GRACEAC Boys Soccer
Faith • Teamwork • Sportsmanship • Skill Development
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Boys in 5th through 8th Grade
- Teams will be formed in the following divisions - 5/6thgrade and 7/8th grade
Players must:
- Attend a GRACEAC member school or organization, OR
- Be a member of a Catholic parish
The Catholic Elementary Soccer League (CESL) is made up of Catholic and Christian schools that are members of the Grand Rapids Area Catholic Elementary Athletic Council (GRACEAC).
All GRACEAC Handbook rules and NFHS Soccer Rules apply.
TEAM INFORMATION
All players and coaches must be listed in TeamSnap, which serves as the official team roster.
Roster changes require approval from the GRACEAC Commissioner.
Before every match, the home team will gather both teams for a pregame prayer.
At the conclusion of every match, players and coaches will meet at midfield to shake hands as a demonstration of Christian sportsmanship.
TEAM MERGERS
Schools requesting to merge teams must follow GRACEAC guidelines.
Key requirements include:
- Schools may not practice together until the merger has been officially approved.
- Merger requests must come through the Principal or Athletic Director.
- Coaches may not request mergers independently.
📅 Key Dates
- Registration: May 15 - June 15
- Practices Begin: Monday following the 1st Tuesday of August
- Regular Season: Games typically start after Labor Day
- Postseason (5th–8th): Mid October
PRACTICE INFORMATION
Practices typically begin the Monday following the first Tuesday in August.
Practice Limits
Preseason
- Up to 10 hours per week
- Maximum 5 practices
Regular Season
- Up to 6 hours per week
- Maximum 3 practices
No practice may exceed 2 hours.
Coaches are encouraged to reduce practice time whenever appropriate while maintaining quality instruction.
GAME ELIGIBILITY & PLAYING TIME
Every athlete is guaranteed an opportunity to participate.
Minimum playing time:
- 5th/6th Grade: 15 minutes per game
- 7th/8th Grade: 15 minutes per game
Teams must have at least six players ready to play.
Failure to field six players within 10 minutes of the scheduled start time will result in a 1–0 forfeit.
LEAGUE STANDINGS & TOURNAMENT
Every team qualifies for the GRACEAC End-of-Season Tournament.
Regular Season Standings
Teams earn:
2 points for a win
1 point for a tie
League Champions are determined by total points.
If teams remain tied:
- Head-to-head result
- Goal differential (for tournament seeding)
Tournament teams may play more than one game in a day.
PLAYER SAFETY
Player safety is always our highest priority.
If a player:
- Suffers a suspected concussion
- Becomes unconscious
- Has a serious injury
They must follow GRACEAC and physician return-to-play requirements before participating again.
Players with bleeding injuries must leave the field until:
- Bleeding has stopped
- Uniform is cleaned or changed
- Any wounds are properly covered
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Weather updates will be communicated through TeamSnap.
School cancellations do not automatically cancel games.
If severe weather occurs:
Lightning
Tornado
Hail
Dangerous winds
Everyone must immediately seek shelter.
Games delayed longer than 30 minutes may be cancelled or rescheduled according to GRACEAC policies.
COMMUNICATION
TeamSnap is the official communication platform for:
Practice schedules
Game schedules
Announcements
Weather updates
Team rosters
Parents, coaches, and players are expected to use TeamSnap throughout the season.
SEASON AT A GLANCE
Grades: 5th–8th Boys
Season Begins: Early August
Practices:
- Preseason: Up to 5 practices/week
- Regular Season: Up to 3 practices/week
Tournament: All teams qualify
Minimum Playing Time: 15 minutes every game
Faith Focus: Pregame prayer & postgame sportsmanship
Communication: TeamSnap
GRACEAC Soccer Mission
The program focuses on:
- Building strong student-athletes
- Teaching fundamentals and technique of the game
- Promoting teamwork, dignity, and respect
- Preparing athletes for high school athletics
- Creating a positive Catholic community experience