SOCCERCHALLENGE

Knights of Columbus

communityFaith in action

PLAYBOOK

Brandingalways use the program’s official name: Knights ofColumbus soccer Challenge.

order Kitorder the Knights of Columbus soccer Challenge kit(#sC-Kit) through supplies online, the supply orderingportal available on officers online.

set a time and PlaceContact schools, community centers or youth centersand reserve a soccer field. ask local sports teams, collegesor universities to work with your council on the soccerChallenge as part of their community outreach program.While september is the recommended month forconducting a council competition, councils should beflexible and work around the schedules of local school’steams. all local competitions should be held so that thewinners can participate in the district competitions, and

district events should be held prior to regional orjurisdictional events.

insuranceif an insurance certificate is requested, a one-day policy for $1 million of coverage can be purchased from lockton affinity at 800-496-0288 orcouncilinsurance@locktonaffinity.com

solicit local suPPortContact the schools in your area to explain the program.seek permission of the principals, athletic directors, andsuperintendents to conduct the program as part of theirphysical education or intramural program or ask for anendorsement encouraging students to participate in thiscommunity sports program. also ask them if it is possibleto hold your Knights of Columbus soccer Challengeprior to a game and to present awards during halftime.high school athletes should be reminded to check withtheir jurisdiction high school athletic association/athleticdirector about possible eligibility conflicts.

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encourage values of sportsmanship and healthy competition with this meaningful and fun event!

ConduCting a Cou n

Play-By-Play For council soccer challengechamPionshiP chairman

ConduCting a Championship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5Rules and Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7publiCity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9Kit Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10pRomotional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

contents

Contact officials from the town recreation departmentor local youth soccer leagues to promote the competitionamong their players. teams and schools can holdpreliminary competitions to determine winners by agegroups to advance to the council competition. make surethat entry forms/score sheets are distributed in advanceto the officials of the leagues or coaches of the teams.

if there is a professional or semiprofessional franchise inyour area, contact its public relations office to see ifarrangements can be made to honor winners of yourcompetition during halftime. also, approach teamsabout the possibility of getting players to present awardsto your champions. local sports teams, including sportsother than soccer, may also be willing to donateuniforms, autographed memorabilia and other similaritems as awards or prizes for your champions.

Promote the eventdisplay program posters prominently to generateattention and participation. ask to display posters inschools, youth centers, church halls, libraries, and otherprominent locations in the community. on the posterindicate the name of the contact person, the date, timeand location of the competition, and a telephonenumber to call for additional information. supplementthese posters with newspaper ads, radio and tV spotsand other publicity. additional posters are availablethrough supplies online, the supply ordering portalavailable on officers online.

Preregistrationpreregistration of athletes will boost the number ofparticipants and save time at the actual event. distributeentry forms/score sheets to approved locations. makesure the teachers know your council number and contactinformation. personally deliver entry forms/score sheetsto physical education teachers and coaches whenpossible. try to collect completed forms and proof-of-age documents before the competition to get a generalestimate on the number of participants. plan thecompetition based on these numbers. have anannouncement made in school or send out a reminderof the competition immediately before the event. beready to accept entry forms/score sheets from walk-inparticipants on the day of the competition.

Build Buzzuse the sample press release on www.kofc.org/soccer toannounce the competition in local newspapers andthrough radio announcements. always use the program’sofficial name: Knights of Columbus soccer Challenge.

comPetition dayConduct the competition by the rules covered in thisbooklet. plan to open the field an hour before the actualevent to allow for the registration of walk-inparticipants. if space allows, participants are welcome towarm up prior to the start of the event. organize entryforms/score sheets by age and gender. make a final checkof equipment and see that the regulation-size soccer ballsare available and that the penalty lines are clearly marked.Verify that judges and scorers have been properly advisedof their duties and responsibilities. use the entryform/score sheet to record each participant’s score. Thisform, and proof of age, must accompany eachcompetitor as he or she progresses through the higherlevels of competition. all council-level participants willcompete during the scheduled hours of the competitionand under the same conditions as all other competitorsin their designated age group. no participants should beallowed to compete at any other time. pump all balls wellahead of event so that the supreme Council can replacethem if needed.

recognitionpresent Participation Certificates (#4573) to allparticipants, and Council Champion Certificates (#4575)to the winners at the end of the competition.

plaques, prizes, and promotional items suitable forcouncil champions can be ordered throughknightsgear.com. These items include regulation-sizesoccer balls, plaques, and trophies all bearing the Knightsof Columbus logo.

recruitmentdon’t forget that the soccer Challenge presents anexcellent membership recruitment opportunity. set upa table at the competition so that attending parents canlearn about what the council has to offer prospectivemembers. stock it with membership pamphlets, form100’s and refreshments. make sure you get the phonenumber of potential recruits to perform adequatefollow-up procedures.

announce Winnerspersonalize the sample announcement by adding thenames of the council winners and send copies to localand diocesan newspapers and radio stations.

Build toward your Community program requirementfor the Columbian and Star Council Awards!

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nCil Championship

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Program creditimmediately following your council’s championship,the grand knight must complete and submit the SoccerChallenge Participation Form (#4567) found onkofc.org/forms and included in the soccer ChallengeKit as well as the support materials link atkofc.org/soccer. This feedback provides valuablestatistics for partici pation and an overall assessment ofthe program. include the number of participants in thecouncil’s competition as well as the number whoparticipated in any preliminary school or leaguecompetitions.

advanced comPetitionprovide the entry forms/score sheets and the proof ofage for the council winners to the district deputy for thedistrict competition. Make sure your council numberis on the form. inform council competition winners ofthe date, time and location of the district competitionand any other levels of competition to which they areadvancing. be sure that a council official accompaniescouncil winners to all upcoming competitions as theyadvance. in the event that a winner in any level cannotparticipate in the next level of competition, the second-place winner should represent the area.

district/regional/Jurisdictional& international levels

Play-By-Play For the district dePuty

district comPetitionThe district level competition is only necessary if morethan one council within a district participates in thesoccer Challenge. otherwise, council winners willproceed to the regional or jurisdiction-level competition.

set a time and Placesecure a field, select a date for the october Champion -ship and pass on the information to each of the councilsoccer Challenge chairmen in your district.

comPetition dayConduct the district championship according to the rulescovered in this booklet. organize entry forms/ score sheetsby age and gender. use the entry form/score sheet torecord each participant’s score. This form, and proof ofage, must accompany each champion as he or sheprogresses through the higher levels of competition. Thecouncil number must also be clearly written on the form.

make a final check of equipment and see that theregulation size soccer balls are available and that boundariesand penalty kick lines are clearly marked. make sure thescoring zones are properly installed with four pieces of 6½-to 7-foot long rope to be placed diagonally along the fourcorners of the goal. use tent stakes to secure the bottomropes to the ground. instruct judges and scorers of their

duties and responsibilities. The ropes should be tied at 4feet up and 8 feet across on the 8’ x 24’ regulation goal, asmarked on the diagram from page 6.

All district-level participants must participate during thescheduled hours of the competition and under the sameconditions as all other competitors in their designated agegroup. Under no circumstances can participants competeat a special time other than the scheduled and publicizedhours of the competition.use the entry form/score sheetfor each participant to record district competition scores.

recognitiondistrict deputies should order their 12 olympic stylemedallions for presentation to the district winners,medallions can be ordered through supplies online, thesupply ordering portal available on officers online.

announce Winnerssend a press release to local media sources announcingthe district winners.

advanced comPetitionReport the results of your district competition to theregional/jurisdictional community chairman and give him the entry forms/score sheets of your champions. inform your champions of the date and location of theregional/jurisdictional championship.

ConduCting a

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regional/Jurisdictional level

set a time and Placesecure a field, select a date and inform the councils anddistrict deputies of the date, time and location of theregional/jurisdictional competition. post thisinformation on your jurisdictional council website andin the jurisdictional newsletter.

comPetition dayConduct the competition according to the rules outlinedin this booklet. organize entry forms/score sheets by ageand gender. This form, and proof of age, must accompanyeach champion as he or she progresses through the higherlevels of competition. use the original entry form/scoresheet for each participant to record regional/jurisdictionalcompetition scores. make a final check of equipment andsee that the regulation-size soccer balls are available, andthat penalty kick lines and boundaries are clearly marked.make sure the scoring zones are properly installed withfour pieces of 6½- to 7-foot long rope to be placeddiagonally along the four corners of the goal. use tentstakes to secure the bottom ropes to the ground. instructthe judges and scorers of their duties and responsibilities.All regional/jurisdiction-level participants mustparticipate during the scheduled hours of thecompetitions and under the same conditions as all othercompetitors in their designated age group. Under nocircumstances may participants compete at any timeother than the scheduled and publicized hours of thecompetition.

recognitionorder regional/jurisdiction awards throughKnightsgear.com, or contact a local supplier for anappropriate award. Jurisdictional councils are responsiblefor ordering and presenting awards to the regional andjurisdictional winners.

announce Winnersprepare a press release announcing the winners and sendit to local media sources. use the sample council releaseon www.kofc.org/soccer as a guide.

advanced comPetitionThe jurisdictional community director shall provide thename, address, and sponsoring council, and jurisdiction-

level scoring information to the supreme Council officein december on forms that are provided in the soccer Kitor online at kofc.org/soccer. This scoring informationwill be used to determine the international winners. Thedeadline for reporting jurisdictional winners to thesupreme Council office is december 15.

international levelinternational champions are determined on the basis ofthe best scores from the jurisdictional competitionssubmitted in each age category. in the event of a tie, bothparties are declared winners.

all international champions will receive an internationalsoccer Challenge Championship award commissionedby the supreme Council and forwarded to the statedeputy for presentation.

Play-By-Play For the regional/Jurisdictional/international community chairman:

Championship

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comPetitionThe Knights of Columbus soccer Challenge is a great wayto put your faith into action and provide an athletic outletfor youth in your community! Competition is designedfor players ages 9 to 14 to demonstrate the most basic ofsoccer skills — the penalty kick. each player will be allowed15 shots at the goal from the designated penalty line fortheir age group.

The goal will be divided into a series of five scoring zones.The upper corners of the goal will be designated as 20-point zones. The lower corners will be designated as10-point zones and the central region is a five-point zone.to construct the five scoring zones, attach a piece of ropeapproximately 6 1⁄2 to 7 feet in length diagonally across thefour corners of the goal as shown in the diagram below.use tent stakes to secure the bottom ropes to the ground.

scoringeach participant will be given 15 penalty kicks. points willbe awarded depending upon the area of the scoring zonesthrough which the ball passes. For example, after theplayer’s 15 penalty kicks, his/her scores are5/10/20/5/5/5/5/10/10/5/20/5/10/5/5, his/her totalscore would be 125. a score of 125 would be marked onthe entry form/score sheet. normal rules of soccerregarding penalty kicks apply for all levels of competition.penalty kick violations include stepping on or over theline prior to the kick, and any contact made with the ballcounts as a kick. scorers should record shots made andmissed according to the instructions on the entryform/score sheet. it is also recommended that multiplescorers be assigned to each goal for scoring accuracy andcomparison. all scores should be verified before the nextcontestant is allowed to shoot. The use of video taperecording is not recommended to resolve questions on

scoring totals. Judges and scorers are given final authorityin verifying all scores and violations.

Judges/scorers/Ball catchersJudges, scorers, and ball catchers will be selected by thesoccer Challenge chairman at the council level, by thedistrict deputy at the district level, and by theJurisdiction deputy at the regional and jurisdictionlevels. The recommended minimum is one judge, twoscorers, and a ball catcher at each goal. it is recommendedthat volunteer parents be utilized in age groups otherthan the group(s) in which their child (children)competes. The judge will ensure that each participantreceives the proper number of shots on goal and willpoint out any kicking violations (see scoring section). allquestions will be resolved by the judges and soccerChallenge chairman. scorers should refer to the scoringinstructions included on the entry form/score sheet.

timelineThe recommended time frame for the Knights ofColumbus soccer Challenge is:

Council Championship — septemberdistrict Championship — octoberRegional Championship — october/novemberJurisdictional Championship — november

specific dates for Regional and Jurisdictional Champion -ships are available from the Jurisdictional programdirector. all program material should be ordered fourweeks before your contest to ensure availability.

Jurisdictional officials should notify each council anddistrict deputy well in advance concerning the dates,times and locations of the Regional and JurisdictionalChampionships. The district deputy is responsible fornotifying councils of the date, time and location of thedistrict competition. The grand Knight or soccerChallenge chairman should notify the council winners ofthe date, time and location of the next level ofcompetition.

eligiBilityThe Knights of Columbus soccer Challenge is open to allboys and girls in your community, ages 9-14. ageeligibility is determined by the age of the contestant as ofseptember 1. proof of age is required. athletes in highschool should be advised to check with their schoolathletic directors or their jurisdictional high schoolathletic associations regarding possible eligibility conflicts.

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Rules & Re

entriesall competitors must register using the official Knightsof Columbus Soccer Challenge Entry Form/Score Sheet(#4578) provided in the soccer Challenge Kit or atkofc.org/soccer using the “support materials” link. all kitmaterials are in this section. proof of age must accompanyall entry forms. pre-registration is recommended but notrequired. The entry form/score sheet and proof of age mustaccompany participants through all levels of competition.The council number should also be clearly written on theform. Winners will progress to the district, regional, andjurisdictional competitions. international champions arechosen on the basis of jurisdiction-level results.

Field/equiPmenteach level of competition should be held on a local soccerfield or suitable facility approved by and under thesupervision of a participating Knights of Columbuscouncil. Check with your parks and recreation departmentfor availability and usage regulations. do this as early aspossible, because school/recreation teams are also reservingfield space.

age sPeciFicationsages 9, 10, 11 (Boys & girls competitions):use a regulation-size soccer ball (size #4) and shoot 10yards from the goal.

ages 12, 13, 14 (Boys & girls competitions): use a regulation-size soccer ball (size #5) and shoot 12yards from the goal.

comPetition levelscouncil leveleach contestant receives three practice kicks followed by15 consecutive kicks from the designated penalty line for their age group. all age groups kick from the samedistance. in the event a tie breaker is necessary, it shouldbe conducted as follows: each contestant will have theopportunity to take three kicks from a position threeyards behind the designated age penalty line. if thecontestants are still tied they will then continue to taketurns of three kicks each until a clear winner emerges.

district, regional and Jurisdictional leveldistrict deputies should inquire with their councils tosee who is having a soccer challenge. if only one councilparticipates, a district contest isn’t necessary. if thedistrict contest is needed, please order award medalsthrough supplies online, which can be accessed in the

officers portal. These must be ordered individually bydistrict deputies.

each contestant receives three practice kicks followed by25 consecutive kicks from the designated age penalty line.in the event a tie breaker is necessary, it should beconducted as follows: each contestant will have theopportunity to take three kicks from a position threeyards behind the designated age penalty line. if thecontestants are still tied, they will then continue to taketurns of three kicks each until a clear winner emerges.

note: a soccer challenge event should not be held ona school day unless all participants are able to attend.

note: in the event that a winner in any level cannotparticipate in the next level of competition, thesecond-place winner should represent the area for thatage group.

authority: The Knights of Columbus soccer Challenge program willbe under the authority of the state deputy andJurisdictional Community director. any questions about this program not answered in this guide should bedirected to the appropriate jurisdictional officials or to the:

Supreme Council Department of Fraternal Mission1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 Telephone: (203) 752-4270 Fax: (203) 752-4108email: fraternalmission@kofc.org

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Goal

3 Yards back from designated agepenalty line,

Tiebreaker Position

(Ages 9-11)10-yard penalty kick

(Ages 12-14)12-yard penalty kick

soccer challenge diagram

gulations

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one of the best ways to make sure your council’s soccerprogram is a success is to publicize it. The program mustalways be referred to as the “Knights of Columbus soccerChallenge.”

after reserving a soccer field and setting a date for thecompetition, use the sample press release on www.kofc.org/soccer

to announce the event. Retype it, double-spaced, on councilletterhead, filling in the necessary information giving the

Open to Boys and

SOCCERCHALLENGE

publiCity:

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Girls Ages 9 to 14

who, what, when and where of your council’s scheduledKnights of Columbus soccer Challenge. make sure toinclude the name, phone number and e-mail address of acontact person.

ask editors to publish a reminder close to the date of thechampionship and to list it in the community or weekendcalendars. talk with assignment editors and suggest thecompetition as a great opportunity for a feature story.

make arrangements for a story about your winners.personally deliver or send in their names, ages and stories, along with clip art logos (available atwww.kofc.org/clipart), to the editors of both local newsand sports sections of secular and diocesan newspapers.send press releases to radio and tV stations and localaccess cable news programs.

get the WoRd out!

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Soccer Challenge Entry Form & ScoreSheet (#4578)

Soccer Challenge Participation Certificate(#4573)

Soccer Challenge Winner Certificate (#4575)

I wish to enter THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SOCCER CHALLENGE in the category and age group checked below. My eligibilityis to be determined by my age as of September 1. Birth Certificate or other proof of age is required to verify eligibility.

Boys Girls AGE: 9 10 11 12 13 14

Name of Entrant __________________________________________________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________

Street Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City______________________________________ State/Province _____________________________ Postal Code ____________________________

Telephone __________________________ Email __________________________ Signature of Entrant __________________________________________Circle one: Home Cell

This Section To Be Completed By Parent/Guardian:

By signing below, the undersigned requests and approves of the entrant’s registration and participation in the KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SOCCERCHALLENGE (“The Contest”). In consideration for the entrant’s participation in the Contest, the undersigned (1) acknowledges that the entrant’sparticipation will be the at the sole risk of the entrant and the undersigned and (2) agrees to release, indemnify and hold the Knights of Columbus SupremeCouncil, its subordinate units, officers, agents members and employees harmless from any and all demands, claims or causes of action arising from or relatingto the entrant’s participation in the Contest. The undersigned also agree to allow representatives from the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council or any ofits subordinate units to take and publish photographs or videos of the entrant during the Contest. The entrant may compete in only one council levelcompetition. Parent or guardian must sign this form before entrant competes.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Date signed

Council No. ______________

SOCCERCHALLENGE

ENTRY FORM

Note:This same form must be used for the Council, District andJurisdiction Competition — please be sure it is passed on accordingly.

COMMUNITYFAITH IN ACTION

SOCCERCHALLENGE

Knights of Columbus

4573 5/18

COMMUNITYFAITH IN ACTION

SOCCERCHALLENGE

�is is to Certify that

has participated in the

Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge

Sponsored by

Grand Knight Date

CHAMPION

___________________________________

Age _________

_____________________________________Sponsored by

_______________________ ____________ Grand Knight Date

SOCCERCHALLENGE

Knights of Columbus

4575 5/18

COMMUNITYCOMMUNITYFAITH IN ACTION

Soccer Challenge Promotional Poster (#4572)

Soccer Challenge Playbook (#4576)

SOCCERCHALLENGE

Knights of Columbus

4572 5/18

COMMUNITYFAITH IN ACTION

Boys and Girls, Ages 9-14

Location: ___________________________________

Date: ______________________ Time: ___________

Sponsor: ____________________________________

Contact: ____________________________________

Please note: Entrants may compete in only one local competition.

SOCCERCHALLENGE

Knights of Columbus

COMMUNITYFAITH IN ACTION

PLAYBOOK

Soccer Challenge Promotional Poster (#4571)

SOCCERCHALLENGE

Knights of Columbus

COMMUNITY

4571 5/18

COMMUNITYFAITH IN ACTION

Boys and Girls, Ages 9-14

Please note: Entrants may compete in only one local competition.

Location: _____________________________________

Date: ________________________ Time: ___________

Sponsor: ______________________________________

Contact: ______________________________________

Kit Contents

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promotional

comPetition soccer BallCouncils can order the K of C Competition Soccer Ball, featuring the Order’s emblem with a unique blue and black spiral design. This ball is available in packages of 12 regulation balls, including six size 4 (for ages 9-11) and six size 5 (for ages 12-14). (SC-2)

The supreme council through Knightsgear.com has several promotional itemsavailable designed to enhance your competition!

council PlaquesThis walnut-grained award features a distinctive soccer emblem with gold-tonepolished engraving plates (blank engravingplates included). This award comes inpackages of 12. (SC-4)

state or Provincial aWardA 13-inch trophy with a detailed soccer figure flanked by two eagles in a bright gold and acrylic finish is available for state or provincial champions. The trophy includes a modern white marble-patterned base with a gold-toneengraving plate. (Blank engraving plates are included.) A carton of 12 trophies is available. (SC-6)

regional troPhyA 12-inch trophy with a detailed soccer figure flanked by two eagles in abright gold and acrylic finish is available for regional champions. The trophyincludes a modern white marble-patterned base with a gold-tone engravingplate. (Blank engraving plates are included.) A carton of 12 trophies isavailable. (SC-5)

SOCCERCHALLENGE

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS1 COLUMBUS PLAZA NEW HAVEN, CT 06510-3326

203-752-4270 www.kofc .org

4576 6/19