Age True and 9v9 in 2016 for NTX

Dread Pirate wrote:Seems to me that the critical issue - even for 2017 implementation is decisive and immediate communication from NTX.  OK - so small sided and year pure is a coming reality - no one really likes change, but the change can be handled if we have some idea on what change is coming.  For me the main issue is whether NTX is going to rip the band aid off and have all teams reform / realign throughout (seems unlikely - but certainly a possibility), or are they going to supergroup an age group and if so which one?  If implementation is 2017, the signs seem to point to supergrouping the 07s (Aug 1 06 - Dec 31 07), that makes the most sense given the timing.  Are there any facts out there yet on implementation, or just rumors, confidential informants and speculation?

Per the socal conversation, it appears that there are no supergroups and no grandfathering. It doesn't start with the '07s. ALL AGES will move to calendar year in 2017.

Yes, yes, yes DP

NTX needs to get the official word out YESTERDAY!

There will just be some unhappy Sr's that thought they were getting another year of playing with their club

Correct, all...

This info was shared with me today. The email was from the boys classic league.

Classic League plans to implement these rules beginning in Fall 2016

As per mandate, age group divisions will move to calendar year on January 1, 2017. Read this as 07s will be the first group impacted by the adjustment. Prior to that date, players will still be grouped under the current guidelines (which coincide more with school classification than calendar). Hopefully, this advance notice will allow you to make adjustments to Juniors teams as seamlessly as possible.

All players/teams that enter the Classic League under current guidelines will be "grandfathered". Example...a u11 team entering Classic League Fall 2015 will play 11v11 in Fall 2016 as a u12 team (despite the fact that the new guidelines will take effect at that point).

Let's hope LH, Plano & Arlington get on this soon so we have an idea on the plans for the girls.

Good job by boys Classic League getting a plan out there quickly.

All other parts of the country that are discussing this understand it will be all age groups in 2017. If Boys Classic league try some hybrid those squads will be left playing "up" when they go to do any tournaments here locally, statewide, or nationally....

Until NTSSA issues their formal guidance it's all wishful thinking and guessing.

Would love to see NTSSA get out in front of this like they did with the 9v9 when they emailed the clubs with what will be happening.

If NTX does as rumored (above), then the next issue is what happens to the Fall 06 group. Are they going select in July, are they remaining part of an 07 supergroup (8/1/06 - 12/31/07), are they just going to get absorbed into the 06 year pure group at U12 and miss a year of select?

Dread Pirate wrote:If NTX does as rumored (above), then the next issue is what happens to the Fall 06 group.  Are they going select in July, are they remaining part of an 07 supergroup (8/1/06 - 12/31/07), are they just going to get absorbed into the 06 year pure group at U12 and miss a year of select?

They should be allowed to. Actually, the Fall '05 should have been allowed to go select this year.

I have learned directly from NTX that US Youth Soccer is hosting there AGM meeting this weekend in Tulsa at the US Youth National championships to discuss the implementations of small sided and age pure. Nothing was formally discussed at NTX AGM meeting a couple of weeks ago for this is being handed down from USSF.

Word of the changes happened far too late to get the Fall 05 players into 05 teams for select this year.

As is, getting fall 06 players into 06 teams for next summer will be a bit of a scramble. It's possible, but the sooner everyone knows what NTSSA recommend and what the leagues are doing, the better.

Deuce wrote:Word of the changes happened far too late to get the Fall 05 players into 05 teams for select this year.

As is, getting fall 06 players into 06 teams for next summer will be a bit of a scramble. It's possible, but the sooner everyone knows what NTSSA recommend and what the leagues are doing, the better.

This thread started in April. Oh well, woulda, shoulda, coulda. Anyways, they should change the select age immediately. I doubt many would or could take advantage of it at this point, but it should be an option.

That's why the leagues & NTX need to get communication out ASAP.

Don't know anyone who would have taken fall 05 DD looking for an 05 team in April given that the rules in effect at the time said she wouldn't be able to go select this summer. The rumblings were out there but I certainly wouldn't use uncertain supposition as reason to make that move. I want official guidance- even if it's not the absolute final plan.

All of the possible solutions COULD be made to work. Everyone simply needs to know as early as possible what the rules & league formats will be.

I keep seeing I wish NTSSA would make a decision and yet it's not theirs to make!
All the leagues here in DFW have to make the decision together when they are going to do this, all in or nothing until 2017 is what I know. Then think about the problem LH has....they don't own any of the complexes they play on. That means going to UTD and telling them we need fields and goals this size. Who now buys them at Railroad Park? The City of Lewisville, Glasa or LH? If it's Glasa that causes a problem if an outside tournament wants to host at Railroad and Glasa say not on our goals. If it's the City do they have a budget for it? When are their meetings to discuss this? Yet all of you want answers from NTSSA who have nothing to say other than this is happening in 2017 when it's mandatory. Then the question is why aren't LH saying anything. Well the USSF info just happened July 5th so now it's real but there are some many meetings to have before they can say officially what they are doing.
IMO I still think the 06's will be the last 11v11 05/06 group and the 07's will be pure birth year and 9v9. This gives the leagues Cities and everyone else involved 2 years. It gives the 06's playing on 07's less than a year to find a team and I keep hearing the rest of the ages groups will stay as they are. Yes I've seen it could cause problems with out of state tournaments but that's easily overcome if you played in a state that's already changed. Too be honest it's not as bad as it seems as all top teams (let's use 06's) have most 05's which are the more developed. So that means more than likely the top 05 teams have mainly 04's and so on so everything just gets pushed up with the 06's now becoming 05's and taking the few 06's on the team with them!
All other teams already in select will be Grandfathered I've been told and IMHO that's what will happen.
Now I just wish everyone will stop jumping on the organizations to make a decision when a lot is not in their hands but others who to them soccer is not top of the important list!

Yup, a lot depends on cities, universities, and associations who own & run various fields. Re-lining fields is easy. Spending money on goals, nets, etc is not.

The leagues know it could take months to get all the parties involved on board - so do all of us.

In the meantime, ANY communication from the leagues would help. Tell us what you PLAN to do - what you'll do barring any unforeseen hurdles from the other parties involved.

Sure it's possible that a parks & rec department or a local association could balk and throw things off later. Everyone gets there may be bumps in the road of making all these changes.

The immediate issue is the lack of communication from the leagues. Guidelines will help everyone else start to make plans for the coming year.

There doesn't have to be a final plan set in stone before you communicate. If it's tentative, then just say so. At this point, getting some word out will help a lot.

I just had a thought about the City of Lewisville and their view on this. Do you think they will change Railroad Park? They already have Lake Park and those field sizes and goals so why change Railroad. How many of you would play at Lake Park first 2 years of select If that become a venue for LH?
LH have to play somewhere! What if UTD say no we don't want smaller fields?

I know Deuce, LH would like to implement 9v9 in 2016 but again need assurances they would have facilities to play on. Now your in the hands of the Cities and I can't see them having an emergency meeting to discuss this. Sept is when I think we will get a decision

Sorry if I missed it, but what is the recommended field and goal size for 9v9?

Recommended
75 x 47
Goals 6'5" x 18'5"

If LH already knows they want to play 9v9 for U11s next fall, wish they would come out with some communication saying that. While they're at it, they can lay out their plans for age groups too.

Sure, there's a chance things could be changed once field owners have their say in a couple months. But at least they should say something laying out their plan - with the caveat that others involved may do things later that might require adjustments.

I don't disagree with you as I have 2 06 and an 07 team that we have to plan for but think of the outcry if LH said our plan is to play 9v9 for 06's. Coaches teams plan for that and then it doesn't happen. Lots of pissed people. I'm planning for 11v11 then can always downsize over 2 teams when we know the format. Whatever they do Deuce they won't win so I guess their stance is say nothing then they can't be wrong!

Cause saying nothing is making them look so good right now

I feel your pain. I'd rather know the absolute rather than look we'd like to but we are relying on other factors
That's me but I understand others maybe different. I'm still working off this.......it's definitely happening in 2017 and until someone tells me different that's how I'm planning

If LH follows the boys classic league the calendar year will start with the '07 group. The small sided games would start next fall but be mandated for 2017. With that being said the '05 group wouldn't be effected by any of this and the girls born Aug-Dec '06 would be the oldest group of girls to be made to play calendar year....correct?

I have been told by people i trust that it doesn't start with the '06s or 07's, but will happen for all ages. U5-U18.

It is official. LHGCL will be 9v9 for QT and 2016-2017 season