Fair Haven Soccer	Fair Haven Weather Forecast, NJ (07704)
	Soccer Home

Welcome to the home site of Fair Haven Rec Soccer.
On this and other pages, you can find out more about the program, who you can contact for additional information, and you'll be able to register eligible children to play. During the season, you can also refer here for information on field locations and team schedules. The links above will help you to navigate other portions of the site. However, most of the information regarding the program is contained on this page. Shortcuts to what's available on this page:

We invite you to become involved!
This program works through parent participation, and it is very successful. As you will see below, there are a variety of ways in which you can help, even if you know little to nothing about the game (we'll help teach you). Those who have become involved have found it rewarding, and it is a blast to be out there on the fields in the fall with the youngsters.

About the Program

Tells a little bit about what's offered at each of the grade levels.

About Registration and Fees

Info on when and how to register, and associated fees.

Equipment

Guidance on what equipment needs to be supplied by you for each participating child.

Become a Referee

How teens and adults can and do make a real difference in this program, and earn some good money to boot.

Other Resources

Links to other useful sites

Field Directions and Locations

Directions to Fair Haven and other town fields

Codes of Conduct

Coach, Parent and Player Codes of Conduct

Coaches Play Too!

Even adults play. Come join us.

Additional Contacts

If you need more information, or wish to contact someone in the program.

If you have suggestions for improvements to this web site, please send your comments to Fair Haven Rec Soccer.

About the Program

At the Kindergarten through second grade levels, the program is geared around games which familiarize the early player with basic ball handling skills. The emphasis is on fun - the child learns the basics while having a good time. All practices are held Saturdays from morning through early afternoon, an hour per session for Kindergarten, 75 minutes for first graders, and 90 minutes for second graders. At these levels, boys and girls play at pretty much the same level, so they practice together. Practices the first three weeks of the season are conducted by trained professional coaches, which is good both for the kids as well as coaches new to Fair Haven's soccer program.

Grades 3 through 8 compete with teams from other towns. Teams are grouped by gender and grade level (3-4, 5-6, 7-8). At the 3-4 level, each team fields 8 players at a time, the older grades field the standard 11. There is typically one practice during the week, and games are played on Saturdays. Towards the end of the season, one Saturday is reserved for Tournament Day, where the teams will compete against each other for prizes, and is a lot of fun for everyone.

A note to parents: Fair Haven Soccer makes every effort to balance the teams at all grade levels so that all teams have an equal opportunity for success. Most important in the program is that the children enjoy themselves and learn something about the game and sportmanship in the process. If you desire a more competitive experience for your child, there is also Monmouth Ocean Soccer Association (MOSA).

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About Registration and Fees

Registration takes place in May. You can download the form Fair Haven Rec Soccer 2008 Registration Form and print it, and either bring it to registration sign-up (dates and times below) or mail it in to the address below with a check payable to Fair Haven Soccer:

Fair Haven Soccer
PO Box 6454
Fair Haven, NJ  07704

Please register on time - it makes it easier for everyone. Fair Haven Rec Soccer needs to declare the number of teams we will be fielding by the end of June. We try to maintain team sizes of 12-13 for Grades 3 through 4 and 15-16 for Grades 5 through 8 so that everyone has lots of playing time.

2008 Fees are as follows:

Kindergarten	$40.00 per child
Grades 1 and 2	$40.00 per child
Grades 3 through 8	$50.00 per child

1. Fees are capped at a family maximum of $120.00.
2. LATE REGISTRATIONS: To form teams and order uniforms, we must have all players that will be in grades 3 through 8 in September 2008 registered by June 20. Registrations for grades 3 through 8 postmarked after Junw 20 will be subject to a $30.00 late fee per player, and registrations without the accompanying late fee will be returned. In addition, the player is not guaranteed a place on a team and the player may be placed on a waiting list.
   Late fees do not apply to Kindergarten through 2nd grade, nor to new residents to town.
3. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: All children can participate in the program. For those who have need, financial assistance is available in the form of fee waiver. Please contact Roxanne Collins if you wish to take advantage of this.
4. Fees are waived for children of members of Fair Haven's Fire Department and/or First Aid Squads.

Registration sign-ups will be held at the Youth Center. If you miss the sign-up, you can still mail the registration in, or contact Roxanne Collins.

Date	Time	Location
Saturday, May 17, 2008	9:00 AM to Noon	Youth Center
Tuesday, May 20, 2008	7:00 PM to 9:00 PM	Youth Center
Tuesday, May 27, 2008	7:00 PM to 9:00 PM	Youth Center
Saturday, May 31, 2008	9:00 AM to Noon	Youth Center
Saturday, Sept 6, 2008 (Kindergarten Only)	8:30 AM - 10:30 AM	Sportsman's Field

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Equipment

As with any sport, the first order of business is to make sure that you have the right equipment and attire and that it is all in good working order and fits properly. Since soccer cleats and shin guards usually last longer than they wind up fitting their original owners' feet and shins, plan to keep them for younger siblings. Although recommended for Kindergartners, soccer cleats and shin guards are not required until first grade.

With the exception of Kindergarten, where balls are provided, your child will be expected to bring a ball of the appropriate size to practices (Kindergarten: size 3, Grades 1 through 6: size 4, Grades 7 through 8: size 5). A size 4 ball is provided by the program to all first graders, and this ball will last them them for a number of seasons.

In grades Kindergarten through second, a colored shirt is provided to indicate which team your child plays on, and is the first step in providing them with the idea of a soccer uniform. In grades 3 through 8, where teams compete with those from other towns, a full uniform (numbered shirt, shorts, socks) is provided to each player.

Important: Children will be getting plenty of exercise during practices and games - make sure that your child always brings a water bottle. Also, as the season progresses and the days become cooler, your child should come dressed in layers, which can be shed and put back on as required. Make sure all personal items are clearly marked.

Grades 3-8: When dressing in layers, the additional garment must be worn underneath the uniform while on the field of play. Additionally, the extra garment must be either white or of a color that does not confuse the team alliance (i.e., too closely resembles the opponent's team color). Regarding player safety:

1. Jewelry is not allowed on the field of play. The only exceptions are the wearing of jewelry for religious or health reasons. In these two exceptions, the jewelry must be securely taped to tthe body in such a manner that the religious icon or health identification is clearly visible while all other appendages are completely secured to the body and not allowed to freely swing or expose edges that are capable of injuring any player. Earrings are not allowed on the field of play even if covered with a protective bandage unless they meet the pre-defined exception. For players with newly pierced ears, earrings must be removed for the time the player is on the field of play (the piercing will not close in the time it takes to play a game).
2. Shin guards must be worn under the player's socks.
3. Gum chewing is not allowed on the field of play.
4. Hats are not allowed on the field of play.
5. Any hard items on the player's body (example, cast or brace) must be completely covered by a soft wrap and approved by the referee prior to play.

While not intended to be an exhaustive list, you can find most of your soccer equipment at any of the following stores:

• Sports Authority, Route 36 (Home Depot Shopping Center), Eatontown
• The Soccer Post, AKA Soccer Stadium, 252 Route 35 South, Eatontown (just south of Monmouth Mall) (732) 935-0990
• Athlete's Alley, 483 Broad St (Route 35), Shrewsbury (732) 842-1127

Become a Referee

We take considerable pride in the level of officiating at our games. It is a requirement that all Fair Haven Rec Soccer referees are certified. In return, we offer attractive fees for officiating games, and our referees know that they are contributing to a fun and positive experience for everyone involved in the program. This is also an excellent opportunity for someone in grades 8 through 12 to learn the game from an alternative point of view.

For general information on becoming a referee, please click here.

For referee guidelines, please click here.

For more information, please contact Jim Raevis.

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NMSA Field Directions and Locations

Other Resources

• NJSSC - New Jersey Select Soccer Camp conducts training clinics in Fair Haven in the spring and summer. They also provide coaches for our program for the first three sessions in the fall season for kindergarten through second grade.
  

Codes of Conduct

Coaches and Friends Play Too!

Spring 2008: There is a coaches game every Sunday from 9:00-11:00 AM EST on the Fair Haven Back Fields which is open to anyone involved in the program, or anyone who likes to play. Well attended, it is a good time enjoyed by all. For further information or to have your name added to the mailing list, contact Larry Wilkinson, or simply show up.

Contacts

Note: We're in the process of setting up email addresses. In the short term, please send any email requests to Fair Haven Soccer Information. If you wish it be directed to someone in particular, please include this information in the email subject, and it will be forwarded.



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