Mass. Soccer changes game to get on field

by J.R. Eskilson

August 18, 2020

No heading? No tackling? No corner kicks? No throw-ins?

While numerous other states begin the process of returning to the field, Massachusetts Youth Soccer is trying something a little different to help their players, teams, and clubs get back on the field starting this week.

Massachusetts Youth Soccer released new modifications to all sanctioned soccer games effective August 15 that include some interesting new ideas in order to comply with EEA guidance. These new rules are all to go into effect to help soccer get into compliance with EEA, which is the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for the Commonwealth. The EEA deemed soccer, as it is traditionally played, as a moderate risk sport.

Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association announced the modifications on Saturday and they are set to go into effect on Monday.

“Slide tackling whenever within six feet of another player is suspended.”

“All intentional heading of a soccer ball is suspended for all ages.”

“Shoulder to shoulder contact is suspended.”

“The use of a traditional defensive wall is currently suspended.”

The modifications that Mass Youth Soccer put into place beginning on August 17th are pretty clear in their attempt to make soccer a no-contact to limited-contact sport. It’s definitely a stark contrast to how the game is traditionally played.

The Commonwealth did have a return of youth soccer a few weeks ago, but the governing body for the sport in the state was forced to alter plans with the announcement from the EEA on August 13 on renewed guidelines.

The response from Mass Youth Soccer was not exactly met with universal support on twitter as many chimed about how these rules alter how the game is played and officiated. One coach tweeted that he thought it was a post from the Onion.

Massachusetts Youth Soccer oversees the club and recreational levels of the sport in the state. MIAA oversees the high school level.

Massachusetts Youth Soccer is one of many soccer governing bodies that is trying to balance the safe return of the sport with the pressure from clubs, parents, and players to get back on the field soon. The unique accommodation to Massachusetts EEA’s guidelines makes the state one of the first to drastically alter playing conditions in order to comply with a state safety guideline.

to require specific modifications in order for Soccer to be continued to be played as a Moderate Risk Sport under Phase III, Step 1 of Reopening.

Updated Guidelines and modifications to play go in to effect on Monday, August 17 and can be downloaded at:https://t.co/6YaqVbsZ2T pic.twitter.com/ljyGqjlKWJ
— Mass Youth Soccer (@MAYouthSoccer) August 15, 2020

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