| Q. |
What is the Greater Des Moines Junior Soccer League? |
| A. |
The GDMSJL is an administrative organization for recreational soccer
clubs in central Iowa. The main function of GDMJSL is to create a
structure where the u11-u19 teams from each of our 38 member clubs can
play against teams from other member clubs while playing at a similar
competition level.
|
| Q. |
How do the teams determine competition levels? |
| A. |
There is a divisional placement meeting held after rosters are finalized
and before the season starts. Each team has a score based on each
player’s points. The team’s score determines the bracket the team will
be placed. Brackets are evenly balanced and usually consist of enough
teams to play one team during the eight-game season.
|
| Q. |
How is a team score determined for U11 kids since they are new to the
League? |
| A. |
These kids have a score of zero and are put in a random mix of teams
that are all new the League. The following spring season should have
more balanced competition as the record for the team is used to
determine placement in the next season’s division.
|
| Q. |
What are player cards and why do I need them? |
| A. |
Player cards are important to identify the player as registered with the
Iowa Soccer Association meaning the birth date is verified, appropriate
waivers have been obtained and liability insurance is carried. Current
identification cards shall be presented to the referee before the start
of each game and MUST be signed and have a current photo attached.
|
| Q. |
Why do we have to limit roster sizes, especially if there are plenty
of kids to play? |
| A. |
GDMJSL rules require a roster limit for each age bracket to keep games
fair. Roster limits are below
U11-U12 14
U13-U16 18
U17-U19 22
|
| Q. |
Why does the other team have more players than us? |
| A. |
In some instances we are encouraging smaller rosters to get more playing
time for the kids. Since the GDMJSL rules require each player gets 50%
playing time, a coach has to work hard to substitute players especially
since they can only do so only on certain throw-ins, goal kicks or after
a goal.
|
| Q. |
How much traveling are we going to be doing? |
| A. |
It depends. Your team will have eight regular season games with four at
home and four away. Depending on your division you could be traveling to
Urbandale, Newton, Pella, etc. The younger teams generally can find
enough teams in the local area that are not going long distances each
weekend. As we lose players to other sports, the u19 kids find
themselves traveling farther to play games.
|
| Q. |
Why do we have to play on Sundays? |
| A. |
A number of the clubs in the league are unable to handle the volume of
teams (from u5-u19) in one day. It helps to break up the age brackets in
order to facilitate field usage and parking lot congestion. Most games
start after 12:30 p.m. and end by 5 p.m. which still allows a little
time for family.
|
| Q. |
Where can I find out more information about the league? |
| A. |
www.gdmsoccer.org is a great source of
information regarding rules, division standings, and field locations. |
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