| Division Guidelines | updated 05.17.17 | Introduction
The BCS Soccer League is a recreational soccer league. And although playing just for fun, all the teams in the league are trying to win their games and play the best soccer they can. Since all teams in every division are trying to win each of their games, all divisions are somewhat competitive. The league supports one level of 11 a side soccer (D1) and up to 5 levels of 7 a side soccer (D2, D3, D4, D5, and D6). Not all these levels are available in every season, especially in the summer seasons.
Each team plays a Division from D1 to D6. North and South splits are created when a division has a large number of teams, typically 16 or more.
Very obvious misplacements such as a D2 quality team playing in D5 will be rapidly detected and the offending team moved up to the correct division.
Below are general guidelines to use for selecting the right division for your team.
Division 1: 11 a side
D1 is the only 11 a side division and teams in these divisions will typically be made up of young, fast, and high skilled players. Whatever teams that want to try these divisions are welcome to do so. There are no minimum "quality" requirements or other barriers to directly entering a team in D1.
Division 2, 3, and 4: competitive and recreational teams
Divisions 2, 3 and 4 will behave as results-based "ladder", with between 1 and 4 teams being promoted or relegated each season from each division to keep divisions approximately equal sizes. New teams will join Division 3 unless they request specifically to be in Division 2.
It is expected that teams will be part of a spectrum of intensity, skills, and competitive attitudes. Teams in lower division 3 and 4 will likely be comprised of a number of older players (i.e., greater than 30) who are playing for fun but still are relatively skilled. Contact in these divisions is to be graded with most contact in D2 with moderate and low contact as you enter D4. Slide tackles are not allowed in any of the 7 a side divisions.
Division 5: Recreational with focus class players
The D5 division is a recreational level division. Teams are to have 2 "focus class" players in the field at all times. Focus class is defined as men 40 years of age and older and/or women of any age. The goal of this rule is to mitigate the intensity of play and maintain a fun atmosphere for recreational play and players new to soccer, as well as those older players. While contact is unavoidable in soccer, Division 5 players should strive to minimal contact.
Players in Division 5 may be on rosters in D4 also, but they are reminded to play within the spirit of the division which IS different than 4. Players from other divisions should not be dominant or attempting to win "top scorer", because that simply looks sad. There are no MLS scouts at the games, and you are not going to be tapped for the national team if you score 30 goals in Division 5. Remember, this is a recreational division.
As teams in Division 5 increase in skills and chemistry, they are encouraged to consider moving up to Division 4. Teams may discuss their plans in this regard with the league and we will work out a transition plan to play opponents in D4 and 5 to verify the decision. Teams will not be forced into promotion unless they are obviously dominant (ie, undefeated with a large goal differential). Teams with large goal differentials and undefeated in Div 5 seasons, should be prepared to play in D4 even if they include "focus class" players on their rosters. .
Division 6: Novice soccer
Division 6 was created to allow novices a fun, safe place to learn the game and improve their skills prior to moving into upper divisions. Women of any age are eligible to play in D6 with no restrictions, however NO men under 30 years of age can be on a D6 roster (ie, you can't be 21 and playing on a D6 team). If a player is too dominant (as determined by a vote of D6 captains) they can be moved from D6 to another team in a higher division. Players playing in D6 can not play in another division.
As teams in Division 6 increase in skills and chemistry,they are encouraged to consider moving up to Division 5. Teams may discuss their plans in this regard with the league and we will work out a transition plan to play opponents in D5 and 6 to verify the decision. Teams will not be forced into promotion unless they are obviously dominant (ie, undefeated with a large goal differential).
Conclusion
You are encouraged to make your team based on playing with your friends. Feel free to address any questions or comments to: toddchris@bcssoccer.com. Don’t miss out on all the fun! Get your team registered right away and get ready to play soccer with a great bunch of people. |
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