Teaching the skill of soccer and a lifestyle of integrity! PARENT AND PLAYER AFFILIATION HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 Teaching the skill of soccer and a lifestyle of integrity! PARENT AND PLAYER AFFILIATION HANDBOOK Revised September 2016

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction 2. Conduct 3. Commitment and Attendance 4. Multiple Sports 5. The Aims and Philosophy of the Gretna Soccer Club 6. Communication 7. Training and Preseason 8. Inclement Weather 9. Game Day Procedures 10. Playing Time 11. Travel 12. Dress Code For All Games 13. Uniforms, Training Gear and Club Merchandise 14. Gretna Soccer Club and Nike 15. Coaches 16. Fees 17. Financial Assistance 18. The Role of The Parent 19. Code of Conduct 20. The Role of The Team Manager 21. Sponsors 22. Fundraising 23. Developmental Clinics and Tryouts 24. Team Camps 25. Club Event Structure 26. Secondary and Guest Playing 27. Preseason Parent Meetings 28. Player and Parent Consultations 29. Gretna Soccer Club Tournaments - Centris Cup and Kick-Start Indoor Championships 30. Family Involvement Opportunities (DIBS) 31. Indoor Training 32. Contacting the Gretna Soccer Club 33. Agreement Contract July 2013

3 1. Introduction At the Gretna Soccer Club (GSC) the players are the true essence of the club. Our goal is to provide a quality soccer organization. We believe that with quality players and coaches we will be able to put a very competitive product out to face some of the very best from the Region. This manual is a working document. It will give you the guidelines as to what the staff of GSC expects at all times from you as a person and player. We are not just looking for soccer players but rather young men and women who are well rounded. At GSC we are the cutting edge of youth soccer in the United States and with that, comes a commitment to do the best for each player. 2. Conduct As a person and a player we expect the highest level of integrity from players at all times whether it is on or off the field. At all times you are representing the GSC and yourself. We only want the highest quality person associated with the program here at GSC. At all times we expect players to respect all the relative participants in the soccer world including but not limited to coaches, officials, referees, players and parents whether they are from the GSC or an opposing club. At all times we expect players to use good common sense. Any violation of these expectations will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. 3. Commitment and Attendance Gretna Select is demanding of the player and their families. Players are expected to attend every practice, every game, and every tournament. Practices are required and not to be regarded as voluntary or optional. Absences from practices and games are detrimental to the Team although excused absences can be addressed with the coach. The only excused absences include School and Religious Activities, Illness and Injuries. If players miss for any reason outside of this then this may effect their playing time. If you cannot make a training session or game you need to contact the coach via or phone at least 24 hours prior to the session. This is vitally important especially for games. The majority of coaching occurs during training, this is the true venue for players to improve. 4. Multiple Sports Players are free to participate in multiple sports however the player must make soccer their priority in cases of conflict. This includes both training and games. 5. The Aims and Philosophy of the Gretna Soccer Club Player development is the number one concern at the GSC. The ultimate goal of the GSC is to develop players to be able to go on to the next level, whether it is moving from team to team, playing in High School, playing in college, in a professional setting or playing for the US National Team. We have commitment to our players to put them in an environment that is challenging and will constantly test them. As players mature it is important to move players either up or

4 down to ensure that they are constantly tested at their own individual level. All of these challenges must be within a fun, yet demanding environment. Technical, tactical, psychological and physical aspects of the game will all be taught within structure of the curriculum. 6. Communication Communication is primarily through and the GSC website at You are strongly encouraged to read your on a daily basis. This is how all memos and will be distributed. We will not be phoning individual players. It is your responsibility to make sure you are informed. The club website and our team page is a great source for the most relevant and up-to date information regarding your team. The site provides team information, schedules, travel information, this handbook, and many other useful pieces of information. We make every attempt to keep the site up-to-date. However, if you are aware of a team or player accomplishment that we have missed, we want to hear about it. Take a digital photo, include a brief caption and it to us. 7. Training and Preseason During the regular season, there will be two to three training sessions per week. Players should arrive at training 15 minutes prior to the session with cleats and shin guards on ready to play. Training with another GSC team is permitted at any time, as long as you seek permission from your Head Coach and agreed upon by the Coach you will be training with. Players must not, however, miss their own team training to attend another training session. All directions and schedules can be found on the club website at Players should bring a ball to training. We ask that all parents respect that the players are training and to stay a good distance from the fields during all training sessions. If everybody adheres to the rules, players we all enjoy an environment that is extremely conducive to playing, coaching and learning. The type of environment that is envisioned is one that is quiet and without excessive pressure. It is an environment in which coaches can be heard and understood easily. It is especially one in which a player s every move is not being scrutinized by their parents. Gretna Soccer Club also offers Individual Training if you would be interested in this for your child. Please go to our website and click on the Individual Training tab for more information Inclement Weather On training days please check your website team page for weather updates. For training sessions with your Director of Coaching, Technical Directors, Academy Director, Goalkeeping Director, Professional Club Trainers weather updates will be posted on the home page of the website or on the Weather Report Facebook and Twitter will also be used to provide updates. We will do all we can to post updates by 4pm on weekdays, 8am on Saturdays and 10am on Sundays. We will only post updates if sessions are cancelled otherwise training sessions will go ahead. If the weather still causes you to wonder, check your often.

5 For games it is dependent on the league you are playing in: Nebraska League refer to Games Status Phone Numbers Phone numbers on this page are dependent by the location your game is at. For games played in Eastern Nebraska Soccer Association (ENSA) league refer to the Updates will be posted on their home page. Sarpy County League go to Updates will be posted on their home page. Midwest Regional League go to 9. Game Day Procedures On game days, players are expected to be at the correct field, completely dressed, 45 minutes prior to kick-off. There are circumstances that may change this though and we will communicate changes before the game. This time before the game is used to warm-up and prepare for the game. Late arrivals are seriously frowned upon. Generally, the home team must change jerseys if there is a color conflict. To avoid any problems, players should always bring both jerseys to every game. Home game colors wear Green Jersey, Green Shorts and Green Socks and Away games colors wear White Jersey, White Shorts and White Socks unless specified from your coaches. Before the game, players should be properly fed, hydrated and rested. Directions and Schedules for games can be the following: Nebraska League - ENSA - Sarpy County League - Midwest Regional League - For games held in Gretna all 5v5 and 6v6 games (U7-U10 teams) will be hosted outside at the Gretna Sports Complex. 8v8 and 11v11 games (U11+ teams) will be played at Capehart Fields in Gretna.

6 10. Playing Time Playing time will not be split evenly. There are matches where results matter, and in these circumstances not everyone will play even minutes. Playing time is predicated on training attendance, the player s ability to perform, and the player s ability to perform the tactical frameworks of the match 11. Travel Travel is a big component of the majority of our Junior Select and Select teams. Travelling allows our players and teams to compete against a wide variety of teams and participate in higher quality games than can be had if we continuously play against our neighbors. Another benefit of travel is the team and Club bonding that naturally occurs as players and their families spend off-field time together. To that end, when we travel to a location that requires an overnight stay, teams are strongly encouraged to stay together. When out of our area for games and tournaments, the coach will impose a curfew/bedtime for the players. Also, depending on morning game times, the coach may also announce a specific time that all players are to be dressed and in the hotel lobby for a morning run and/or workout. Parents are expected to enforce these times. When traveling to a tournament, players must remember that they represent Gretna Soccer Club and should act accordingly. Running in the halls, excessive noise, kicking soccer balls indoors and similar behavior is unacceptable. Tournaments generally require our players to play at least three (3) games in a two day period. The time between games should be used for physical and mental rest. Shopping, sight-seeing, and similar activities are contrary to the purposes of tournaments. Please plan all of these activities for after play has concluded for the day or weekend. Players are expected to observe exemplary manners when traveling. Uniforms, Training Gear and Club Merchandise Uniforms and Club merchandise are ordered at the team meetings held before the start of each season. The Club uniform consists of two jerseys 1 pair green shorts, socks, and training tops. Warm-ups and bags can also be ordered. All cones, pinnies and training equipment are the property of Gretna Soccer Club or the coaches. No jewelry should be worn at any time. 12. Dress Code For All Games Players are recommended to wear their GSC warm-ups to games. Players should bring both jerseys to ALL games. No jewelry should be worn at any time.

7 13. Uniforms & Equipment All equipment, including pinnies, nets, flags, etc. are the property of Gretna Soccer Club or the coaches. All uniforms will be ordered online through Soccer.com. Every player will receive an indicating the kit that is required for their team. A uniform kit can vary per team so the coach/team manager needs to make sure each player is aware of this. The cost of a complete kit can range between $115 - $163 for the Academy/Select team and between $38 - $65 for Recreational teams. 14. Gretna Soccer Club and Nike Gretna Soccer Club is proud to have a relationship with Nike, Inc. and it is important we maintain our part of the agreement. GSC players and coaches must wear the Nike product. Under no circumstances should we allow players to play in games wearing a competitors equipment (this does not include cleats). 15. Coaches The coaching slate of the GSC is of a very high quality. The coaches all are very qualified. A full list of coaches and their credentials can be All coaches may help out with any GSC team during the season. Coaches will also be assigned to work with a specific age group for example Academy Director will work with all U7-U10 teams Junior Select and Developmental teams, Technical Directors will work with their age group teams both Select and Recreational and this will be broken to U11-U12, U13-U14 and U15-U19 teams. What You Can Expect from the Coaches College recruiting assistance Periodic feedback to players on performance and role within the team Online Season Evaluation using Zoom Reports Foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the game of soccer Support and promote players in their pursuit of playing at the next level Enrich the team culture and chemistry Actively pursue networking and educational opportunities to become teachers of the game 16. Fees The Board sets player registration fees. Fees partially pay for required league fees, referees, field maintenance, coaching fees, if applicable, administration, indoor training, and the cost of outside training. Additional fees are for tournaments, Futsal, etc All fees can be viewed on the club web under the Registration tab. Additional fees could be incurred for players for such things as tournament registration, travel to tournaments, coaches travel expenses, additional indoor training, etc.

8 Generally, a deposit is required at the first team meeting and the balance is due throughout the season by using quarterly payment plans. The Club reserves the right to enforce a no pay, no play policy. Coaching Fees from team to team will vary dependent on the following: Playing Experience, Number of Years Coaching Number of Years Coaching within the Club Coaching Qualifications Head Coach Mileage reimbursement is paid at a rate of $.30 per mile. This would be round-trip from head coach s home to the field location. If the head coach rides with someone else and doesn t drive, no mileage reimbursement will be given. o If the distance traveled is greater than 8 hours, airfare may be required and the head coach s airline ticket will be paid for. If the head coach travels by air, mileage reimbursement will not be paid in any amount for any reason. Generally speaking we would expect coaches to drive to locations like Denver, St. Louis, Chicago or Minneapolis unless an airline ticket is cheaper. o If the head coach is traveling by air, it is recommended that he/she travel with a parent from the airport to hotel and soccer fields, etc. but if this is not possible, a rental car may be needed and would be paid for by the team. Hotel rooms are paid 100% for a head coach. We encourage teams to pay in advance using the team account to help with logistics. A daily food stipend of $35 is provided for a head coach. The amount would be $70 total for a tournament or event taking place Friday Sunday for the head coach. The daily stipend is based on each night spent in a hotel. Please Note: If a rental car is paid for by the team for the coach to use, then no mileage is paid, just the cost of the rental car. Assistant Coach If possible assistant coaches should travel to and from out of town events with the head coach. If that is not possible mileage reimbursement is paid at a rate of $.30 per mile. This

9 would be round-trip from assistant coach s home to the field location. If the assistant coach rides with someone else and doesn t drive, no mileage reimbursement will be given. o If the distance traveled is greater than 8 hours, airfare may be required and the assistant coach s airline ticket will be paid for. If the assistant coach travels by air, mileage reimbursement will not be paid in any amount for any reason. Generally speaking we would expect assistant coaches to drive (preferably ride with head coach) to locations like Denver, St. Louis, Chicago or Minneapolis unless an airline ticket is cheaper. o If the assistant coach is traveling by air, it is recommended that he/she travel with the head coach or a parent from the airport to hotel and soccer fields, etc. but if this is not possible, AND the head coach is not having the team pay for a rental car a rental car may be needed and would be paid for by the team. The most likely scenario for the assistant coach to get a rental car paid for by the team is if they were the only ones attending the event because the head coach did not travel. Hotel rooms are paid 100% for an assistant coach although we prefer the assistant coach to share a room with the head coach when at all possible. We encourage teams to pay in advance using the team account to help with logistics. A daily food stipend of $35 is provided for an assistant coach. The amount would be $70 total for a tournament or event taking place Friday Sunday for the assistant coach. The daily stipend is based on each night spent in a hotel. ***If more than one team with the same head coach is going to an out of town tournament or event, team managers should work together to split required expenses between the teams following what has been outlined above. No team will ever pay expenses for more than two coaches whether they be a head coach or an assistant coach.*** The rules stated above are required by teams for expenses of coaches for tournament and event travel. If a different situation arises in regards to coaching expenses, it would need to be discussed and approved by all parents on the team prior to being paid for by the team. For travel to tournaments, league games and other out of town events families are responsible for all of their own travel expenses, though hotels will be booked as a group. All players are required to attend all team events and games. If a player is unable to attend an out of town event, they will still be responsible for paying their portion of the registration fees and all travel expenses for the coaches as prescribed above.

10 17. Financial Assistance The Gretna Soccer Club has a formal application process for families who need financial assistance. Financial assistance received from the Club will only be applied to registration fees and would not cover team fees. Inquiries should be directed to Shelly Stonacek, Club Administrator at clubadmin@gretnasoccer.com. 18. The Role of The Parent The role of each parent is extremely important for all young athletes. At training, we ask that all parents respect that the players are training and to stay a good distance from the fields during all training sessions. If parents plan on attending games, will be happy to have you at our games applauding good play. There is, however, to be no coaching by parents from the sidelines during games or at training. Referees are not to be abused in any way. Please do not berate or shout at referees. We all make mistakes! Coaches are not to be approached by parents at training or games either before or afterwards concerning players. This is a time for both the coach of the team and the players to be focused on the task at hand. If you have a coaching concern please direct it to the coach at the appropriate time. For playing time or game related concerns please wait a minimum of 48 hours to contact the coach. Please contact the coach first, if it cannot be resolved at that level then contact the Academy Director (U7-U10), Technical Directors (U11-U12, U13-U14 and U15- U18) and still not resolved please contact Digger Hawkins, GSC Director of Coaching, on or digger_hawkeye@hotmail.com, who in turn will talk to the coach about perceived concern or problem. Likewise, if you have administrative questions please direct them to Shelly Stonacek, GSC Administrator, at either or clubadmin@gretnasoccer.com. As parents, the coaching staff, administration and players need your support to make this is a very positive endeavor. 19. Code of Conduct Players will: Play for the good of the game and strive for improvement. Promise to work hard at practice and games to improve my soccer skills and my understanding of the game. I understand the amount of playing time I receive in games will be based on my game and practice performance, determination in practice, punctuality, and attitude. I know that I may receive more or less playing time than my team members and playing time is not guaranteed. WATCH THE GAME! Be a student of the game by finding soccer on TV and watching games. Players can learn so much by watching games! Besides soccer on TV you should watch Gretna Soccer Club teams anytime you can.

11 Have a positive and never quit attitude. Exemplify and demonstrate sportsmanship at all times. Support your club and teammates. Win without boasting: Be gracious when you win; graceful when you lose. Conduct myself with class and dignity and be respectful at all times! Respect all officials and accept their decisions without question. Give encouragement to my fellow teammates. Attend and be prompt to all games and training. Immediately report any injury to my coach. Respect my coach and my opponents. Abide by my coach s decision regarding playing time and positioning. Learn and obey the laws of the game. Practice individual soccer skills on my own time at least 3-4 times per week. Keep competitively sharp and in good condition. Notify the coach if I will be late for or unable to attend a game, training session, or team meeting. Approach the Coach with any soccer related problems. Be the BEST that I can be at all times; for myself, my team, my club and my family. Players will never: Engage in dissent toward an official or coach or use profane or vulgar language. Leave a game field or training session without the permission of my coach. Use a controlled substance (drugs), tobacco products, or drink alcoholic beverages. Violate the Gretna Soccer Club Social Media Policy, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A. It is the firm commitment of Gretna to take an active role in the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse. Our policy is no drugs, no alcohol, and no destructive behavior. We will involve ourselves with the player and parents any time that a situation has an impact on our Club or its members. It is important that we be able to trust players to obey Club rules, because of the responsibilities that we assume when we travel. However, the parent has the ultimate responsibility for their player. Violation of this policy may be the basis for suspension or dismissal from the team, or for requiring that a player return home early from an out-of-town tournament at the parent s expense. Parent s will: Be an advocate for the club. Be knowledgeable of the game. Encourage fair play. Focus on good nutrition. Be supportive of your player. Be a good listener. Make them feel important and let them know that they are contributing to a team effort.

12 Provide transportation to and from all practices and games and ensure the player is prompt in arriving and departing. Ensure that the player has the proper equipment, including shin guards, uniform, shoes and weather appropriate clothing. Ask your own children to describe his/her role, what new skills have been learned. Find soccer on TV, watch games with children. Attend games. Be positive or quiet at games. Be calm and have good manners. Support the coach s and referee s decisions. Concentrate on praising other people s children during games. Encourage communication between coach and parent. Read newspaper articles about older soccer players successes; provide models for your own children. Support the club by volunteering and/or donating. Meet your financial obligation to the club/team. Pay fees in a timely manner. Report all player injuries to the team coach or club as soon as possible. Responsibility of uniform condition lies with the player. Replacement of damaged uniform will be the responsibility of the player/parent at full cost. 20. The Role of The Team Manager The role of the Team Manager for each travel team is very important. Communication flows from the manager to players and parents. Managers use to correspond with the team and keep all participants informed on a timely basis. The manager is volunteer and is there to administrate the team. The manager is not there to field coaching questions. 21. Sponsors The Gretna Soccer Club has numerous sponsors. These sponsors have generously donated money, merchandise or services to the club or Gretna Sports Complex. Through the sponsors costs are off set and this is in turn is passed on to the players and families. For a full list of sponsors please go to Players and parents should be appreciative of all sponsors at all times. 22. Fundraising Any team can fundraise. In order to have continuity within the GSC s various fundraising programs there are a few guidelines to follow. This way there are not numerous activities going on during the same time frame or the same activities occurring simultaneously. All fundraising ideas should be submitted to the GSC office in writing or to the club clubadmin@gretnasoccer.com. This will allow the office to keep track of the activity and we can also provide support. Any funds raised should be distributed among the participants, not

13 necessarily the whole team. Any funds raised must be reported to the Club Administrator Shelly Stonacek at the conclusion of the fundraising activity. 23. Developmental Clinics and Tryouts Developmental Clinics (U8-U10) are usually held end of May to first few weeks of June. These dates will be published on club website Facebook and Twitter in April of each year. There are two sessions for developmental clinics for each age group and players are expected to attend both. At this time players are grouped together for teams to compete in the following season. Even though there is a specific developmental clinics for all players, GSC are continually evaluating through the year. Rankings will be provided to the GSC Tryout Coaching Staff prior to help with the process and make sure every stone is unturned. Tryouts (U11-U19) are usually held after Regionals and prior to July 4th. These are the official tryouts for GSC and are governed by Nebraska State Soccer in terms of dates. For the next couple of years tryout dates and information go to ar.pdf for more information. There are three sessions for tryouts for each age group and players are expected to attend all three sessions. At this time players are chosen for teams to compete in the following season. Even though there is a specific open tryout for all players, GSC are continually evaluating through the year. Rankings will be provided to the GSC Tryout Coaching Staff prior to help with the process and make sure every stone is unturned. 24. Team Camps Team camps are an integral part of the GSC training regimen for all U8-U19 Junior Select and Select teams. They are a week long camp and last approximately hours each. Team Camps start after July 4 th and can go into mid August. Dates for camps will be released shortly after tryouts. It is important that all players attend. This is the start of the season and is a time where a lot is accomplished. It is not only a time for training but also a time to build team and club unity. The environment that players will be put in will be physically demanding and educational from a soccer perspective. It is imperative that during these team camps hours that GSC coaching staff get numerous points across. This is an important period for our players in their new season and a time where the tone for the season is set. 25. Club Event Structure As one of the top soccer clubs in Nebraska it is important that our players and teams stay ahead and in line with the growth of youth soccer in the USA. Based on a number of years of research we now have our players playing year round. This is for all Junior Select and Select players. After much experimentation with different tournaments, leagues and training situations this is the way to continue if each team and player wants to improve and reach the next level. Through this program the Gretna Soccer Club will be able to provide its players and teams the best possible soccer environment.

14 26. Secondary & Guest Playing If a player would like to secondary or guest play for another GSC team the player must go through both their own coach and the Director of Coaching, Digger Hawkins. Cost to play secondary within the club is $100 and outside of the club is $150 this includes their Winter Training portion. Gretna Soccer Club does not allow any of our athletes to participate as a secondary player for other competitive clubs. For Secondary & Guest Playing enquiries the Director of Coaching MUST BE contacted and will give FINAL APPROVAL on all players. Players and parents should not contact other coaches directly. 27. Preseason Parent Meetings At the onset of the fall season each team will have a team meeting with parents and players to outline the year and take questions. 28. Player and Parent Consultations Players are encouraged to keep open channels of communication with their coach at any time. There is an open door policy with Digger Hawkins, Director of Coaching also. If parents want to consult with a coach concerning their child they should call at a time that is convenient with the coach. Coaches are not to be approached by parents at training or games, either before or afterwards, concerning players. This is a time for both the coach of the team and the players to be focused on the task in hand. If you have a coaching concern please direct it to the coach at the appropriate time. If it cannot be resolved at that level please contact Digger Hawkins, Director of Coaching, at either or digger_hawkeye@hotmail.com, who in turn talk to the coach about the perceived concern or problem. 29. Gretna Soccer Club Tournaments (Centris Cup and Kick-Start Indoor Championships) The Gretna Soccer Club Centris Cup and Gretna Soccer Club Kick-Start Indoor Championships are important events for the club. Both tournaments have grown in both reputation and stature as one of the Nebraska tournaments to attend in the Fall and prior to the Spring Season. This has evolved due to countless volunteers that have helped out over the years. This is a particularly worthwhile endeavor for the GSC for numerous reasons. Primarily, it brings good competition to our doorstep, but it also means our families do not travel for these events. It helps reduces fees as we are the host and it brings money into the soccer club. The tournament funds staffing at all levels and provides equipment, education and for the Kick-Start Indoor Championships helps sustain the Gretna Sports Complex. Without hosting this tournament, fees would certainly increase by a larger rate. These are two tournaments that we will host during the year where everybody is asked to kick-in and help make all aspects of the tournament run smoothly for the good of the club. Managers will help secure volunteers for field marshalling, field prep, concessions, parking and team registration. Parents and players alike are expected to help out in any way they can, even if it is only a few hours and this will going towards your DIBS.

15 30. Family Involvement Opportunities (DIBS) Each family has 6 hours of volunteer requirement. Families have the option to buy out their required volunteer hours. Please see the Gretna Soccer website for more details under Family Involvement. 31. Indoor Training Indoor training is an integral part of the GSC developmental process for our U8-U19 teams. Training will take at Gretna Sports Complex at least once a week. The focus on the sessions is on technical work and small sided games. There will also be some indoor tournaments to play in. All Junior Select and Select players are expected to participate in training sessions from November to end of February. 32. Contacting the Gretna Soccer Club There are many facets to the GSC organization; many qualified coaches and administrators are involved. Digger Hawkins, GSC Director of Coaching or diggerhawkeye@gmail.com Shelly Stonacek, GSC Club Administrator or clubadmin@gretnasoccer.com Please contact Shelly Stonacek with any administrative issues or concerns. You can also log onto the Gretna Soccer Club website and click on Board to see a listing of our Board of Directors.

16 33. Agreement Contract I (player) and I (parent) have read the Gretna Soccer Club Parent and Player Affiliation Handbook. We understand all aspects of Parent and Player Affiliation Handbook and agree to abide by all facets of the Parent and Player Affiliation Handbook. I (player) understand that only the highest expectations of myself as a person and player are acceptable. I also understand that any deviation from any aspect of the Parent and Player Affiliation Handbook will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Player Name (please print) Player Signature Parent Name (please print) Parent Signature Date The Parent and Player Affiliation Handbook should be read by both the player and parent and then signed and dated by both on the above form. Once the form is signed and dated please remove the form and return it to Shelly Stonacek, GSC Club Administrator by August 1 st, Forms should be mailed to the address below. Families should keep the Parent and Player Affiliation Handbook for further reference.