Match Recap ~ Next Match on Friday, September 26 @ 7:30 p.m.

There are few things more enjoyable than lacing up a pair of cleats and playing a recreational match among friends on a cool, Fall evening under the lights in Evendale. Approximately 20 players came out for another competitive, well-balanced match. Highlights included goals by Kim S., Ryan, Casey, and Heather F., as well as some outstanding midfield play by Dave and Jacob B.

At the request of several members, however, I have been asked to remind all players to use more caution in the games to reduce the risk of injury and collision, especially with the keepers. We had quite a few collisions and injuries this week.

The following are the "safe play" rules, with a more complete description and explanation of the rule so that everyone is on the "same page."

1. No challenges from behind. This means that if you are beaten by an attacking player, do not attempt to challenge for the ball unless and until you are in a goal-side position and can safely challenge for the ball.

2. Use caution on 50/50 balls. A "50/50 ball" is any ball in the open field (no one has possession), where more than one player has a roughly equal chance to gain possession. In competitive soccer matches, player often "run through the ball" at full speed to gain and/or keep possession. In our match, we do not. We slow down as we approach opposing players with an overriding concern to avoid a collision with our opponent, rather than gain possession ... because it is more important to avoid the collision than gain possession.

3. Do not "charge" the keepers. If a keeper comes out for the ball, with the mere possibility of reaching the ball before the attacking player (or roughly at the same time), the attacking player must yield. Keepers should likewise use caution to avoid creating these situations ... i.e., keepers are certainly not required to "stay on their line," but again, it is more important to avoid the collision than prevent the goal from being scored.

4. No slide tackling of any kind, from any angle or direction.

5. Play for recreation purposes only. This is more of a concept than a "rule." There are plenty of adult competitive soccer leagues. This is not one of them. The purpose of this particular game is to create a fun, safe, local, adult-coed soccer match for Evendale FC players and their guests, including players of all skill level, to enjoy playing the game and hopefully get a good cardio workout.

In the coming weeks, we need to do a little better job enforcing the "safe play" rules and cautioning any players/teammates who appear to be playing a little too competitive or aggressive.

Our next match is this Friday, September 26, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at Evendale Recreation Field #3. Please post a comment and indicate whether you are playing this week.

Jogo Bonito!!