table of contents
3-4
5-6
7-8
9-10
11-12
13-14
Rules and Regulations
. . . . . .
competition levels. . . . . . . . . .
Conducting
council competition . . . . . . . . .
Publicity and
sample Press release . . . . . .
guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Promotional Items . . . . . . . .
COMPETITION
The Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge is a competition designed for players aged 9 through 14 to demonstrate the
most basic of soccer skills — the penalty kick. Each player will be allowed 15 shots at the goal from the penalty line
(12 yards from the goal).
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 as 10 point zones and the central region is a five point zone. To construct
the five scoring zones attach a piece of rope approximately six and a half to seven feet in length diagonally across the
four corners of the goal as shown in the diagram below. Use tent stakes to secure the bottom ropes to the ground.
Scoring
To score this competition each participant
will be given 15 penalty kicks. Points will
be awarded depending upon the area of
the scoring zones through which the ball
passes. For example, after the player's
15 penalty kicks, his/her scores are
5/10/20/5/5/5/5/10/10/5/20/5/10/5/5,
his/her total score would be 125. A score
of 125 would be marked on the entry
form/score sheet. Normal rules of soccer
regarding penalty kicks apply for all levels
of competition. Penalty kick violations
include stepping on or over the line prior
to the kick, and any contact made with
the ball counts as a kick. Scorers should record shots made and missed according to the instructions on
the entry form/score sheet. It is also recommended that multiple scorers be assigned to each goal for scoring
accuracy and comparison. All scores should be verified before the next contestant is allowed to shoot. The
use of video tape recording is not recommended to resolve questions on scoring totals. Judges and scorers are
given final authority in verifying all scores and violations.
Judges/Scorers/Ball Catchers
Judges, scorers, and ball catchers will be selected by the Soccer Challenge Chairman at the council level,
by the district deputy at the district level, and by the state deputy at the regional and state levels. The
recommended minimum is one judge, two scorers, and a ball catcher at each goal. It is recommended
that volunteer parents be utilized in age groups other than the group(s) in which their child (children)
competes. The judge will ensure that each participant receives the proper number of shots on goal and will
point out any kicking violations (see scoring section). All questions will be resolved by the judges and Soccer
Challenge chairman. Scorers should refer to the scoring instructions included on the entry form/score sheet.
5
10
20
20
5
20
10
10
20
24 feet
24 feet
10
8 feet
8 feet
Page 3Page 3
written on the form. Winners will progress to the
district, regional, and state competitions.
International champions are chosen on the basis of
state-level results.
Field/Equipment
Each level of competition should be held on a
local soccer field or suitable facility approved
by and under the supervision of a participating
Knights of Columbus council. Check with your
parks and recreation department for availability
and usage regulations. Do this as early as possible,
because school/recreation teams are also reserving
field space.
Age Specifications
Ages 9, 10,11 (Boys & Girls Competitions):
Use a regulation-size soccer ball (size #4) and shoot
12 yards from the goal.
Ages 12,13,14 (Boys & Girls Competitions):
Use a regulation-size soccer ball (size #5) and shoot
12 yards from the goal.
Regulations
The recommended time frame for the Knights of
Columbus Soccer Challenge is:
Council Championship – September
District Championship – October
Regional Championship – October/November
State Championship – November
Specific dates for Regional and State Championships
are available from the state program director.
State officials should notify each council well
in advance concerning the dates, times and
locations of the regional and state championships.
The district deputy is responsible for notifying
councils of the date, time and location of the
district competition. The grand knight or Soccer
Challenge chairman should notify the council
winners of the date, time and location of the
next level of competition.
Eligibility
The Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge is
open to all boys and girls in your community, ages
9-14. Age eligibility is determined by the age of the
contestant as of September 1. Proof of age is
required. Athletes in high school should be advised
to check with their school athletic directors or
their state high school athletic associations
regarding possible eligibility conflicts.
Entries
All competitors must register using the official
Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge Entry
Form/Score Sheet (#4578) provided in this packet.
Proof of age must accompany all entry forms.
Pre-registration is recommended but not required.
The entry form/score sheet and proof of age must
accompany participants through all levels of compe-
tition. The council number should also be clearly
Page 4
Page 5
Competition Levels
Council Level
Each contestant receives three practice kicks
followed by 15 consecutive kicks from the 12-yard
penalty line. All age groups kick from the same
distance. In the event a tie breaker is necessary,
it should be conducted as follows: each contestant
will have the opportunity to take 3 kicks from a
position three yards behind the penalty kick line,
if the contestants are still tied then they will
continue to take turns of 3 kicks each until a
clear winner emerges.
District, Regional and State Level
Each contestant receives three practice kicks
followed by 25 consecutive kicks from the 12-yard
penalty line. In the event a tie breaker is necessary,
it should be conducted as follows: each contestant
will have the opportunity to take 3 kicks from a
position three yards behind the penalty kick line,
if the contestants are still tied then they will
continue to take turns of 3 kicks each until a
clear winner emerges.
International Level
International champions are determined on the basis of best scores submitted from the state-level
competitions in each age category.
NOTE: In the event that a winner in any level cannot participate in the next level of competition, the
second-place winner should represent the area for that age group.
AUTHORITY: The Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge program will be under the authority of the
state deputy and state youth director. Any questions about this program not answered in
this guide should be directed to the appropriate state officials or to the Supreme Council
Department of Fraternal Services, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326;
Telephone: (203) 752-4270, Fax: (203) 752-4108.
Page 6
Goal
3 Yards back from
pk line
1st Tiebreaker Position
Penalty Kick (Pk) line;
12 - Yard Line
soccer challenge diagram
Below is a diagram of where the contestants will take their kicks from.
Council Competition
The council Soccer Challenge chairman should follow these guidelines:
Always use the program’s official name: Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge.
Order the Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge kit (#SC-Kit) using the order form on page 3 of
the Council Report Forms Booklet (#1436). Complete and submit the form to the Department of
Fraternal Services, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326; Telephone: (203)752-4016;
Fax: (203)752-4108. This kit can also be ordered online at www.kofc.org/forms.
Set a time and place. Contact schools, community centers or youth centers and reserve a soccer field.
Ask local sports teams, colleges or universities to work with your council on the Soccer Challenge as part
of their community outreach program. While September is the recommended month for conducting a
council competition, councils should be flexible and work around the schedules of local school’s teams.
All local competitions should be held so that the winners can participate in the district competitions.
Contact the schools in your area to explain the program. Seek permission of the principals,
athletic directors, and superintendents to conduct the program as part of their physical education
or intramural program, or ask for an endorsement encouraging students to participate in this
community sports program. High school athletes should be reminded to check with their state
high school athletic association/athletic director about possible eligibility conflicts. Contact officials
from the town recreation department or local youth soccer leagues to promote the competition
among their players. Teams and schools can hold preliminary competitions to determine winners
by age groups to advance to the council competition. Make sure that entry forms/score sheets are
distributed in advance to the officials of the leagues or coaches of the teams.
Display program posters prominently to generate attention and participation. Ask to display posters
in schools, youth centers, church halls, libraries, Boys & Girls clubs, shopping centers, YMCA and
YWCA buildings and the council meeting place. On the poster indicate the name of the contact
person; the date, time and location of the competition; and a telephone number to call for additional
information. Supplement these posters with newspaper ads, radio and TV spots and other publicity.
Additional posters are available at no charge from the Supreme Council office.
Preregistration of athletes will boost the number of participants and save time at the actual event.
Distribute entry forms/score sheets to approved locations. Make sure the teachers know your council
number and contact info. Personally deliver entry forms/score sheets to physical education teachers
and coaches when possible. Try to collect completed forms and proof-of-age documents before the
competition to get a general estimate on the number of participants. Plan the competition based on
these numbers. Have an announcement made in school or send out a reminder of the competition
immediately before the event. Be ready to accept entry forms/score sheets from walk-in participants
on the day of the competition.
Don’t forget that the Soccer Challenge presents an excellent membership recruitment opportunity.
Set up a table at the competition so that attending parents can learn about what the council has to
Page 7
The Soccer Challenge is fun and easy to conduct. Here are steps to follow
to ensure a successful Soccer Challenge Championship.
offer prospective members. Stock it with pamphlets and Form 100’s to hand out. To grab their attention,
use a poster such as #4355 E, “In Service To One, In Service To All” (available from the Supply
Department) or set up some refreshments. Make sure you get the phone number of potential recruits to
perform adequate follow-up procedures.
Cash or bonds must not be awarded at any level of competition since they may compromise the
amateur status of the contestant.
Build public interest. Use the sample press release shown on page 10 to announce the competition in
local newspapers and through radio announcements. Always use the program’s official name: Knights
of Columbus Soccer Challenge.
Conduct the competition by the rules covered in this booklet. Plan to open the field an hour before
the actual event to allow for the registration of walk-in participants. Organize entry forms/score
sheets by age and gender. Make a final check of equipment and see that the regulation-size soccer
balls are available and that the 12-yard penalty lines are clearly marked.Verify that judges and scorers
have been properly advised of their duties and responsibilities. Use the entry form/score sheet to
record each participant’s score. This form, and proof of age, must accompany each competitor as
he or she progresses through the higher levels of competition. All council-level participants will
compete during the scheduled hours of the competition and under the same conditions as all other
competitors. No participants should be allowed to compete at any other time.
Present Participation Certificates (#4573) to all participants, and Council Champion Certificates
(#4575) to the winners at the end of the competition. The Soccer Challenge Kit contains 75 certificates
for competitors. Ten champions’ certificates are also included.
The Supreme Council Supply Department has plaques, prizes, and promotional items available which
are suitable for council champions. These items include regulation-size soccer balls, glow-in-the-dark
miniature balls, plaques, and trophies all bearing the K of C logo.
Personalize the sample announcement on page 10 by adding the names of the council winners and send
copies to local and diocesan newspapers and radio stations.
Immediately following your council’s championship, the grand knight must complete and submit
the Soccer Challenge Participation Form (#4567) found on page 3 of the Council Report Forms Booklet
and included in the Soccer Challenge Kit. This feedback provides valuable statistics for participation
and an overall assessment of the program. Include the number of participants in the council’s
competition as well as the number who participated in any preliminary school or league competitions.
Provide the entry forms/score sheets and the proof of age for the council winners to the district
deputy for the district competition. Make sure your council number is on the form. Inform council
competition winners of the date, time and location of the district competition and any other levels
of competition to which they are advancing.
Be sure that a council official accompanies council winners to all upcoming competitions as they
advance. In the event that a winner in any level cannot participate in the next level of competition,
the second-place winner should represent the area.
Page 8
Publicity: Get the Word Out!
One of the best ways to make sure your council’s soccer program is a success is to publicize it.
The program must always be referred to as the “Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge”.
After reserving a soccer field and setting a date for the competition, use the sample press release on
the next page to announce the event.
Retype it, double spaced, on council letterhead, filling in the necessary information giving who, what,
when and where of your council’s scheduled Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge. Make sure to
include the name, phone number and e-mail address of a contact person.
Ask editors to publish a reminder close to the date of the championship and to list it in the
community or weekend calendars. Talk with assignment editors and suggest the competition 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, to the editors of both local
news and sports sections of secular and diocesan newspapers. Send press releases to radio and TV
stations and local access cable news programs.
Open to Boys and Girls Ages 9 to 14.
Sign up Today!
Page 9
Contact local high schools and college athletic departments about the possibility of holding your
Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge prior to a game and then presenting awards to champions
during halftime. If there is a professional or semiprofessional franchise in your area, contact its
public relations office to see if arrangements can be made to honor winners of your competition
during halftime. Also, approach teams about the possibility of getting players to present awards to
your champions. Local sports teams, including sports other than soccer, may also be willing to donate
uniforms, autographed memorabilia and other similar items as awards or prizes for your champions.
SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE
Contest Announcement
Local K of C council to Sponsor Youth Soccer Challenge Competition
All boys and girls ages 9-14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the
(year) Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge. The local competition will be held (competition date)
at (time) at (location). In the event of inclement weather a rain date is set for (competition date) at
(time) at (location).
The Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge is sponsored annually, with winners progressing through
local, district, and state competitions. International champions are announced by the K of C international
headquarters in New Haven, CT, based on scores from the state-level competitions. All boys and girls
9 to 14-years-old are eligible to participate and will compete in their respective age divisions. All con-
testants on the local level are recognized for their participation in the event. Participants are required to
furnish proof of age and written parental consent. For entry forms or additional information contact:
(council number, name, telephone number and e-mail address of contact person)
The Knights of Columbus is an international Catholic family fraternal service organization with
1.8 million members in over 14,500 local councils. Last year, Knights donated 70 million volunteer
hours and $162 million to charitable and benevolent causes, sponsoring projects to benefit their
Church, communities, councils, Culture of Life, families and youth.
SAMPLE ANNOUNCEMENT
Competition Champions Announcement
Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge
(Number of winners) boys and girls from (town or towns), ages 9-14, were named local champions
of the (year) Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge and have earned the right to compete at
the district level. (Council name and number) in (location) sponsored the local competition at
(competition location). All youngsters ages 10-14 were eligible to participate.
(Name) was the 9-year-old girls’ champion and (name) won the 9-year old boys’ division. (Name) was
the 10-year-old girls’ champion and (name) was the winner of the 10-year old boys’ division. In the 11-
year-olds’ bracket, (name) was the girls’ champion and (name) was the boys’ champion. Twelve-year-old
winners in the girls’ and boys’ divisions were (name) and (name). The 13 -year-old girls’ division was
won by (name) and the boys’ by (name). Fourteen-year-old champions were (name) in the girls’ bracket
and (name) in the boys’. Each of these winners will compete in the district competitions to be held on
(date) at (location) with an eye toward moving on to the state and international levels.
Page 10
District Level
The district deputy should follow these guidelines:
The District Level competition is only necessary if more than one council within a district
participates in the Soccer Challenge. Otherwise, council winners will proceed to the regional or
state level competition.
Secure a field, select a date for the October Championship and pass on the information to each of
the council Soccer Challenge Chairmen in your district.
Conduct the district championship according to the rules covered in this booklet. Organize entry
forms/score sheets by age and gender. Use the entry form/score sheet to record each participant’s
score. This form, and proof of age, must accompany each champion as he or she progresses through
the higher levels of competition. The council number must also be clearly written on the form.
Make a final check of equipment and see that the regulation size soccer balls are available and
that boundaries and penalty kick lines are clearly marked. Make sure the scoring zones are properly
installed with four pieces of six and a half to seven foot long rope to be placed diagonally along the
four corners of the goal. Use tent stakes to secure the bottom ropes to the ground. Instruct judges
and scorers of their duties and responsibilities. The ropes should be tied at 4 feet up and 8 feet
across on the 8’ x 24’ regulation goal.
All district level participants must participate during the scheduled hours of the competition
and under the same conditions as all other competitors. Under no circumstances can participants
compete at a special time other than the scheduled and publicized hours of the competition. Use
the entry form/score sheet for each participant to record district competition scores.
Cash or bonds must not be awarded at any level of competition since they may compromise the
amateur status of the contestant. District award medallions are available from the Department of
Fraternal Services at no charge. Please call 203-752-4016, or e-mail claudia.lucia@kofc.org. Send a
press release to local media sources announcing the district winners.
Report the results of your district competition to the regional/state Soccer Challenge chairman
and give him the entry forms/score sheets of your champions. Inform your champions of the date
and location of the regional/state championship.
Regional/State Level
The Regional/State Soccer Challenge Chairman should follow these guidelines:
Order regional/state awards using the form on page 14. State councils are responsible for ordering
and presenting awards to the regional and state winners.
Secure a field, select a date and inform the councils and district deputies of the date, time and loca-
tion of the regional/state competition. Post his info on your state council website and in the state
newsletter.
Conduct the competition according to the rules outlined in this booklet. Organize entry forms/score
sheets by age and gender. This form, and proof of age, must accompany each champion as he or she
progresses through the higher levels of competition.
Page 11
Page 12
Use the original entry form/score sheet for each participant to record regional/state competition
scores. Make a final check of equipment and see that the regulation-size soccer balls are available,
and that penalty kick lines and boundaries are clearly marked. Make sure the scoring zones are
properly installed with four pieces of six and a half to seven foot long rope to be placed diagonally
along the four corners of the goal. Use tent stakes to secure the bottom ropes to the ground. Instruct
the judges and scorers of their duties and responsibilities.
All regional/state-level participants must participate during the scheduled hours of the competitions
and under the same conditions as all other competitors. Under no circumstances may participants
compete at any time other than the scheduled and publicized hours of the competition.
Present the regional/state-level awards. Cash or bonds must not be awarded at any level of
competition since they may compromise the amateur status of the contestant.
Prepare a press release announcing the winners and send it to local media sources. Use the sample
council release on page 10 of this booklet as a guide.
The state Soccer Challenge chairman shall provide the name, address, and sponsoring council,
and state-level scoring information to the Supreme Council office in December on forms provided
by the Department of Fraternal Services. This scoring information will be used to determine the
international winners.
The deadline for reporting state winners to the supreme council office is December 15.
International Level
International champions are determined on the basis of the best scores from the state competitions
submitted in each age category. The Supreme Council office will provide the forms to be completed
by the state chairmen listing the champions, their scores and other important information.
All state champions will be notified by a personal letter of congratulations from the Supreme
Knight Carl A. Anderson and will receive a Knights of Columbus International Soccer Challenge
Championship Award commissioned by the Supreme Council and forwarded to the state deputy for
presentation.
Page 12
knights of columbus soccer challenge
The Knights of Columbus Supply Department has several promotional items available designed to enhance your competition!
The mini glow-in-the-dark soccer balls are ideal to give to participants at council, district, regional, and state competitions.
Knights of Columbus Soccer Balls are also available for use at council competitions and as awards to council winners.
Mini Glow-in-the-Dark
Soccer Ball
This mini ball is the perfect item for all
Soccer Challenge participants. Along with
the Order’s emblem the ball has a special
glow-in-the-dark feature. These balls are
available in cartons of 24. (SC-3)
Competition Soccer Ball
Councils 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 10 regulation balls,
including five size 4 (for ages 10-11) and five
size 5 (for ages 12-14). (SC-2)
Council Plaques
This walnut-grained award features
a distinctive soccer emblem with
gold-tone polished engraving plates
(blank engraving plates included).This
award comes in packages of 10. (SC-4)
State or Provincial
Award
A 14-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-tone engraving
plate. (Blank engraving plates are
included.) A carton of 10 trophies
is available. (SC-6)
Regional Trophy
A 12-inch trophy with a detailed
soccer figure flanked by two eagles
in a bright gold and acrylic finish is
available for regional champions.
The trophy includes a modern white
marble-patterned base with a gold-tone
engraving plate. (Blank engraving
plates are included.) A carton of 10
trophies is available. (SC-5)
Page 13
Page 14
Council:
Date Needed: / /
MM DD YYYY
NOTE: Signature with permission from Grand
Knight or Financial Secretary is required
IF CHARGING TO COUNCIL ACCOUNT.
To ensure delivery,
items must be
ordered at least 6
weeks prior to
presentation date.
All rush orders
will incur
additional postage
charges.
Name Title
Street (No P.O. Boxes)
City State/Province Zip/Postal Code
DAYTIME TEL. # REQUIRED ( )
FAX # ( )
REQUIRED INFORMATION FOR MAILING LABEL - PRINT CLEARLY
FAX YOUR ORDER • (1-800-266-6340) US & CANADA • DO NOT MAIL FAX ORDERS
IF FAX IS UNAVAILABLE PLEASE MAIL ORDER FORM TO:
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS • SUPPLY DEPARTMENT
78 MEADOW STREET, NEW HAVEN, CT 06519-1759
(203) 752-4214 OR (203) 752-4451
Quantity Shipped Item/Form# Description Unit Price Total
——English
——French SC-KIT Soccer Challenge Kit NC
——Spanish
——English
——French SC-2
Competition Soccer Balls
$123
——Spanish
——English
——French SC-3
Mini Glow-in-the-Dark Soccer Balls
$197
SC-4
Council Plaques
$118
SC-5
Regional Trophies
$165
SC-6
State Trophies
$180
Subtotal
Total Amount
PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
WITHOUT NOTICE
CT Residents add 6.35% Sales Tax
Shipments Outside the U.S.add an additional
$25 for shipping for EACH item ordered
OR charge order to your Mastercard
or Visa
IF CHARGING TO COUNCIL, AGENT, ETC.
DO NOT FILL OUT CREDIT CARD BOX
■■■■■■■■■■■■■
Expiration Date: Month
——
Year
———
—————————————————————————
SIGNATURE REQUIRED for credit card orders
Payable in U.S. Funds — Make check or
money order payable to:
Knights of Columbus Supreme Council
Check/Money Order No.
———————
Amount
————————————
Picked By Packed By Date Shipped
Date
Control
No.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
1 COLUMBUS PLAZA
NEW HAVEN, CT 06510-3326
1-203-752-4270 0R www.kofc.org
4576 3/13
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Supreme Office
1 COLUMBUS PLAZA NEW HAVEN CT 06510-3326
Soccer Challenge Kit Order Form
____ Number of Kits in English
____ Number of Kits in French
____ Number of Kits in Spanish
_________________________________________________________
Name Title
_________________________________________________________
Membership No. Council No.
_________________________________________________________
Street
_________________________________________________________
City State/Province Postal Code
P. P. nn Sp. D.
nn Air M.
/ / U.P.S.
nn 1st. Cl.
Picked by Packed by Date Shipped How Shipped No. Pkgs. Weight
All materials needed for conducting a council-level Knights of
Columbus Soccer Challenge are included in the Soccer Challenge
Kit available from the Supreme Council office. Councils should
order their kit at least 4 weeks in adva
nce to have the proper
materials on hand for the competition.
Complete the label to the right and submit it to the Department of
Fr
aternal Services by early August. Please type or print all required
information since this will also be used as your shipping label.
(Street address only. No P.O. Boxes.) To avoid duplicate orders,
please be sure that only one person in your council is responsible for
ordering the Soccer Challenge Kit. Each Soccer Challenge Kit con-
tains the following items:
1 #4567 Soccer Challenge Participation Report Form
5 #4571 Soccer Challenge Poster
5 #4572 Soccer Challenge Poster
75 #4573 Soccer Challenge Participation Certificates
75 #4578 Entry Form Score Sheets
10 #4575 Council Champion Certificates
1 #4576 Soccer Challenge Program Guide
1 #4577 Clip Art Sheet
SC-KIT 11/11
Competition Kit Order Form
Soccer Challenge
1436 1-12 inside_1436 2/6/12 11:31 AM Page 5
Forwarding Instructions:
Yourself (Council Copy)
1) Including your e-mail address allows you to receive a copy of your report.
Submit
2) You will have the opportunity to print a copy of the form after it is submitted.
3) Click "Submit" to send the completed form to Supreme and the e-mail provided.
Reset