Greater Central Florida Youth Soccer League
Click on the Link Below To Learn More
Soccer News
Make It Your New Years Resolution To Become A Referee!
The Department of Motor Vehicles might not be the usual place to conjure up a nice memory but it happened to me when I renewed my Driver’s License earlier this month.
I had made an appointment at the DMV in Hauppauge, Long Island -- a long corner kick from my job. When I received a reminder the day before, I was a bit surprised that the DMV was located in the New York State Office Building, where I first attended monthly referee meetings.
Randy as an intramural ref at age 16.
I had become an intramural referee when I was 16 years old and became a certified ref two years later, in 1980, after passing a certification course. I joined the Long Island Soccer Referees Association (LISRA), my first officiating organization, as I became a college freshman.
LISRA held its monthly referee meetings, September through June, in the basement of the New York State Office Building and I was in line at the DMV one flight above. Behind me in line was a teenage girl with her mother in tow as the girl applied to get her Driver’s Permit. In looking at the mother and daughter, I thought how I had no idea where the referee meeting was, in an era without GPS, so my dear parents, Bill and Mary Vogt, took me there the first time and then I was pretty much on my own. Meeting my fellow referees, phoning coaches to confirm games, enforcing the rules and learning to improve when I heard patterns of criticism about my refereeing.
That was 40 years and over 10,000 games ago. I would not trade my experiences officiating for anything in the world! I learned how to stay fit, to remain calm at all times, to manage others while expanding myself by leaving my comfort zone and earning some money on the side. And contrary to all these horror stories about sideline behavior, I find that nearly everybody in youth soccer and often in adult soccer too are fair-minded people.
Randy refereeing the South Shore Bulldogs. Photo courtesy of Michael Blackton.
After having my Driver’s License renewed, I walked downstairs to where we had our monthly meetings and thought about many of the great times that I’ve experienced on soccer fields. The large meeting room is now a cafeteria.
It is now New Year’s Resolution time so how about some Soccer Americans make it their resolution to become referees in 2021? It could be one of the best things that you ever did! On January 1, 2020, Gordon Barr, who was one of my soccer coaches when I was a teenager, phoned me about becoming a ref. Gordon passed the certification course last winter but was only able to start refereeing when soccer resumed in New York last summer. The teacher has become the student four decades later as Gordon phones me after some of his games asking rules questions.
(Randy Vogt has officiated over 11,000 games in six different decades.)
FYSA Code Of Ethics
Players
• I will encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials and parents at
all times.
• I will remember that soccer is an opportunity to learn and have fun.
• I deserve to play in an environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol; and expect
everyone to refrain from their use at all soccer games.
• I will do the best I can each day, remembering that all players have talents and weaknesses
the same as I do.
• I will treat my coaches, other players and coaches, game officials, other administrators, and
fans with respect at all times; regardless of race, sex, creed, or abilities, and I will expect to
be treated accordingly.
• I will concentrate on playing soccer. Always giving my best effort.
• I will play by the rules at all times.
• I will at all times control my temper, resisting the temptation of retaliation.
• I will always exercise self control.
• My conduct during competition towards play of the game and all officials shall be in
accordance with appropriate behavior and in accordance with FIFA’s “Laws of the Game,” and in
adherence to FYSA rules.
• While traveling, I shall conduct myself so as to bring credit to myself and my team.
• I shall not possess, consume or distribute before, during or after any game or at any other
time at the field and/or game complex alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs or unauthorized prescription
drugs.
• I will never use abusive or insulting language. I will treat everyone with dignity.
Coaches/Volunteers
• I will never place the value of winning before the safety and welfare of all players.
• I will always show respect for players, other coaches, and game officials.
• I will lead by example, demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship at all times.
• I will demonstrate knowledge of the rules of the game, and teach these rules to my players.
• I will never use abusive or insulting language. I will treat everyone with dignity.
• I will not tolerate inappropriate behavior, regardless of the situation.
• I will not allow the use of anabolic agents or stimulants, drugs, tobacco, or alcohol by any
of my players.
• I will never knowingly jeopardize the eligibility and participation of a student-athlete.
• Youth have a greater need for example than criticism. I will be the primary soccer role
model.
• I will at all times conduct myself in a positive manner.
• Coaching is motivating players to produce their best effort, inspiring players to learn, and
encouraging players to be winners.
• My actions on sidelines during games shall be in the spirit of “good sportsmanship” at all
times. Profanity, profane gestures, arguing, inciting disruptive behavior by spectators
and/or players, or any conduct not in the spirit of good sportsmanship, shall require disciplinary
action from the affiliate.
• I shall not possess, consume or distribute before, during or after any game or at any other
time at the field and/or game complex alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs or unauthorized prescription
drugs.
• I will refrain from any activity or conduct that may be detrimental or reflect adversely upon
FYSA, its members or its programs.
• I will accurately and completely complete the coach/volunteer application form and by
application attest to the accuracy of the information submitted.
Parents/Spectators
• I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players,
coaches, game officials, and administrators at all times.
• I will place the emotional and physical well being of all players ahead of any personal
desire to win.
• I will support the coaches, officials, and administrators working with my child, in order to
encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
• I will remember that the game is for the players, not for the adults.
• I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, game officials, administrators, and fans
with respect.
• I will always be positive.
• I will always allow the coach to be the only coach.
• I will not get into arguments with the opposing team’s parents, players, or coaches.
• I will not come onto the field for any reason during the game.
• I will not criticize game officials.
• I shall not possess, consume or distribute before, during or after any game or at any other
time at the field and/or game complex alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs or unauthorized prescription
drugs.
• I will refrain from any activity or conduct that may be detrimental or reflect adversely upon
FYSA, its members or its programs.
failure to comply may result in the suspension of your privilege to participate in FYSA sanctioned
events, for the following periods:
1st offense -- suspension for a minimum of thirty (30) days to a maximum of five (5) years. 2nd
offense -- suspension for a minimum of one (1) year to a maximum of ten (10) years. 3rd offense --
suspension for a minimum of five (5) years to a maximum of fifty (50) years.
NOTE: Any individual charged with a violation of this Code of Ethics shall be afforded due process as
defined in FYSA’s Rule Section 600 before the implementation of any suspension.
Brevard Soccer Winter Classic January 30-31
The tournament will be held at Mitchell Ellington Park, Kelly West, Gardendale, and Port St. John on January 30 and 31st. Registration will begin on Friday, January 29. Entry fees should be received by January 10, but can be done after this date with a small $50.00 late fee.
Go to, BrevardSoccer.net/WinterClassic for more details, or email your questions to Soccer@BrevardSoccer.net.
New GCF Rules For 2021 Are Posted
New rules have been posted and are so that you may download them. We will be using GotSoccer game cards with the rosters on them. Pay particular attention to #4 Rosters. Big changes have been made there. Allot easier for clubs to move players around and enhance their playing ability.
all red cards are to have a game report and supplemental filled out on this website!
The Form Below Must Be Signed By Each Player And Coach Before Participating
Quick Links
All Your Fines Can Be Paid Here!
Parents Page
We have a "For Parents" page under "Players" that has information and articles that all parents need to know. Check it out!
Mobile Website
You can also access our website on your phone, or other devices, by going to GCFSoccer.com.
Associating a New Club with GCF
Got Soccer requires each team to apply for association with GCF. This is a simple process and only needs to be done once. After your club's initial acceptance, your association with GCF will carry over from season to season. Once your initial club association is finalized, you will then be able to place your teams into the appropriate division.
Instructions for associating your club with GCF:
1) Log into your GOT Soccer Organization account and select the "Home" tab.
2) In the navy blue menu bar, select "Events".
3) In the gray menu bar, select "Search".
4) In the Find Event search tool, type "GCF" for the Event Name and click "GO".
5) In the search results, click on upcoming "GCFYSL Fall/Spring 20__ Season".
6) In the box, League Application Form, locate the Club Application and click on "Apply Now". (Please do NOT use the Team Application at this time.)
7) Click on "Apply to GCFYSL Fall/Spring 20__ Season".
8) Click on "Join League".
9) A pop-up window may appear notifying you that you may add teams at a later date, click OK.
10) Your club association with GCF is now complete!
Checkout the Club pages!
Each club has its own separate webpage. Full of pictures, news, and information about each club. So please check it out! Just click on the "Clubs" icon above and go to your favorite club's page.