Recreation Department Youth Sports Handbook

Transcription

1 THETFORD RECREATION DEPARTMENT Phone: (802) ext 6 Fax: (802) recreation@thetfordvermont.us Web: Mail: P.O. Box 126 Thetford Center, VT Recreation Department Youth Sports Handbook A Communication Guide As Recreation Director, I feel is it important that our department give the parents and volunteers the opportunity to understand the policies and guidelines of Thetford Recreation youth sports programs. We will continue to add and improve this manual and hope that you will assist us in making this a department of which we can all be very proud. Any input you can give will be greatly appreciated. We have tried to cover all aspects of the youth sports programs. With this information we hope to answer any questions you may have and aid you during your time with us. This guide as well as all other recreation related information is always available on the web. You are encouraged to visit this site often for the most recent, up to date information. If you have questions about this manual or any Recreation programs, please call me at x 6 or my home office Yours in Recreation. Kathi Meyerson 1

2 Thetford Recreation Department Recreation Director Kathi Meyerson office hours Tuesdays 9am 2pm or by appointment office phone x 6 home office phone (603) recreation@thetfordvermont.us Recreation Advisory Council Linsey Borst, Andy Davis, Mike Gaffney, Marla Ianello, Doug Kennedy, Lelia Mellon, Mike Wells, Jeff Vaughan Recreation Department Handbook Table of Contents Youth Sports Philosophy General Principles Organizational Meetings Zero Tolerance Policy General Guidelines Recreation Department responsibilities Parent/Guardian responsibilities Player responsibilities Coach guidelines & responsibilities Acknowledgement/Signature page Accident Report Form Parent Evaluation p3 p3 p3 p4 p5 & p6 p7 p7 p8 p8 & p9 p10 p11 p12 & p13 2

3 Youth Sports Philosophy The youth sports division of the Thetford Recreation Department exists to create opportunities for Thetford youth in grades K-6 to participate in organized athletic activity. Everyone participating in Youth Sports activities, including coaches, parents and athletes, should understand that the focus is on player development and not winning games. The principal benefits of such participation are: Sportsmanship Physical fitness Developing self-confidence Learning to work as part of a team Skill development General Principles 1. Every player participates for a significant period of time in every game or practice. 2. All sports will emphasize the pleasure of skill development and physical fitness and avoid preoccupation with winning and perfectionism. 3. Coaches, players and spectators are representatives of the Town of Thetford and Thetford Recreation Department, and are expected to act accordingly. 4. Where equal and separate programs do not exist, girls and boys will be granted an equal opportunity to participate. 5. No Jewelry is allowed at any time. 6. Mouth guards are required at all times. Organizational Meetings Coaches/parents meetings will be scheduled at the beginning of each season. Coaches and parents will be notified at least one week in advance of meeting time and place. All coaches and interested parents should attend these meetings. The following information will be given out:/discussed: 1. Rosters 2. Emergency contact information 3. Schedule of games, if available 4. Coach s Manual and Parents manual if necessary 5. Directions to away games 6. Contact information for opposing teams 7. First aid kit assign numbers 8. Equipment 3

4 ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY Sportsmanship is our goal! To that end, the following ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY has been adopted by the UVRA directors. As a UVRA member, Thetford Recreation adheres to this policy. The Upper Valley Recreation Association {UVRA}* has agreed that there will be zero tolerance for fan misbehavior at all sporting events. This includes but is not limited to: booing, shouting at officials, or arguing any call. Expressing any negative behavior or comments, threats or obscene gestures to players, coaches or officials is also unacceptable. Cheering in a positive fashion, for both sides is highly encouraged. Ours is a recreational league with fun as the primary emphasis. Many officials and coaches are volunteers and we should all appreciate their efforts, and support them, setting a good example for the children. Any spectator or coach who does not behave appropriately {as directed above} will be asked to leave, according to the following steps: 1. Officials {s} will identify violators to the coaches, or vice versa. 2. Officials {s} confer with both coaches, one of whom will then approach the spectator and may give a warning, or ask them to leave. If the spectator is not recognized by either coach, the home coach will speak to him/her. 3. If the decision is made for the spectator to leave, play will not resume until he/she has left the facility. If he/she refuses to leave, his/her team will forfeit, and the game will be over. Please help us foster good sportsmanship and encourage positive experiences for our youth. *These towns/organizations are members of the UVRA and have adopted the above guidelines on 1/14/2003: CCBA, Claremont, Cornish, Hartford, Hartland, Hanover, Lebanon, Lyme, Norwich, Plainfield, Rivendell, Sharon, Springfield, Thetford, Weathersfield, Windsor, Woodstock. 4

5 Registration At least one parent/guardian must complete and sign a registration form. An Emergency Contact Form must be completed once per school year, before the first season the child participates. It is the responsibility of the parent to update the form when information changes. The family plan allows for the third child to play free in the same sport during the same season. Scholarships are available and application forms can be downloaded from the recreation web site. Any information received by the Recreation Department will be considered confidential. Children from surrounding communities will be allowed to register for Thetford teams if space is available and the town in which they reside does not offer a similar program. Participation EVERY PLAYER PARTICIPATES. Every child on every team will participate for a significant period of time in each game. Thetford Recreation strongly encourages coaches to consider equal playing time for all players. We do realize, however, that coaches may have their own philosophy that allows for unequal playing time based upon criteria such as attitude, attendance, lateness, etc... The coach shall have some discretion over the amount of playing time each player receives, however, Thetford Recreation policy dictates that all players shall be allocated playing time equal to at least half that of any other player over the course of a game. For example, if the player having the most playing time is given 20 minutes, then all other players must be given at least 10 minutes. Exceptions can be made for players arriving late to a game. As playing time is a very important issue to athletes and parents/guardians, it is recommended that someone other than the coach be dedicated to keeping track of this during games. If a student is not in school, he/she may not participate in practice or games on that day. The removal of a player from a team must be approved by the Recreation Director, in conjunction with the Recreation Advisory Council when necessary. Tournament Play must be approved by the Recreation Director. Practices GENERAL GUIDELINES All teams must receive prior approval from the Recreation Director for any practices to begin. Practices may not last for more than 2 hours at any one session. Practices must be completed by 8 PM. Teams may meet no more than 3 times during the week, Monday Friday. One additional practice can be held if it is on a weekend. Meet refers to both practices and games. Uniforms Teams for K-2 will receive t-shirts they can keep. Teams for 3-6 grade will be issued Thetford Recreation jerseys. The team will only wear department issued uniforms while representing Thetford Recreation department. Uniforms must be turned in at the end of the sport s season. Failure to do so will result in a $50 fee and the child may not register for another sport until the fee is paid or the uniform is turned in. 5

6 Team Selection All sports shall be organized by grade. When a sport requires two or more teams due to a high number of participants, there will be a selection process that shall provide for equal strength teams. All coaches shall gather together during the selection session(s) to observe players. Additional observers may be asked to come and give some guidance. Selections by the coaches shall be done alternately and initiated with a coin toss. Any other selection method shall be approved by the Recreation Director and shall provide for reasonably equal teams. At the conclusion of selection, the equality of the teams and other team considerations (such as sibling participation, parent requests, etc.) shall be reviewed and trades made by consensus of the coaches and Recreation Director where necessary. Code of Conduct GENERAL GUIDELINES continued Coaches, parents and athletes are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner both as players and spectators. Unsportsmanlike behavior directed toward others will not be tolerated. This includes but is not limited to, obscene gestures, cheating, disrespect to officials or other behavior deemed inappropriate for the event. Any coach or player who is disqualified or ejected from a game will not participate in the next scheduled game. If a coach or player receives a 2 nd game disqualification or ejection during the season, that individual will be required to forfeit participation in that sport for the remainder of the season. If a parent is asked to leave a game, they shall not view the following game from the sidelines or within earshot of any players, coaches or officials. No Jewelry Rule No jewelry is allowed at any time in any sport. This means no earrings, studs, nose rings, bobby pins, barrettes (including plastic ones), jewelry related to body piercings, necklaces, etc. PIERCED EARS CANNOT BE TAPED TO PLAY. Religious and medical-alert medals are not considered jewelry. A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform. A medical-alert medal must be taped and may be visible. Mouth Guard rule The use of an inter-oral mouth guard is mandatory. The mouth guard should be of a highly visible color. It is the responsibility of the head coach to be certain that each player is wearing a mouth guard during practices as well as games. Mouth Guards are REQUIRED for soccer, basketball and lacrosse, and recommended for all other sports. In the event a player is in the game without a mouth guard, the following actions should be taken: 1. The official shall stop the play 2. The player shall be removed from the game and a substitute will take his/her place. The player cannot return to the game until the next opportunity for substitution. TAKING A TIME OUT BY THE COACH DOES NOT MEET THE SUBSTITUTION RULE. No team time out shall be charged or used. 6

7 SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES All sports rules follow High School Federation Rules, except where changed by the UVRA. Sport specific rule changes can be found in the coaches sport manual or on-line. Any serious problems or issues that may arise should be written and directed through the following sequence of authorities: Coach; Recreation Director; Recreation Advisory Council; Selectboard. RECREATION DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES To ensure that all participants have registered and have paid the appropriate fee. To appoint head coaches. If a coach has also coached the same team in the previous season, others interested will have first right of refusal. To run State of Vermont background checks on all coaches per town procedures. To arrange a schedule of games which ensures that teams are as evenly-matched as possible. To publish a complete monthly schedule of practices for each coach at the beginning of each season, and to inform coaches of any changes to that schedule. To support coaches when grievances arise. To try to ensure that officials are competent and fully aware of the objectives of the program and the level of proficiency of the players. To ensure that a game schedule is made and passed out to each coach. Also to ensure that the facilities are ready for games, and coaches and participants are notified of any scheduling changes. To confirm all scheduled games with other Recreation Departments. To ensure that all coaches are familiar with appropriate precautions, procedures and policies. PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITES Parents and/or Guardians of children participating in Thetford Recreation youth sports shall: Register for the program as instructed by the coach or Recreation Department, and pay all necessary fees prior to the second official meeting. Bring children to games and practices on time. Notify the coach, or ensure your child has notified the coach, in advance if your child will miss a practice or game. Refrain from coaching team members unless supported by the team coach. This includes both practices and games. Review and abide by the UVRA Zero Tolerance Policy (on p4). Refrain from making disparaging remarks about the officiating, coaching or play before, during or after games. This reflects very poorly on Thetford Recreation and is in violation of Upper Valley Recreation Association s (UVRA) zero tolerance policy. Assist the coach as directed in at least one game or practice, if requested. Return all equipment or uniforms that are issued to you r child at the completion of the season, as instructed by your coach. The participant is responsible for replacement of any lost or damaged equipment or uniforms. A $50 fee will be assessed. 7

8 PLAYER RESPONSIBILITES Players participating in Thetford Recreation youth sports shall: Attend all scheduled practices and games, or notify the coach in advance that you will not be able to attend. Be courteous and respectful to your coach, the other team's coach and players, and the officials. You are representative of the Town of Thetford and the Thetford Recreation Department, and you SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITES continued and your family should behave accordingly. Exhibit team spirit and loyalty at all times. Encourage your teammates and don't "put down" teammates or opposing team members. Report all injuries to your coach. Report directly to the facility where the practices or games are to be held. Leave immediately after the practice session or game with the team. Do not leave the gym, field or other facility without the specific approval of the coach. Respect the property of others when the team travels to other towns or facilities. Stay with the team whenever you travel out-of-town. The coach is responsible for your well-being. COACH RESPONSIBILIES AND GUIDELIENES (p1) Coaches participating in Thetford Recreation youth sports shall: Be reliable, and on time. (The first to arrive, and the last to leave...) Be responsible for distributing a game/practice schedule to parents/guardians prior to the beginning of the season. Have with you, at all practices and games, the Emergency Contact Information forms for each child on the team. Be responsible for making sure first aid kits are on-site at every practice and game. Thetford Recreation will supply these kits. Be responsible for securing officiating at all home games. Be responsible for ensuring players parents/guardians and the Recreation Coordinator are informed of changes to the game or practice schedule. This includes cancellations the day of the game or practice. Ensure that each player receives playing time in games according to Thetford Recreation s policy on playing time (see above). Equal participation in the program as a whole is the desired goal. Be responsible for communicating Thetford Recreation s playing time policy as well as their own philosophy regarding playing time to parents/guardians & athletes prior to the start of the season. Have all players and team coaches shake hands after the completion of the game. Ensure that players are not wearing any jewelry. Match players as evenly as possible in practices and in games, and a preoccupation with winning should not be encouraged. Players should be taught to accept defeat graciously, and the coach should lead by example. Never play an injured or bleeding player. Think of the player first and not the team's final outcome. Bleeding players must be removed from a game or practice until cleaned up and the bleeding has stopped. All blood and contaminated equipment must be disposed of properly. 8

9 Coaches responsibilities & guidelines, cont d Coaches participating in Thetford Recreation youth sports shall: Contact parents/guardians and the Recreation Coordinator if a player is injured and requires medical attention. Coaches should also fill out an accident form for the office. See that the members of your team have the same style shirts and that each shirt is numbered. BASKETBALL: Number must be on front and back Conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times, and shall refrain from directing abusive or sarcastic language or gestures toward officials, other coaches or players. Serve as a role model for players and spectators. Ensure that Recreation Department equipment is accounted for, and maintained in usable condition and returned promptly at the end of the season. Leave facilities in the same or better condition than they were when the team arrived. Ensure that playing conditions, facilities or circumstances present no physical risks to your players, and to take appropriate action if they do. Keep the team together, and under your supervision during out-of-town trips. Team and coaches enter and leave dressing areas together. The Recreation Director may remove a coach from a team for flagrant violation of Thetford Recreation policy or for conduct significantly detrimental to team members. Any serious problems or issues that may arise with a player, parent or official, and can not be worked out between these parties, should be written and directed through the following sequence 9

10 Parent, Player and Coach Acknowledgement Please sign and return to your coach or the Recreation Coordinator before the first scheduled game. Any serious problems or issues that may arise with a player, parent or official, and can not be worked out between these parties, should be written and directed through the following sequence of authorities: Coach; Recreation Coordinator; Recreation Advisory Council; Selectboard. I acknowledge that I have read or been made aware of the Thetford Recreation youth sports player responsibilities, and will abide by them. Participant Signature Date I acknowledge that I have read or been made aware of the Thetford Recreation youth sports parent/ guardian responsibilities, and will abide by them. Parent/Guardian #1 Signature Date Parent/Guardian #2 Signature Date I acknowledge that I have read or been made aware of the Thetford Recreation youth sports coach guidelines and responsibilities, and will abide by them. Head Coach Signature Date Assistant Coach Signature Date 10

11 THETFORD RECREATION DEPARTMENT ACCIDENT REPORT FORM Must be filled out for all injuries use back of paper if necessary. Date of accident Time Name of injured person Age Grade Parents names Circumstances of accident...explain in detail how accident happened and where you were. Scene of accident Describe location where accident occurred. Injuries and damage...describe nature of injuries. Was further medical attention required? Is, what, where and when? Treated by: Witnesses: Give names, addresses and phones of all witnesses who know anything about accident or circumstances surrounding it. Date of this report By: 11

12 Sport Parent Evaluation youth sports Team Grade Male/Female Date The Recreation Department is conducting a survey to evaluate Thetford Recreation youth sports and coaches. Scale: 5 = Excellent 4 = Very good 3 = Good 2 = Fair 1 = Poor Please rate the following: Coach s name: Coaching Skills: Knowledge of the sport Knowledge of injury prevention (stretching, conditioning, etc.) Organization of practices Effectiveness of practices Motivational/positive reinforcement ability Effectiveness of coach in teaching skills and techniques Communicates effectively to team as a whole Communicates effectively to individual player Communicates effectively to parents Upholds Rec. Dept. philosophy of equal playing time Explains reasons for strategy effectively Ability to balance individual player attention with focusing on team as a whole Ability to deal with player difficulty or team conflict Ability to treat all players equally and fairly Ability to recognize players skills and use them effectively Availability of coach to provide extra help when needed Emphasizes sportsmanship Overall coach s ability Personal qualifications of coach: Positive role model Reliable On time Well-groomed Poised Conduct on field Concern for safety of the player Honesty and integrity of coach Good representative of Thetford Recreation 12

13 Parent Evaluation youth sports cont d How did your child benefit from this program? What did you like best/least about this program? What did your child like best/least about this program? What would you like to see changed if anything? Comment on the selection process for the teams (if applicable). How did you register? By Mail Walk in Drop in School folder Was the registration process: (check all that apply) Convenient Efficient Confusing Other (explain below) Did your child have fun? Does your child agree with this evaluation? Taking everything into consideration, the season as a whole was: Would you like to teach, coach or volunteer for Thetford Recreation? Please leave name, phone, # and . What other types of courses would you like to see offered by Thetford Recreation? General Comments Completed by (optional) 13