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Who will be participating in the District Tournament?
Each Member Association within the District reported the number of teams eligible for consideration for advancement to the District Tournament. After determining the size of each age group of the tournament, each Member Association was allocated a percentage of the advancing teams. The Division II, III and Super 2 allocation report can be viewed on the Western District website. Go to www.stxsoccer.org and click on Western District.
What does my team need to do to prepare for the Tournament?
Your Association will provide to you a signed copy of your roster as of November 1 and a Penalty Point Report showing all cards received by players and coaches on the team during the Fall season. You should already have Affinity ID Cards for all players and Adult Participation Passes (Kidsafe) for all coaches but it's extremely important that you verify all are in order. Persons with an improperly prepared or no card will not be allowed to participate.
What do I need to bring with me to check-in for the tournament?
* Official Affinity Roster (signed by your Assn Registrar or his/her designee) that includes all players eligible to participate with your team
* Affinity ID Cards for all players that include a recent photo, required signatures and is laminated
* Penalty Point Report that includes a record of all cards issued to players and coaches.
* Kidsafe Pass for adults wishing to be on the team sideline (All Passes must be Blue)
When and how do I need to check-in my team for the District Tournament?
Each site wll determine when they will hold check-in for the team. Some will offer early check-in on Friday evening for those arriving early. Other sites will do check-in one hour before the team's first game of the tournament. Information will be posted on the Information page as to each site's check-in time and location. The advantage of Friday night check-in is the additional time available to correct any discrepancies or missing paperwork. Please check your paperwork before leaving for the tournament to be sure you have everything in order. Every year at least one team discovers at check-in that a player who has been participating with the team all season is missing from their roster. There is no guarantee that such a problem can be resolved in time to allow the player to participate in the playoffs.
Can I invite guest players to play with my team if some of my players are out of town?
Absolutely not. This is a playoff tournament and only the team that competed in the Fall 2009 season are eligible to participate. All rosters were frozen as of November 1. Any changes made to the roster after that date are not eligible to participate.
If my coach/assistant coach does not have an Adult Participation Pass will they be allowed on the sideline?
For District and State sponsored tournaments, only four (4) adults will be allowed on the team sideline. STYSA rules require that every adult working with players clear a background check and that all coaches, assistant coaches, and trainers have a coaching license or be wthin their first year of coaching. The Adult Participation Pass serves as confirmation that both the background check and coaching license requirement have been met. The only Adult Participation (Kidsafe) Pass valid for the Fall 2009 season is Blue.
If my coach/assistant coach does not have a coaching license will they be allowed on the sideline?
STYSA Rule 3.1.16 requires that all coaches obtain a coaching license within one year of beginning to coach. Coach is defined as coach, assistant coach, trainer or any adult who works with the team. The Affinity system requires either a coaching license or verification that the coach is in their first year of coaching in order for the registrar to print an Adult Participation Pass. If a coach, assistant coach or trainer does not currently have a blue Adult Participation Pass, they need to provide a copy of their current coaching license to the State Office immediately so that their record can be updated in order for the Association Registrar to print their pass. Cards will not be printed at Team Check-in.
I am the manager but I am not listed on the roster and do not have an Adult Participation Pass. Can I be on the team sideline to assist with the management of the tea?
Adults who are not on the team roster and do not have an Adult Participation Pass will not be allowed on the team sideline.
What if I don't have a copy of my Penalty Point Report?
STYSA rules require that all teams bring a copy of the report showing all cards received by players and/or coaches and that a copy be provided to the State Office. All reports received by the State Office will be forwarded to the Site Coordinator. Teams arriving without a copy of their report and having no report on file with the Site Coordinator, will be required to contact the appropriate person in their Home Association to arrange for a copy to be sent by fax or email to the hotel or the Site Coordinator. The Site Coordinator will confirm with the District Vice President as to the length of time the team will be allowed to obtain the report. If authorized by the District Vice President, the team will be allowed to play pending receipt of the report; however, failure to provide the report may result in the disqualification of the team from the tournament.
Who receives awards?
All players receive participation patches. Players and coaches on teams finishing in first and second place at the District Tournament will receive medals. An Awards Ceremony will be held immediately after the final game of the age group.
If my team finishes in first or second place at the 2009 Western District Fall Championships, where do we go from there?
Division III - No advancement.
Division II - First and second place teams will advance to the State Tournament to be held the following weekend. Boys teams will be hosted by Eastern District. Girls teams will be hosted by Western District.
What happens if the weather is bad the weekend of the District Tournament?
Every effort will be made to play the games including relocation to other fields or an adjustment to the game times. Decisions will be made as early as possible; however, this is Texas where you never know what to expect weather-wise. It could rain at one park and not at the one across the street. Site Coordinators will confer with the District Vice President regarding field conditions before any decision is made regarding the games by the District Vice-President. Should it become necessary to reschedule, the following weekend is the rainout date - which would push the State Tournament an additional week later. With teams from El Paso having already made flight and travel arrangements to the State Tournaments, a decision to reschedule the event will only be made if there is no other alternative.
How many teams will advance to the State Championships?
State Championships consist of either four or five teams. Two teams (first and second place) in each age group of Division II will advance from both Western District and Eastern District. El Paso does not participate in the District Tournament but receives a bye directly into the State Championship Tournament. In age groups in which El Paso will be participating, the two teams from each District are required to play one another prior to arrival at the State Tournament. Due to the limited time available, travel distances based on where the two teams are from, school activities, and possible weather conditions, the STYSA Rules require that the Championship Game of the District Tournament serve as the first game of the State Tournament for the two teams coming from each District. Should the Championship game end in a tie, that score will stand as the first game of State. It will be necessary for the District Championship Game to go to overtime and possible penalty kicks in order to identify the District Champion; however, the score at the end of regulation play will be reported as the first game of State.
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