PCL FAQs

What is PCL?
PCL is a 4v4 indoor league with games taking place on regulation-sized basketball courts. Teams consist of 4-6 players each; you can sign your player up as an individual to be placed onto a team by the league coordinator OR you can request to be placed onto a team with a group of friends.

When does PCL take place?
PCL takes place on Friday nights. Each team is guaranteed two 25-minute games per night. Games scheduled earlier in the evening are typically reserved for younger players.

How do I know which location to register for?
There are 2 separate PCL programs - Ankeny PCL and West Des Moines PCL. Choose the location you want to be at when registering.

Do I need to register for each session?
Yes, there are three sessions of PCL held throughout the winter and all sessions require an individual registration. Each session includes 3 play dates. Team requests can be made when registering your individual player.

Where does PCL take place?
Ankeny PCL will be held at Kingdom Hoops and Prairie Trail Sports Complex. West Des Moines PCL will be held at RecPlex.

Who is PCL for?
PCL is open to 7U-19U boys and girls in Ankeny and 9U-15U boys and girls in West Des Moines.

PCL is open to any player, from any club, of any level. The league is simply another outlet for kids to play soccer during the winter. PCL does not involve league standings, trophies, or advancement into different levels of competition. Our biggest priority in organizing the league is for players to enjoy themselves playing the game while connecting with others.

Do PCL teams have coaches?
Our aim is for PCL to be a player-centered league with limited intervention from adults. We've found through experience that this creates the most enjoyable environment for the players, referees, and other parents trying to enjoy the game.

We understand that younger teams may need some assistance from a trusted parent to help facilitate substitutions, shared playing time, etc. The league coordinators ask that parent-intervention be limited to assistance of this kind; demands being made to players on the court is not in alignment with the spirit of this league.

Are there any special rules that players need to be aware of?
Rules of the game are pretty simple:

1.) Two teams of four players will compete on a regulation-sized basketball court. Substitutions will NOT take place on the fly and must occur during a natural stoppage (i.e. when the ball goes out of play, a foul is called, or a goal is scored).

2.) Play will be resumed with either a pass-in or dribble-in when the ball goes out of bounds. Players on the opposing team must stand at least 3 yards away from a player trying to bring the ball back into play. If a goal is scored, play is resumed with a traditional kickoff.

3.) 7U-10U teams will be asked to abide by a build-out line on goal kicks (or dribbles). The purpose of the build out line is NOT for the players on the defending team to all sprint forward as soon as the ball is brought into play! It is for players on the ball to have more success in dribbling and connecting passes with teammates in a thoughtful manner.

How should I complete a registration form for my player?
It should be clearly stated that any player who wants to participate in PCL must complete a registration of their own. When registering, you will be asked to fill out some of the following prompts:
• Level of Play: (Rec, Academy, Select)
• List the Names of Players you are requesting to play with: ________________
• If you play on a high school team, list the school here: _________________
• Current Soccer Club: _________________

So, how are teams ultimately formed?
The league coordinators are typically able to construct teams based on the prompts listed above. However, it's important to make note of the following points:

• There will be a number of players who sign up for PCL without making any requests to play with other players. These players are opting into being placed on a team by the league coordinator as he/she sees fit. These players have been referred to as "Free Agents" in the past.

• Even if your player intends on making a team of his/her own, there is a chance that a "Free Agent" will be added to a team that was otherwise "organized" among friends. It's important that PCL participants exercise a certain level of tolerance, inclusivity, and patience as the league coordinators try to organize teams in a way that will allow for as good an experience as possible for the largest number of people possible.

Who can I reach out to about PCL?

Other questions about rules can be directed to the league coordinator prior to competition taking place. Antonio Melendez (antoniomelendez@iowarush.com) will be serving as the league coordinator this year.