Boerne FC Thunder Handbook (Fall 2017/Spring 2018) Boerne FC Thunder Recreational Program Handbook

Transcription

1 Boerne FC Thunder Recreational Program Handbook Fall 2017/Spring

2 Thank you for allowing your child to play with Boerne Soccer Club (dba FC Thunder). Our club, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is committed to fostering a safe and fun environment for children in our community to enjoy and learn more about the great sport of soccer. 2

3 Table of Contents 1. OPERATIONS Board of Directors Staff 1 2. COMMUNICATION Methods Website and Social Media 1 3. FC THUNDER RECREATIONAL PROGRAM Overview Level of Play Division IV (Recreational, age groups U5-U10) Division III (Recreational, age groups U11-U19) FC Thunder Skills Program Age Groups Aspects of the Game Coaching Recreational Soccer Curriculum Season Games Frequency & Playing Time Team Standings Practices Cost Team Photos 5 4. AWARDS End of Season Party Medals 5 5. INSURANCE COVERAGE AND MEDICAL INJURIES 5 6. FIELD CARE 5 7. FC THUNDER POLICY Zero Tolerance Equipment Uniform Kit Team Formation Setting Number of Teams Fully Registered Rostering U5 U6 (coed) 7 Player Requests (U5 and U6 only) 8 3

4 U7 & Above (not coed unless required by number of registrations) Payment & Fees Refunds Roles & Responsibilities Player Parents Coach (Recreational Parent Volunteer) Practice Sessions & Games Make-Up Due to rainout Other Rescheduling Fundraising Inclement Weather Complaints, Grievances and Protests Referees Coaches Hour Rule 13 4

5 1. OPERATIONS Boerne Soccer Club (BSC), Inc. (DBA Boerne FC Thunder) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 1.1 Board of Directors The FC Thunder Board of Directors (BOD) is the governing board and is responsible for the internal structure and policies. 1.2 Staff FC Thunder practice staff, consisting of professional trainers and parent volunteer coaches, is led by the Director of Coaching (DOC) To learn more about and obtain contact information for FC Thunder Board of Directors and Staff, please visit 2. COMMUNICATION 2.1 Methods In order to ensure players and families receive the most current information in an expeditious manner, FC Thunder primarily uses electronic methods (ie, , text messages, and Internet sites); FC Thunder treats player and family information in a confidential manner and does not provide distribution lists external to the club. 2.2 Website and Social Media The following links are official Internet sites for FC Thunder: Website: Facebook: Twitter: 3. FC THUNDER RECREATIONAL PROGRAM 3.1 Overview The FC Thunder Recreational Program fosters a fun and learning environment for children of all skill levels interested in learning soccer fundamentals. FC Thunder collaborates with KidSafe-approved volunteer parent coaches to focus on individual player skills development while ensuring players have a soccer experience 5

6 that enables them to develop an appreciation of team work and good sportsmanship in a non-competitive environment. While the soccer experience in this program focuses primarily on having fun rather than competition by participating in playful activities, FC Thunder provides each coach with structured exercises which will enable players to develop a basic foundation of soccer skills. 3.2 Level of Play The Recreational Program includes the following Divisions: Division IV (Recreational, age groups U4-U10) Recreational level of play for U10 and younger players. This level is open to all players wishing to participate. Teams are formed in a fair and balanced manner with no selective elimination of players. All U10 and younger teams play small-sided games in accordance with the recommendations of US Youth Soccer Division III (Recreational, age groups U11-U19) Recreational level of play for U11 through U19 players. This level is open to all players wishing to participate. Teams may play intra-association through AAYSA or may play only with other FC Thunder teams. 3.3 FC Thunder Skills Program The FC Thunder Skills Program, available for U-U10 recreational players, is designed for children who may not be ready to join the Academy Program (U7/U8/U9/U10), but want to experience a little more challenge than is offered in the Recreational Program. Participating players will register, practice, and play games with teammates in the Recreational Program. In addition, they will participate in a dedicated professional trainer-led session once weekly and have the opportunity to play against other advanced players several times throughout the season while still playing with their friends and recreational coach. 3.4 Age Groups Age will be determined by the player s age as of midnight on July 31st of the year in which the player could be registered for fall season play. Teams are normally formed so that players are placed on the youngest team for which they qualify. See the following Age Group Table to determine your child's soccer age group using year and month of birth. 6

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8 3.5 Aspects of the Game 3.6 Coaching Coaching responsibilities for Recreational teams are fulfilled by volunteer parents whose responsibilities (see Roles and Responsibilities Policy for cumulative list) include, but are not limited to, the following: Obtain a KidSafe Card after successfully completing a background check Conduct 'fun-based' training sessions Coach during games Host team meetings during the seasonal year Serve as the primary point of contact for parents regarding the communication of a potential grievance Communicate with the team regarding practice & game schedules, and other team-related activities. Parents who coach more than one team cannot schedule practice sessions to occur simultaneously, i.e., practices should occur in series, not in parallel Recreational Soccer Curriculum FC Thunder will provide coaches and assistant coaches a recommended practice curriculum to be used as a guide throughout the season when planning weekly practices. 3.7 Season Fall (September to November) and Spring (March to May) are individual seasons.. 8

9 3.8 Games Frequency & Playing Time ~8 matches per season; FC Thunder has a 50% Play Rule requiring that each player be given the opportunity to play at least 50% of games at which they are present Team Standings FC Thunder will not publish game results or maintain standings for Recreational U5-U10 age groups. Results and standings for U11+ AAYSA inter-association age groups will be determined by the rules of the competition and will be administered by AAYSA. 3.9 Practices Once weekly; may occur on Monday thru Friday based on parent-volunteer coach availability Cost Price is age-specific, so see website Registration page for details Team Photos Team photos are scheduled to occur on the second or third weekend of the season, before the scheduled game of the day. 4. AWARDS 4.1 End of Season Party Teams may convene for an end of season party at their discretion. This is a great opportunity for us to show support for FC Thunder sponsors by hosting the activity at their facility. The team is encouraged to split the cost of the party among all team members. 4.2 Medals Medals are distributed to team coaches generally during the last two weeks of the season. 5. INSURANCE COVERAGE AND MEDICAL INJURIES The following provides an overview of accident medical and liability insurance provided by South Texas Youth Soccer Association (STYSA): i nsurance 9

10 6. FIELD CARE Coaches, players, and parents are responsible for assuring all game and practice areas are clean from trash and/or debris prior to vacating the premises. All coaches, volunteers, and parents are expected to comply with parking rules of each facility used by the FC Thunder for soccer activities. FC Thunder prohibits practicing on waterlogged fields; the club in conjunction with the facility owner may close fields due to weather-related conditions. 7. FC THUNDER POLICY 7.1 Zero Tolerance FC Thunder enforces a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding behaviors, comments, and actions that endanger or threaten the environment of good sportsmanship and safe play for all soccer participants. These include, but are not limited to, the following: Use of foul language, criticism, abusive or derogatory comments toward referees, coaches, team managers, volunteers, coordinators, parents, board members, or any other individuals Interference with referees, coaches, team managers, or opposing teams Important: FC Thunder actively enforces this policy. Individuals violating any aspect of the policy will be immediately dismissed from FC Thunder soccer facilities and may be permanently banned for the remainder of the season, and/or from the program. FC Thunder will notify law enforcement officials regarding circumstances involving physical altercations and/or assault or battery of any players, referees, coaches, or parents regardless of the claimed purpose or age of the offender(s). FC Thunder strives to create a safe and fun environment where youth may come together to play and learn physical and leadership skills. Please help support this environment by adhering to the policy while enjoying your child(ren) playing the great sport of soccer. 10

11 7.2 Equipment Uniform Kit Players should only use FC Thunder-approved uniforms for games. The required uniform kit is not part of the registration fee and must be purchased separately from the FC Thunder uniform supplier, soccer.com. Uniform modifications are prohibited. Players may wear any suitable athletic attire for practices. Parents are required to provide the player s shoes, shin guards, and ball (see Game Format Chart for ball size) for all practices and games. It is very important players bring water for all practices and games. Parents should label all soccer-related clothing and equipment to facilitate their return should they be lost or misplaced. 7.3 Team Formation FC Thunder Recreational Teams are created according to the following process: Setting Number of Teams The Rec Director sets the age groups according to club rules and instructions from the Board of Directors. Together with the Age Group Coordinator, the Rec Director will set the number of teams in each age group while considering the following: The number of fully registered players The minimally ideal roster sizes Target to roster an even number of teams Fully Registered In order to be considered fully registered, each of the following must be accomplished: Online registration process is complete; including providing full registration fee payment. Submit State- or country-issued birth certificate (hard- or electronic-copy) to the Registrar. Players who previously submitted a copy of their birth certificates do not need to re-submit another copy Rostering Only players who are fully registered will be added to a team (rostered) and allowed to participate in practices and games. IMPORTANT 11

12 Considering the process described for creating teams, it is possible for a player who fully registers to take the final spot on a team, ahead of a player who began registering at an earlier date but did not complete the registration process. FC Thunder Recreational teams are created using an age-group-specific randomization method; player skill and capability are not factors considered in team assignment U4 U6 (coed) Team formation will be determined by the appropriate Rec Director and/or an Age Group Coordinator with input from the Director of Coaching and Board of Directors, if necessary, as follows: Fall Season Team Formation All fully registered players will be sorted by gender and then date of birth. Each coach and one assistant coach (if applicable) is assigned their own child. Team numbers will be assigned sequentially and in repeating patterns to the list starting with the first entry on the list and proceeding to the last entry in this manner: 1,2,3,4,4,3,2,1 to ensure an even age and gender distribution throughout the age group. When reaching a coach or assistant coach s child on the list, they will be assigned their coach s team number and traded for the next age appropriate player on the list. Rosters will be reviewed for friend requests utilizing a similar system as above. If a player needs to be moved to accommodate the request, a player with the closest date of birth will be swapped from the receiving team for the request. Coaches may not swap players. The Rec Director and/or an Age Group Coordinator may move players as a response to an unresolvable situation and/or to further balance teams when needed. Late registering players will be assigned to teams on a space available basis. Spring Season Team Formation In general, if a player and coach return for the Spring season and there are no special circumstances, returning players will generally be placed with the same coach in the Spring as in the previous Fall. Therefore, Spring Recreational teams will likely be similar to Fall Recreational teams. New players registered for the Spring season will be distributed to teams in an attempt to provide an even age and gender distribution throughout the age group. 12

13 Player Requests (U4, U5 and U6 only) Only U4, U5 and U6 players may make Player Requests enabling requested children to play on same team, if space is available. If you are interested in submitting a Player Request for your child, please indicate the player request during the online registration process U7 & Above (not coed unless required by number of registrations) Team formation will be determined by the appropriate Rec Director and/or an Age Group Coordinator with input from the Director of Coaching and Board of Directors, if necessary, as follows: Fall Season Team Formation All fully registered players will be sorted by date of birth. Each coach and one assistant coach (if applicable) is assigned their own child. Team numbers will be assigned sequentially and in repeating patterns to the list starting with the first entry on the list and proceeding to the last entry in this manner: 1,2,3,4,4,3,2,1 to ensure an even age distribution throughout the age group. When reaching a coach or assistant coach s child on the list, they will be assigned their coach s team number and traded for the next age appropriate player on the list. Player/Parent/Coach/ Buddy requests are not considered when forming Recreational teams for U7 and above age groups. Coaches may not swap players. The Rec Director and/or an Age Group Coordinator may move players as a response to an unresolvable situation and/or to further balance teams when needed. Late registering players shall be assigned to teams on a space available basis. Spring Season Team Formation In general, if a player and coach return for the Spring season and there are no special circumstances, returning players will generally be placed with the same coach in the Spring as in the previous Fall. Therefore, Spring Recreational teams will likely be similar to Fall Recreational teams. New players registered for the Spring season will be distributed to teams in an attempt to provide an even age distribution throughout the age group. 7.4 Payment & Fees Please refer to Registration tab on club website for current fees. 13

14 7.4.1 Refunds Recreational players can receive a refund by submitting a refund request in writing or via to the Registrar before the first game (no refunds will be provided after the first recreational game). The cost of uniform items purchased are not refundable by BSC. 7.5 Roles & Responsibilities The following list includes rules and expectations for FC Thunder parents, players, parent coaches, trainers, and team managers: Player Behavior & Attitude Respect parents, coaches, referees, opponents, and fellow players. Remain coachable ; be open to constructive criticism Work with a ball at home everyday Do not use profanity, tobacco, alcohol, or drugs. Play the game fairly, minimizing behavior that warrants yellow and red cards. Demonstrate good behavior at all FC Thunder activities. Players failing to do so may be suspended from future practice sessions and games. Practice Session & Games Attend and arrive at practice sessions and games at designated times. Attend all practice sessions and games; inform coach (or designee) if you will be tardy or absent for a practice session or game Be prepared by wearing/bringing proper uniform & equipment Jerseys, shorts, and socks, shin guards covered fully by socks, soccer shoes, inflated soccer ball (see Game Format for correct size) and water Remove all jewelry (e.g., earrings, rings, necklaces, watches, bracelets, hard hair bands/clips), sunglasses (recommend using sport glasses, if needed, for medical prescriptions). Considering the prohibition regarding earrings, parents should consider not having a child s ears pierced in advance of the season such that the child is unable to remove the earrings before practice sessions and games. Players are prohibited from practicing or playing with casts of any type; player is required to provide a signed medical release from player s doctor or legal guardian before returning for play. Players who are bleeding or have blood on themselves or uniforms must be treated, cleaned, and change uniforms, if necessary, before returning to play Align equipment neatly on player side of field 14

15 7.5.2 Parents Supervision Supervise (be available in case of injury) your child at all activities (ie, practice sessions, games, etc); do not interfere (unless for emergency) with coach and/or player practice sessions/games until team is dismissed; remain for during of practice sessions and games unless you have informed the coach you have specified a designee. Alcohol & Tobacco Do not consume alcohol or use tobacco at soccer facilities where practices and games occur; including parking lot) Do not attend any soccer-related activity (or visit facilities) if intoxicated Positive Support Be a parent, not a coach or referee. Respect fellow parents, coaches, referees, opponents, and players. Support your son/daughter in a positive manner. Give consistent encouragement and support to children regardless of the degree of success, the level of skill or time on the field. Stress the importance of respect for coaches through discussions with children and highlight the critical nature of contributing to the team and its success. Leave coaching to coaches and do not criticize coaching strategies or team performance. Avoid placing pressure on children about playing time and performance. Pre-Practice Session & Games Assist player in attending and arriving practice sessions and game kickoffs at designated times. Properly equip players with shin guards, soccer shoes, shorts or warm-ups (as applicable), and water Remove all player s jewelry (e.g., earrings, rings, necklaces, watches, bracelets, hard hair bands/clips), sunglasses (recommend using sport glasses, if needed, for medical prescriptions). Considering the prohibition regarding earrings, parent should consider not having a child s ears pierced in advance of the season such that the child is unable to remove the earrings before practice sessions and games. Inform coach (or designee) if player will be tardy or absent for a practice session or game Practice Sessions & Games Please do not: Coach during games or practices (to prevent player confusion). 15

16 Interfere, after your child has joined the team for practices or games, until the team is dismissed by the coach Go onto field during practice sessions and/or games Sit on top of or beyond the sideline; instead, sit 5 feet from the sideline in the designated area, which is typically on the opposite side of the field from the team Grievances See Grievance Policy section Important: It is noteworthy to emphasize FC Thunder actively enforces this Roles and Responsibilities Policy. If necessary, FC Thunder will convene a Board of Directors Committee to review, evaluate, and determine if policy was violated. Based on the outcome of the committee meeting, individuals may be suspended from future club activities. FC Thunder strives to create a safe and fun environment where youth may come together to play and learn physical and leadership skills. Please help support this environment by adhering to policy while enjoying your child(ren) play the great sport of soccer Coach (Recreational Parent Volunteer) Respect parents, coaches, referees, opponents, and players. Communicate with the team regarding practice & game schedules, tournaments, and other team-related activities. Ensure players understand and adhere to Players Code of Conduct Communicate with FC Thunder age group coordinator and/or Director of Coaching regarding grievances received and/or policy violations Host team meetings during seasonal year Participate in age-group-specific STYSA-required Coaching Clinics Complete Volunteer Application, including background check Wear t-shirt identifying oneself as a coach and ensure KidSafe card is available at all times Arrive at practice sessions, games, and meetings at designated time Plan for fun-based practice session-specific plan Encourage players while providing constructive feedback regarding areas for development Adhere to 50% Play Rule Ensure only players who are fully registered participate in practice sessions and games. 16

17 Serve as the primary point of contact for parents regarding the communication of a potential grievance Policy Compliance: Adhere to and ensure the team complies with expectations established by FC Thunder 7.6 Practice Sessions & Games Make-Up Coaches are responsible for contacting each other and confirming availability to play at the designated make-up time. Coaches who are unavailable for a game are required to contact all of the following to cancel their game: Opposing coach Rec Director and/or an Age Group Coordinator Referee Assignor Due to rainout Make-up games resulting from FC Thunder-declared rain-outs will be rescheduled on a designated make-up day Other Rescheduling Make-up dates for regularly scheduled games that are rescheduled for a coach's convenience must be re-scheduled at least one (1) week prior to the scheduled game date. Any other request for re-scheduling will be made to the Rec Director or Age Group Coordinator with copy to opposing Coach and Referee Assignor. 7.7 Fundraising Unless authorized to do so, FC Thunder members are prohibited from soliciting businesses using the club name. Reproduction of the FC Thunder logo or design is prohibited unless written authorization has been obtained from FC Thunder Board of Directors. 7.8 Inclement Weather While FC Thunder strives to adhere to practice session and games schedules at Boerne City Park, inclement weather may cause cancellations. A club designee is responsible for assessing field conditions. If a decision is taken to cancel a practice/game, the cancellation notice will be communicated (via text and/or ) as soon as possible. In addition, a notice will be posted as soon as possible on the club website. FC Thunder strives to communicate cancellations by 4pm and 7:15am on practice and games days, respectively. 17

18 Practices and games will be cancelled or postponed if lightning is observed. 7.9 Concerns, Complaints, Grievances and Protests Concerns or complaints should first be discussed with the coach. If the concern or complaint cannot be addressed by the coach, then the issue should be elevated to the following individuals in this order: Age Group Coordinator or Rec Director, Director of Coaching, Board of Directors (President and/or Vice President). Unresolved complaints are required to be provided, in written format, to the FC Thunder President and/or Vice-President (contact information is available at ) who will evaluate the basis of the complaint in an effort to determine appropriate action. FC Thunder shall comply with AAYSA and STYSA policies and procedures with regard to grievances and protests; see FC Thunder By-Laws for details. FC Thunder uses the STYSA Discipline and Protest Procedures and the AAYSA D&P Committee. These procedures may be found on the STYSA website at It is highly recommended the originator of the protest discuss the matter with a member of the FC Thunder Board of Directors prior to filing the protest Referees Referee-specific issues or concerns regarding referees may communicated to the Referee Assignor (or Senior Referee) on-duty. Thereafter, issues or concerns may be communicated to the Rec Director or Age Group Coordinator Coaches Hour Rule FC Thunder enforces the 24 Hour Rule which requires 24 hours to elapse before parents are allowed to communicate with the coach to address issues or concerns. The Rule was established to allow emotions to settle for one day before issues are communicated with the coach via phone, , or during a meeting. Soccer-specific issues (ie, those regarding practice sessions, games or coaching) should be communicated to the coach. Thereafter, issues may be escalated to the Age Group Coordinator and/or Director of Coaching. Contact information for all FC Thunder management and staff may be found at 18