Frequently Asked Questions - to be updated frequently as questions arise

1. Where did the 2:1 practice ratio come from?

Following the Grassroots Standards, we used the minimum 2:1 (practice-to-game) ratio, as it is easier to meet than 3:1. Should teams wish to practice more, that's great!  

2. Why is there a limit on the pre-season exhibition games?

We have eliminated the limit on pre- season exhibition games and set a season length. If teams show us that a minimum 2:1 ratio is being met over the season, they may ask to do more than one preseason game.  These games are to be kept interclub or local clubs, not involving travel, and require an approved Application to Host.

3. Why is June 14 a Mandatory Festival and hosted by one specific club?

In earlier discussions, Kingston United offered to host a kick-off festival with everyone all together.  The intent is to provide a framework for future hosts. We also thought it was a great idea to make it a special day to start the season, and hopefully plan some fun activities along with the soccer!

SOSA will explore rotating this annually based on club requests and input.

4. There seems to be some inconsistency around memorable events. One part suggests SOSA festivals count toward the limit, while another allows teams to attend outside festivals in addition. Could you clarify which approach applies?

For this season, SOSA is defining a memorable event as anything outside of SOSA. This is less strict than the OS definition of anything outside of "regular league play". With this series, we are creating the opportunity for all of our different-sized clubs to enter festivals as it suits their teams and have included festivals hosted by SOSA Clubs as part of the "schedule."

Option 1 - Some will choose to enter this series of festivals. Those teams may also enter any or all three SOSA Club-hosted festivals AND another one or two festivals outside of SOSA. 

Option 2 - Some Clubs will choose to have their U8 and U9 players play in their Club's house league. Those teams may enter two Memorable Events this season. Each date in our series and SOSA Club-hosted festivals would count as one memorable event. Each festival outside of SOSA would also count as one memorable event.

5. Why are there two hosts on select dates?

With the anticipated number of teams and the number of fields at some sites, it was not possible for all teams to get four games, following the Grassroots Standards. We knew we would have to divide festival sites to make sure everyone can participate.

Clubs only need to choose the dates that work for them, and we will assign the location and game schedule.

6. We are hosting a festival. What is expected from us?

Honestly, very little.  We will select which teams go to what festival from the dates they selected, and we will schedule the games.  We ask that you schedule match officials and book the fields. A reliable adult needs to be on-site to troubleshoot as well. It would be preferable to have a canopy set up for this person for visibility to visitors. 

7. Our club has decided not to participate in the festival series and would rather run our own program.  Is this allowed?

Yes, we are working to create a flexible model to meet all of our clubs’ needs. Know that this may limit your participation in other festivals, as anything outside of your regular schedule is considered a Memorable Event.  For example, if you run your own programming, you may only attend two festivals, regardless of where they are hosted. If you arrange Exhibition games, they count as a Memorable Event for both teams. 

8. Are festival series the way of the future?

According to the published Grassroots Standards, this type of festival series is here to stay.  Of course, we will evaluate the format at the end of this season to grow and improve for future years, but weekly league games for this age are a thing of the past. 

9. To whom should payments be made?

Festival registrations should be paid to SOSA, either by cheque or e-transfer.  Once clubs have completed their registrations, Kim will issue an invoice to each club, similar to league registration. 

10. Where should reimbursements for referees and fields be sent?

Each host will be given a sheet to track reimbursement costs. After the festival, it should be sent to Nikki to verify accuracy (number of games, etc.), and she will then forward it to Kim for approval and payment.  We aim to reimburse clubs within a few weeks of each festival, not wait until the end of the season.

11. What is the deadline for teams entering one or two festivals, not the entire series?

The deadline in this case is the 1st of each month for festivals in that month. (June 1st for June festivals, etc. ) It would be helpful to the scheduler to know your intent to register, so please communicate that information to Nikki as soon as you know your team will be committing.

12. Grassroots Standards has some options for game format and ball size for U8 and U9. Which will we use?

5v5 with goalkeeper and a size 4 ball for both groups.

13. Why are these age groups not on the LMS with the other divisions?

The League Management System is to organize season-long leagues, not festivals. With teams choosing the festivals they are entering, schedules will need to be created for each festival. A Club Roster for all players in a division should be submitted to Kim for approval as usual. A Participation List will be submitted before each Festival. This list will be used instead of game sheets. Following Grassroots Standards, a maximum of 12 players will be allowed per Participation List.