Parent Resources

Recognize to recover

U.S. Soccer’s Comprehensive Player Health and Safety Program

Rules Of The Game

U.S. Youth Soccer Policy on Players and Playing Rules

Soccer Parenting Association

Inspiring Players by Empowering Parents

Welcome

We’re committed to providing a high-quality youth soccer program, focused on skill-building, promoting self-esteem, encouraging good sportsmanship, & fun for all players. Players will learn about the game of soccer in a safe and supportive environment.

Get Involved

The saying “it takes a village” is especially true for our soccer club, where we rely on community members rather than professionals to manage everything. If you haven’t been involved in the past, please look for an opportunity to help in the future. We need to continue finding ways to distribute the work across more people. No contribution is too small!

WAYS TO BUILD OUR COMMUNITY

  • Follow our Facebook and/or Instagram pages. Use the hashtag #CVSJ

  • Central Valley San Jose SC was selected as a "Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave" for the year 2023. Share your soccer experiences and photos.

  • Add your name & email to our "one and done" support list. So many of you have offered to help when we talk on the field; this is how we will actually be able to reach you when small tasks come up.

  • Consider taking on a bigger administrative role (stipends are given in consideration of your time). We have several open positions; email cvyslprez@gmail.com for details.

  • Recommend CVSJ to your friends!

Thank you in advance for becoming a more active member of our community.

Volunteer Coaches

Our recreational soccer coaches come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are former soccer players looking to stay involved, while others are passionate about coaching youth soccer in their community.

We are proud to share that a number of our parent-led coaches, who initially started within our Recreational Program, have continued their education and achieved their USSF National Coaching or Grassroots License. Their dedication has allowed them to transition into coaching within our competitive program.

If you are interested in coaching a recreational team and becoming part of our dynamic coaching community, we encourage you to register yourself as a volunteer during the registration process. Join us in making a positive impact on young athletes' lives through the beautiful game of soccer.

Field Status Notifications

Register with RainedOut to receive free automated email or text notifications for field closures. CVSJ is not responsible for text message charges your cell phone carrier may apply. Choose an option to register:

  1. Register by visiting RainedOut and enter your email address or cell phone number.

  2. Register by texting: CVSanJose to 84483

Rainout Procedures

As a general practice, games are typically played regardless of the weather, unless the fields are closed. This information will be posted on our website early in the morning, usually by 7am. However, the rules and decisions regarding Away games are dependent on the policies of the away club, so it's important to communicate with your coach to confirm game status.

Field Policies (No Pets On The Field)

To observe all laws, signs and regulations applicable to the premises which includes:

  1. Smoking and the use of tobacco products are prohibited anywhere on property.

  2. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited anywhere on property.

  3. Vehicles are permitted in designated parking spaces only.

  4. No animals, including dogs, are allowed on school property.

  5. Intoxicants, narcotics, profane language, quarrelling, and fighting are sufficient causes for denying future use of facilities.

  6. All litter must be deposited into trash receptacles, where provided, or removed from the premises. 

Players' Equipment (Safety)

The NorCal Rules of Competition follow US Soccer Laws of the Game and US Soccer rule interpretations.

Safety - A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to themselves or another player (including all jewelry).

Casts - No orthopedic (hard) casts, air splints or metal splints may be worn. Players will be allowed to play in a soft cast at the discretion of the Referee.

Jewelry - Absolutely no jewelry, including rings, chains, watches, jewelry, hair clips, bobby pins, earrings, bracelets, Lance Armstrong type rubber bracelets, or abnormally long fingernails may be worn while participating in any NorCal games. Only Medical Alert Warning Bracelets may be worn, and shall be taped to secure them to the player's body. Earrings and other piercings cannot be taped, and must be removed.

Shin guards - All players are required to use shin guards at all times. They must be worn properly and be professionally manufactured and unaltered. No shin guards - No play! Socks must match teammates and must completely cover shin guards.

Braces - It is strongly recommended for the safety of the player, that a player does not wear a brace during NorCal games. Braces are allowed as long as the referee decides that the brace will not or cannot hurt the player wearing the brace or any other player. All metal, metal-like, or plastic brace supports are to be properly covered for the duration of the match. Elastic-type supports without any metal, carbon fiber, hard plastic or like devices are permitted provided the referee does not deem the support to be potentially harmful to other players.

Eyeglasses- Players who must wear eyeglasses are encouraged to wear sports goggles. Players must wear glasses that are safe. Lenses must be unbreakable and frames must be unbreakable plastic or sturdy metal.

Concussion & Safety Protocols

CVSJ is adopting policies consistent with already published concussion guidelines from the US Soccer Federation (USSF), where our focus is on the health and safety of our players. Review Central Valley San Jose Soccer Club - Safety Protocols.

To help increase awareness of the risks related to concussions and other head injuries as well as sudden cardiac arrest, CA state law mandates youth organizations to provide information sheets to both players and parents each year.

Concussion-Head Injury Information Sheet

If a player is removed from play due to a suspected concussion or other head injury, they must received written clearance from a licensed healthcare provider before they can return to any athletic activity. If a player passes out or faints, they will automatically be removed. Download: Concussion Head Injury Info Fact Sheet.pdf


If the licensed healthcare provider determines that the athlete sustained a concussion or other head injury, the athlete shall also complete a graduated return-to-play protocol of no less than seven days in duration under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.

 

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Information Sheet

If the licensed healthcare provider suspects that the athlete has a cardiac condition that puts the athlete at risk for sudden cardiac arrest or other heart-related issues, the athlete shall remain under the care of the licensed healthcare provider to pursue followup testing until the athlete is cleared to play.


Thank you for your efforts to educate both our players and yourselves about these important topics. We encourage you to include in your discussion the importance of watching for these signs in fellow teammates and speaking up if you see them. Lives are more important than games! Download: Cardiac Arrest Information Fact Sheet.pdf

Air Quality

Our safety policies prioritize the health and safety of our young athletes by addressing poor air conditions, particularly when smoke from fires is present, the following air quality policy will be implemented:

  • 0-100 AQI: Recreational and Competitive games, as well as training sessions, will proceed as scheduled.

  • 100-150 AQI: Modifications should be made to practices/trainings to reduce the intensity and/or duration. Games can be modified (eg. shortened or add water breaks), or rescheduled. Additionally, players with underlying health conditions are strongly advised to refrain from participation.

  • 150+ AQI: All outdoor activities are prohibited. Both Recreational and Competitive games, along with training sessions, should either be canceled or rescheduled.

Coaches are expected to monitor current conditions, using the reporting tools of airnow.gov and purpleair. Parents are always encouraged to make decisions in the best interest of their player, knowing there will never be negative ramifications when prioritizing the health and safety of their child.

Resources:

Heat Guidelines

Here is U.S. Soccer’s RECOGNIZE TO RECOVER guide or engaging in activities during extreme temperature conditions. The guidelines are intended to help evaluate situations to prevent heat-related illness before it begins.

It is recommended to include scheduled hydration breaks when the temperature reaches 89.6°F. Provide hydration breaks of four minutes for each 30 minutes of continuous play.