If you are new to Casa, definitely read these! About the League Registration What is the Casa Soccer League? Who runs Casa? Do you need help? Where/when will we play? Which division is right for me? Is there relegation and promotion between divisions? How do I fix the stats? Someone got credit for my goal! What's the season format? Are you co-ed? Do any women play currently? I'm a new captain - I need some help! How do I register my team? How many players do I need to register a team? Can I be on more than one team? I want to play on a team. What do I do? My name is on the team roster, but I don't have access to my profile. Do I have to pay even if I don't get on a team? What are my chances of actually getting on a team? How much is it per player? What's the bottom line cost? How do I pay? Where do I get jerseys? Captains' Meeting? About the League What is the Casa Soccer League Started by husband and wife duo Tom and Ari Adams in the summer of 2006, Casa is a 501c3 non-profit amateur soccer league for adults in Philadelphia. We play 11 v. 11, 90 minute games, with unlimited substitutions, and use certified referees (two or three man system). We're all about great fun and good competition rolled into one. Casa, spanish for "house," is truly a house league, since it is run by volunteer officers who are all players in the league as well. We currently have four skill divisions (see below), with a promotion and relegation system between them. We play Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons. There is nothing bigger or better for adults in the Philly area than Casa! Team fees are determined each season to ensure that players pay the minimal cost necessary to run the league well. The fees pay for: Field rentals; Ceritified referees (about 80% of the cost); In-house linesmen; Equipment, including nets, balls, lining equipment, lining paint, corner and linesmen flags, emergency kits; and Any other miscellaneous items needed to keep the fields playable and the matches running smoothly.

Who Runs Casa? Do you need help?
Casa is run by dedicated (un-paid) volunteers, working hard just to give you a great place to play! We have a great crew of Officers who have various duties and help in many ways. This is a non-profit league (501c3 status with the IRS) and we keep payments as low as possible to maximize participation and enjoyment. If you are interested in lending a hand in any way, on the board or otherwise, please let us know!

Where/when will we play?
Each season we apply for fields from the Fairmount Park Commission. Unfortunately, we never really know what we get until right before it starts. We will at least have two fields at Pennypack Park (where we played for all of 2008), if not more. If we are unable to get more, we'll have to find other fields, possibly at the Edgley Soccer Fields at 33rd and Diamond. Occassionaly, we may play special games at the Philadelphia Soccer Club as needed. Please see Field Directions for maps and info!

Just about all games are held on Saturdays, with start times ranging from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There may be the occassional Sunday game for a rain-out or wildcard and if teams wish to coordinate with each other to schedule a game at different time or location they are welcome to do so, though they are responsible for any additional costs incurred.

Which division is right for me?
Primera is our elite division, limited to only ten teams. Entrance in Primera is granted only by a team's success in the Segunda division. Currently, this means the team must have either finished first in the regular season in Segunda, or won the Segunda playoff tournament.

Segunda is the next division down. It is still very competitive, and advanced players will find it very challenging, especially since the league keeps growing and the calibre of play improves even further. New teams may enter here upon request and space available.

Tercera is the third division. Most teams here are no longer new to the league yet are still working on refining their strategies and player formations. If a team loses a lot of players (e.g. due to graduating from college) this is a good place to start rebuilding.

Abierto is the last division. Still fun and exciting, Abierto is ideal for new teams getting to know each other and our league (a collection of good players does not a team make!) or teams looking for lower levels of competition.

Is there relegation and promotion between divisions?
Yes. The exact rules vary from season to season, based on the number of teams in each division. Basically, two teams are promoted from Segunda to Primera between seasons, and two from Primera go back down, etc. To move up, a Segunda team must either win the regular season, or, win the playoff tournament. If the same team achieves both, the 2nd place regular season winner advances. In Primera, the two teams at the bottom of the tables at the end of the regular season move down, unless they can win the playoff tournament, in which case the 6th place team moves down instead. These same rules apply to all divisions.

How do I fix the stats? Someone got credit for my goal!
Notify your team captain, they have the ability to change any statistic that is recorded. After a certain period of time the statistics page will be locked, at which point the captain will have to request the league to make the change.

What's the season format?
Currently, nine regular season games, plus playoffs. Eight teams in each division make the playoffs, with bottom spots decided by wild card matches if necessary. Any team that doesn't make a wild-card or playoff spot outright will get a consolation game. However, this format will be different for Summer seasons where the Casa Cup tournament is played.

Are you co-ed? Do any women play currently?
Every division in Casa is co-ed (though there is no minimum number of female players required). The league has female players at every level and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

I'm a new captain - I need some help!
No worries, there are plenty of resources at your disposal to ensure you can run your team smoothly. First, check out the Captains' Corner where you can access all sorts of information and ask questions to your fellow captains. If you still can't find what you need, contact your Division Commissioner listed here.

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Registration

How do I register my team?
Online registration will begin about a month before each season. (Spring registration begins in early Feburary, Summer begins in May, and Fall registration opens in August). In the mean time, get your team together, start collecting funds, and order some jerseys or t-shirts!

If you are a team returning from the prior season you will be automatically enrolled to pay on-line once registration opens. If you are a new team, you will need to send the President an e-mail with your name and contact info. along with your team name and roster (at least 15 people). You will then receive an e-mail invitiation to the league at which point you will have access to your team page and complete control over the administrative functions. Note that you still need to have your team's dues completely paid before the registration deadline to be guaranteed a place on the schedule.

How many players do I need to register a team?
A team needs a minimum of 15 players to register. Team captains can add more after they register, and also throughout the season. I recommend teams of 20 to avoid forfeits.

Can I be on more than one team?
No. You can guest play all you want within the guidelines in the League Rules but you can register with only one team.

I want to play on a team. What do I do?
First, go here: Player Recruiting to use our on-line tools. I'd also strongly suggest coming out to one of our game days with your gear and asking teams if they need any players for their game. (You can't do this during the playoffs, but definitely do it during the regular season). Many teams are often short on players and it's a great way to get plugged into the network.

My name is on the team roster, but I don't have access to my personal profile.
Ask your captain to send you an e-mail invite. Once you receive it, follow the log-in instructions and then you will be able to control and modify your player page.

Do I have to pay even if I don't get on a team?
No, you only pay if you get on a team.

What are my chances of actually getting on a team?
If you sign up before the deadline, they are excellent. Your best bet is to post as free agent as well as monitoring the Discussion Forum for openings. Also feel free to take charge and form your own team!

How much is it per player?
It's up to your team captain. Prices will vary based on jersey costs and number of players. But basically, you just divide the total owed by the number of players. It's roughly $30-40 up front (including deposit) plus $4-5 a game for the ref fees.

What's the bottom line cost?
League dues (as of Spring 2010) are $450 per team, plus a $300 deposit, so we expect $750 by the deadline. Ref fees are $60 per game, per team and must be given to the ref prior to the start of each match.

The $300 deposit can be returned at the end of the season if your team does not forfeit any games (You need 7 players to avoid a forfeit). Most forfeits can be prevented by simply asking around for some players to play another game. We return the $300 to the team captain directly.

How do I pay?
Once your team registers, there are two ways.
1. Send a check and a signed waiver to the treasurer:

Casa Soccer League
c/o Mike Servedio
1401 Front Street
Apt. 3B
Philadelphia, PA 19122

...and be sure to include your team name!

2. Pay Online with a credit card, e-check, or PayPal. Team captains are responsible for making sure the full amount is paid by the deadline.

Where do I get jerseys?
I have been recommending Score Sports (www.scoresports.com). Whatever you decide, you must have something uniformed. If you want cheap T-Shirts, email Chris Majette our in-house T-shirt guy.

Captains' Meeting?
Yes, please attend! It's worth it (and required), and you have a chance to have open discussion about various issues. Please send someone if you can't make it, so you don't miss out.

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