Camden Youth League / Camden F.C.

Purpose of the Recreational Soccer Draft

The Camden Youth League (CYL), operating as Camden F.C., uses a recreational soccer draft to form balanced teams while prioritizing player development, sportsmanship, and enjoyment of the game. The recreational program is designed to be inclusive and development-focused, not results-driven.

Player Eligibility

• All players registered with Camden Youth League / Camden F.C. who meet age and division requirements are eligible for the recreational draft.
• Players must complete registration, submit all required forms, and pay applicable fees by the posted registration deadline to be included in the draft.
• Players who do not attend scheduled player evaluations (when evaluations are offered for their age group) will be randomly placed on teams by the league.
• Players who register after the draft will be assigned to teams by the league at its discretion.

Age Groups and Divisions

• Players are placed in divisions based on their age as of the league’s designated age cutoff date.
• Only the following age groups participate in player evaluations: 9U, 12U, 15U, and 19U.
• Age groups not listed above do not participate in evaluations and are drafted or assigned according to league policy.
• Requests to play up or play down an age group require approval from the CYL Board or designated league officials and are not guaranteed.

Team Structure and Roster Size

• Team roster sizes are established by Camden Youth League prior to each season.
• Roster sizes are set to promote maximum participation, appropriate playing time, and compliance with small-sided and full-sided soccer standards.
• The league strives to balance teams based on age, experience, evaluations (when applicable), and overall skill level.

 

Draft Order

• Draft order is determined by a random drawing conducted by Camden Youth League.
• The random drawing is used to ensure fairness and impartiality in the draft process.
• The draft generally follows a snake format, where draft order reverses each round to support competitive balance.

 

Draft Process

1. Coaches receive a list of eligible players prior to the draft, including each player’s assigned division and evaluation score (when evaluations are conducted for that age group).
2. Coaches select players according to the established draft order.
3. Draft rounds continue until all team rosters are filled.
4. CYL-appointed officials oversee the draft to ensure fairness, adherence to league policy, and balanced team formation.

 

Player Evaluations (When Applicable)

• Player evaluations may be conducted for certain age groups at the discretion of Camden Youth League.
• Evaluation results are used solely to assist in balancing teams during the draft.
• Evaluation information is confidential and is not shared outside the draft process.

Special Placement Considerations

Coach and Assistant Coach: Children: Children of the head coach and one assistant coach may be placed on their parent’s team prior to the draft, in accordance with CYL policy. Children of any additional assistant coaches must be drafted through the normal draft process.

Sibling Requests: Reasonable efforts may be made to place siblings on the same team when requested; however, this is not guaranteed.

Friend or Carpool Requests: Such requests may be considered on a limited basis but will not override the league’s responsibility to create balanced teams. Goalkeeper Considerations

For age groups utilizing goalkeepers, CYL may consider goalkeeper experience during the draft to assist with team balance.

Camden Youth League does not guarantee that any team will have a designated or experienced goalkeeper.

 

Trades and Roster Adjustments

• Trades between teams are not permitted during or after the recreational draft unless approved by Camden Youth League.
• CYL reserves the right to adjust rosters after the draft to correct imbalances, address late registrations, or respond to special circumstances.

Late Registrations

• Players registering after the draft will be placed on teams by Camden Youth League in a manner that supports balance across the division.
• Coaches do not select late-registered players.

 

Playing Time Philosophy

• Camden Youth League recreational soccer emphasizes participation, development, and enjoyment.
• Coaches are expected to provide equitable playing time for all players, consistent with league rules and age-appropriate guidelines.

 

Code of Conduct

• All coaches, players, parents, and spectators must adhere to the Camden Youth League Code of Conduct.
• Respect for referees, opponents, teammates, and league officials is mandatory.

 

League Authority

Camden Youth League / Camden F.C. retains final authority over the recreational draft process, team assignments, and any exceptions to these guidelines. Policies may be amended as necessary to best serve the league and its participants.

This document is intended to provide transparency and clarity regarding recreational soccer drafts conducted by Camden Youth League / Camden F.C.