|
Referee Availability for
League & Tournaments
As our local soccer community grows, the need for new and experienced referees continues. Join America’s Largest Soccer League. Additional information 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 Minerals Sporting Fields, and new GARMIN Olathe Soccer Complex.
Sign Up to Become a Referee.
| |
February is an exciting time for our association as teams are gearing up for a month full of anticipation and excitement. What we LOVE most about February is that it is a time when friendships form and teammates become like family. Remember, every moment on the field is a chance for growth and development, both as a team and as individuals. As we embark on a new season, remember to not only showcase your skills, but to show your passion, LOVE and dedication to this game we’re all so grateful for. So, lace up your cleats, take to the pitch, and show us the LOVE. |  |  |  |
- Soccer, or football as it's known in most countries, has ancient origins and can be traced back to various cultures playing similar ball games over 2,000 years ago.
- The longest soccer game ever recorded took place in 2016 in the United Kingdom. It lasted 42 hours and 5 minutes, raising funds for charity.
- In a bizarre turn of events, the record for the most own goals in a single soccer match is held by one player, Keith Compton, who scored six own goals in a match between Taunton Town and Lancaster City in 1967.
- During a lower league soccer match in England in 1997, the referee handed out four red cards in just two seconds after a brawl broke out among players.
|
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
|  | |
Soccer Inspired Valentine's Day
Activities:
Here are some fun activities to make this Valentine's Day an unforgettable celebration for your soccer loving kid:
- Valentine's Day Attire - at your next practice closest to heart day, coordinate valentines day attire amongst the team.
- Have kids decorate soccer balls with Valentine's Day stickers, markers, glitter, etc.
- Valentine's Day soccer-themed scavenger hunt: Hide soccer-related items around using Valentine's Day clues!
- Design Valentine's Day soccer jerseys: Let your kid decorate plain white t-shirts for v-day to wear to their next practice!
- Valentine's Day soccer card-making station: Set up a station where kids can make Valentine's Day cards for their teammates and coaches.
- Valentine’s Day soccer-themed snacks: bring heart-shaped snacks like sandwiches or cookies with soccer ball patterns for a post-practice treat.
Enjoy these activities and feel free to tag @heartlandsoccer in family photos!
| |
This Month in History:
February
|  | |
On 9 February 1979, Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough introduced the press to his newest signing, English striker Trevor Francis--the first player in England to break the £1 million barrier. Clough added to the spectacle by showing up at the press conference in a bright red leather jacket with his squash racket in hand.
When Clough signed Francis from Birmingham City, he was careful to set the transfer fee at £999,999 in order to prevent the "million pound" mark from going to the striker's head. But taxes pushed the total fee over £1.1 million, more than doubling the previous record of £495,000, paid by Manchester United to Middlesbrough for defender Gordon McQueen in February 1978.
With Francis in the side, Forest lost only one league match for the remainder of the season, finishing second in the Division One table, and won the League Cup. The crown jewel in their season, however, was their 1-0 win over Swedish side Malmö in the 1979 European Cup Final, with Francis heading in the winning goal.
That proved to be the highlight of Francis' career. Injuries hampered his time at Forest, preventing him from playing in their win in the 1980 European Cup Final, and he moved to Manchester City in 1981 for £1.2 million.
This article was taken from https://tdifh.blogspot.com/2010/02/9-february-1979-meet-million-pound-man.html
|  |  |  |
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.
| |
2023 -2024
Tournament Team Numbers
| |
Border Battle '24 - 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 '23 - 61
Fall Kick Off Challenge '23 - 215
Heartland Midwest Classic '23 - 140
Midwest All Boys '23- 253
Midwest All Girls '23 - 320
Heartland Invitational Girls '23 - 432
Heartland Invitational Boys '23 - 450
*In the last 12 months Heartland welcomed teams from a total of 17 states and Canada.
| |
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
| |
2023-2024
Heartland Numbers
Spring league teams '24 1,386
Fall league teams '23- 1,400
League players - 42,000
Tournament teams - 3,011
Tournament players - 46,000+
Referees - 2,000+
Coaches - 4,000
| |
MYSA NEWS
Under MYSA's sanctioning agreement and guidelines, ALL Missouri based teams (all ages and divisions) registering for the Heartland Soccer Spring 2024 League season must be registered through MYSA.
Heartland Soccer is a qualifying league for Missouri State Cup.
| |  |
|
We have moved Office locations......
Heartland Soccer Association is now located at The Aspiria Complex
(previously Sprint Campus)
6450 Spring Parkway, Suite A, Overland Park, KS 66211
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.
| |
Congratulations to all of the 2023 Heartland Soccer and Referee Award Recipients!
⭐️ Click see a full list of 2023
Award Recipients ⭐️
| The Midwest Mother’s Day Classic consistently attracts over 425+ teams including competition from 7 states every year. The Midwest Mother’s Day Classic offers up to six levels of play ensuring that every team finds itself matched against similar competition. In addition to providing excellent competition, this tournament is formatted to be particularly family friendly. |  |  | |
Teaching the Importance of Saving
A savings account is the most basic account, where you can deposit and withdraw money at any time. You can also earn interest- gains or earnings based on a percentage- on the money within your account. This means that your money is constantly growing. What you earn depends on the interest rate that the financial institution establishes. That rate varies based on the account type and competition from other financial institution offering similar accounts.
When talking to kids about saving accounts, it’s important for them to understand that saving is the secret to getting what they want. In order to do that, they need to understand the difference between saving with a purpose and saving for a rainy day. When it comes to the actual act of saving, teach that creating (and sticking to) goals is key. They may choose to save a regular percentage of their income or a certain amount each month.
Saving Activities
Create a Savings Goal: Help your child set a saving goal. Children's goals vary a ton based on their age, but might include toys, sports equipment, electronic devices, special clothes, or other big-ticket items. Let them discover for themselves that not all goals are worth the time and effort it takes to reach them. Once they’ve set a goal, create a clear way for them to track their progress. The more visible, the better. For example, a jar in the living room or a paper chain that you cut pieces off of for each milestone. This will remind them of their goal and give you both the chance to celebrate progress.
Open a Savings Account: Take a trip to your financial institution and help your child open their first savings account. You can even ask an expert at the financial institution to explain how interest works and why it’s wise to store your money in an account. Encourage your child to ask other questions about how financial institutions work. You may even choose to contribute a little to help get their fund started. But remember, the child needs to learn how important it is to regularly add money to the account. Interest won’t be enough on its own to reach their goals.
You can find more tips, tools and valuable banking options at Azura Credit Union. Visit us in person at one of our convenient locations or online at AzuraCU.com.
Source: Banzai Coach for kids
Azura Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.
|  | 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. | "Heartland offers a well run tournament at one of the best soccer complexes in the US. We will definitely be coming back." | "Sets the standard for youth soccer. Best, not just in the Midwest, BEST in the country. I've been a part of Heartland since I got serious about soccer, 17 years ago! HSA, keep going strong!" | "So glad we have this in our community, thanks for all you do!" | |
Goal Setting (no pun intended)
As we kick off the spring season, let's talk about goal setting. This is a great time to encourage kids (whether it’s your child or player) to set individual goals for the spring. Allow the player to open up and share their dreams, and help them brainstorm strategies to achieve those dreams. Setting specific goals is a great way to provide a child with a sense of purpose and direction. Having set specific goals, also helps a player see their strengths and progress as the season goes on. Keep in mind, that not all goals have to be revolved around soccer itself… it could simply be ‘meeting someone new’ or ‘taking on a leadership role’. Have some fun during the goal-setting process and help these players excel in 2024!
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |
Passing Diamond
Exercise Rules
5 Cones placed per diagram in a diamond shape. Distances between cones can vary depending on ability of players.
Exercise starts at the North & South end of Diamond with a pass made into central player(s)
Ball is received by central player and passed out to wide player.
Wide player can dribble (or pass) to starting cone at opposite end from where the ball originally started.
Progressions:
1. Middle player performs Give & Go with Wide Player
2. Middle player performs Give & Go with Starting Player (who then plays to Wide Player)
Coaching Points:
1. Middle Player to Check Away before Checking Back To Receive Ball
2. Middle Player to Receive with Inside of Back Foot and Pass Out Wide with Opposite Foot
3. Wide Player to Check Off Cone to Create Space In Front to Run Onto Pass.
| | |
|
Referee Corner: Law 12… Fouls and Misconduct … Careless, Reckless or Serious Foul Play ….
Soccer is a contact sport. Some contact is allowed. Other contact results in a foul being called. Law 12 deals with Fouls and Misconduct. Understanding Law 12 will create a more mutual understanding of what will result in the Referee blowing their whistle and/or issuing a card.
Direct Free Kick fouls include contact. There are 13 of these named in the Law:
|  | |
The Law also describes sanctions based on the way the foul is committed:
-
Careless is when a player shows a lack of attention or consideration when making a challenge or acts without precaution. No disciplinary sanction is needed
-
Reckless is when a player acts with disregard to the danger to, or consequences for, an opponent and must be cautioned
-
Using excessive force is when a player exceeds the necessary use of force and/or endangers the safety of an opponent and must be sent off
If, in the opinion of the Referee, there was contact that meets the fouls listed in Law 12 a foul should be called. How many times do we hear the sidelines say that the contact was accidental or that the player didn’t mean to foul? Depending on your point of view (was it your team commiting the foul or your team getting fouled) the Referee is put into what we call DIYD/DIYD position (darned if you do call the foul and darned if you don’t call the foul). We hear this from the sidelines when part of the fans say, “Come on Ref, let them play!” and the other fans say “Ref, you are losing control of the game!”.
There are times when the players know they committed a foul. There are other times where the player didn’t mean to foul, but their actions created the contact that resulted in the Refereee calling the foul. This is why some players protest the Referee’s decision.
Referees have to make decisions on the foul and on the way the foul was committed (Careless, Reckless, or using excessive force). The decisions on how a foul was committted are reinforced with the issuing of a yellow or a red card. Another opportunity for players and fans to challenge the decision of the Referee.
When you are watching a match, look for contact. Ask youself was it done in a fair manner or does it look like a foul? If it looks like a foul with contact, then is it a Direct Free Kick foul which means it was one of the 13 listed above. Once you have made that decision, you need to determine how the foul was commited (carless, reckeless, excessive force). All of these fouls are restarted with a kick from the location of the foul (unless it was committed by a defender in their own penalty area, in which case we have a Penalty Kick). The wall should be 10 yards from the ball and the ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.
You are making decisions like a Referee. If you want to become a Referee you can start by going to the Kansas Referee website and signing up for an Entry Level Clinic. We look forward to seeing you at the Heartland complexes in the Spring.
| |
The Referee Blog
The Dedication of Fans and the Moments of Soccer – On the field and the sidelines.
The Kansas City Chiefs hosted the Miami Dolphins in the “coldest ever” game in Kansas City. However, the fans came out in large numbers to cheer for their team despite the weather. As I write this article, the streets in Johnson County are covered in ice. We just finished a stretch of below zero record’ setting winter. And we are getting ready for another Spring season of soccer at Heartland. Optimism and dedication are alive and well at Heartland Soccer Association.
We are looking forward to the warmer weather and the opportunity to cheer our players on to doing their best. We are remembering that the reason for the games is the kids. Yes, there is a pleasure in cheering and winning, but the primary focus is on developing soccer skills and life skills for the players. This is why we freeze and sweat and cheer throughout the season.
Soccer is a beautiful and simple game. When you have the ball, the goal is to score. When you don’t have the ball, the goal is to defend and get the ball back. Physics is at work as well as effort, tactics, strategy, and encouragement.
-
The first law of physics says that a body in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted on by a force. An attacker is making a run-on goal. What would stop the attacker from successfully completing this run? The force that would act to stop the attackers are the defenders.
-
The second law of physics states that a body's rate of change of momentum is proportional to the force causing it. So, the defender wants to get the ball back from the attacker and change the focus from defending to attacking. Soccer is a contact sport. However, challenges by the defenders must be fair and safe according to the Laws of the Game. The Referee is charged with keeping the contact within the Laws of the Game.
-
The third law of physics states that for each and every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. If the attacker loses the ball, they will immediately go on defense and try and win the ball back. This could result in a foul when attempting to get the ball back or in retaliation toward the attacker who lost the ball. Again, the Referees are charged with keeping the contacts within the Laws of the Game.
We now have a vision of what is happening on the field of play (inside the lines). The players are executing the moments of soccer, and the Laws of Physics apply to motion, momentum, and actions/reactions. The Referees are making judgements based on their experience as players and their knowledge of the Laws of the Game based on their certification/recertification efforts. The coaches are observing skills, tactics, strategies, and player character.
The actions are not restricted to inside the lines. You, the fans, are also engaged in each and every play. When there is contact, often the sidelines also share their opinions so that the players and the Referees know what they think the correct decision should be. Most of the reactions from the sidelines to the players are words of encouragement (“good effort,” “win the ball back,” “work harder”). Some of the reactions directed to the Referees are not so positive. The Laws of Physics are at work again. The Referees are being acted on by an outside force – your comments.
In Entry Level Referee clinics, we ask our Referee candidates to share what they think will be their biggest challenge as a Referee. The number one answers are missing a call or getting yelled at by parents. This is a reason why the Assistant Referees prefer being assigned to the coaches/players side of the field instead of on the parent’s side.
Your less than positive comments get into the Referee’s mind. The louder you complain the more potential for problems. The Referee is now thinking should I blow the whistle or not? What will result in the least amount of noise from the sidelines? Our mentoring advice is for them to call the foul when they see the foul.
Which leads to the law about the equal and opposite reaction. Let’s say you are standing at the midline during a game. It is interesting to try and understand the game from this vantage point. The Referee blows the whistle. One set of fans thinks it was a good tackle. The other set of fans believes it was a foul and there needs to be a card given. The more competitive the match, the more differences between the two sidelines. It is the same game and the same play, but very different when we are emotionally involved.
Someone once told me that the best way to surprise a Referee is to yell “GOOD CALL!”. If they are working hard and earning the respect of the players, please give them your respect in return. This Spring let each of us commit to play/coach/cheer/referee our hardest and best and make the soccer community the best it can be. Let’s focus on the beautiful game of Soccer and the development of the players into becoming the best adults they can be.
If you are interested in knowing more about the Laws of the Game and want to be involved as a decision maker on the field, please join us and become a certified Referee. Information on clinics can be found at the Kansas Referee website.
| | |
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!
| |
|
2024 Referee Meeting Dates
February 12th — Navigating Coaches & Spectators
- 5:00-6:30pm — Intermediate via Zoom
- 7:00-8:30pm — Entry Level In-Person
March 4th — Handball
- 5:00-6:30pm — Entry Level via Zoom
- 7:00-8:30pm — Intermediate In-Person
April 8th — Offside
- 5:00-6:30pm — Intermediate via Zoom
- 7:00-8:30pm — Entry Level In-Person
May 13th — Fouls & Misconduct
- 5:00-6:30pm — Entry Level via Zoom
- 7:00-8:30pm — Intermediate In-Person
All In-person meetings will be hosted at the SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex
Field House meeting room, 13700 Switzer Rd, Overland Park KS 66213
Information will be sent out via email to referees for the “Zoom” meetings.
| |
|
If you are interested in becoming a Referee, please check out the Entry Level Clinics are posted at 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.
| |
|
Q & A with Caleb
When did you start reffing? I began reffing in fall of 2019 working rec games. In fall of 2020, I began working Heartland games.
What made you decide to get certified to referee? My love for soccer. It gave me another excuse to get on the soccer field. As a player, I often did not agree with the referee in my own games so I started reffing because I wanted to know the rules and be a better refferee. It was also a great first job.
What is your favorite part about reffing? There are many reasons I enjoy reffing. First, my knowledge of the game has greatly improved. Through reffing, I see the game from a different perspective. This has helped me learn and see the game of soccer better as a player and referee. I also love refereeing because my work translates into more opportunities and higher level games and this drives me everytime I step on the pitch. Last but not least, I enjoy the relationships I get to make with referees, assignors, mentors, and field marshals of a like mind as I work alongside them, share meals with them, and learn with them.
What is a life lesson you feel you have learned from reffing? Confidence and comunication. I am learning to make quick, decisive decisions under pressure and then communicating those decisions clearly to those on and off the field.
Do you referee Futsal? When did you start reffing futsal? Yes, I started reffing futsal in Nov. 2020. My favorite part is the speed of the game.
What level of referee to you aspire to be? I aspire to continue to learn and move to the highest level I can achieve depending on where life takes me.
Do you play soccer? My club team is Union FC and my HS team is Christ Prep.
I have played for 14 years.
Do you participate another activities? Besides soccer, I have played the violin for 10 years. I play in the Kansas City Youth Symphony’s Symphony Orchestra, Olathe Youth Symphony, and my church’s worship team. I play the violin because I love music and playing in the orchestras allows me to make music with others. I am a part of Reach Church DeSoto’s youth group.
Do you have another job in addition to reffing? I teach violin lessons. I love to share my love of the violin with others who are younger than me so I can give them the same opportunities I have had and enjoy.
Do you have any hobbies? I enjoy flyfishing and tying my own flies. I also love hiking. Some of my favorite times are when I can combine my love of hiking and flyfishing in the mountains.
What was the last book you read? The last book I read was At Dawn We Slept: The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor by Gordon Prange. It was a historical study and examination of the events of December 7, 1941. My favorite part of the book was the many letters and interviews that Gordon Prange included in his book.
What types of movies do you like? I enjoy movies based on true stories whether historical or sports.
What's your favorite sports team? Sporting KC and the Chiefs.
| | |
 |  |
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.
| | | | | |
