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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.
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As we approach the second half of the season, we are so grateful for the first few months of the year! As the season continues on, be sure to celebrate the sport. What does that mean? It means appreciate the talent, teamwork and community amongst your teammates and fellow Heartland Soccer members. And as we gear up for the final tournaments of the season, remember to take a step back and take in all the special moments and beauty of the game. Embrace the final months and last tournaments with joy as we witness history in the making. Best of luck! |  |  |  | |
Many legendary soccer players celebrate their birthdays in March. For instance, Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players of all time, was born on March 24th, while Zinedine Zidane, celebrates his birthday on March 23rd.
Other March birthdays:
Kaka: the Brazilian attacking midfielder, was born on March 22, 1982.
Gareth Bale: was born on March 16, 1989.
Andrea Pirlo: Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo celebrates his birthday on March 19.
Alexandre Pato: Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato was born on March 2, 1989
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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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As March marks the final stages of the season and the culmination of various tournaments, we thought we would bring you a few tourney packing tips:
- Make a checklist. This helps minimize the chance of forgetting something.
- Stay Hydrated and Energized: Pack plenty of water and healthy snacks to keep your kiddo hydrated and energized throughout the tournament.
- Prepare for All Weather Conditions. Hey, it is Kanas City after all, Be prepared for whatever the midwest weather brings!
- Bring Comfort Items: Make sure to pack comfort items (favorite blanket, stuffed animal, etc) that will help your child relax and unwind between matches.
- Stay Organized: Packing cubes are totally worth the hype!
Most importantly, enjoy the experience!
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This Month in History:
March
30 March 1946
The Marathon Match
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On 30 March 1946, Stockport County and Doncaster Rovers met in a Division Three North Cup replay at Stockport's Edgeley Park. The match lasted 3 hours and 23 minutes, setting a world record in the process.
The teams had earlier played to a 2-2 draw at Doncaster, requiring the replay. The hosts struck first with a 5th minute penalty kick from Ken Shaw, but Rovers fought back to take a 2-1 lead into the break. In the second half, Shaw was again the hero for Stockport, scoring the equalizer in the 72d minute. After 90 minutes, the teams were tied at 2-2 and neither side was able to score in 30 minutes of extra time.
Under the rules at the time, the match then went into a golden goal period, so that the first team to score would win the match. But neither team was able to find the back of the net. The match went on for so long that several spectators went home for tea, then returned to find the match still going. Stockport thought they had the winner when Les Crocker put the ball in the goal in the 173rd minute, but the referee called a foul and disallowed the goal. Reportedly, even a few Doncaster players were upset at the call, which meant they had to play on.
Eventually, the match was called off close to 7:00 pm because it was too dark to play (Edgeley Park would not get floodlights for another ten years). The players were so tired that many of them dropped to the pitch at the whistle and removed their shoes instantly. The match lasted 203 minutes, which remains a world record.
When the teams met again in a second replay the following week, they played from the beginning instead of picking up where the previous replay had left off. That time, Doncaster left no room for another marathon match, rolling to a 4-0 win in regulation.
This article was taken from https://tdifh.blogspot.com/2010/03/30-march-1946-marathon-match.html
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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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2023 -2024
Tournament Team Numbers
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Border Battle '24 - 160
Midwest College Showcase '24 - 85
Heartland Spring Cup '24 - 148
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.
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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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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
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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 Spring 2024 League season must be registered through MYSA.
Heartland Soccer is a qualifying league for Missouri State Cup.
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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.
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Dear All,
Please know that if you are utilizing guest players for Heartland league, you must submit the physical guest player forms to the referee when checking in.
The guest player card must be present and they have to be added to the line-up card.
Here are the rules…..
3.4 GUEST, MULTIPLE ROSTER PLAYERS & CLUB PASSES A maximum of three guest players are allowed per team per game, except for U15 Divisions. Those divisions will have a 5-guest player limit during their gender specific high school seasons. Boys will have a 5-player limit in the Fall only and girls in the Spring only. Teams may not exceed the maximum number of players allowed on the game day roster by adding guest players. Players may only play for one team within a subdivision, i.e., they may not dual roster or guest play with another team in the same sub division. Players may guest play or dual roster “up”, but not “down” within their age group. For example, a U14 Division 2 primary rostered player may guest play with a Division 1 team, but not with a Division 3 team. That player may NOT play in any division lower than Division 2 in his/her own age group. A player primary rostered to a team that is older than his/her actual age group may guest or dual roster with a team playing in highest division of his/her actual age group. For example, an actual U14 player who is primary rostered to a U15 team may play as a guest or dual roster player with a U14 Division 1 team. Once a player has played a game for their primary roster team, they are not permitted to change their primary status and play for a lower division team within the league for that season. They are also not permitted to play for a second team within that division during that season.
Players can only double roster or guest play up to 2 divisions within an age group. E.G. A U10 D4 primary rostered player, can only guest play or be secondary rostered to a U10 D2 team and no higher. Players can guest play or be secondary rostered up to the next age group without limitations. All guest player forms must be taken to the game and submitted to the referee. Failure to do so will result in the player being excluded from the game and possibly a forfeit.
Thanks,
Heartland Staff
|  | The Midwest Mother’s Day Classic consistently attracts over 400+ 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 Financial Literacy
Teaching financial literacy within your family doesn't have to have a formal structure or lesson plan. Hands on experience is often the best curriculum. You can give your children that by involving them in what you're doing, spending and saving in a way that makes sense for their age.
For example, a trip to the grocery store is a great time for a child of any age to get some practice.
- Pre-K and Early Elementary School: Explain that everything you are buying costs money. When you go to check out, let them swipe the card or hand the money over to the cashier and explain the transaction.
- Elementary School: Give the child some money to be in charge of while shopping— maybe $2-$5. Explain to them that they can spend that money however they want while showing them tradeoffs—like getting multiple inexpensive things means you can't get one expensive item or vice versa.
- High School Kids: Let your teen take control of the groceries for one trip. Give them a budget and a list of things that you need. From there, let them manage the money for that trip and the best way to divide it up. For an extra challenge, you may include that you need “snacks for lunches,” but let them decide what exactly that means. If they buy too much or something too expensive, they won’t have enough left over for the other essentials on the list.
The key with each of these examples is getting your kids used to thinking about a budget and considering how much things cost when making decisions.
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. |  |  |  | |
Quick Tips for Online
Interactions & Activities
Here are a few quick tips to share with your teen about online behavior and how to protect themselves against cyber threats. Limiting the amount of personal information that you shared online is a great way to reduce the threat of a hack. This includes:
- credit card and bank account numbers
- social security and driver’s license numbers
- contact information, like addresses, phone numbers and email address
- other identifiers, including family, pet names, schools and things pertaining to their personal life
It is also smart to think twice before posting social media with personal thoughts and details about their life. Hackers can use these details to guess passwords or concoct impersonation schemes.
Online interactions are not just at risk for identity theft or other security concerns. They can also affect relationships or career opportunities.
It’s good to remind your teen that they cannot control how their opinions are received, perceived, or shared, and it’s almost impossible to remove something entirely once it’s posted online. Current and potential employers may monitor social media or use it as a way to research a potential candidate. The more information that is out there, the more likely it can be used against them.
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 Are you Cyber Safe? For Teens
Azura Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.
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4v4 +2 RONDO CONTROLLING POSSESSION
FUNCTION
• This is a possession practice that takes place on a pitch measuring 20m x 20m. The pitch is split into four equal zones, as shown in the diagram.
• There are two teams of four players, who should be spread out across the four zones as shown, and two neutral players (N), who play with whichever team has the ball. The pitch markings are there to act as a visual aid for players supporting the ball, resulting in them being able to control possession.
• Players are restricted to three touches in possession. This allows them to create new angles with their first touch, if players are in their way. It also encourages them to work hard on their body shape to receive.
• Whichever team is in possession can score by making 15 consecutive passes. This number of passes in such a tight area is a real challenge; it will be difficult for the players to score points in this manner.
• Teams can also score a point by playing a wall pass around a defender, as shown in the diagram. • If the out-of-possession team wins the ball, they become the possession team and should now try to keep the ball for the required 15 passes.
• If both teams are consistently struggling for success, the coach can consider dropping the required number of passes to earn a point.
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Heartland Soccer is Looking
For Part Time /Seasonal Tournament Event Staff!
(We host 14 events annually)
Be part of the nation's largest league and tournament host team! Work at the Most Incredible Soccer locations in Kansas (SCHEELS Overland Park & GARMIN Soccer Complexes)
Heartland Soccer Association is looking for reliable, hardworking tournament staff.
Are you comfortable working with a team and on your own, interacting with Parents, Coaches, and members of the public? Then this is for you. Check out the options below.
All positions must have a valid driver's license and own transportation.
Set up and take down positions:
Great for college students or over 18+. Must be available Friday mornings (8am-11:30am) and Sunday evenings (approx. 5:30pm-10pm – time will vary based on event). This is a physically demanding position that requires heavy lifting, physical maneuvering, and mental awareness.
Score keeping positions:
Must be 16+. Shifts (Friday 5-11:15pm, Saturday 8am-1:30pm and/or 12-11:15pm, Sunday 8am-1:30pm and/or 12-11:15pm - multiple positions) using in house software (will be trained). Need to be on time, reliable and accurate.
Team Awards:
Must be 16+. Prepare medals for distribution Saturday 11am-3pm. Distribute medals according to accurate count of team Sunday 10am-9:30pm
If interested, Please email Belinda@heartlandsoccer.net using the header TOURNAMENT STAFF APPLICATION and state which positions you are interested in.
Our calendar of events: Heartland Calendar | Heartland Soccer Association
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Referee Corner: Law 4…
The Player’s Equipment ….
As a new season starts, let us look at Law 4, a law that often creates controversy but should not. Specifically, let us look at the concept of safety as outlined in the Law.
“1. Safety
A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous.
All items of jewelry (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewelry is not permitted.
The players must be inspected before the start of the match and substitutes before they enter the field of play. If a player is earing or using unauthorized/dangerous equipment or jewelry, the Referee must order the player to:
- Remove the item
- Leave the field of play at the next stoppage if the palyer is unable or unwilling to comply.
A player who refuses to comply or wears the item again must be cautioned.
A player whose footwear or shinguard is lost accidentally must replace it as soon as possible and no later than when the ball next goes out of play; if before doing so the player plays the ball and/or scores a goal, the goal is awarded.”
Other allowed equipment includes head covers and electronic performance and tracking systems.
“6. Offenses and sanctions
For any offense, play need not be stopped and the player:
- Is instructed by the Referee to leave the field of play to correct the equipment
- Leaves when play stops, unless the equipment has already been corrected
A player who leaves the field of play to correct or change equipment must:
- Have the equipment checked by a match official before being allowed to re-enter
- Only re-enter with the Referee’s permission (which may be given during play)
A player who enters without permission must be cautioned, and if play is stopped to issue the cuation, and indirect free kick is awarded freom the position of the ball when play was stopped, unless there was interference, in which case a direct free kick (or penalty kick) is warded from the position of the interference.”
Your player just got their ears pierced and wants to play. They tape over the pierced ears and feel this is sufficient protection. Is this OK? The Laws of the Game say NO and this is what you will hear from the Field Marshals and the Referee. If they want to play, make sure they are in compliance with the Laws.
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 this Spring.
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The Referee Blog
Why do the fans want to blame the officials when their team loses? What is it like for officials at the highest levels?
Super Bowl LVIII was the most watched sporting event in the US, and those of us who watched the game experienced nervousness and excitement as the game ebbed and flowed. In the beginning it looked like it was going to be an exceptionally long night for the Chief fans. In the end in overtime the Chiefs executed the game winning play on the touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman. Both teams played hard, and both teams deserved to get a result. But there is only one winner at the Super Bowl. For us in Kansas City it was the Chiefs. It was time to get our celebrations under way. For others it was time to begin the blame game.
How many penalties which could have been called were missed? Was there an interior linesman beyond the allowable distance from the line of scrimmage when Patrick made the pass? Were there offensive holdings that took place throughout the game that were not called? Did the San Francisco coach make a mistake when they won the coin toss in overtime and elected to receive the ball? So many second guessers are willing to blame the result on the officials instead of celebrating the efforts of the players. This is the way it is today in professional sports.
Heartland Soccer is not American football and is not at the professional level. However, many times the fans act like it is. They do not wait until the match is over to post on social media. They immediately share their opinions of Referee and Assistant Referee decisions at the field. As we get ready for the Spring season, we should ask ourselves how this affects your officials and the matches they work.
On February 10th Heartland held its Annual Gala Awards in cooperation with the Kansas State Youth Soccer Association. Heartland recognized coaches, administrators, and Referees across multiple performance categories. The Heartland Referee Awards included Assistant Referee Outstanding Performer, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Referee, and the Iron Man Awards (for those who worked more than 140 matches in 2023). Many of these Referees are young and are just getting started in their careers of providing SAFE and FAIR soccer at Heartland.
The KSYSA awards also included administrators, coaches, players, and Referees. On the Referee side awards were given to the Young Female and Male Referees of the year (Dilyn Davies and Carson Flake). These officials have been working on their skills for several years. They were the Outstanding Performers of yesterday and are now graduating from High School and are off to college.
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The final awards of the evening were the Inductees into the Kansas Soccer Hall of Fame. This is Outstanding Achievement at the highest level for the game of soccer in Kansas. Dave Morrow was recognized for his many years of service as an administrator and a coach. Ernesto Rodriguez was recognized for his efforts in getting soccer off the ground in Kansas. Matt Besler, a professional player, and former member of the US Men’s National team who played in the World Cup thanked Kansas for giving him the opportunities that started his career in soccer. And Jon Freemon was recognized for his appointment to the FIFA Panel of Referees for 2024. Outstanding Achievements at every level for the good of the game of soccer in Kansas.
Jon joins Kyle Atkins who was inducted into the Kansas Soccer Hall of Fame in 2022 for his being appointed to the FIFA Panel and being assigned to work the 2022 World Cup. Kansas has 2 Referees who have made it to the highest levels in the Referee world. This is a testament to their efforts, but also reflects on the state of soccer in Kansas. We have multiple National Champion teams, multiple coaches of the year and players who have made it to the top. We have soccer that creates winners at the highest levels.
It is interesting to speculate on who will be the next Referee who started their career at Heartland to make it to the top echelons. The more important question is what can we do to help them get there?
Kyle and Jon both started their officiating careers as 13-year-olds at Heartland. They were sometimes jeered for some of their calls but persevered to advance. In a recent interview Kyle talked about the impact of VAR on an Assistant Referee. He makes a decision and then must wait for confirmation from the VAR. He described it as the longest 30 seconds ever. When the VAR confirms his decision as correct, he has a high. When they overrule his decision, it is hard. In both cases success requires that he focuses on the next decision, not dwell on the last decision (memory of a goldfish). Jon says the same because he also must deal with the VAR. They are adults with a ton of experience. They know they get more calls right than wrong, but they also know they do not get every call right. Think about the young people officiating your team’s matches. What can you do to help them reflect on their decisions and use self-evaluation to improve? We will have Mentors at the field to collaborate with these young Referees. We want them to think about their decisions, not to think about the noise from the sidelines. I am sure this is what you want also. You know what to do. Thank you in advance for doing the right thing.
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. Enjoy soccer at Heartland and let’s see who will be next on the road to the top.
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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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2024 Referee Meeting Dates
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.
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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.
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Q & A with Kanyon
When did you start reffing? 2021
What made you decide to get certified to referee? I like working outdoors and had friends that were referees and like the work.
What is your favorite part about reffing? It's a great job and it's very challenging and every game is different as well as I have strong connections with the field marshalls.
What is a life lesson you feel you have learned from reffing? It has taught me to make calls quickly and helps to deal with being under pressure.
What level of referee to you aspire to be? Regional
Do you participate another activities? I play club laccrosse for Olathe. I enjoy being with my teammates and working to get better everyday.
Do you have any hobbies? I like to workout and go to they gym in my free time.
What was the last book you read? Outliers. Malcolm Gladwell examines the factors that contribute to high levels of success.
What types of movies do you like? Action. Shawshank Redemption is the last movie I've seen. When Andy escapes the prison is my favorite part.
What's your favorite sports team? The Chiefs.
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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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