Southwest Soccer Club Swarm Handbook Spring 2015
Southwest Soccer Club Swarm Handbook Spring 2015
Updated 3.4.2015
Table of Contents I. II. III. IV. V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
Purpose of Handbook Overview Philosophy Mission Team Organization 1. Name and Colors 2. Tryouts 3. Uniforms 4. Guest Players 5. Pre-Season Meetings Coaching Staff 1. Head Coach Responsibilities 2. Assistant Coach Responsibilities 3. Conduct 4. Licensing Practices and Training Sessions 1. Player Responsibilities 2. Coaches Responsibilities Game Day 1. Player Requirements 2. Playing Time 3. Positions
IX.
Players Guide 1. Skill Work Requirements 2. Player Evaluations 3. Players Code of Conduct 4. Playing Other Sports
X.
Parents Guide 1. Code of Conduct/ Commitment 2. Team Budget 3. Team Manager
XI.
Conflict Resolution
XII.
Governing Board
I. Purpose The game of soccer, if nothing else, should be fun and rewarding. In order for this to be accomplished, a cooperative effort must be made between the Southwest Soccer Club (SSC), the coaches, the parents, the trainers, and most importantly, the players. The players are our most important responsibility. As a club, we should strive to improve their play, their confidence, their technical skills, and their ability to be a reliable teammate so that they may realize their maximum potential, both on and off the soccer field. The purpose of this handbook is to provide our members in our competitive club team with information on current club policies and philosophies. In this handbook you will find SSC guidelines pertaining to coaching staff, players, team managers and parents. You will also find useful information regarding the operations and management of our select team. II. Overview The Southwest Soccer Club is located in the Southwest Miami Valley Area. We offer an environment for players, and families, that wish to practice and compete in a structured environment with players of similar commitment levels, technical, and/or physical abilities. We currently have 13 competitive boys and girls programs, playing in the MVYSA and the Buckeye Premier League. In addition, we now offer a Wee Bees program serving U6 and U7 year old players as well. In the upcoming 2015-2016 seasons, our goal is to continue to field teams at each age level, with teams playing at appropriate developmental levels. III. Philosophy The Southwest Soccer Club is a new club focusing on total player development for the elite soccer players residing in the Southwest Miami Valley Area. This not only includes developing technical and tactical soccer skills, but developing youth by teaching leadership, responsibility, work-ethic and sportsmanship. IV. Mission The mission of the youth competitive program is to provide each player the opportunity to play soccer in a supportive and rewarding environment that emphasizes fun, enjoyment and skill learning at a level that fits his/her interest and ability, and to create a challenging environment for the best players who aspire to reach their full potential. SSC offers players the opportunity to receive quality training and competition that will develop their soccer skills both technically and tactically. Coaches and trainers will encourage our players to be the best that they can be, while fostering a club atmosphere in which the good of the whole club is valued as well as the needs of the individual
V. Team Organization 1. Team Name and Colors The official name of the Club shall be the “Southwest Soccer Club”. The official name of all teams sponsored, promoted, or otherwise governed by the club shall be “Southwest Soccer Club Swarm” No other names, titles, nicknames, or designations shall be used. The official colors of all SSC teams shall be Gold, Black and White in such combination as may be agreed upon by the Club’s Director. 2. Tryouts At the end of each spring soccer season, current SSC teams may hold open or private try-outs to fill the needs for the next year’s team if the coach and coaching director deem it necessary. New SSC teams must hold open tryouts to fill their initial roster. This allows all potential soccer player and parents in the served community an opportunity to be fairly evaluated. Existing clubs recognized by the MVYSA joining the SSC may hold open or private try-outs to fill the needs for the next year’s team if the coach and coaching director deem it necessary, but are not required to. At SSC, all new players are required to try-out and play in their proper age group unless other recommendations are made either by the coaching director, wherein the parents of that particular player will be informed of what the most appropriate environment should be in order for their child to reach their potential. During the try-out sessions, the club will hold an orientation meeting for those parents who are unfamiliar with the club or with select soccer. All applicants will be required to complete a try out information form prior to participation. Tryouts will be divided by age group, and will consist of exercises and small sided games designed to allow the coaching directors, coaches, and club trainers evaluate the technical skill, desire, attitude, and potential of each player. Final player selections are made without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national or ethnic origin or financial status. Selection to a team one year does not guarantee that player a place on the team the following year. Each player needs to deserve and earn their position which is based on evaluations which occur year round. Additional tryouts will be held during the winter months however players that commit to the SSC program in June (which that commitment is for the fall and spring seasons) do not need to re-tryout. The major importance of the winter tryouts is for recreational players, players moving in from out of town, etc… Tryouts will be held annually the week following Memorial Day. Supplemental tryouts may be held the first week in June. Each age group will have a minimum two nights of tryouts. All coaches are required to provide written/oral feedback to director of coaching. Final selections will be made by the Director of Coaching with input from the professional coaching staff, professional training staff and any outside evaluator brought in for the sole purpose to evaluate during tryouts. Notification will be emailed to all players within 2 days of the final tryout night. Follow-up phone calls will be made by either the DOC’s or coaching staff (as instructed by the DOC’s) 2 days after the emails if necessary. It is the SSC philosophy to not cut players in the age groups of U8, U9, U10 and U11 unless the
number of players exceeds the number of available positions. If in an event that this occurs, the DOC and coaching staff will sit down to explore all possible alternatives. If there are sufficient enough players and resources to field multiple teams, a “Gold Team”, made up of the more advanced players at that specific time, will be formed, and a “Black Team”, made up of players needing to develop their skills or a specific skill set. 3. Uniforms All players are required to wear the team uniform to all scheduled games and other events as directed by the staff. The uniform consists of shirt, shorts, socks, shin guards, and soccer shoes and is specifically described below. Long hair is to be tied back and out of the player’s face. To ensure player safety, no jewelry may be worn in scheduled games or practices. All uniform shirts, game and practice, must be available at each game or event. Those not in uniforms may, at the coach’s discretion, not participate in that game/event. The following items make up the SSC uniform: Gold SSC Adidas Jersey and Black Dri-Fit Alternate/Practice T Black and Gold Adidas SSC Socks Black and Gold Adidas SSC Shorts Soccer Shoes Shin Guards (if tape is used it needs to look professional) 4. Guest Players All players who wish to guest play for a team within the club or outside the club must fill out a guest player form and be approved by the Head Coach for participation in the event. Our club strongly urges teams to only use guest players to fill the absence of players. Guest players should not be used with a full team roster. 5. Pre-Season Team Meeting All teams must hold a pre-season team meeting at least 1 week prior to the start of training. VI. Coaching Staff 1. Head Coach Responsibilities A. Attend all of their team’s league and tournament games. In the event that the head coach cannot make a match, one of the assistant coaches will assume responsibilities. Head coaches will be in charge of game management and may delegate responsibilities to assistant coaches as needed. B. Attend their team’s regular practices. Conduct 1-2 practices a week in accordance with the club philosophy for each age level. Practice lengths will be no more than 75 minutes for U8-U10, no more than 90 minutes for U11-14. C.. Coordinate with Club Treasurer a seasonal/yearly team budget and share with team parents. D. Continue to further educational training and development as a professional coach. E. Promote the Olympic Development Program by encouraging players to tryout. F. Perform written and verbal player evaluations with each player at least once per season. G. Develop in conjunction with team’s trainer and club curriculum a season plan for the team in writing. H. Communicate information to the parents and assistant coaches in a timely manner. I. Provide a safe environment for all training sessions (inspect the field, stake down goals, etc.) J. Arrive at practice on time (at least 15 minutes prior to the session) and remain until all players are picked up. K. Responsible for team discipline, player substitution, and game management responsibilities. L. Promote club events (i.e. Winter training, Summer Camp) M. Be professional in all regards. N. Keep up on CUSL, Buckeye Premier and MVYSA requirements including but not limited to how to report scores, reschedule games. Report match scores in a timely and accurate fashion.
2. Assistant Coach Responsibilities A. Assistant coaches are also expected to attend all of their team’s league and tournament games. SSC recommends two coaches present at every match. In the event that the head coach cannot make a match, one of the assistant coaches (determined by the head coach) will assume responsibilities. B. Attend team’s weekly training session if desired or if the head coach cannot be present. C. Attend team’s weekly practice sessions and assist the head coach as directed. D. Assist with evaluating players at tryouts each summer. E. Support the decisions of the head coach. If there is an issue with any decision following the proper channels to resolve that issue. F. Assist the head coach in any tasks delegated by the head coach. G. Be professional in all regards. 3. Conduct A. All SSC coaches must behave in a respectable and positive manner at matches and training sessions. B. Under no circumstances will foul or abusive language towards players, parents, other coaches, and referees be tolerated. C. SSC coaches are directly responsible for their team’s behavior on and off the field. Coaches are asked to strictly enforce good sportsmanship and appropriate language from their players and parents. If a coach has continuous trouble with a player or parent/guardian behavior, the coach may remove the player from the team with the approval from the Club President, Club Board and MVYSA leadership. E. Use positive reinforcement when dealing with players and never abuse a player mentally, verbally, or physically. 4. Licensing All SSC coaches are required to obtain a coaches license. All SSC Swarm teams will have a head coach, with a minimum of a nationally accredited YMII license, or have served as a varsity head coach within the last two years, and approved by our MVYSA governing body. Each team will also have a volunteer parent as team manager. Note: To coach in the Buckeye Premier League and the State League, coaches must hold a “D” license. VII. Practices/Training Sessions 1. Player Responsibilities Players are expected to attend and participate in all scheduled practices when possible. Game playing time may, at the discretion of the coaches, be determined in part by participation in practices. If a player is not able to attend a scheduled practice it is the responsibility of the player to contact the head coach or assistant coach prior to the scheduled practice to let them know. Changes to scheduled practices may be communicated through the club email system, text or email messages from the coach, or posted on our club website (www.southwestsoccerclub.net). Players are expected to come to practices prepared. This means at a minimum to wear proper training gear (appropriate for the time of year, practice uniforms at practice), proper and clean footwear (molded cleats or turf shoes), shin guards, a water bottle, and a properly inflated ball. They should not wear any part of their game uniform to practice. Players are expected to be respectful to trainers, coaches, and team members. They are responsible for communicating information from practice back to their parents.
2. Coach Responsibilities Coaches are responsible for developing a written training session for each practice based on discussion with their trainer and in conjunction with the club curriculum for their age group. U8-U11 teams will only practice/train a maximum of 3 times per week. In order to run an efficient practice, you must be organized and observant. Arrive at your practice before the players do (at least 15 minutes early) so you can lay out your cones, organize your pinnies, and go over your session in your mind. One activity should flow into the next with minimal amount of stopping and reorganizing. Observe what the players are doing. How are they working? Are they having fun? Are they getting maximum touches on the ball? Do not have elimination games where the lesser skilled players end up sitting out for periods of the game. Soccer 101: No laps, No lines, No lectures.
VIII. Game Day 1. Player Requirements All players will report to the scheduled game field no less than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of each home game, 30 minutes prior to start time for each away game, and 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of each indoor or futsal game (unless otherwise advised). Players must be ready for warm up with their uniform on at the arrival times listed. This includes shoes, shin guards, and all parts of the uniform. This will allow the team to warm up together as a team. All alternate uniforms should be available at each game. Playing time during the game will be directly affected if the player does not arrive for pre-game warm up and instruction. Parents, your children can not drive, so this is YOUR responsibility. 2. Playing Time U8-U10: In these age groups the development of our players is the main focus of our training and games. In order for the players to develop, they must play in game situations. Coaches are not required to play players equal amounts of time. However, at this age, each player should play no less than 20 minutes of a 50 minute game, and 25 of a 60 minute game. Of course, some players will play more and some will play less. By the end of the season each player should receive an ample amount of playing time, hopefully nearing at least 40% percent of possible time. Under NO circumstances, except injury, shall a player not play at all in an entire game. There may be times that a coach will have to sacrifice team success to permit a player more playing time. However, a coach has the right to withhold playing time due to behavior or failure to appear at practices. U11-U14: While there is not a formal written mandate on playing time, the above philosophy still holds true. A player must play to become better. If you make the decision to card a player, plan on developing that player. If you feel there is an exception to this, please consult with the President of the Club and Director of Coaching, so a plan of communication can be developed with the player and parents. 3. Positions A. U8-U10: In these age groups, coaches are expected to have all of their players exposed to different positions during the course of the season. Do NOT have a certain player play only one area of the field. Playing different positions is crucial to the player’s development. Each player on your team should be comfortable in any position. Of course, they may be better at a particular position, but should not exclusively be playing that position. No player should play goalkeeper as their primary position at this age. IX. Players Guide 1. Skill Work Requirements SSC players are expected to develop individual skills outside of practice, through regular skill work on their own. Players will all keep a player development binder that begins with the targeted development goals of their age bracket given to them at the beginning of the year by their coach.
2. Player Evaluations Players will be provided a written evaluation at the completion of the season. 3. Player Code of Conduct SSC players are expected to have a positive attitude at all training and match situations. Players will respect officials and accept their decision without question and demonstrate good sportsmanship to opponents and teammates. Players will be respectful to other players, coaches, parents, and officials. Each player will sign a Player Code of Conduct at the start of the year 4. Playing other Sports In our youth age groups, it is important that we do not prohibit our players from participating in other sports. Allowing our players to play in other sports will make them better athletes and better people. If a player at the U8-U12 age level can commit to one practice per week, if they are playing another sport, then they should not be punished by a reduction in playing time. If a player cannot commit to one or more practices a week, but still is a player we would like to stay in the club, the coach must arrange a meeting with the parents, player, coach, and DOC. X. Parents Guide “For some reason, adults- some who can’t even kick a ball- think it’s perfectly OK to scream at children while they’re playing soccer. How normal would it seem if a mother gave an 6-year old a crayon and coloring book and started screaming? ‘ Use the red crayon- stay within the linesdon’t use yellow!’ ….Do you think that child would develop a passion for drawing?” -- Claudio Reyna, U.S. World Cup Captain 1. Parental Code of Conduct/Commitment Letter Participating in competitive select soccer requires a commitment of the parents as well as the players. To recognize the commitment of the parents, the Parent Commitment Letter will be distributed in the spring and fall of each year. Each parent is also provided a code of conduct that must be adhered to. The purpose of the Parental Code of Conduct is to ensure that SSC is portrayed in a positive image both on the field and off. Coaches of the club have complete discretion to eject a parent/guardian due to behavior detrimental to the team. If a coach is carded due to a parent’s behavior, that player will sit out the next match and receive a written final warning from the President and Coach. If a coach is ejected due to a parents behavior, that player may be removed from the team under the discretion of the Coach and President. Poor behavior WILL NOT be tolerated. 2. Team Budget SSC Club Fees shall be collected 60 days prior to the beginning of each season (Fall/Spring) to cover the following: - Administration Fees - Training Fees - League Fees - Field Fees - Referee Fees - Tournament Fees 3. Team Manager The team manager handles or delegates to other parents many of the administrative aspects of the team to include: A. Team Phone or Email List B. Tournament Travel Plans C. Team Registration D. Player Passes and Referee Fees E. Fundraising
XI. Problem Resolution The club understands and appreciates the fact that at times parents might have concerns or issues. We want to handle each situation with the utmost professionalism and honesty. It is vital for the club and the parents to work together in a cooperative manner in order to resolve the concern. Under no circumstances will a problem or concern brought forth ever be held against a child! XII. Governing Board The current Governing Board consists of the following members: President- Justin Smith Vice President- Vacant Treasurer- Johnny Moler Parent Board Member- Alicia Rizzo Director of Coaching- Tom Ezerski If you are interested in attending a board meeting or becoming involved with board as a member, please contact Justin Smith at (937)657-9201.
Updated 3.4.2015
Table of Contents I. II. III. IV. V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
Purpose of Handbook Overview Philosophy Mission Team Organization 1. Name and Colors 2. Tryouts 3. Uniforms 4. Guest Players 5. Pre-Season Meetings Coaching Staff 1. Head Coach Responsibilities 2. Assistant Coach Responsibilities 3. Conduct 4. Licensing Practices and Training Sessions 1. Player Responsibilities 2. Coaches Responsibilities Game Day 1. Player Requirements 2. Playing Time 3. Positions
IX.
Players Guide 1. Skill Work Requirements 2. Player Evaluations 3. Players Code of Conduct 4. Playing Other Sports
X.
Parents Guide 1. Code of Conduct/ Commitment 2. Team Budget 3. Team Manager
XI.
Conflict Resolution
XII.
Governing Board
I. Purpose The game of soccer, if nothing else, should be fun and rewarding. In order for this to be accomplished, a cooperative effort must be made between the Southwest Soccer Club (SSC), the coaches, the parents, the trainers, and most importantly, the players. The players are our most important responsibility. As a club, we should strive to improve their play, their confidence, their technical skills, and their ability to be a reliable teammate so that they may realize their maximum potential, both on and off the soccer field. The purpose of this handbook is to provide our members in our competitive club team with information on current club policies and philosophies. In this handbook you will find SSC guidelines pertaining to coaching staff, players, team managers and parents. You will also find useful information regarding the operations and management of our select team. II. Overview The Southwest Soccer Club is located in the Southwest Miami Valley Area. We offer an environment for players, and families, that wish to practice and compete in a structured environment with players of similar commitment levels, technical, and/or physical abilities. We currently have 13 competitive boys and girls programs, playing in the MVYSA and the Buckeye Premier League. In addition, we now offer a Wee Bees program serving U6 and U7 year old players as well. In the upcoming 2015-2016 seasons, our goal is to continue to field teams at each age level, with teams playing at appropriate developmental levels. III. Philosophy The Southwest Soccer Club is a new club focusing on total player development for the elite soccer players residing in the Southwest Miami Valley Area. This not only includes developing technical and tactical soccer skills, but developing youth by teaching leadership, responsibility, work-ethic and sportsmanship. IV. Mission The mission of the youth competitive program is to provide each player the opportunity to play soccer in a supportive and rewarding environment that emphasizes fun, enjoyment and skill learning at a level that fits his/her interest and ability, and to create a challenging environment for the best players who aspire to reach their full potential. SSC offers players the opportunity to receive quality training and competition that will develop their soccer skills both technically and tactically. Coaches and trainers will encourage our players to be the best that they can be, while fostering a club atmosphere in which the good of the whole club is valued as well as the needs of the individual
V. Team Organization 1. Team Name and Colors The official name of the Club shall be the “Southwest Soccer Club”. The official name of all teams sponsored, promoted, or otherwise governed by the club shall be “Southwest Soccer Club Swarm” No other names, titles, nicknames, or designations shall be used. The official colors of all SSC teams shall be Gold, Black and White in such combination as may be agreed upon by the Club’s Director. 2. Tryouts At the end of each spring soccer season, current SSC teams may hold open or private try-outs to fill the needs for the next year’s team if the coach and coaching director deem it necessary. New SSC teams must hold open tryouts to fill their initial roster. This allows all potential soccer player and parents in the served community an opportunity to be fairly evaluated. Existing clubs recognized by the MVYSA joining the SSC may hold open or private try-outs to fill the needs for the next year’s team if the coach and coaching director deem it necessary, but are not required to. At SSC, all new players are required to try-out and play in their proper age group unless other recommendations are made either by the coaching director, wherein the parents of that particular player will be informed of what the most appropriate environment should be in order for their child to reach their potential. During the try-out sessions, the club will hold an orientation meeting for those parents who are unfamiliar with the club or with select soccer. All applicants will be required to complete a try out information form prior to participation. Tryouts will be divided by age group, and will consist of exercises and small sided games designed to allow the coaching directors, coaches, and club trainers evaluate the technical skill, desire, attitude, and potential of each player. Final player selections are made without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national or ethnic origin or financial status. Selection to a team one year does not guarantee that player a place on the team the following year. Each player needs to deserve and earn their position which is based on evaluations which occur year round. Additional tryouts will be held during the winter months however players that commit to the SSC program in June (which that commitment is for the fall and spring seasons) do not need to re-tryout. The major importance of the winter tryouts is for recreational players, players moving in from out of town, etc… Tryouts will be held annually the week following Memorial Day. Supplemental tryouts may be held the first week in June. Each age group will have a minimum two nights of tryouts. All coaches are required to provide written/oral feedback to director of coaching. Final selections will be made by the Director of Coaching with input from the professional coaching staff, professional training staff and any outside evaluator brought in for the sole purpose to evaluate during tryouts. Notification will be emailed to all players within 2 days of the final tryout night. Follow-up phone calls will be made by either the DOC’s or coaching staff (as instructed by the DOC’s) 2 days after the emails if necessary. It is the SSC philosophy to not cut players in the age groups of U8, U9, U10 and U11 unless the
number of players exceeds the number of available positions. If in an event that this occurs, the DOC and coaching staff will sit down to explore all possible alternatives. If there are sufficient enough players and resources to field multiple teams, a “Gold Team”, made up of the more advanced players at that specific time, will be formed, and a “Black Team”, made up of players needing to develop their skills or a specific skill set. 3. Uniforms All players are required to wear the team uniform to all scheduled games and other events as directed by the staff. The uniform consists of shirt, shorts, socks, shin guards, and soccer shoes and is specifically described below. Long hair is to be tied back and out of the player’s face. To ensure player safety, no jewelry may be worn in scheduled games or practices. All uniform shirts, game and practice, must be available at each game or event. Those not in uniforms may, at the coach’s discretion, not participate in that game/event. The following items make up the SSC uniform: Gold SSC Adidas Jersey and Black Dri-Fit Alternate/Practice T Black and Gold Adidas SSC Socks Black and Gold Adidas SSC Shorts Soccer Shoes Shin Guards (if tape is used it needs to look professional) 4. Guest Players All players who wish to guest play for a team within the club or outside the club must fill out a guest player form and be approved by the Head Coach for participation in the event. Our club strongly urges teams to only use guest players to fill the absence of players. Guest players should not be used with a full team roster. 5. Pre-Season Team Meeting All teams must hold a pre-season team meeting at least 1 week prior to the start of training. VI. Coaching Staff 1. Head Coach Responsibilities A. Attend all of their team’s league and tournament games. In the event that the head coach cannot make a match, one of the assistant coaches will assume responsibilities. Head coaches will be in charge of game management and may delegate responsibilities to assistant coaches as needed. B. Attend their team’s regular practices. Conduct 1-2 practices a week in accordance with the club philosophy for each age level. Practice lengths will be no more than 75 minutes for U8-U10, no more than 90 minutes for U11-14. C.. Coordinate with Club Treasurer a seasonal/yearly team budget and share with team parents. D. Continue to further educational training and development as a professional coach. E. Promote the Olympic Development Program by encouraging players to tryout. F. Perform written and verbal player evaluations with each player at least once per season. G. Develop in conjunction with team’s trainer and club curriculum a season plan for the team in writing. H. Communicate information to the parents and assistant coaches in a timely manner. I. Provide a safe environment for all training sessions (inspect the field, stake down goals, etc.) J. Arrive at practice on time (at least 15 minutes prior to the session) and remain until all players are picked up. K. Responsible for team discipline, player substitution, and game management responsibilities. L. Promote club events (i.e. Winter training, Summer Camp) M. Be professional in all regards. N. Keep up on CUSL, Buckeye Premier and MVYSA requirements including but not limited to how to report scores, reschedule games. Report match scores in a timely and accurate fashion.
2. Assistant Coach Responsibilities A. Assistant coaches are also expected to attend all of their team’s league and tournament games. SSC recommends two coaches present at every match. In the event that the head coach cannot make a match, one of the assistant coaches (determined by the head coach) will assume responsibilities. B. Attend team’s weekly training session if desired or if the head coach cannot be present. C. Attend team’s weekly practice sessions and assist the head coach as directed. D. Assist with evaluating players at tryouts each summer. E. Support the decisions of the head coach. If there is an issue with any decision following the proper channels to resolve that issue. F. Assist the head coach in any tasks delegated by the head coach. G. Be professional in all regards. 3. Conduct A. All SSC coaches must behave in a respectable and positive manner at matches and training sessions. B. Under no circumstances will foul or abusive language towards players, parents, other coaches, and referees be tolerated. C. SSC coaches are directly responsible for their team’s behavior on and off the field. Coaches are asked to strictly enforce good sportsmanship and appropriate language from their players and parents. If a coach has continuous trouble with a player or parent/guardian behavior, the coach may remove the player from the team with the approval from the Club President, Club Board and MVYSA leadership. E. Use positive reinforcement when dealing with players and never abuse a player mentally, verbally, or physically. 4. Licensing All SSC coaches are required to obtain a coaches license. All SSC Swarm teams will have a head coach, with a minimum of a nationally accredited YMII license, or have served as a varsity head coach within the last two years, and approved by our MVYSA governing body. Each team will also have a volunteer parent as team manager. Note: To coach in the Buckeye Premier League and the State League, coaches must hold a “D” license. VII. Practices/Training Sessions 1. Player Responsibilities Players are expected to attend and participate in all scheduled practices when possible. Game playing time may, at the discretion of the coaches, be determined in part by participation in practices. If a player is not able to attend a scheduled practice it is the responsibility of the player to contact the head coach or assistant coach prior to the scheduled practice to let them know. Changes to scheduled practices may be communicated through the club email system, text or email messages from the coach, or posted on our club website (www.southwestsoccerclub.net). Players are expected to come to practices prepared. This means at a minimum to wear proper training gear (appropriate for the time of year, practice uniforms at practice), proper and clean footwear (molded cleats or turf shoes), shin guards, a water bottle, and a properly inflated ball. They should not wear any part of their game uniform to practice. Players are expected to be respectful to trainers, coaches, and team members. They are responsible for communicating information from practice back to their parents.
2. Coach Responsibilities Coaches are responsible for developing a written training session for each practice based on discussion with their trainer and in conjunction with the club curriculum for their age group. U8-U11 teams will only practice/train a maximum of 3 times per week. In order to run an efficient practice, you must be organized and observant. Arrive at your practice before the players do (at least 15 minutes early) so you can lay out your cones, organize your pinnies, and go over your session in your mind. One activity should flow into the next with minimal amount of stopping and reorganizing. Observe what the players are doing. How are they working? Are they having fun? Are they getting maximum touches on the ball? Do not have elimination games where the lesser skilled players end up sitting out for periods of the game. Soccer 101: No laps, No lines, No lectures.
VIII. Game Day 1. Player Requirements All players will report to the scheduled game field no less than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of each home game, 30 minutes prior to start time for each away game, and 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of each indoor or futsal game (unless otherwise advised). Players must be ready for warm up with their uniform on at the arrival times listed. This includes shoes, shin guards, and all parts of the uniform. This will allow the team to warm up together as a team. All alternate uniforms should be available at each game. Playing time during the game will be directly affected if the player does not arrive for pre-game warm up and instruction. Parents, your children can not drive, so this is YOUR responsibility. 2. Playing Time U8-U10: In these age groups the development of our players is the main focus of our training and games. In order for the players to develop, they must play in game situations. Coaches are not required to play players equal amounts of time. However, at this age, each player should play no less than 20 minutes of a 50 minute game, and 25 of a 60 minute game. Of course, some players will play more and some will play less. By the end of the season each player should receive an ample amount of playing time, hopefully nearing at least 40% percent of possible time. Under NO circumstances, except injury, shall a player not play at all in an entire game. There may be times that a coach will have to sacrifice team success to permit a player more playing time. However, a coach has the right to withhold playing time due to behavior or failure to appear at practices. U11-U14: While there is not a formal written mandate on playing time, the above philosophy still holds true. A player must play to become better. If you make the decision to card a player, plan on developing that player. If you feel there is an exception to this, please consult with the President of the Club and Director of Coaching, so a plan of communication can be developed with the player and parents. 3. Positions A. U8-U10: In these age groups, coaches are expected to have all of their players exposed to different positions during the course of the season. Do NOT have a certain player play only one area of the field. Playing different positions is crucial to the player’s development. Each player on your team should be comfortable in any position. Of course, they may be better at a particular position, but should not exclusively be playing that position. No player should play goalkeeper as their primary position at this age. IX. Players Guide 1. Skill Work Requirements SSC players are expected to develop individual skills outside of practice, through regular skill work on their own. Players will all keep a player development binder that begins with the targeted development goals of their age bracket given to them at the beginning of the year by their coach.
2. Player Evaluations Players will be provided a written evaluation at the completion of the season. 3. Player Code of Conduct SSC players are expected to have a positive attitude at all training and match situations. Players will respect officials and accept their decision without question and demonstrate good sportsmanship to opponents and teammates. Players will be respectful to other players, coaches, parents, and officials. Each player will sign a Player Code of Conduct at the start of the year 4. Playing other Sports In our youth age groups, it is important that we do not prohibit our players from participating in other sports. Allowing our players to play in other sports will make them better athletes and better people. If a player at the U8-U12 age level can commit to one practice per week, if they are playing another sport, then they should not be punished by a reduction in playing time. If a player cannot commit to one or more practices a week, but still is a player we would like to stay in the club, the coach must arrange a meeting with the parents, player, coach, and DOC. X. Parents Guide “For some reason, adults- some who can’t even kick a ball- think it’s perfectly OK to scream at children while they’re playing soccer. How normal would it seem if a mother gave an 6-year old a crayon and coloring book and started screaming? ‘ Use the red crayon- stay within the linesdon’t use yellow!’ ….Do you think that child would develop a passion for drawing?” -- Claudio Reyna, U.S. World Cup Captain 1. Parental Code of Conduct/Commitment Letter Participating in competitive select soccer requires a commitment of the parents as well as the players. To recognize the commitment of the parents, the Parent Commitment Letter will be distributed in the spring and fall of each year. Each parent is also provided a code of conduct that must be adhered to. The purpose of the Parental Code of Conduct is to ensure that SSC is portrayed in a positive image both on the field and off. Coaches of the club have complete discretion to eject a parent/guardian due to behavior detrimental to the team. If a coach is carded due to a parent’s behavior, that player will sit out the next match and receive a written final warning from the President and Coach. If a coach is ejected due to a parents behavior, that player may be removed from the team under the discretion of the Coach and President. Poor behavior WILL NOT be tolerated. 2. Team Budget SSC Club Fees shall be collected 60 days prior to the beginning of each season (Fall/Spring) to cover the following: - Administration Fees - Training Fees - League Fees - Field Fees - Referee Fees - Tournament Fees 3. Team Manager The team manager handles or delegates to other parents many of the administrative aspects of the team to include: A. Team Phone or Email List B. Tournament Travel Plans C. Team Registration D. Player Passes and Referee Fees E. Fundraising
XI. Problem Resolution The club understands and appreciates the fact that at times parents might have concerns or issues. We want to handle each situation with the utmost professionalism and honesty. It is vital for the club and the parents to work together in a cooperative manner in order to resolve the concern. Under no circumstances will a problem or concern brought forth ever be held against a child! XII. Governing Board The current Governing Board consists of the following members: President- Justin Smith Vice President- Vacant Treasurer- Johnny Moler Parent Board Member- Alicia Rizzo Director of Coaching- Tom Ezerski If you are interested in attending a board meeting or becoming involved with board as a member, please contact Justin Smith at (937)657-9201.
