Gilbert Youth Soccer Association
Gilbert Youth Soccer Association G.Y.S.A. UNITED
Competitive Play Program 2017 -2018 Season
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Gilbert Youth Soccer Association G.Y.S.A. UNITED Competitive Play Program 2017 - 2018 Season UNITED VISION STATEMENT To develop and deliver a quality competitive youth soccer program which promotes a fun, family environment based on G.Y.S.A.’s integrity-driven philosophy of player growth through skills development, social skills development, and community service.
MISSION STATEMENT The mission of G.Y.S.A UNITED is: 1) To foster young players’ physical, mental, and social growth so they can reach their potential in life through their participation in soccer. 2) To provide each player the opportunity to play in a supportive and rewarding environment that emphasizes fun, enjoyment, and skill development at a level that fits his/her interest and ability. 3) To create a challenging environment for talented players who aspire to reach their full potential. G.Y.S.A UNITED is a “Life Academy” program, and expects its coaching staff to use every opportunity to teach life lessons and coping skills through both successes and challenges.
OUR OBJECTIVES
To create a healthy, positive, and fun competitive environment where talented athletes of G.Y.S.A. can grow into positive examples for society, by living their lives in a positive way, and influencing others through their positive influence. We will do this by: o Developing skilled, confident, and creative players o Making the game fun to practice and play o Teaching good sportsmanship and respect for all o Value winning but not more than character and performance o Providing a safe and educational experience that meets best practice criteria
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G.Y.S.A. UNITED/PLAYER/PARENT AGREEMENT Over the years we have enjoyed many successes with our involvement in youth soccer. We have learned one key ingredient of success is clear consistent communication between the Gilbert Youth Soccer Association (Association), teams, coaches, players, and parents. This agreement is one way of explaining in detail the expectations of G.Y.S.A., the UNITED program, its staff and members. It will help identify some potential problem areas, and at the same time, answer questions about the Association’s decision making process. As you have committed to become a member of G.Y.S.A. UNITED, please take the time to read the following pages carefully.
G.Y.S.A. UNITED and THE TEAM Members of G.Y.S.A. UNITED agree to put the Association ahead of the team. When decisions are made regarding conflicts between the Association and a particular team, the Association will come first. Association decisions will be made by consulting with the “G.Y.S.A. Competitive Committee” (Committee) and/or a majority vote of the Executive Board of Directors. The decisions made by the Association will be final and without appeal.
THE TEAM and THE INDIVIDUAL Members of G.Y.S.A. UNITED agree to put their team ahead of the individual player. In the event a parent of a UNITED player has a child participating in another club outside of the UNITED program, the parent shall refrain from any discussions with that club and/or its staff, members, and players, except as it relates to the parent’s own child within the outside club. This includes, but is not limited to, communications/conversations regarding player recruitment, selection, and training during the season of play. The UNITED player may be released from his/her position with the G.Y.S.A. UNITED program, as a result of his/her parent’s contact, if a conflict of interest becomes perceivable as real and harmful to the team and the G.Y.S.A. program. The Committee will afford the parent an opportunity to discuss any and all concerns prior to a decision being made by the Committee regarding the position of their child as it pertains to their respective team and the Association. If conflicts arise between the team and a player or his/her parent, the team coach may confer with the Committee for assistance and/or direction with decisions to be made for the good of the team. These decisions will be made after gathering all relevant information and consultation with those involved has been completed. The decision of the team coach will be objective and based on his/her best evaluation of the facts. Once a decision has been made it is final and without appeal. Players and parents must agree to abide with the final decision. Page | 3
PLAYER EVALUATION and SELECTION Player performance will be evaluated by observing the player under the pressures of annual tryouts, during seasonal practices, scrimmages, and especially games. Only the Program Director, designees and the team coaches will consult in matters of player evaluation and selection. Player performance is evaluated throughout the year. Our Association coaches make decisions on player selections based solely on the best judgment of the coaches involved in the process of players demonstrating their skillset, which the coaches will evaluate as it applies to the game of competitive soccer. If you have any questions, please ask your team coach. Team coaches will base their decisions solely on the Four Areas of Evaluation (Technical, Tactical, Physical, and Psychological) and they are responsible to make decisions for the good of the Association and team. Politics, a parent’s position in the Association, friendships, personal relationships, and financial contributions to the Association or team will not enter into a team coach’s decisions. Your understanding here is important; for just as UNITED players and parents are given the freedom to evaluate and select a soccer organization without undue pressure, our coaches should have the same expectation of freedom to evaluate and select soccer players without undue pressure. We will not always agree on issues as sensitive as player evaluation and selection. We hope you will respect our effort to be objective in these matters. ASSESSMENTS Each year, G.Y.S.A. will hold in-house assessments for players in the recreational program who wish to join a UNITED team. Assessments will be held annually for players who meet the age requirements for the team in question. The Organization will announce team assessments to inform the public of specific dates and times. All players participating in the assessments shall be judged by the same criteria and based on their skill level. Recruitment of new players must begin with the in-house assessments, and open positions on a team shall first attempt to be filled by a player from a G.Y.S.A recreational team. In the event a player with a comparable level of skill is not available from a recreational team, the head coach may offer a roster position to a player from outside the organization, ONLY if the player is not participating in any form with another soccer club in Maricopa County. If a coach seeks to add players to the roster once the season has begun, approval must be received from the Program Director before an offer is made.
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Tournament and league play may involve games on any day of the week. Therefore, coaches may inquire about player availability during the assessment process. While player availability may be a factor in the selection process, coaches must exercise caution in rejecting qualified players. Coaches may limit the number of such players to ensure an acceptable sized roster is available for all days of the week, but may not outright reject all players with day-of-week limitations. If a UNITED coach has a need to add a player after the assessment period has closed, and the recreational season has begun, the coach may look at players in the current recreational league season. If a player is of interest to the UNITED coach, the coach should speak with the recreational team coach to afford the recreational coach an opportunity to take part in the evaluation/assessment and development process of the recreational player(s). THE PLAYER You are not under any pressure to join G.Y.S.A. Instead, we hope that the player and his/her parents will consider all options and choose what will be best, taking into consideration the player’s goals and aspirations as a person and soccer player. Once you commit to join G.Y.S.A. UNITED, you agree to abide by the policies of the Association and your team. This commitment is for one soccer season only. The soccer season begins in August and continues through the following April, or May, depending on the age group and/or success of the team through local and regional play. At the end of the soccer season your commitment to the Association is over and you are free to join another organization if it is in your best interest. We expect our players and parents to be ethical and honest, thereby honoring their commitments both verbal and written. You should make your decision thoughtfully and carefully. Once your commitment is made, the Association expects your full participation and support for the entire soccer season. Please acknowledge that your coach may have had to inform another potential player they did not make the team. Please consider your decision carefully and be considerate in a timely manner. If you have committed to the Association, the Association will also be ethical and honest, honoring its commitment to you. No player will ever be released from a team during the soccer season unless it is for disciplinary reasons or failure to fulfill G.Y.S.A. UNITED and/or Team financial obligations. COMPETITIVE PLAY Teams will begin league play with the Port of Subs Open League (POSOL), which schedules games on Saturdays. Game start times may be adjusted from the posted schedule to accommodate field and referee availability. As teams’ progress, the opportunity to play in the Chipotle Arizona State League (CASL) may become a possibility. Some CASL games may be scheduled for Sunday play. Page | 5
Regular season games are scheduled by the Arizona Youth Soccer Association (AYSA). The scheduling process is very complex, and involves hundreds of teams from throughout Arizona. It is possible that the posting of league and tournament schedules may be done with little notice. Please understand that we do not control the schedule. We also have no control over the time or location of away games. OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT PLAY During the soccer season, players from G.Y.S.A. UNITED may have the opportunity and are encouraged to participate in Arizona’s Olympic Development Program (ODP). Player evaluation and selection for the ODP is the sole responsibility of the ODP staff. If selected, the decision about whether to participate in ODP will be left up to the player and parents. Please consider that a player who is selected for the ODP State, Regional, or National program will encounter conflicts between the G.Y.S.A. UNITED Association and ODP events. The ODP policy clearly states that the Association always has priority unless your team coach, in coordination with the Program Director, decide otherwise. UNIFORM and EQUIPMENT POLICY In order to promote Association and team unity it is essential that all players be committed to wearing the designated uniform and colors of the G.Y.S.A. UNITED program in its entirety during the traditional season. All teams are required to wear practice kits as dictated by the Association. Any additional uniform gear, including warm ups and back packs, are to be worn and used when applicable without exception. These items are not to be substituted at any time. In keeping with soccer tradition, the uniform numbers range from #0 to #99. If the goalkeeper does not select #0 or #1, those jerseys may become temporary jerseys. Returning team members have priority for uniform number selection. A player joining an existing team from within the Association has second choice while a player joining a G.Y.S.A. UNITED team from outside the Association has third choice. Uniforms will be purchased by each family through the United approved uniform vendor website. A complete uniform set will cost approximately $280. Each player must have one complete home kit, one complete away kit, a warm-up jacket, warm-up pants, and one team backpack. Pre-game jerseys, two practice shirts and a practice ball will be provided by GYSA. CONDUCT As a member of G.Y.S.A. UNITED, coaches, parents and players are responsible for their own performance and conduct. Honesty, communication, and reliability will be expected at all times. The Association requests that players care about themselves and the sport of soccer. This requires the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, a positive team attitude, and a personal sense of sportsmanship and fair play. Use of drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes is not acceptable and may result in temporary suspension Page | 6
and/or removal from the Association. A player is expected to conduct himself/herself in a respectable manner and positively represent the G.Y.S.A. Association on and off the soccer field. GUESTING, LOANING, AND BORROWING OF PLAYERS If a G.Y.S.A. UNITED player is invited to guest on another UNITED team or on a team outside the Association (in practices, scrimmages, regulation games, and/or tournaments), first request permission from your G.Y.S.A. UNITED team coach prior to accepting the invitation to guest. Your G.Y.S.A. UNITED team coach will contact the Program Director to review the request, and ensure that the proper paperwork is completed for the loan, if needed. If there is a need and space is available on the roster of a team, a G.Y.S.A. recreational player who has demonstrated the essential levels with regards to the Four Areas of Evaluation may be given the opportunity to participate with a G.Y.S.A. UNITED team (in practices, scrimmages, regulation games, and/or tournaments), based on the decision of the G.Y.S.A. UNITED team coach. We ask that all UNITED coaches consult with the recreational team coach of a player if you are interested in having the player practice or play with your team. The decision about participation with the G.Y.S.A. UNITED team requesting to borrow the player will be left up to the invited player and his/her parents. Potential guest players who are members of another G.Y.S.A. UNITED team, or a team outside of the Association, must know that in case of conflict, the team loaning the player has priority, unless the coach of the team loaning the player decides otherwise. BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER GAMES During the soccer season, the team and its players participate in practices, league competitions, and tournaments. The team coach will make decisions on player selection, game lineup, player positions, playing time, tournament participation, and team management. A player and his/her respective parents must be positive in fulfilling the role the player is asked to perform for the team at any moment, even if that role has them coming off the bench, playing a different position, or participating in team functions. From the designated arrival time at all practices and games, a player is expected to concentrate on soccer. Players must arrive on time with required equipment (shoes, proper G.Y.S.A. UNITED uniform, G.Y.S.A. UNITED warm-ups, soccer ball, shin guards, etc.) and be ready to practice or play. Since practicing and playing their best requires undivided attention, there will be no visiting between the player and her parents, family members, friends, pets, or others (who might cause the player to lose focus on soccer) from immediately before the practice or game until dismissed by the coach. This includes half-time and the conclusion of games. When team responsibilities are over, the player is free to join family and friends. Page | 7
Hydration, nutrition, and rest are also part of the individual player’s personal responsibility as a member of G.Y.S.A. UNITED. A player is expected to take in appropriate fluids, eat healthy nutritious food in a timely fashion to allow for proper digestion, and therefore not interfere with performance. If a player has questions about which fluids and foods are best for performing athletes, please ask the team coach. When involved in tournament play, rest periods between games may be spent with family members or friends if time and the team coach permit. However, the period between games is not to be considered family time, vacation time, or a time to go sightseeing. There will be times when the team coach will require the team stay together while waiting for the next game. At other times, the team coach may allow players to go with family members or friends. This decision will be left entirely up to the team coach and he/she is free to reverse any decision at any time if it is in the best interest of the team. Individual exceptions may be made if the situation warrants but that decision as well will be left entirely up to the team coach whose decision will be final. TEAM TRAVEL Throughout the soccer season, teams will participate in away games. It is a player’s responsibility to abide by the Association’s travel code of ethics and to arrange transportation to games. In most instances, the player will be able to arrange travel in conjunction with other team members. In certain cases, the team may be taking trips which require the team to stay overnight. During overnight trips, all team members may be required to travel together, stay at a designated hotel and eat meals as a team. Final decisions regarding team travel, including timing of arrival and departure to and from locations (hotels, restaurants, game fields, etc.) will be left entirely up to the team coach. Although under no obligation, there will be times when the coach may make individual exceptions and be flexible in the implementation of team travel rules. These decisions by the team coach will be made with the best interests of the Association and team in mind. The player and his/her parents are responsible for the cost of the player's travel, accommodations, and meals. In the event your coach does not have a child on the team, the cost of the team coach's travel, accommodations, meals and/or per diem will also be paid for by the players and their parents, at the request of the Association. TOURNAMENT PLAY Throughout the season, the team may opt to play in a number of tournaments. The decision as to which tournaments the team will play in will be discussed at the team’s annual parent meeting. The parents may provide input as to the tournament schedule but the final decision regarding the team's tournament schedule will be up to the team coach. The cost of any/all tournaments is the sole responsibility of the individual team and the Association bears no responsibility with the payment of Page | 8
cost for tournament play. Tournament costs will be divided evenly amongst the registered players on the team regardless of an individual player’s attendance at the tournament. THE PARENTS Parental support and involvement in the Association is essential. If your son or daughter is selected and chooses to commit himself/herself to G.Y.S.A. UNITED, parental commitment is also necessary. If a player is to make a quality commitment to the Association and his/her team, his/her parents must see to it that the player attends all possible Association and team functions (practices, meetings, games, etc.). There will be times when scheduling conflicts cannot be avoided and other more important events occur (Faith/Family/Education). The Association requires your communication, planning, and understanding so we can minimize conflicts. It is the Association’s responsibility to present a periodic schedule to allow time for your planning. When a player or his/her parents have an unavoidable scheduling conflict, the Association expects timely communication to see if the necessary adjustments can be made. The team coach, in consultation with the Program Director, will make final decisions on scheduling and adjustments after careful consideration of individual member needs and those of the Association and/or team. SIDELINE COACHING There will be no coaching by parents. No matter how good your intentions are we insist there be no shouting instructions to your son or daughter, or shouting (complaining) to officials and opposing players during games. Your vocal support and positive encouragement are welcome after a good play. "Go" or "Shoot" are interpreted as instructions and as such are not desirable. It is important the players not be distracted at practices and during games. Players should only receive one set of instructions before, during, and after practices or games. For this reason, the Association insists the team coach be the only voice at all games and practices. No one other than those listed on the official game roster may sit on or near the team bench before and during games (please respect the space and privacy necessary for the coach and team to carry out their game responsibilities). The Association’s primary concern is for the long-term growth of your son and/or daughter as a person along with his/her soccer abilities under pressure. Association, team, and player growth will sometimes be given a greater priority than results; especially in the years prior to high school. Parents must understand this and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with a healthy team environment. Remember, playing only to win without considering healthy team and player growth into account will not result in a solid foundation upon which your son or daughter will be prepared for achieving positive results. Always feel free to communicate or ask questions about your child and his/her soccer growth. Please take the initiative to encourage your son/daughter to speak up and communicate for himself/herself Page | 9
whenever possible. Your coach should always express observations and views of an individual through the Four Areas of Evaluation. G.Y.S.A. UNITED believes in and instructs its players to understand the benefits of having mental power and to apply that understanding to guide their personal focus on the game of soccer. We will instruct your son and daughter to ignore adverse conditions such as poor officiating, obscenities, rough play, weather, negative behavior by opponents or parents, and general poor sportsmanship directed at them. We expect our parents to have this same mental power. G.Y.S.A. UNITED families are expected to take part in team events when warranted, and to assist the team with field and equipment maintenance and setup. THE COACH The coaches for the G.Y.S.A. UNITED program are instructed to conduct themselves first as teachers and second as soccer coaches. Nothing positive will come of our Association’s efforts if our players grow to become world-class players who do not know how to conduct themselves as positive successful human beings. In this regard, you should expect G.Y.S.A. UNITED coaches to conduct themselves as positive role models and provide examples of appropriate behavior. Our coaches recognize the importance of their role with young people and cannot overlook the impact they have on players' lives. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of the team on and off the soccer field when the team is together and part of Association and Team events. We insist our players are polite, well behaved, and respectful. Players and parents should expect honesty, communication, consistency, and reliability from the coach. The Association and team coach work to create an environment that facilitates growth thus enabling players to become as productive as their passion, effort, and physical qualities will allow. The Team coach is responsible for the creation of an environment where you can play quality, fun, and competitive soccer. While the soccer we play will be taken seriously, the Association recognizes there are things more important in life than soccer. In terms of priority, family and school work come first. However, if the team coach determines a player is not willing to put his/her soccer above other recreational activities during the season it may affect the player’s Four Areas of Evaluation and therefore his/her playing time and/or status with the Association. As a member of G.Y.S.A. UNITED, we expect you to commit to the sport of soccer and your team as your first recreational activity and priority during the competitive season. Do not expect your team coach to praise everything you do well. There may be things the team coach comes to expect from a player. There are times when the team coach will say very little, and times when they may shout out instructions. There are times the team coach may be critical of players, and Page | 10
other times he/she will be generous with praise. The player and his/her parents are expected to take constructive criticism along with praise for a job well done, and be capable to deal with both. The team coach will be available to provide instruction in soccer for 4-6 hours per team per week. The team coach will attend practices and coach the team during games. In situations where conflicts do occur, and they will, the team coach may designate another Association staff coach to cover a practice or game with final approval of the Program Director. It is important for players and parents to understand that coaching in soccer is often over emphasized. Once a player and his/her teammates reach a certain level of maturity in the Four Areas of Evaluation, they become more important to the team's success than the coach. In the event a coach has a child participating in another club outside of the UNITED program, the coach shall refrain from any discussions with that club except as it relates to the coach’s own child. The coach may be removed from his/her coaching position within the G.Y.S.A. UNITED program if a conflict of interest becomes perceivable as real and harmful to the team and the G.Y.S.A. program. The Coach will have an opportunity to discuss any and all concerns prior to a decision being made by the Committee regarding the coach and his/her position and duties with their respective team, and the Association. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS Our attempt with this agreement is to present in clear detail exactly what will be expected of you and what you can expect of the Association, the team, and the Association’s staff coach. If you are uncertain what is expected, it is your responsibility to ask the team coach. By knowing and understanding these things, your participation will be positive for you as you grow to the highest level possible. The Association has high expectations for our teams, our coaches, players and parents, both on and off the soccer field. These expectations are the rules, regulations, and policies for G.Y.S.A. UNITED. So that players and parents in our Association can get the maximum benefit, the Association requires all to abide by Association rules, regulations and policies. If disciplinary actions are necessary, the following steps may be taken: A notification will be made, in writing by the G.Y.S.A. UNITED Competitive Committee, to the member who is the focus of a disciplinary matter. A date, time, and location will be set for the member to meet with the G.Y.S.A. Disciplinary Review Committee and all involved parties. The G.Y.S.A. Disciplinary Review Committee will afford the member an opportunity to discuss any and all concerns prior to a decision being made by the G.Y.S.A. UNITED Competitive Committee regarding a member and his/her position and duties with their respective team, and the Association. Page | 11
The G.Y.S.A. Disciplinary Review Committee shall be made up of: o Association Referee Assignor o Association Director of Coaching o Association Vice President
There may be problems or circumstances that warrant the G.Y.S.A. UNITED Competitive Committee and/or the G.Y.S.A. Executive Board of Directors to take immediate action. The G.Y.S.A. UNITED Competitive Committee, at their sole and absolute discretion, will determine which problems and circumstances will require their immediate action. Problems or circumstances may include, but not be limited to, member misconduct (whether player, parent, coach, assistant coach, official, or officer). Should the G.Y.S.A. UNITED Competitive Committee find the conduct of any member detrimental to the best interests of G.Y.S.A., G.Y.S.A. UNITED or to the purpose for which the Arizona Youth Soccer Association has been formed and/or to the interest of soccer, the G.Y.S.A. Board of Directors may take such action as they determine reasonable, applicable, and appropriate; including but not limited to suspension from or removal from the G.Y.S.A. UNITED team and Association. Such action shall require the vote of a majority of the G.Y.S.A. UNITED Competitive Committee, based on the recommendation of the Disciplinary Review Committee.
Our desire is to work in a positive and constructive way with our players. Everyone has problems from time to time and the Association will make every effort to work to help solve the problems we may have. After exhausting all efforts to solve the problem, the Association will be left with little choice other than to pursue disciplinary action as outlined above.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND AGREEMENT We have read the G.Y.S.A. Parent/Player Handbook. We agree to abide by its policies and procedures. We understand that failure to follow these policies may result in the player being dismissed from the Club without any refund of fees. We understand that by registering with the G.Y.S.A. United program, the player will be considered a travel player of the Club through the end of the soccer year (the soccer year runs Aug 1-Jul 31). We recognize that success of the individual players and of the team are dependent upon a serious commitment by all of the players to faithfully attend practices, games, and tournaments. We agree to submit required paperwork and payments when due and understand that failure to do so may result in dismissal of the player from the Club. This agreement must be signed once each soccer year for each player and must be submitted to the G.Y.S.A. United Registrar by way of the team manager. Player registration will not be complete and the player will not be placed on a roster until this form has been received by the Club.
PLAYER’S PRINTED NAME
PLAYER’S SIGNATURE
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE
DATE
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE
DATE
Coach Name:
Team Name: CIRCLE
Age
U-
B / G
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Competitive Play Program 2017 -2018 Season
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Gilbert Youth Soccer Association G.Y.S.A. UNITED Competitive Play Program 2017 - 2018 Season UNITED VISION STATEMENT To develop and deliver a quality competitive youth soccer program which promotes a fun, family environment based on G.Y.S.A.’s integrity-driven philosophy of player growth through skills development, social skills development, and community service.
MISSION STATEMENT The mission of G.Y.S.A UNITED is: 1) To foster young players’ physical, mental, and social growth so they can reach their potential in life through their participation in soccer. 2) To provide each player the opportunity to play in a supportive and rewarding environment that emphasizes fun, enjoyment, and skill development at a level that fits his/her interest and ability. 3) To create a challenging environment for talented players who aspire to reach their full potential. G.Y.S.A UNITED is a “Life Academy” program, and expects its coaching staff to use every opportunity to teach life lessons and coping skills through both successes and challenges.
OUR OBJECTIVES
To create a healthy, positive, and fun competitive environment where talented athletes of G.Y.S.A. can grow into positive examples for society, by living their lives in a positive way, and influencing others through their positive influence. We will do this by: o Developing skilled, confident, and creative players o Making the game fun to practice and play o Teaching good sportsmanship and respect for all o Value winning but not more than character and performance o Providing a safe and educational experience that meets best practice criteria
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G.Y.S.A. UNITED/PLAYER/PARENT AGREEMENT Over the years we have enjoyed many successes with our involvement in youth soccer. We have learned one key ingredient of success is clear consistent communication between the Gilbert Youth Soccer Association (Association), teams, coaches, players, and parents. This agreement is one way of explaining in detail the expectations of G.Y.S.A., the UNITED program, its staff and members. It will help identify some potential problem areas, and at the same time, answer questions about the Association’s decision making process. As you have committed to become a member of G.Y.S.A. UNITED, please take the time to read the following pages carefully.
G.Y.S.A. UNITED and THE TEAM Members of G.Y.S.A. UNITED agree to put the Association ahead of the team. When decisions are made regarding conflicts between the Association and a particular team, the Association will come first. Association decisions will be made by consulting with the “G.Y.S.A. Competitive Committee” (Committee) and/or a majority vote of the Executive Board of Directors. The decisions made by the Association will be final and without appeal.
THE TEAM and THE INDIVIDUAL Members of G.Y.S.A. UNITED agree to put their team ahead of the individual player. In the event a parent of a UNITED player has a child participating in another club outside of the UNITED program, the parent shall refrain from any discussions with that club and/or its staff, members, and players, except as it relates to the parent’s own child within the outside club. This includes, but is not limited to, communications/conversations regarding player recruitment, selection, and training during the season of play. The UNITED player may be released from his/her position with the G.Y.S.A. UNITED program, as a result of his/her parent’s contact, if a conflict of interest becomes perceivable as real and harmful to the team and the G.Y.S.A. program. The Committee will afford the parent an opportunity to discuss any and all concerns prior to a decision being made by the Committee regarding the position of their child as it pertains to their respective team and the Association. If conflicts arise between the team and a player or his/her parent, the team coach may confer with the Committee for assistance and/or direction with decisions to be made for the good of the team. These decisions will be made after gathering all relevant information and consultation with those involved has been completed. The decision of the team coach will be objective and based on his/her best evaluation of the facts. Once a decision has been made it is final and without appeal. Players and parents must agree to abide with the final decision. Page | 3
PLAYER EVALUATION and SELECTION Player performance will be evaluated by observing the player under the pressures of annual tryouts, during seasonal practices, scrimmages, and especially games. Only the Program Director, designees and the team coaches will consult in matters of player evaluation and selection. Player performance is evaluated throughout the year. Our Association coaches make decisions on player selections based solely on the best judgment of the coaches involved in the process of players demonstrating their skillset, which the coaches will evaluate as it applies to the game of competitive soccer. If you have any questions, please ask your team coach. Team coaches will base their decisions solely on the Four Areas of Evaluation (Technical, Tactical, Physical, and Psychological) and they are responsible to make decisions for the good of the Association and team. Politics, a parent’s position in the Association, friendships, personal relationships, and financial contributions to the Association or team will not enter into a team coach’s decisions. Your understanding here is important; for just as UNITED players and parents are given the freedom to evaluate and select a soccer organization without undue pressure, our coaches should have the same expectation of freedom to evaluate and select soccer players without undue pressure. We will not always agree on issues as sensitive as player evaluation and selection. We hope you will respect our effort to be objective in these matters. ASSESSMENTS Each year, G.Y.S.A. will hold in-house assessments for players in the recreational program who wish to join a UNITED team. Assessments will be held annually for players who meet the age requirements for the team in question. The Organization will announce team assessments to inform the public of specific dates and times. All players participating in the assessments shall be judged by the same criteria and based on their skill level. Recruitment of new players must begin with the in-house assessments, and open positions on a team shall first attempt to be filled by a player from a G.Y.S.A recreational team. In the event a player with a comparable level of skill is not available from a recreational team, the head coach may offer a roster position to a player from outside the organization, ONLY if the player is not participating in any form with another soccer club in Maricopa County. If a coach seeks to add players to the roster once the season has begun, approval must be received from the Program Director before an offer is made.
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Tournament and league play may involve games on any day of the week. Therefore, coaches may inquire about player availability during the assessment process. While player availability may be a factor in the selection process, coaches must exercise caution in rejecting qualified players. Coaches may limit the number of such players to ensure an acceptable sized roster is available for all days of the week, but may not outright reject all players with day-of-week limitations. If a UNITED coach has a need to add a player after the assessment period has closed, and the recreational season has begun, the coach may look at players in the current recreational league season. If a player is of interest to the UNITED coach, the coach should speak with the recreational team coach to afford the recreational coach an opportunity to take part in the evaluation/assessment and development process of the recreational player(s). THE PLAYER You are not under any pressure to join G.Y.S.A. Instead, we hope that the player and his/her parents will consider all options and choose what will be best, taking into consideration the player’s goals and aspirations as a person and soccer player. Once you commit to join G.Y.S.A. UNITED, you agree to abide by the policies of the Association and your team. This commitment is for one soccer season only. The soccer season begins in August and continues through the following April, or May, depending on the age group and/or success of the team through local and regional play. At the end of the soccer season your commitment to the Association is over and you are free to join another organization if it is in your best interest. We expect our players and parents to be ethical and honest, thereby honoring their commitments both verbal and written. You should make your decision thoughtfully and carefully. Once your commitment is made, the Association expects your full participation and support for the entire soccer season. Please acknowledge that your coach may have had to inform another potential player they did not make the team. Please consider your decision carefully and be considerate in a timely manner. If you have committed to the Association, the Association will also be ethical and honest, honoring its commitment to you. No player will ever be released from a team during the soccer season unless it is for disciplinary reasons or failure to fulfill G.Y.S.A. UNITED and/or Team financial obligations. COMPETITIVE PLAY Teams will begin league play with the Port of Subs Open League (POSOL), which schedules games on Saturdays. Game start times may be adjusted from the posted schedule to accommodate field and referee availability. As teams’ progress, the opportunity to play in the Chipotle Arizona State League (CASL) may become a possibility. Some CASL games may be scheduled for Sunday play. Page | 5
Regular season games are scheduled by the Arizona Youth Soccer Association (AYSA). The scheduling process is very complex, and involves hundreds of teams from throughout Arizona. It is possible that the posting of league and tournament schedules may be done with little notice. Please understand that we do not control the schedule. We also have no control over the time or location of away games. OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT PLAY During the soccer season, players from G.Y.S.A. UNITED may have the opportunity and are encouraged to participate in Arizona’s Olympic Development Program (ODP). Player evaluation and selection for the ODP is the sole responsibility of the ODP staff. If selected, the decision about whether to participate in ODP will be left up to the player and parents. Please consider that a player who is selected for the ODP State, Regional, or National program will encounter conflicts between the G.Y.S.A. UNITED Association and ODP events. The ODP policy clearly states that the Association always has priority unless your team coach, in coordination with the Program Director, decide otherwise. UNIFORM and EQUIPMENT POLICY In order to promote Association and team unity it is essential that all players be committed to wearing the designated uniform and colors of the G.Y.S.A. UNITED program in its entirety during the traditional season. All teams are required to wear practice kits as dictated by the Association. Any additional uniform gear, including warm ups and back packs, are to be worn and used when applicable without exception. These items are not to be substituted at any time. In keeping with soccer tradition, the uniform numbers range from #0 to #99. If the goalkeeper does not select #0 or #1, those jerseys may become temporary jerseys. Returning team members have priority for uniform number selection. A player joining an existing team from within the Association has second choice while a player joining a G.Y.S.A. UNITED team from outside the Association has third choice. Uniforms will be purchased by each family through the United approved uniform vendor website. A complete uniform set will cost approximately $280. Each player must have one complete home kit, one complete away kit, a warm-up jacket, warm-up pants, and one team backpack. Pre-game jerseys, two practice shirts and a practice ball will be provided by GYSA. CONDUCT As a member of G.Y.S.A. UNITED, coaches, parents and players are responsible for their own performance and conduct. Honesty, communication, and reliability will be expected at all times. The Association requests that players care about themselves and the sport of soccer. This requires the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, a positive team attitude, and a personal sense of sportsmanship and fair play. Use of drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes is not acceptable and may result in temporary suspension Page | 6
and/or removal from the Association. A player is expected to conduct himself/herself in a respectable manner and positively represent the G.Y.S.A. Association on and off the soccer field. GUESTING, LOANING, AND BORROWING OF PLAYERS If a G.Y.S.A. UNITED player is invited to guest on another UNITED team or on a team outside the Association (in practices, scrimmages, regulation games, and/or tournaments), first request permission from your G.Y.S.A. UNITED team coach prior to accepting the invitation to guest. Your G.Y.S.A. UNITED team coach will contact the Program Director to review the request, and ensure that the proper paperwork is completed for the loan, if needed. If there is a need and space is available on the roster of a team, a G.Y.S.A. recreational player who has demonstrated the essential levels with regards to the Four Areas of Evaluation may be given the opportunity to participate with a G.Y.S.A. UNITED team (in practices, scrimmages, regulation games, and/or tournaments), based on the decision of the G.Y.S.A. UNITED team coach. We ask that all UNITED coaches consult with the recreational team coach of a player if you are interested in having the player practice or play with your team. The decision about participation with the G.Y.S.A. UNITED team requesting to borrow the player will be left up to the invited player and his/her parents. Potential guest players who are members of another G.Y.S.A. UNITED team, or a team outside of the Association, must know that in case of conflict, the team loaning the player has priority, unless the coach of the team loaning the player decides otherwise. BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER GAMES During the soccer season, the team and its players participate in practices, league competitions, and tournaments. The team coach will make decisions on player selection, game lineup, player positions, playing time, tournament participation, and team management. A player and his/her respective parents must be positive in fulfilling the role the player is asked to perform for the team at any moment, even if that role has them coming off the bench, playing a different position, or participating in team functions. From the designated arrival time at all practices and games, a player is expected to concentrate on soccer. Players must arrive on time with required equipment (shoes, proper G.Y.S.A. UNITED uniform, G.Y.S.A. UNITED warm-ups, soccer ball, shin guards, etc.) and be ready to practice or play. Since practicing and playing their best requires undivided attention, there will be no visiting between the player and her parents, family members, friends, pets, or others (who might cause the player to lose focus on soccer) from immediately before the practice or game until dismissed by the coach. This includes half-time and the conclusion of games. When team responsibilities are over, the player is free to join family and friends. Page | 7
Hydration, nutrition, and rest are also part of the individual player’s personal responsibility as a member of G.Y.S.A. UNITED. A player is expected to take in appropriate fluids, eat healthy nutritious food in a timely fashion to allow for proper digestion, and therefore not interfere with performance. If a player has questions about which fluids and foods are best for performing athletes, please ask the team coach. When involved in tournament play, rest periods between games may be spent with family members or friends if time and the team coach permit. However, the period between games is not to be considered family time, vacation time, or a time to go sightseeing. There will be times when the team coach will require the team stay together while waiting for the next game. At other times, the team coach may allow players to go with family members or friends. This decision will be left entirely up to the team coach and he/she is free to reverse any decision at any time if it is in the best interest of the team. Individual exceptions may be made if the situation warrants but that decision as well will be left entirely up to the team coach whose decision will be final. TEAM TRAVEL Throughout the soccer season, teams will participate in away games. It is a player’s responsibility to abide by the Association’s travel code of ethics and to arrange transportation to games. In most instances, the player will be able to arrange travel in conjunction with other team members. In certain cases, the team may be taking trips which require the team to stay overnight. During overnight trips, all team members may be required to travel together, stay at a designated hotel and eat meals as a team. Final decisions regarding team travel, including timing of arrival and departure to and from locations (hotels, restaurants, game fields, etc.) will be left entirely up to the team coach. Although under no obligation, there will be times when the coach may make individual exceptions and be flexible in the implementation of team travel rules. These decisions by the team coach will be made with the best interests of the Association and team in mind. The player and his/her parents are responsible for the cost of the player's travel, accommodations, and meals. In the event your coach does not have a child on the team, the cost of the team coach's travel, accommodations, meals and/or per diem will also be paid for by the players and their parents, at the request of the Association. TOURNAMENT PLAY Throughout the season, the team may opt to play in a number of tournaments. The decision as to which tournaments the team will play in will be discussed at the team’s annual parent meeting. The parents may provide input as to the tournament schedule but the final decision regarding the team's tournament schedule will be up to the team coach. The cost of any/all tournaments is the sole responsibility of the individual team and the Association bears no responsibility with the payment of Page | 8
cost for tournament play. Tournament costs will be divided evenly amongst the registered players on the team regardless of an individual player’s attendance at the tournament. THE PARENTS Parental support and involvement in the Association is essential. If your son or daughter is selected and chooses to commit himself/herself to G.Y.S.A. UNITED, parental commitment is also necessary. If a player is to make a quality commitment to the Association and his/her team, his/her parents must see to it that the player attends all possible Association and team functions (practices, meetings, games, etc.). There will be times when scheduling conflicts cannot be avoided and other more important events occur (Faith/Family/Education). The Association requires your communication, planning, and understanding so we can minimize conflicts. It is the Association’s responsibility to present a periodic schedule to allow time for your planning. When a player or his/her parents have an unavoidable scheduling conflict, the Association expects timely communication to see if the necessary adjustments can be made. The team coach, in consultation with the Program Director, will make final decisions on scheduling and adjustments after careful consideration of individual member needs and those of the Association and/or team. SIDELINE COACHING There will be no coaching by parents. No matter how good your intentions are we insist there be no shouting instructions to your son or daughter, or shouting (complaining) to officials and opposing players during games. Your vocal support and positive encouragement are welcome after a good play. "Go" or "Shoot" are interpreted as instructions and as such are not desirable. It is important the players not be distracted at practices and during games. Players should only receive one set of instructions before, during, and after practices or games. For this reason, the Association insists the team coach be the only voice at all games and practices. No one other than those listed on the official game roster may sit on or near the team bench before and during games (please respect the space and privacy necessary for the coach and team to carry out their game responsibilities). The Association’s primary concern is for the long-term growth of your son and/or daughter as a person along with his/her soccer abilities under pressure. Association, team, and player growth will sometimes be given a greater priority than results; especially in the years prior to high school. Parents must understand this and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with a healthy team environment. Remember, playing only to win without considering healthy team and player growth into account will not result in a solid foundation upon which your son or daughter will be prepared for achieving positive results. Always feel free to communicate or ask questions about your child and his/her soccer growth. Please take the initiative to encourage your son/daughter to speak up and communicate for himself/herself Page | 9
whenever possible. Your coach should always express observations and views of an individual through the Four Areas of Evaluation. G.Y.S.A. UNITED believes in and instructs its players to understand the benefits of having mental power and to apply that understanding to guide their personal focus on the game of soccer. We will instruct your son and daughter to ignore adverse conditions such as poor officiating, obscenities, rough play, weather, negative behavior by opponents or parents, and general poor sportsmanship directed at them. We expect our parents to have this same mental power. G.Y.S.A. UNITED families are expected to take part in team events when warranted, and to assist the team with field and equipment maintenance and setup. THE COACH The coaches for the G.Y.S.A. UNITED program are instructed to conduct themselves first as teachers and second as soccer coaches. Nothing positive will come of our Association’s efforts if our players grow to become world-class players who do not know how to conduct themselves as positive successful human beings. In this regard, you should expect G.Y.S.A. UNITED coaches to conduct themselves as positive role models and provide examples of appropriate behavior. Our coaches recognize the importance of their role with young people and cannot overlook the impact they have on players' lives. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of the team on and off the soccer field when the team is together and part of Association and Team events. We insist our players are polite, well behaved, and respectful. Players and parents should expect honesty, communication, consistency, and reliability from the coach. The Association and team coach work to create an environment that facilitates growth thus enabling players to become as productive as their passion, effort, and physical qualities will allow. The Team coach is responsible for the creation of an environment where you can play quality, fun, and competitive soccer. While the soccer we play will be taken seriously, the Association recognizes there are things more important in life than soccer. In terms of priority, family and school work come first. However, if the team coach determines a player is not willing to put his/her soccer above other recreational activities during the season it may affect the player’s Four Areas of Evaluation and therefore his/her playing time and/or status with the Association. As a member of G.Y.S.A. UNITED, we expect you to commit to the sport of soccer and your team as your first recreational activity and priority during the competitive season. Do not expect your team coach to praise everything you do well. There may be things the team coach comes to expect from a player. There are times when the team coach will say very little, and times when they may shout out instructions. There are times the team coach may be critical of players, and Page | 10
other times he/she will be generous with praise. The player and his/her parents are expected to take constructive criticism along with praise for a job well done, and be capable to deal with both. The team coach will be available to provide instruction in soccer for 4-6 hours per team per week. The team coach will attend practices and coach the team during games. In situations where conflicts do occur, and they will, the team coach may designate another Association staff coach to cover a practice or game with final approval of the Program Director. It is important for players and parents to understand that coaching in soccer is often over emphasized. Once a player and his/her teammates reach a certain level of maturity in the Four Areas of Evaluation, they become more important to the team's success than the coach. In the event a coach has a child participating in another club outside of the UNITED program, the coach shall refrain from any discussions with that club except as it relates to the coach’s own child. The coach may be removed from his/her coaching position within the G.Y.S.A. UNITED program if a conflict of interest becomes perceivable as real and harmful to the team and the G.Y.S.A. program. The Coach will have an opportunity to discuss any and all concerns prior to a decision being made by the Committee regarding the coach and his/her position and duties with their respective team, and the Association. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS Our attempt with this agreement is to present in clear detail exactly what will be expected of you and what you can expect of the Association, the team, and the Association’s staff coach. If you are uncertain what is expected, it is your responsibility to ask the team coach. By knowing and understanding these things, your participation will be positive for you as you grow to the highest level possible. The Association has high expectations for our teams, our coaches, players and parents, both on and off the soccer field. These expectations are the rules, regulations, and policies for G.Y.S.A. UNITED. So that players and parents in our Association can get the maximum benefit, the Association requires all to abide by Association rules, regulations and policies. If disciplinary actions are necessary, the following steps may be taken: A notification will be made, in writing by the G.Y.S.A. UNITED Competitive Committee, to the member who is the focus of a disciplinary matter. A date, time, and location will be set for the member to meet with the G.Y.S.A. Disciplinary Review Committee and all involved parties. The G.Y.S.A. Disciplinary Review Committee will afford the member an opportunity to discuss any and all concerns prior to a decision being made by the G.Y.S.A. UNITED Competitive Committee regarding a member and his/her position and duties with their respective team, and the Association. Page | 11
The G.Y.S.A. Disciplinary Review Committee shall be made up of: o Association Referee Assignor o Association Director of Coaching o Association Vice President
There may be problems or circumstances that warrant the G.Y.S.A. UNITED Competitive Committee and/or the G.Y.S.A. Executive Board of Directors to take immediate action. The G.Y.S.A. UNITED Competitive Committee, at their sole and absolute discretion, will determine which problems and circumstances will require their immediate action. Problems or circumstances may include, but not be limited to, member misconduct (whether player, parent, coach, assistant coach, official, or officer). Should the G.Y.S.A. UNITED Competitive Committee find the conduct of any member detrimental to the best interests of G.Y.S.A., G.Y.S.A. UNITED or to the purpose for which the Arizona Youth Soccer Association has been formed and/or to the interest of soccer, the G.Y.S.A. Board of Directors may take such action as they determine reasonable, applicable, and appropriate; including but not limited to suspension from or removal from the G.Y.S.A. UNITED team and Association. Such action shall require the vote of a majority of the G.Y.S.A. UNITED Competitive Committee, based on the recommendation of the Disciplinary Review Committee.
Our desire is to work in a positive and constructive way with our players. Everyone has problems from time to time and the Association will make every effort to work to help solve the problems we may have. After exhausting all efforts to solve the problem, the Association will be left with little choice other than to pursue disciplinary action as outlined above.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND AGREEMENT We have read the G.Y.S.A. Parent/Player Handbook. We agree to abide by its policies and procedures. We understand that failure to follow these policies may result in the player being dismissed from the Club without any refund of fees. We understand that by registering with the G.Y.S.A. United program, the player will be considered a travel player of the Club through the end of the soccer year (the soccer year runs Aug 1-Jul 31). We recognize that success of the individual players and of the team are dependent upon a serious commitment by all of the players to faithfully attend practices, games, and tournaments. We agree to submit required paperwork and payments when due and understand that failure to do so may result in dismissal of the player from the Club. This agreement must be signed once each soccer year for each player and must be submitted to the G.Y.S.A. United Registrar by way of the team manager. Player registration will not be complete and the player will not be placed on a roster until this form has been received by the Club.
PLAYER’S PRINTED NAME
PLAYER’S SIGNATURE
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE
DATE
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE
DATE
Coach Name:
Team Name: CIRCLE
Age
U-
B / G
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