SEASHORE SOCCER LEAGUE PLAYER HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 SEASHORE SOCCER LEAGUE PLAYER HANDBOOK PO Box 2323 Morehead City, North Carolina TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 INTRODUCTION... 3 Mission Statement and Purpose... 3 Goals and Objectives... 3 Conduct... 4 Rules... 4 Player Eligibility... 5 Commitment of Players... 6 Formation of Teams... 6 Player Participation... 7 Safety Equipment... 7 Code of Practice... 8 Equity Statement... 8 Code of Conduct INTRODUCTION This Handbook is intended to provide players with helpful information

3 regarding Seashore Soccer League (SSL) as well as provide you with various policies, procedures and expectations. This document provides general policies and modified playing rules for SSL recreation teams from U6 to U18, playing within Carteret County. All players of SSL are expected to adhere to all policies, procedures and rules, including, in particular, those set forth in the League s Bylaws which govern the operations of SSL. If you have any questions, or if you require information on a topic not covered by this Handbook, please refer to the Bylaws or contact a member of the SSL Board. In utilizing this Handbook, please note that the SSL Bylaws take precedent over any information contained herein. 1. Mission Statement and Purpose The mission of the Seashore Soccer League is to promote mental and physical fitness, good sportsmanship, self pride, community pride and to provide young people with an opportunity to learn and play organized soccer. SSL is committed to educating and training youth soccer players on the fundamentals and tactics of the game of soccer at various levels; educating youth soccer players on the principles and ideals of competitive sport, good sportsmanship, fairness, honesty, character, courage, loyalty, teamwork, respect for themselves and others, and respect for authority, so that they may be well-adjusted, stronger and happier youth, and will grow to be good, decent, caring, healthy and trustworthy adults. 2. Goals and Objectives The goals and objectives of SSL are as follows: To provide a safe, secure and caring environment for our players. To provide quality assurance and equal opportunities throughout our program and various levels of soccer. To provide a program that is challenging, yet fun, and recognizes the individual and their personal developmental circumstances. To continually strive to improve our programs, players and staff. To help produce confident and respectful members of our community.

4 To educate youth on the fundamentals and ideals of soccer and competitive sports. To help each of our players reach his or her potential as a soccer player. 3. Conduct The personal conduct of all individuals associated with SSL, including players, must be above reproach, as spelled out in the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) Any individual who displays poor sportsmanship or objectionable behavior is subject to removal from all SSL activities. Such removal will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Any player who does not exhibit good sportsmanship or conduct during a season must be approved by the Board of Directors before playing again. SSL may allow a player to continue is SSL on probation under conditions set by the Board of Directors. Care must be taken to obtain input from all concerned parties before a Board decision is made. 4. Rules A. SSL prohibits the following: 1. Players from smoking; 2. Players from the use of alcohol; 3. Players from bringing pets to practice or games; 4. Players from using air horns and other noise makers during and/or after games and practices. B. All players shall remain a minimum of 3 yards off the touch line at all times. C. Players are not allowed behind the goal line or past the penalty box along the sidelines for U12 and up at any time during a game. D. Players are not allowed to hang on, swing from, tamper with and otherwise destroy or deface a goal.

5 E. All players are covered by the SSL rules. SSL shall enforce rules based upon the following levels: local, state, national. Any conflicts or protests shall be first addressed by the Area Coaches Liaison; then the Area Commissioner; followed by the SSL Director of Coaching. If the problem/conflict/protest is not resolved at the aforementioned levels, it should then be brought before the entire SSL Board of Directors and President for a proper ruling. SSL player must comply with all Carteret County Parks & Recreation Park Policies and Procedures at all times. A list of these Policies and Procedures can be found on the following website: 5. Player Eligibility A. Permanent residents of Carteret County are eligible to participate in SSL competition. Exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis by the SSL Board. The SSL Board will rule by majority vote on eligibility violations. B. Players may be ineligible for competition if false information relative to birth date and home address is put on the registrations forms. Proof of age and address may be required at any time by the SSL Board of Directors. Players cannot be the same age as the age bracket prior to August 1 for the upcoming season. (Please see the Age Chart at the SSL website 1. example 1: Player A turns 8 in July Player A cannot play U8 for Fall 2013 or Spring 2014 season. Player A must play at least in the U10 level 2. example 2: Player B turns 8 in August Player B can still play U8 for Fall 2013 or Spring C. Players are not eligible for competition until payment of fees has been received by SSL. Players will not be placed on a team until registration fees are paid in full. A check returned for Non- Sufficient Funds (NSF) will require full payment of registration fees plus a $30.00 return check fee to be paid in cash or certified

6 funds. No team is eligible to begin the regular season until registration fees for all players are paid to SSL unless special arrangements have been made. 6. Commitment of Players The soccer year is divided into the Fall (August through December) and Spring (January through July) seasons. Most SSL teams practice twice per week (usually on week nights) and play at least one game per weekend. Some traveling teams may also attend anywhere from one to three tournaments per season, usually within three or four hours driving distance from Carteret County. In general, SSL teams practice from August through November in the Fall season, and from April through May in the Spring season. 7. Formation of Teams A. Only the Commissioners designated by SSL have the authority to place players on teams and assign coaches. Coaches cannot add players directly to any team. Commissioners are encouraged to seek an equal distribution of talent. Final decisions by the SSL Board will be made if a dispute arises. Expansion (new) teams will be protected as much as possible. B. Players who have played soccer for several years and are at an advanced skill level may play up an age level and/or Co-ed vs. Boys/Girls if the coaches, commissioner and parent deem it in the best interest of the child. Each case will be decided individual. C. Teams and games may be co-ed except for Girls divisions which will have only female participants. D. The number of divisions shall be set by SSL prior to each season to accommodate growth of SSL. Age limits for each division are set by the state (North Carolina Youth Soccer Association - NCYSC) and can be found on their website or the SSL website. 8. Player Participation

7 A. U6 to U18 Recreation Play: Each player shall play at least half (50%) of the game. B. Exceptions shall be made for injury or disciplinary reasons (at the coach s discretion). If playing time is to be decreased for disciplinary reasons, the opposing teams coach must be given prior notification. The child s parent(s) must also be given prior notification including an explanation of the reason for the disciplinary action. C. Coaches may also reduce the playing time of a player for missing practices for unexcused reasons. Some unexcused reasons may include, but shall not be limited to the following: missing practices to play other sport/activities; missing a practice before a game without notifying the coach that they will be at the game even though practice will be missed. 9. Safety and Equipment A. Soccer Ball sizes shall be as follows: U6 - U8: #5 U10 - U12: #4 U13 and up: #3 B. Uniform minimum requirements shall be as follows: 1. All players must wear the appropriate shirts, shorts, and socks provided by SSL for either a home game or an away game; 2. All players must wear approved soccer cleats; 3. All players must wear shin guards underneath their socks. No part of the shin guard shall be visible at any time; 4. No metal objects such as watches, bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, etc., shall be worn by any player at any time.

8 5. Only players in the U6 age bracket may wear non-soccer cleat athletic shoes (tennis shoes). C. The official in charge of the game will inspect all safety equipment at the beginning of the game. The official s decision at the time of inspection is final. If any equipment is found to be below the standard, a player may not play until and unless the is corrected. 10. Code of Practice The members of the SSL are required to adhere to and promote the Code of Practice and the relevant codes of conduct. This ensures that we are always operating at the highest levels of service and care for our players, members and the reputation of the League as a whole. All players must follow a code of conduct that is consistent with the goals and ideals of the SSL. This ensures that the players stay focused, are well-adjusted, and reach their development goals. 11. Equity Statement The Seashore Soccer League aims to ensure that all people, irrespective of age, color, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, nationality, race, sexual preference or social status, have a genuine and equal opportunity to participate in our soccer related activities at a level appropriate to their abilities. It is the aim of the Seashore Soccer League to ensure that all present or potential players receive fair and equal treatment. It is the aim of the Seashore Soccer League to provide all of its services in a way that is fair and equitable to everyone. It is the aim of the Seashore Soccer League not to disadvantage any individual by the imposition of conditions or requirements that cannot be justified. In pursuance of these aims, the Seashore Soccer League reserves the right to discipline any player who practices any form of discrimination on the grounds of age, color, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, nationality, race, sexual preference or social status.

9 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS As a player for the Seashore Soccer League, I will: 1. Play the game for the game s sake, and not just to please my parents or coach. 2. Be modest and generous when I win and gracious when I lose. 3. Respect the game of soccer, learn the rules, try to follow them and play the game fairly. 4. Work for the good of my team and give my best effort at all times. 5. Show respect for the authority of the referee, even though I will sometimes disagree with his/her calls. 6. Respect the authority and decisions of all SSL coaches and be prepared for practice and games (with balls/gear/water etc.). 7. Attend and be punctual for all practices and games. 8. Show good sportsmanship before, during, and after games. I understand that soccer is a game, and that the players on the other team are my opponents, not my enemies.

10 9. Conduct myself with honor and dignity and treat other players as I would like to be treated. 10. Help my parents and fans understand the laws of the game so they can watch and enjoy the game better. I will be sure they understand that dissent is not permitted in SSL. 11. Control my temper and not retaliate, even if I believe I have been wronged. Foul or abusive language is NEVER acceptable. 12. Support my teammates and all other players and teams in SSL. 13. NEVER use alcohol, drugs or smoke. I have read, understood and agree to the SSL Player s Code of Conduct. This the day of, 20. Signed: SSL Player Print Name: As Parent/Guardian of (SSL Player), I have read, understood and agree to the SSL Player s Code of Conduct. This the day of, 20. Signed: SSL Parent/Guardian

11 Print Name: