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HEARTLAND INVITATIONAL
GIRLS WEEKEND
SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex
GARMIN Olathe Soccer Complex
November 5-7, 2021
Registration Ends:
October 4, 2021
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Upcoming Events
Sep 10-12 League play
Sep 17-19 League play
Sep 24-26 Midwest All Boys Tournament Powered by The Merchant Fitness
Sep 24-26 League play
Oct 1-3 Midwest All Girls Fueled by Tohi
Oct 1-3 League play
Oct 8-10 League play
Oct 15-17 League play
Oct 22-24 League play
Oct 29-31 Rainout Weekend
Nov 5-7 Heartland Invitational Girls
Nov 12-14 Heartland Invitational Boys
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HEARTLAND INVITATIONAL
BOYS WEEKEND
Fueled by Tohi
SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex
GARMIN Olathe Soccer Complex
November 12-14, 2021
Registration Ends:
October 11, 2021
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COVID 19 GUIDELINES
effective August 5, 2021
In compliance with State and county issued updates, everyone must wear a mask inside ‘walk in’ concession stands and bathrooms.
Masks are not required outdoors at the complexes whether an individual has been vaccinated or not, however, it is worth considering wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.
Fully vaccinated people might choose to mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they or someone in their household is immunocompromised or if someone in their household is unvaccinated.
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Referee Corner
Is soccer a contact sport? Understanding Fouls….
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Soccer, as it is played today, is definitely a contact sport. With 12 to 20 players (depending on the age group) running and competing for the ball, the chances are always high that either intentional or unintentional physical body contact will occur. The Laws of the Game define the contact that is not considered legal. However, it is the Referee who is empowered to enforce these Laws to ensure that matches are played in a SAFE, FAIR and EQUAL manner. What have the Referees been taught regarding fouls?
For this article we will focus on those fouls that result in a Direct Free Kick restart. These fouls normally include contact. For a Direct Free Kick restart to occur the following are required:
The foul must be committed by a player
The foul must be committed against an opponent
The foul must be committed while the ball is in play
The foul must be committed on the field of play
There are 13 fouls outlined in the Laws of the Game today:
- Spitting at: An obvious sign of disrespect. Spitting on the field is not a foul; however, when you spit in the direction of an opponent you are committing a foul that will get you sent off (Red Card)
- Biting: The Laws are always changing based on the things that players are observed doing. Biting was added to the Laws several years ago. This foul will also get you sent off (Red Card)
- Charging: Shoulder to shoulder contact while challenging for the ball is legal. A shoulder to the back is a foul.
- Jumping at: Players understand that when going for a header they should go straight up. Jumping at a player (or over them to get the ball) is a foul.
- Impeding with Contact: This is when you play the player and not the ball. To be a foul (using our definition above) it has to involve contact.
- Kicking an opponent: The object of soccer is to kick the ball. If the only thing between you and the ball is an opponent and you kick the opponent with the hope of getting the ball, this is a foul.
- Tripping an opponent: There are multiple ways to execute a trip. Sometimes players get tangled up with each other and it is not a foul.
- Tackling an opponent: Referees often hear the phrase, “but he got the ball”. If you get the ball, that does not absolve you from being called for a foul if you also get the player.
- Holding an opponent: This could be a shirt pull, grabbing an arm or a full-fledged tackle.
- Pushing an opponent: One handed push, two handed pushes and arm extensions to move an opponent illegally would be examples.
- Striking an opponent: There are many ways to do this. Slugging, hitting, slapping, throwing the ball at an opponent are examples.
- Handling: The handball is the one foul that is not against an opponent. It is against the Law and the spirit of the game. The Law defines the hand from the arm pit to the fingertips.
- Throwing an object: This is not something you see every day. It wouldn’t be in the Laws if players hadn’t attempted it.
The Referee is taught these 13 fouls during their Entry Level Certification class. We even give them a picture to help them learn these Direct Free Kick fouls. I am sharing it with you below to enhance the soccer community understanding of Fouls. We will review specific fouls in more detail over the season.
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The Referee Blog
Building the Referee Pool – One Referee at a time…
The Spring season concluded. The next major event for most of the teams in Kansas is the State Cup Tournament. Become the State Cup or President’s Cup Champion, and your team gets to go to the Regional Tournament representing the State of Kansas. The same reward is the prize for our most skilled Referees. They have similar goals as each of the teams. Go to Regionals. Perform well and be selected to go to the National Championship Tournaments. In 2021 three Kansas Referees earned this honor.
Now, the Fall season has started. For the players, coaches, and fans it means getting on the pitch and playing the game that we all love. For the Referees who work at the Heartland Soccer Association it is the opportunity to get back on the pitch also and to work hard to give the players their chance to compete within the Laws of the Game.
Fall is always a new challenge when it comes to the Referee pool. Many of our experienced officials have graduated from High School and are ready to start the next chapter of their lives in college. This Fall we have officials that have been selected to go to colleges in California, Florida, Connecticut, Iowa, Arkansas, Wyoming, and Texas. This means they won’t be working matches at Heartland in the fall. The soccer community is thankful for their contributions over the past years and hope they might continue refereeing even if not here. We wish them well as they pursue their dreams.
However, the games in Kansas must go on, so our efforts turn to rebuilding the Referee Pool.
This process is well underway in the Kansas City area. Since July 1st the Kansas Referee Development Program has certified over 320 new Referees. Many of these new Referees are young soccer players who are starting their first ever jobs. Our instructors report that they are eager to learn and understand what a good Referee looks like. They have a background in soccer. They attend class to learn the Laws of the Game. They invest in getting their certifications and their uniforms. Then they get assigned to their first matches.
Last week we had new certified Referees (3 are in their first month on the job) talk to Referee candidates in one of the Entry Level Clinics. Each of these newly certified Referees told the class how nervous they felt before their first match. Each of them came back the next week. They are still nervous, but not so much as the week before. Having them come back for another week is the next step in building the Referee pool. These new Referees will become the experienced Referees who have an opportunity to work the State Cup Tournaments and be selected to go to Regionals in the future if they come back and gain experience while growing their skills.
You can tell that we are rebuilding the Referee pool because of the young ages of your officials, especially on the small-sided matches. This is where they start their careers. It makes sense because their soccer knowledge and experience are just ahead of these younger players. As these officials continue to play, they will expand their understanding of tactics and game management, and as they referee, we will continue to move them up, so they increase their skills in foul recognition, player management and the more intricate decisions that need to be made to control a match.
We started out the season by asking your coaches to provide us with input on what they are seeing in their matches. The top 3 issues they see Referees struggling with included foul recognition, blowing the whistle with confidence, and communication with the coaches. These issues are related and will continue to be the focus areas of the Kansas Youth Soccer Referee Coaching program implemented at Heartland.
How can you help? We know that our Referees will make errors as they gain experience. Dealing with the learning experience is harder when they are being shouted at by the fans. Understanding the benefits to you and your teams when your Referees become more effective (i.e., when they have more experience based on doing more games at a higher level with proper coaching) means we are asking you to be more understanding. If they don’t come back next week, you will always have new Referees. And the experienced ones will continue to graduate from high school and go away to college. We need to keep rebuilding the Referee pool, and we do it one Referee at a time. The Referee in your match is the one we all need to focus on today.
Fans - if you have concerns, talk to your coach. Coaches – if you have concerns talk to the field marshals or complete a Referee evaluation form so we can focus on the performance of those who worked your last match. Adults – become a Referee and help us grow the next season’s pool of Referees.
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Heartland Referee Meetings
2021 Dates Coming Soon!
Referees of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to attend Heartland's monthly referee meetings! Join us to learn tips and tricks for ARs and Referees, fun games, vital information, and fabulous prizes! Parents are always welcome.
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Get certified to be a referee!
As our local soccer community grows, the need for new and experienced referees continues. Join America's Largest Soccer League. More details on referee meeting schedules, training and education can be found on the
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Q&A with Kori
When did you start reffing? I started reffing in 2018.
What made you decide to get certified to referee? I decided to get certified to make me a better player by knowing all the rules.
What is your favorite part about reffing? Helping the younger kids learn the game of soccer.
What is a life lesson you feel you have learned from reffing? I learned how to be confident in myself and not doubt myself based on what others say.
What level of referee to you aspire to be? I would like to become a regional referee.
Do you play soccer? I currently play soccer for my high school, Spring Hill High School. I have been playing soccer since I was five years old.
Do you participate in any sports/activities? Besides soccer I also participate in my school's chamber orchestra, book club, manager for the boys soccer team, national honors society, and our school's FCA. Outside of school I participate in Girl Scouts in which I have recently earned my Gold Award, and a youth group at my church, I also joined the leadership council for Girl Scouts. I also volunteer for our local toys for tots. I can not say I enjoy one over the other, I enjoy spending time with my friends doing activities that interest us as a group.
Do you have another job? Over the summer I had a job at Family Center Farm and Home. There I worked in the clothing department and made new friends. It was definitely a different pace than reffing soccer.
What was the last book you read? The last book I read was Six Of Crows, it is about six criminal like figures working to break another person out of a secure prison. I loved the book so much I have started the second book. My favorite part of the book was the magic that certain characters possessed.
What types of movies do you like? I love to watch Disney movies, the last movie I watched was Cruella. My favorite part was seeing the elaborate outfits made by the characters.
What is your favorite sports team? Sporting KC is my favorite sporting team.
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The 2021-2022 Fall State Tournaments will be played at Compass Minerals Sporting Fields over two weekends.
The first weekend will be Group Play Games from November 12-14th, 2021. The second weekend will be Semifinals & Finals from November 19-21st, 2021.
Registration Deadline – September 27th, 2021
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Congratulations to Sporting Blue Valley Wales 09 for being crowned 2021 National Presidents Cup Champions for the 13U Girls Division!
Here is how their journey went to be crowned National Presidents Cup Champions.
At Kansas Presidents Cup SBV Wales 09 won the group going 3-0-0 for a total of 9 points. They scored a total of 5 goals and the strong defense didn’t allow a single goal against them.
During Midwest Presidents Cup SBV Wales 09 won Group D for the age group to advance to the Semifinals. In the Semifinals they won the game 1-0 over Ohio North to advance to the Regional Final. They faced a tough Missouri team in the Final but prevailed with another 1-0 result to be able to go to Nationals! SBV Wales 09 leaves regionals with 6 goals scored and again the defense didn’t allow a single goal against them with Goalkeeper Peyton Gillis recording her 8th Shutout throughout the event so far.
During the National Presidents Cup SBV Wales 09 came on top of the group with 2-0-1 record with a total of 7 points. The offense coming away with 8 goals for and only allowing 5 goals against which were the very first goals they allowed during the entire Presidents Cup event. In the National Final they played a Pennsylvania West team that they played earlier in group play which was a close 3-2 victory. In the Final Goalkeeper Peyton Gillis and the defense were on their best performance as they held the PA West team to a shutout and the offense was able to give SBV Wales 09 the win with goals by Teegan Vietti (22nd Minute) and Olivia Mcgaugh (57th minute).
SBV Wales 09 Crowned 2021 National Presidents Cup Champions!
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Kansas Rush Wichita Finishes 3rd in the Nation.
Congratulations to Kansas Rush Wichita Academy 05 for finishing 3rd at the 2021 National Presidents Cup event in Des Moines, Iowa. Here is how their journey went to get there.
At Kansas Presidents Cup the team won Group B to advance to the State Final with a record of 3-0-0 scoring 7 goals for and only allowing 2 goals against. In the State Final to determine a winner the game had to go down to penalty kicks where KRW would prevail.
During Midwest Presidents Cup KRW Academy 05 won Group B for the age group to advance to the Semifinals. In the Semifinals they won the game 2-0 over Michigan to advance to the Regional Final. They faced a tough Missouri team in the Final but prevailed with a 2-0 result to be able to go to Nationals! KRW leaves regionals with 9 goals scored and only allowing 1 goal against them with Goalkeeper Taylor Mchugh recording her 5th Shutout throughout the event so far.
During the National Presidents Cup 1-2-0 To finish 3rd in the Group at the event. This teams achievements were one to celebrate for having come so far in the event. Although not the outcome the team had hoped for, the experience just motivated them more to achieve future success in their youth soccer careers. Congrats Kansas Rush Wichita Academy 05 on a great season!
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Olathe, KS (Thursday August 5, 2021) – Kansas State Youth Soccer Association (KSYSA) along with SafeDefend, LLC, the nation’s leading provider of comprehensive crisis management solutions, in collaboration with #NotYourDaughter, an advocacy organization focused on protecting children from predatory behavior. The collaboration will provide comprehensive training for Board of Directors, Club Directors, Administrators, Coaches, Managers, Parents and Players to better understand appropriate adult/youth relationships.
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AB May
Academy Sports and Outdoors
AC Print
Barley's Kitchen and Tap
BFAME KC Entertainment
Capelli Sport
Chick-fil-A
Commercial Capital
Dick's Sporting Goods
Drs. Hawks, Besler, Rogers & Stoppel
Discount Tire
Easton Roofing
Goodcents
Grimaldi's
Hasty Awards
HCA Midwest Health
Hy-Vee
Jersey Boyz Deli & Subs
Jimmy John's
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Kansas City Comets
K.C. Hopps
KC NWSL
Krusich Dental
Land of Paws
Levine Advertising
Menorah Medical Center
Molle Toyota
Momo Bands
Museum at Prairiefire
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
Overland Park Regional Medical Center
Papa John's
Pittcraft Printing
Raising Cane's
Rob Ellerman and
Reece Nichols Real Estate
Research Medical Center
Salty Iguana
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Security Bank
Slim Chickens
Soccer Master
Sporting Kansas City
Sporting Kansas City II
Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
State Farm-Harlan Parker
Taco Bell
The Merchant Fitness
The Rub Bar-B-Que
The Sheridan at Overland Park
Tohi
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
TW Sportswear + Print, Ship & Signs
Urban Air
Xfinity
Yokohama
Zaxby's
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Heartland Soccer Association is seeking action photo shots of kids of all ages and abilities playing soccer in Heartland League Games or Tournaments. Submitted photos may be included in Heartland Tournament, League and other promotional materials as well as social media posts.
Instructions for submitting photos:
All submitted photo files must be .jpg format, must be a minimum of 1,200 x 1,600 pixels, and no larger than 2 MB in size. Submitting a photo doesn't guarantee that it will be used.
By submitting a photo for consideration for use in Heartland Soccer Association promotional materials, you agree that:
1. You are the sole author of the photograph and control all rights for its use. The photograph is original. You have the rights to grant usage of the photograph as stated below. There has been no prior sale, publication or transfer of rights to the photograph. The photograph shall not contain any libelous or scandalous matter. To the best of your knowledge, the photograph's creation, publication and use shall not infringe any copyright, right of privacy or right of publicity, or infringe or violate any right of any third party.
2. You grant to Heartland Soccer Association all rights to use the photograph in any and all forms of media, including but not limited to electronic, digital media and print.
3. You allow Heartland Soccer Association the right to edit, revise, adapt and crop the photo as necessary.
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THE FIFA WORLD CUP IS COMING! #KC2026
Sign the petition and show the world that Kansas City deserves to be a host city for the WORLD CUP!!!
Sign the Petition
Donate
Volunteer
Kansas City - In The Heart of It All
#KC2026 #United2026
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