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Referee Availability for League & Tournaments
As our local soccer community grows, the need for new and experienced referes continues. Join America’s Largest Soccer League. More details on referee meeting schedules, training, and education can be found on the Referee Classes page. Games are available at SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex, Swope Soccer Village, Compass Mineral Sporting Youth Fields, and new GARMIN Olathe Soccer Complex.
Sign Up to Become a Referee.
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Heartland Soccer Association
Celebrates 45 Years of Soccer!
9161 W 133rd Street, Overland Park, KS 66213
Phone: 913-888-8768
Heartland Soccer Association is recognized as one of the
largest soccer leagues and tournament hosts in the country. We offer recreational to premier divisions,
ages U8 through U19.
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MYSA NEWS
Under MYSA's sanctioning agreement and guidelines, ALL Missouri based teams (all ages and divisions) registering for the Heartland Soccer Fall 2023 League season must be registered through MYSA.
Heartland Soccer is a qualifying league for Missouri State Cup.
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Heartland Soccer Fall League Registration Opens
May 29th
Registration closes Noon
on July 6th
No late registrations
will be accepted!
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Let Triffic Shirts & More provide all your custom apparel needs including Uniforms and Spirit Wear for your school, clubs, sports teams, family gatherings, and much more. We provide:
* Screen printing from 1 to 6 colors
* Custom art and design work
*Personalized names/numbers for your team spirit wear
*Embroidery
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This Month in History:
May
28 May 1928
The Birth Of The World Cup
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On 28 May 1928, the FIFA Congress in Amsterdam decided to organize and stage its own international football tournament, which came to be known as the World Cup.
FIFA had previously been involved in organizing Olympic football, starting with the 1920 Summer Olympics and continuing in 1924 and 1928. It was the success of those tournaments that prompted FIFA, under the leadership of President Jules Rimet, to stage its own competition starting in 1930.
To host the inaugural World Cup, FIFA looked to reigning two-time Olympic champions Uruguay, for whom 1930 was also the centennial anniversary of their independence from Brazil. Unfortunately, the choice of Uruguay as host country placed a significant travel burden on the European national sides, leading only four - Belgium, France, Romania, and Yugoslavia - to participate. They were joined by seven South American teams and two North American teams to make a total of thirteen participating nations.
The first two World Cup matches were held simultaneously on 13 July 1930 - France defeated Mexico 4-1 and the United States beat Belgium 3-0.
That first World Cup concluded with host Uruguay successfully defending its world champion status from the Olympics with a 4-2 victory over Argentina in the Final.
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Go behind the scenes at Children's Mercy Park! Learn about the history of Sporting KC and take a look at the Pitch, Press Box, Broadcast Booth, Locker Room & more!
For more information contact
or 913-912-7578.
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2022/2023
Tournament Team Numbers
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Border Battle '23 - 160
Midwest College Showcase '23 - 85
Heartland Spring Cup '23 - 138
KC Champions Cup '23 - 453
Mother's Day Classic '23 - 401
Kansas City Invitational '23 - 336
Heartland Open Cup '22 - 61
Fall Kick Off Challenge '22 - 252
Heartland Midwest Classic '22 - 171
Midwest All Boys '22- 209
Midwest All Girls '22 - 291
Heartland Invitational Girls '22 - 391
Heartland Invitational Boys '22 - 427
*In the last 12 months Heartland welcomed teams from a total of 17 states and Canada.
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Come ESCAPE with us!
Exercise your MIND
at one of KC’s most exciting
escape room adventures.
Lots of fun!
Soccer weekends sell out quickly
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Sporting KC will host and recognize Spring division winners during halftime at the May 31, June 17 and June 24 matches. Sporting has a limited number of teams they can host at each awards night, match dates are first come, first served. See flier above for times and opponent for each match.
Each division winner will be assigned and contacted by a Sporting Kansas City Representative to set up your group's outing. To participate in the halftime recognition you must purchase tickets by speaking directly with the ticket representative at Sporting KC. For more information on tickets contact Lindsey Kleeman at Lindsey.Kleeman@sportingkc.com or
call 913.387.3400 and choose option 1.
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SAVE THE DATE
KANSAS CITY INVITATIONAL
May 26 - 28, 2023
Registration Closed
Kansas City Invitational is the single largest soccer tournament in Kansas City and consistently sells out. This tournament offers four different levels of competition: Gold, Silver, Bronze and Recreational. Teams have traveled from 14 different states to play in the Kansas City Invitational. Appropriate seeding of teams ensures that everyone can compete against opponents of their own ability level.
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How can I prevent a sports injury?
The following are some basic steps to prevent a sports injury:
Develop a fitness plan that includes cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility. This will help decrease your chance of injury.
Alternate exercising different muscle groups and exercise every other day.
Cool down properly after exercise or sports. It should take 2 times as long as your warm-ups.
Stay hydrated. Drink water to prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
Stretching exercises can improve the ability of muscles to contract and perform, reducing the risk of injury. Each stretch should start slowly until you reach a point of muscle tension.
Stretching should not be painful. Aim to hold each stretch for up to 20 seconds.
Use the right equipment or gear and wear shoes that provide support and that may correct certain foot problems that can lead to injury.
Learn the right techniques to play your sport.
Rest when tired, Avoid exercise when you are tired or in pain.
Always take your time during strength training and go through the full range of motion with each repetition.
If you do sustain a sports injury, make sure you participate in adequate rehabilitation before resuming strenuous activity.
HCA Midwest Health is the official healthcare provider for Heartland Soccer Association and we work with parents and coaches to keep athletes safe and on the field of play year round, learn more about our services at www.hcamidwest.com
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ZIG ZAG POSSESSION
Set up
20 x 20yd pitch inside a bigger 30 x 30yd pitch as shown in the diagram.
Rules
Two teams of five players.
- Each team has three players in the central pitch and two “support” players on the outside.
- The support players can move around the outside zone to the left/right in order to receive a pass.
- The teams must try to keep possession by using the “support” players on the outside.
- When receiving a pass, the outside players have two options:
(1) Pass back into the area.
(2) Dribble into the area and change places with the player that has passed to them.
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2022-2023 Heartland Numbers
Spring league teams '23 1,300
Fall league teams '22- 1,322
League players - 42,000
Tournament teams - 3,011
Tournament players - 46,000+
Referees - 2,000+
Coaches - 4,000
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The Referee Corner: Law 9 – The Ball in and out of play …
During the Junior State Cup tournament, one team took a shot on goal. A defender stretched out his leg and kicked the ball out of the goal. It was a spectacular defensive play. The Assistant Referee, who was standing at the goal line raised his flag. When the Referee looked at this Assistant Referee, the Assistant Referee began to sprint up the line towards the top of the Penalty Area. The decision was a goal! What do the Laws of the Game say should have been the correct call? Let’s review Law 9.
Law 9 is a very short Law, so I will cite it completely below:
Ball out of play: The ball is out of play when:
- It has wholly passed over the goal line or touchline on the ground or in the air.
- Play has been stopped by the referee
- It touches a match official, remains on the field of play and:
- A team starts a promising attack or
- The ball goes directly into the goal or
- The team is possession of the ball changes
- In all of these cases, play is restarted with a dropped ball
Ball in play: The ball is in play at all other times when it touches a match official and when it rebounds off a goalpost, crossbar or corner flag post and remains on the field of play.
If we consider Law 9, the question that the Assistant Referee had to answer was did the whole of the ball cross over the whole of the line? If the answer is yes, and the ball went under the crossbar and between the goal posts, the Law says the ball is out of play and the correct restart would be a kickoff.
If the whole of the ball went over the whole of the touch line, then the ball is out of play and the restart would be a throw in, with possession going to the team who did not last touch the ball.
This month we have heard incidents that make reviewing Law 9 pertinent. In one incident the coach shared that after the Referee had blown his whistle, the other team took a shot, and the ball went into the goal. What would the correct decision be based on Law 9? Would it be a goal or not? Law 9 says the ball is out of play if the play has been stopped by the Referee. How does the Referee stop play? They blow the whistle. If the whistle had been blown by the Referee, then the goal could not be allowed according to Law 9.
Law 9 is very specific. It is binary. Either the ball is in play, or it is out of play. However, the determination of the whole of the ball over the whole of the line remains a judgement call by the officiating team. Respect their decisions and enjoy the beautiful game.
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The Referee Blog
The season continues. The wind in Kansas blows. The Referee pool grows. The job is not finished, but progress is being made …
Another month – and we are still looking for the good weather that makes for enjoyable soccer in Kansas. Two weekends ago KSYSA hosted the Junior State Cup tournament for the 11 and 12 year old age groups at the Compass Minerals Sporting complex. ECNL matches and Heartland league matches were also being played. We once again realized that we need more numbers of Referees and more experienced Referees. So, how did things work out for the soccer public?
In spite of the cold and windy conditions, the games were played. Once again the commitment by the fans and the players and the Referees were on display. Everyone did what they were supposed to do. There were winners and losers on the pitch. The fans bundled up and came back for more. And, the Referees officiated and learned how to be even more effective thanks to the mentors who gave their time to help us build up the pool of more knowledgeable and more effective officials. We are not where we want to be yet, but we are making progress.
Regional Referees served as Referee Mentors, watching the matches and helping the Referees to review their decisions. The focus was on what the Referees did well and how they can leverage these strengths to do even better the next time. If there were mistakes (we will admit it – there is no such thing as the “perfect” match) the mentors reviewed them with the Referees to help them understand what the Laws of the Game require and what acceptable options in decision making could be. As you can see from the pictures in this month’s article, the more experienced Referees are giving back by helping to develop the newer Referees. This is our focus on improving the quality of the officiating you see at your matches.
In the Junior State Cup tournament the stakes for the teams were high. They entered the tournament because they wanted to test their skills and emerge as the best in the State of Kansas. The same thing is happening at the Heartland League. As the season progresses, the teams in contention want to be able to bring home the trophy. It adds spice to the contests.
The team assigned to one of the matches at the Junior State Cup is pictured here. The Center Referee for this match is from Kansas and is one of our National Referees. Imagine what kind of opportunity this is for the young officials who were assigned as his Assistant Referees. This is an opportunity to learn. But, they can’t be awestruck working with the National Referee. They have to execute their roles. This is Referee development. The mentors, who also were assigned matches, kept their focus on delivering fair and safe matches and developing the new Referees for the future. This is building the Referee pool from the inside.
This last weekend I mentored at the Garmin Soccer Complex in Olathe. I am impressed and ecouraged by the new Referees beingcertified in Kansas. We just continue to need more of them! This is what I observed at the fields:
- A 14 year old girl was assigned as the Center of a U12 Division 1 boys match. She kept up with play, had a strong whistle and made some difficult calls. Her decisions were correct by the Laws of the Game. Her appearance was professional and she managed the Referee team. The coaches were appreciative of the efforts of the team and thanked her for her efforts at the end of the match. She is in her first year as a soccer Referee. A player helping others play the game they love by becoming a Referee.
- A 13 year old boy was assigned as the Center of a U12 Division 2 boys match. He has family members who also officiate and there is sibling rivalry to demonstrate who is the most effective Referee. His whistle was strong and his foul calls were appropriate for the match (and, yes they were in accordance with the Laws of the Game). He managed his young Assistant Referees. Once again, a competitive match was concluded with play being fair and safe. He is in his second year as a Referee. Again, he is a player and is helping others play the game they love by becoming a Referee.
- A 14 year old boy was assigned as the Center of a U15 Division 2 boys match. He was a bit nervous because he is just moving up from the small sided fields due to his good performance. He was smaller than the players, but he knows how to enforce the Laws of the Game. His best friend was one of his Assistant Referees. They both play soccer and watch matches on TV and study the Laws of the Game. They want to get better and measure their progress by their assignments. This match ended up with a 3-2 score. It was very competitive. After the match one of the coaches and his team complemented the Referee team on the job they did. Again, a player stretching himself to improve as a Referee helping others play the game they love.
I would love to be able to report that all of the matches this weekend went like the ones I have shared. That is not the case. We had some Referees who needed extra coaching to do the job more effectively. But they will be even more effective next week. It is a process.
We are working to build the Referee pool from the inside. What you can do is help us build the number of Referees by considering becoming certified. We will be posting new Referee Entry Level Clinics for the Fall season later this summer at the Kansas Referee web site . If you are a player and want to understand the game of soccer better, becoming a Referee can help you. If you are a parent and want to keep the games in Kansas being played in a fair and safe manner, you can help us. You get paid, get exercise and develop your life skills in the process.
Thank you for your help in building the Referee pool so we can all enjoy the game we love here in the State of Kansas.
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And, if you are interested in becoming a Referee, please check out the Entry Level Clinics that are posted on www.kansasreferee.org. There are many ways to create successful young adults in our game. You can build up players. You can support the coaches. You can congratulate Referees on their efforts. You can thank the assignors on site for their contributions. All of us can enjoy the opportunity that we have to enjoy the beautiful game in the Heartland Soccer Association. Remember, this foundation was not created by accident. A lot of committed people spent a lot of their time making this happen. Thank them.
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Monthly Referee Meetings
Are you wanting to improve as a referee? How about get less grief? What about being considered for higher level games and state cup? Attending monthly Kansas Referee Program meetings is a great step to help all of that happen! Don't miss opportunities to hone your craft, win some fun prizes, make new friends and elevate your game as an elite Kansas soccer referee! Referees of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to attend!
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2023 Referee Meeting Dates
May 15
Meetings will be hosted at the SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex Field House
meeting room, 13700 Switzer Rd, Overland Park KS 66213
A huge Thank you to Dave Rinker and Nautical Bowls for attending our April Referee meeting and providing yummy samples for everyone.
We can't wait for your Grand Opening of Nautical Bowls in Overland Park this summer!
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Q & A with Cale
When did you start reffing? August 1st, 2021.
What made you decide to get certified to referee? Playing in Heartland actually made me want to become a referee. I would look at the referees who were working my games, and I had a desire to be one of them once I got old enough. I wanted to see a completely new side of the game.
What is your favorite part about reffing? My favorite part about refereeing is serving the soccer community, and allowing games to be played safe, fun, and fair. Also, I enjoy setting an example to current players, who aspire to be a referee one day.
What is a life lesson you feel you have learned from reffing? A life lesson that I’ve learned is that you should be confident and knowledgeable when making decisions (refereeing, or anything in life).
What level of referee do you aspire to be? I aspire to be a national referee, and work my way up through the grade levels.
Do you play soccer? Yes, I play soccer, I’ve played for Sporting Missouri Valley, along with Sporting Lee’s Summit. I’ve played soccer since 2013. I began when I was 5 years old.
Do you participate in any sports/activities/clubs, etc? I play soccer in Lees Summit, and I am a cross country runner and track member for my school. I am also a band member at my school (trumpet player). I enjoy band and soccer most.
Do you have any hobbies? Yes, I have hobbies, they are refereeing, playing soccer, video games, and I enjoy playing the trumpet as well.
What was the last book you read? The last book I read was called Divergent, it was for a school assignment, and is about a world where society is divided into 5 factions. Each of the factions have completely different beliefs and values, however, the main character doesn’t quite fit into any of the categories, and she is struggling to find a place where she truly belongs. My favorite part of Divergent was the ending.
What types of movies do you like? I’m not a huge fan of movies, however I enjoy streaming shows, such as Ted Lasso, because of its blend of soccer scenes and comedy. I don’t necessarily have a favorite part of Ted Lasso, I think that it is a great show overall.
What is your favorite sports team? My favorite sports teams are Sporting Kansas City, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Kansas City Royals. If I had to pick one, I’d pick Sporting KC.
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AB May
Academy Sports and Outdoors
AC Print
Azura Credit Union
Barley's Kitchen and Tap
BRKTHROUGH
Burger Shed
Capelli Sport
Chick-Fil-A 7500 W 135th St
Chick-Fil-A 15919 W 87th St Pkwy
Chicken N Pickle
CH Roofing and Exteriors
City Thrift
Connelly Plumbing Solutions
Dick's Sporting Goods
Drs. Hawks, Besler, Rogers & Stoppel
Easton Roofing
Fearless & Capable
GameChanger
Goodcents
Grimaldi's
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Hasty Awards
Hawaiian Bros
HCA Midwest Health
Hy-Vee
KC Current
Kansas City Comets
K.C. Hopps
Krusich Dental
Lean Kitchen
Levine Advertising
McShane & Brady Law
Menorah Medical Center
Molle Automotive Group
Museum at Prairiefire
Nautical Bowls
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
Overland Park Regional Medical Center
Papa John's
PinStripes
Pittcraft Printing
Raising Cane's
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Rob Ellerman and
Reece Nichols Real Estate
Research Medical Center
Rock and Brews
Salty Iguana
Security Bank
Soccer Master
Sporting Kansas City
Sporting Kansas City II
Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
State Farm-Harlan Parker
The Merchant Fitness (Julah)
The Rub Bar-B-Que
Tick Tock Escape Rooms KC
T-Mobile
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
T-riffic Shirts & More
Urban Air
Xfinity
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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