime)
Referees: High School Varsity soccer players (NOT Professional referees).
2015/16: (u10)
Fields Used: 5 and 6
Field Size: 55x35 yards
Players: 6v6 + goalies
Ball Size: 4
Goals: 12x6
THROW INS
Duration: 2 x 25 min halves (5 min halftime)
Referees: High School Varsity soccer players (NOT Professional referees).
5/6 GRADE - Travel League
Home Field Used: TBD
Field Size: 75x50 yards
Players: 9v9 - includes goalies
Ball Size: 4
Goals: FULL SIZE
OFFSIDES WILL BE CALLED
Duration: 2 x 30 min halves (5 min halftime)
Referees: High School Varsity soccer players (NOT Professional referees).
7/8 GRADE (COED) - Travel League
Home Field Used: Wahtonka JV
Field Size: FULL FIELD
Players: 11v11 - includes goalies
Ball Size: 5
Goals: FULL SIZE
OFFSIDES WILL BE CALLED
Duration: 2 x 35 min halves (7 min halftime)
Referees: High School Varsity soccer players (NOT Professional referees).
2023 FAQ
How Do I Register My Child for Soccer?
1. Create Cinch AccountCreate Player Profile
Search For Gorge Soccer in App
Click on Gorge Soccer - The Dalles (FALL)
Complete Registration
What is the Cost?
$65-75/player including CC fees.
What is Included in the Cost?
League enrollment.
Nike GSL Team Jersey
Are There Cost Saving Options?
1) We offer $20.00 scholarships on a first come first serve basis during our in person registration dates. 50 scholarships will be awarded. (1 per family)
2) Become a volunteer coach receive a 50% credit towards one child's registration cost for the next Fall season. Promo code will be issued after equipment is turned in at the end of the current season.
If I Want to Become a Volunteer Coach, What Do I Do?
Contact Gorge Soccer for instructions.
When registration closes in mid June - registered volunteer coaches will be contacted to confirm that they have been chosen to be a volunteer coach.
League Communication
We will try to respond to questions as quickly as possible. Our main days of answering emails and facebook questions will be Tuesdays and Thursdays.
What is GSL's Refund Policy?
We are able to issue a 100% refund if within 24 hours of your registration.
We are able to issue a 50% refund if after 24 hours and before teams are made (mid June).
Once teams have been made, no refunds will be issued.
Does GSL Allow Team Placement Requests?
No. The only exception is siblings are allowed to be on the same team. Random team selection through skill rating will be used to create a fair and recreational league experience. This also allows families/players to meet other people in the community!
When is the Soccer Season?
Practices will begin in August after teams are formed. Volunteer coaches will contact parents with practice schedule. League games start early September and go into late October (7 weeks). Travel league age group away games will be played on Saturdays. Travel league age group home games and all younger age group games will be played on Sundays.
Where Will The Games Be Played?
Wahtonka Field
What Age Group is My Player?
We do not use a U-## system. Players will be in their birth year age group.
How Many Practices Are There Per Week?
Usually teams practice once or twice per week, but will be up to your teams assigned volunteer coach.
What Equipment Do I Need?
Shinguards are required for all practices and games. Cleated shoes are needed if play will be on wet, muddy or soft surfaces. For 6 years old and under, sneakers are allowed instead of soccer cleats. W are asking players to bring a soccer ball to practice if possible.
How Long Does Practice Last?
Practices for players six and younger should be no more than an 45 minutes. Under-8 players practice one hour. Under-10 players are about an hour and 15 minutes. Older players practice for about an hour and a half.
What Does My Child Need to Bring to Practice?
Soccer shoes, shinguards and plenty of water. Soccer balls are optional to bring, but not mandatory.
What Size Ball Does My Player Use?
Ages 8 and younger - Size 3
Ages 9 through 12 - Size 4
Ages 13 and older - Size 5
Can I Wear a Cast (or earings, religious medals, eyeglasses)?
The FIFA Laws of the Game prohibit anything which is dangerous to a player or other players. Referees determine if an item can be worn without being dangerous.
Why Can't Players Wear Helmets?
Helmets are not included in the Laws of the Game under Players Equipment. Although the player wearing the headgear is protected, he may play in a physically more aggressive manner than others not protected, thereby becoming a danger to others.
Are Mouth Guards Needed?
Injuries to the teeth are so few that insurers do not require them. Many dentists however recommend them.
Why Does GSL Not Post Standings?
At the younger ages we place a priority on participation and deemphasize results.
CODE of CONDUCT
As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of youngsters.
Through your encouragement and good example, you can help all the boys and girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. In GSL, young people learn to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and deal appropriately with defeat - all while becoming physically fit and healthy. Best of all, they have fun.
Note that throughout this agreement, the term ‘parent’ refers to any players’ parents, guardian, grandparents, or other family members. As a parent, you are responsible to make sure that those at a game with you follow this same code of conduct. Parents (guardians) should read, understand, and agree to this code before their child plays in GSL - The Dalles program.
Any parent who violates this Code of Conduct at any game or practice will be asked to leave the sports facility and may be suspended from the following game. Repeat violations may cause a multiple game suspension, or the season ending forfeiture of the privilege of attending all games.
Support Your Child
Supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important.
Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than victory - that way your child will always be a winner despite the outcome of the game!
Always Be Positive
Parents serve as role models for their children. Be aware of this fact and work to be a positive role model. Applaud good plays by your child's team as well as good plays by the opposing team.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sports.
Remember: Your Child Wants To Have Fun
Remember that your child is the one playing soccer, not you. It's very important to let children establish their own goals - to play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose your own standards and goals on them.
Don't put too heavy a burden on your child to win games. Surveys reveal that 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winning team.
Children play for the fun of playing.
Reinforce Positive Behavior
Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your child achieve their goals and overcome their natural fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes. If your child does make one, remember it's all part of learning, so encourage your child's efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.
Don't Be A Sideline Coach Or Referee
GSL coaches are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to help make your child's soccer experience a positive one. They need your support, too. Most of our referees are volunteers as well, particularly the high school students used on Sundays.
That means refrain from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. In a volunteer organization like GSL there's always an opportunity to take your interest in coaching or refereeing to the next level and become one yourself!
At no time during any game shall a parent engage in yelling at the referees, or try to distract them from the game. A violation will result in ejection from the game / facility.
Other
NO dogs are allowed on the fields during the season, either during practices or games – this is a Northern Wasco County School District and GSL insurance requirement – no exceptions
All spectators are to remain off of the field during games
No drinking of alcoholic beverages at any field during practices or games
No use of any drugs at any field during practices or games
No physical confrontations or fights of any kind will be tolerated