Colonial Heights Soccer Association Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Policy and Handbook. Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Policy & Handbook

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1 Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Policy & Handbook 1 6/4/2011

2 Table of Contents About the Handbook... 3 Acronyms Used... 3 Contacts... 3 I. CHSA Travel Soccer Program... 4 II. Code of Conduct... 4 III. Protection of Players... 5 IV. CHSA Travel Soccer Board... 6 V. Teams... 6 VI. Tryouts... 7 VII. Forming New Teams... 7 VIII. Teams Transferring to CHSA... 8 IX. Uniforms and Accessories... 9 X. Team Budgets and Fees / Fundraising... 9 XI. Reimbursements... 9 XII. Financial Assistance XIII. VA/Metro-DC Coaching Education Program XIV. Disciplinary Rules and Procedures XV. Fields a. Practice Fields In-Season b. Coaches Responsibilities c. Travel Director s Responsibilities d. Vice-President s Responsibilities XVI. Field Set-up and Takedown Procedures a. Equipment b. Set-up Responsibilities c. Takedown Procedures XVII. Rescheduling Games a. Due to Inclement Weather or Unplayable Field Conditions b. High School or State Cup Conflict XVIII. Practice Scrimmages and Games XIX. Coach Licensing /4/2011

3 About the Handbook The purpose of this Handbook is to assist coaches, managers and others carry out their responsibilities in administering the CHSA Travel Soccer Program. The CHSA Board of Directors does not intend for the Handbook to be a compilation of all the rules and regulations governing CHSA, the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Program, ADSL, VSLI, VYSA, USYSA and its affiliated organizations, which all CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Teams must follow. These organizations publish and make available their rules and regulations for your use. Acronyms Used CHSA - ADSL Advanced Development Soccer League VSLI Virginia Soccer League, Inc. USYSA - United States Youth Soccer Association VYSA - Virginia Youth Soccer Association 3 6/4/2011

4 I. CHSA Travel Soccer Program A. Purpose The CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Program is an important part of the CHSA soccer program. The purpose of the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Program is to develop soccer players from 11 to 19 years old. The Program provides talented and promising players an opportunity for quality coaching and to compete against teams of similar characteristics. The Program s goal is to field teams of the highest possible quality to represent CHSA in league, state and interstate tournament competitions. CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer teams follow the rules and regulations of CHSA, the CHSA Tri- Cities United Travel Soccer Program, ADSL, VSLI, VYSA, USYSA and its affiliated organizations. B. Objectives 1. Provide an atmosphere that promotes good sportsmanship. 2. Provide the opportunity for eligible youth to participate in competitive play with teams of similar characteristics. 3. Provide progressive improvement in the soccer knowledge and skills of players. 4. Provide the highest level of coaching and continuing improvement of the skills of CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer coaches. 5. Provide volunteers to administer the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Program. II. Code of Conduct The principles of good sportsmanship govern CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer and apply at practices, games and all events in which CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer teams participate. Our actions and words are as important to our reputation as our playing ability on a soccer field. CHSA will dismiss any coach who willfully violates these principles. VYSA, ADSL, VSLI, and CHSA will take action against any coach, player or parent who physically assaults an official. These organizations will not tolerate the use of alcohol, illegal drugs or foul language by any officials, coaches, players, parents or guests at any game or practice. A. Coaches and Players 1. Coaches will ensure that their conduct sets the proper example for team members and spectators. Each player will insure that his or her conduct is that of someone fairly competing to the best of their ability. 2. Coaches and players will know the laws of the game and abide by them. Coaches should teach their players to compete according to the laws. 3. Coaches and players will respect officials. Coaches should refrains from questioning official decisions in a disrespectful or abusive manner. Players should refrain from addressing officials or commenting on their decisions. 4. Coaches and players will respect the coaches and players of the opposing team and demonstrate an appropriate gesture of sportsmanship at the conclusion of a game. 5. Coaches and players will avoid abusive language, profanity, humiliating remarks, gestures of poor sportsmanship and physical assaults on other players. 6. Coaches and players will follow the rules and regulations of the facility where they play and respect the property of others. 4 6/4/2011

5 7. Coaches must insure that team spectators conduct themselves appropriately and assist game officials in maintaining control of spectators. B. Spectators 1. Spectators will behave in a courteous and sportsmanlike manner that sets a positive example for the players. 2. Spectators will respect the Laws of the Game. 3. Spectators will respect officials and not question their decisions or address them. 4. Spectators will cheer for their team in a positive, supportive manner and refrain from making hostile, negative or abusive remarks about any team or player. 5. Spectators will follow the rules and regulations of the facility where they visit and respect the property of others. 6. Spectators will show good sportsmanship at the end of the game regardless of whether they win or lose. 7. Spectators will ensure that their children and guests follow this code. III. Protection of Players 1. CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer is committed to deterring any form of abuse by creating an environment that recognizes and resists situation that can lead to abuse. 2. CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer will not knowingly allow any person convicted of a crime of violence, physical abuse, use or sale of illegal substances, or who has any other convictions that would indicate a pattern of behavior that would have a detrimental effect on children to be in a position that would involve direct contact with children. 3. VYSA mandates that a criminal background check be performed on all coaches and volunteers, to include head coaches, assistant and substitute coaches, administrators, and others who have direct contact with players. These background checks will be performed in accordance with the policy specified by and through the vendor designated by VYSA. All coaches, administrators, and all others who have direct contact with players must submit a Kidsafe form to the team s league representative before the team is registered for league play. (See Administration, Insurance and Risk Management.) Kidsafe checks are valid for two years. a. It is CHSA Tri-Cities United policy to confirm reports of convictions with the person affected, or through independent means, as appropriate, before taking action to exclude the volunteer from participation in the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer program. b. Persons who have any conviction for a crime of violence or crime against a person, any felony conviction, any report of child abuse, any record of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct, any conviction for the use and/or use or sale of illegal drugs, or documented history of alcohol abuse may not participate in any coaching or administrative capacity with CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer. c. Any other information that casts serious doubt on a volunteer s ability to be entrusted with the supervision, guidance, and care of minors may disqualify the individual from participating in any coaching or administrative capacity with CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer. d. Any person, who becomes involved as a defendant in litigation detrimental to the welfare of youth players, or litigation based on activities detrimental to the welfare of youth players, shall be suspended from all CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer. 5 6/4/2011

6 e. In the event of a dispute over a person s eligibility to serve, the CHSA Travel Director will make a recommendation to the CHSA Board of Directors, who will make the final decision in accordance with the CHSA Tri-Cities United Risk Management Policy. 4. Player safety is of utmost importance to CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer. Coaches must use good judgment at all times. If there is a concern about a player s health or the safety of the team, err on the side of caution. 5. To provide security for our youth and to protect adult leaders from allegations of abuse, all adults associated with CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer will adhere to the following guidelines. a. Two people, at least 21 years old, must be at every team activity, including practices, games, other team events, etc. b. One-on-one contact between an adult team representative and a player must be conducted in the sight of at least one other adult. c. Two adults must stay at field or the location of a team event until all players have departed safely. d. Players and adults must wear proper attire to all games, practices, and other team events. Players must remain clothed until they have departed the premises where games, practices or other team events took place. e. Shin guards are mandatory and must be worn at all practices and games. Socks should be pulled over the top of the shin guard. f. Metal cleats and other potentially dangerous items are not allowed at games, practices or other team events. g. A team must have a first aid kit at all games and practices. h. Players who are bleeding must leave the game or practice field until the bleeding stops. IV. CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Director CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Director is responsible for administering the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Program. 1. Responsibilities V. Teams a. Represent the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Program at CHSA board meetings. b. Serve as the liaison between the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Program and the leagues in which CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer teams play. c. Develop and recommend to the CHSA operating policies and procedures for the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Program. d. Approve the use of fields by CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer teams for scheduled practices and other activities. e. Approve the uniforms worn by CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer teams. f. Approve new teams applying to enter the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Program. g. Approve requests for financial assistance for CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer players. 1. A team is a group, which includes coaches, team officials, players and their parents. 6 6/4/2011

7 2. Teams will make decisions on team matters as a team with the full participation of coaches, parents and players, as appropriate. 3. Any team sponsored by CHSA is under the authority and control of the Travel Soccer Director, not an individual or coach. CHSA delegates the authority to manage teams to parent coaches and managers under the supervision of the Travel Soccer Director. 4. Teams will follow the rules and regulations of CHSA, the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Program, ADSL, VSLI, VYSA, USYSA and its affiliated organizations. 5. Teams may only list CHSA approved coaches on its VYSA roster. The team must list the coach, assistant coach, manager and all adults that work with players on its VYSA roster. A parent coach or manager will determine the need for team positions. 6. Teams may hire a professional trainer to assist the coach. The parent coach or manager is responsible for the conduct of the trainer. The CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Program will only recognize the parent coach or manager and will not take any responsibility for the actions or conduct of the trainer. 7. Team names will be in good taste and not advertise a commercial product or entity or be offensive in any way, as determined by the Travel Soccer Commissioner. No team will use the name of team currently active in the CHSA Travel Soccer Program without the permission of that team. VI. Tryouts 1. The CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Program will field teams beginning at the U11 age group. 2. Travel teams must hold open tryouts for each seasonal year. Tryouts will be held on the first Saturday and Sunday in June at the following times: a. Saturday: U15, U16, U17, U18 9:00AM 11:00AM U12, U13, U14 2:00PM 4:00PM b. Sunday: U12, U13, U14 2:00PM 4:00PM U15, U16, U17, U18 4:00PM 6:00PM 3. It is the Travel Director s responsibility to publicly advertise the tryouts. 4. The CHSA Travel Director will schedule a minimum of two tryout sessions to allow a fair assessment of prospective players. Coaches will conduct the tryouts and select players for the team. 5. Coaches will assess all players within the age group that they will be coaching. A player may not be assessed or tryout for an older team. 6. The number and age groupings of teams will depend on the number of tryout attendees. Developmental / B teams will be considered if a required number of registrants are met at the first tryout date: a. Travel team playing 8v8 26+ registrants b. Travel teams playing 11v registrants 7. Teams, if at all possible, should be age pure. Based upon a recommendation of all coaches involved and the Travel Director, the Board of Directors may approve underage players to be permitted to play up with the following guidelines: 7 6/4/2011

8 a. Boys and Co-ed teams, from the youngest age group up to and including U-12, are permitted to roster a maximum of two (2) underage players that are not more than 1 year younger than the oldest player on the team. b. Girls teams are to have at least 50% of all rostered players to be of the age at which the team is registered to participate. c. There are no underage players allowed on Developmental B teams where two (2) travel teams exist in the same age group and gender. d. It will be up to the Travel Director to decide which team is designated as the A team should a conflict arise. 8. Boys and Co-ed teams, with approval of the CHSA Board of Directors, from U14 up to and including U15 may have a maximum of 3 under aged players that are not more than 1 year younger than the oldest player on their rosters. Teams older than U15 will have no restriction on the number of underage players, but still must meet the requirement of players being not more than 1 year younger than the oldest player on their rosters. 9. Girls teams are to have at least 50% of all rostered players to be of the age at which the team is registered to participate. 10. Coaches should make changes to the team roster as soon as possible after the season ends. 11. Coaches will provide currently rostered players with an assessment of their performance before the season ends in order to give players an opportunity to improve their performance or to allow players to tryout for other teams. VII. Forming New Teams 1. Coaches desiring to form a new team will submit an application to the Travel Soccer Director no later than May 15 for entry in the fall season or December 15 for entry in the spring season. 2. The application will consist of: a. The names of the coach, assistant coach and manager with their addresses, phone numbers and addresses. For the coach and assistant coach, provide their coaching experience and qualifications. b. A statement, signed by all persons listed in 2.a, that they have not received a red card or other disciplinary action during the past year. If any of the persons listed in 2.a above received a red card or other disciplinary action during the past year, provide an explanation of the circumstances surrounding the red card or disciplinary action and describe the resolution of the matter. c. A signed statement that the team intends to adopt an approved CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer uniform with 60 days after acceptance into the club. The team must acknowledge that CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer will not allocate practice or game fields or provide league materials until it complies with the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer uniform policy. 3. The CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Board will review the application and determine whether to accept the team in the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Program. The CHSA Board of Directors will evaluate the application based on field availability, other CHSA teams in the age group, the reputation of the coaches and other team officials and other factors as appropriate. The Board may interview the coach. The Board will notify applicants of its decision. 4. If the team is accepted in the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Program, the coach, assistant coach, manager, and any other adults who have direct contact with players must submit 8 6/4/2011

9 a Kidsafe form to the team s league representative before the team can be registered for league play. VIII. Teams Transferring to CHSA 1. Teams transferring to the club will submit an application to the Travel Soccer Director no later than May 15 for entry in the fall season or November 15 for entry in the spring season. 2. The application will consist of: a. A statement of the reasons the team wants to join CHSA and the contributions the team can make to the CHSA Tri-Cities United Soccer Program. b. The names of the coach, assistant coach and manager and their addresses, phone numbers and addresses. For the coach and assistant coach, provide their coaching experience and qualifications. c. A statement signed by all persons listed in 2.a above that they have not received a red card or other disciplinary action during the past year. If any of the persons listed in 2.a above received a red card or other disciplinary action during the past year, provide an explanation of the circumstances surrounding the red card or disciplinary action and describe the resolution of the matter. d. A copy of the team s current roster. e. A check for $300. CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer will apply this money toward the upcoming season s fees or return the check if the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Program does not accept the team. f. A signed statement that the team intends to adopt an approved CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer uniform with 60 days after acceptance of into the club. The team must acknowledge that CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer will not allocate practice or game fields or provide league materials until it complies with the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer uniform policy. 3. The CHSA Board of Directors will review the application and determine whether to accept the team in the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Program. The CHSA Board of Directors will evaluate the application based on field availability, the impact on existing CHSA Tri-Cities United teams in the age group the team would enter, the reputation of the coaches and other team officials and other factors as appropriate. The Board may interview the coach. The Board will notify applicants of its decision. 4. If the team is accepted in the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Program, the coach, assistant coach, manager, and any other adults who have direct contact with players must submit a Kidsafe form to the team s league representative before the team can be registered for league play. 5. Once the CHSA Board of Directors approves the application, a team has 10 days to provide a release letter from their former club. IX. Uniforms and Accessories 1. All CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer teams will wear uniforms and accessories approved by the CHSA Board of Directors. New teams and teams transferring to the club will wear approved uniforms and accessories the first season they enter the club. 2. A CHSA Tri-Cities United team s uniform or accessories will not advertise a commercial product or entity. 3. Approved Uniforms and Accessories 9 6/4/2011

10 a. Shirts and shorts should be royal blue, white, or royal blue and white. Shirts must have sleeves. The shirt must have the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer logo printed on the front and an 8-inch shadow style numbers in royal blue or white on the back. Teams may print their name below the Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer logo or on the back. b. Socks should be royal blue, white, or royal blue and white. c. Warm-ups should be royal blue or royal blue and another color such as black. d. Bags should be royal blue or royal blue and another color such as black. X. Team Budgets and Fees / Fundraising A. Budgets and Fees 1. CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer teams will have a seasonal budget managed by the team treasurer or manager. Team funds belong to the and expenditures from those funds require the consent of the team parents. Parents provide this consent by approving the seasonal budget, which authorizes team expenditures for the season. 2. Teams will make at least annual financial reports to team members/parents. Individual team members/parents may request to review the team s financial records at any time. 3. CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer players will pay fees to the CHSA each season. The fees cover CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer s operating costs and league fees. Player fees are due on the second Saturday in June for the fall season and the second Saturday in January for the spring season. Players fees can be paid by cash, check or money made payable to CHSA and deliver them to the Treasurer of CHSA. 4. Player s fees must be paid in full prior to participation in any team event or training. If a player cannot pay the necessary fees and a demonstrated need exists, the CHSA offers reduced fees in the form of scholarships. Applications can be made directly to the Board of Directors of CHSA. 5. CHSA will not register any team for league play if it owes the club money. B. Fundraising 1. The Board must approve all fundraisers. Coaches must submit fundraising requests in writing to the Travel Director. Requests must include specifics of the fundraiser (i.e., description of event, dates, place, times, etc.). 2. When advertising for team fundraisers in papers, flyers, etc., the travel team must represent that the fundraiser is strictly for their team (i.e., Tri-Cities United U12 Travel Team Bowling Party). At no time will a travel team advertise as the. 3. Donation Guideline All donations over $ must be approved by the Board of Directors and full disclosure offered. XI. Reimbursements 1. The CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Program will reimburse individuals for expenses they incur related to the Travel Soccer Program provided a member of the CHSA Board of Directors approves the expenditure in advance 2. Individuals seeking reimbursement must submit a request that states the reason for the expenditure and a receipt within 60 days of incurring the expense or 30 days after the end of the season, whichever is first. The receipt must be readable, show the date and amount of the expenditure and indicate the company providing the goods or services. 10 6/4/2011

11 XII. Financial Assistance 1. CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer may contribute up to $500 toward a team s expenses for regional competition and up to $1,000 toward a team s expenses for national competition. Teams should contact the Travel Director, if they are eligible for this assistance. 2. CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer has a limited amount of money to assist needy players. The club can waive the player s portion of the CHSA fees, computed by dividing the season s fees by the number of players on the roster. For example, if the season s fees are $600 and the team has a roster of 15 players, CHSA would provide $40 in assistance. Teams seeking assistance for players should submit a request to the Travel Director. The club will look favorably on requests where the team has provided some financial assistance to the player. XIII. Virginia/Metro-DC Coaching Education Program 1. See the VYSA website ( for program and course information and the course registration form. XIV. Disciplinary Rules and Procedures A. Rules 1. All CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer teams players, team officials, spectators, and officials are expected to conduct themselves at all times in accordance with the highest standards of good sportsmanship and the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Codes of Conduct, league rules, VYSA and USYSA rules, and the Laws of the Game. These disciplinary rules and procedures apply to all CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer players, players' parents or guardians, spectators, coaches, referees, team officials, and officials of CHSA Travel Soccer. 2. The Travel Soccer Director will serve, or appoint someone to serve, as the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Rules and Discipline Director (R&D Director). 3. The R&D Director shall be primarily responsible for the following matters: a. Investigating any complaints involving any CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer teams, players, coaches, managers, parents, guardians, spectators, or officials. b. Interpreting and enforcing the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Codes of Conduct and these disciplinary rules and procedures. c. Determining appropriate disciplinary procedures, which may include conducting interviews, requesting written statements, holding hearings, imposing sanctions, and referring matters to the CHSA Board of Directors. d. Maintaining written records of disciplinary proceedings. e. Reviewing CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Rules and Disciplinary procedures periodically and recommending changes to the CHSA Board of Directors. f. Representing CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer with respect to disciplinary matters brought by other governing bodies. 4. The CHSA Travel Soccer Director and/or CHSA Board of Directors, from time to time, may provide the R&D Director with other authority and duties. 5. The R&D Director or the CHSA Board of Directors may take disciplinary action against any CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer player, spectator, team official, or team which is determined to have failed to abide by the Laws of the Game, CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Rules, CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Codes of Conduct, league rules, tournament rules or any other applicable rules of competition. The authority of the R&D Director and CHSA Board of 11 6/4/2011

12 Directors to review disciplinary matters and to take such actions, as they deem appropriate, is in addition to the authority of any league or other organization. 6. Without regard to whether any other sanctions have been or may be imposed by any league or soccer association, the R&D Director and the CHSA Board of Directors shall have the authority to impose sanctions against any CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer player, spectator, team official, or team, as the R&D Director and the CHSA Board of Directors, in their sole discretion, determine to be appropriate under the circumstances in the best interests of CHSA, CHSA Tri- Cities United Travel Soccer, and its players, players parents and guardians, coaches, referees, and officials. 7. If a player or coach receives a red or yellow card, that team s coach must report to the Travel Director within 48 hours of the incident. Any Player or Coach who receives a red card is subject to review by the CHSA Rules and Discipline Committee. a. In the event that a player receives a red card in any match; the player must attend and sit out the next game played by the team. b. In the event that a coach receives a red card in any match; the coach must not attend the next game played by the team 8. It is the responsibility of the Travel Director to keep a running total of red and yellow cards obtained by each player and team, in league play, based on the reports of the team s coach. A number of 5 points is assessed the player and team for each yellow card and 10 points assessed for each red card. The following actions occur at each of the steps as outlined below: a. In the event that a player is assessed 20 points in a season, the player must attend and sit out the next game played by the team and is subject to review by the CHSA Rules and Discipline Committee. b. In the event that a team is assessed 30 points (U14), 50 points (U16) or 70 points (U19) in a season, the team s coach must not attend the next game played by the team and is subject to review by the CHSA Rules and Discipline Committee. c. If the red card occurs in the last game of a tournament the coach shall submit the name and the offense to the travel director who will decide if the player should sit out the following game. 9. Possible sanctions include, without limitation, the following: a. Oral warning/reprimand; b. Written warning/reprimand; c. Suspension from participation; d. Ban from participation (expulsion); and e. Monetary fines. 10. Factors that may be taken into account in connection with the possible imposition of sanctions may include: a. Age and skill of the player(s) involved; b. Nature of the alleged incident; c. Conduct of adult(s) involved; d. Potential harm to CHSA Travel Soccer as a result of the incident; e. Any prior incidents involving the same parties; and 12 6/4/2011

13 f. Cooperation of the parties involved and their efforts to insure that similar incidents do not occur in the future. 11. All CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Teams and their officials, players, and players parents and guardians are expected to assist the R&D Director in the investigation of any disciplinary matter and to promptly comply with any sanction imposed. A team involved may be required to institute such policies and procedures as the R&D Director or CHSA Board of Directors determines to be appropriate to insure that improper conduct does not occur again in the future. If a team does not comply with the suspension or ban of a coach, player, team official or spectator associated with that team or fails to take any other action requested by the R&D Director or CHSA Board of Directors, the team may be subject to additional sanctions. 12. Coaches are responsible for all fines associated with red cards, forfeits, etc., promptly. B. Procedures 1. Any interested party, league, or CHSA Board member may refer disciplinary matters to the R&D Director. 2. Both the complaining party and the person against whom disciplinary action is being considered shall have the right to present his or her case to the R&D Director or CHSA Board of Directors in the forum and manner determined to be appropriate by the R&D Director, which may include either oral or written presentations. 3. The R&D Director shall determine whether to handle a disciplinary matter with or without a CHSA Board of Directors hearing. In the event the R&D Director determines to impose sanctions without a CHSA Board of Directors hearing, the R&D Director shall inform the party of the sanction to be imposed and its right to appeal the matter to the CHSA Board of Directors. If the sanction involves suspension or expulsion of a team s coach, the parents and guardians of the team s players may appeal the decision to the CHSA Board of Directors. To exercise its appeal right, the party must submit to the R&D Director or the Travel Director a written request for a hearing before the CHSA Board of Directors within the time period specified in the notice provided by the R&D Director. Otherwise, the decision of the R&D Director shall be final. 4. In the event the R&D Director refers any matter to the CHSA Board of Directors or a party makes a proper appeal to the CHSA Board of Directors of any action taken by the R&D Director, the Travel Director will refer the matter to the CHSA Board of Directors for review. In considering the matter, the CHSA Board of Directors shall deliberate privately. The CHSA Board of Directors shall attempt to reach a decision on the matter at its next regularly scheduled meeting or, in its discretion, at a special meeting called for that purpose, although it may defer the decision in order to gather more information. Meetings may be held in person or telephonically. Any member of the CHSA Board of Directors with a direct interest in the matter being considered shall recuse himself or herself. Implementation of any sanction shall be delayed until the appeal has been acted on by the CHSA Board of Directors. Any determination made by the CHSA Board of Directors shall be final. 5. No player, spectator, parent or guardian, or team official may employ the aid of any lawyer or the courts of any state or of the United States without first exhausting all available remedies within CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer, CHSA, VYSA and USYS. Should any player, spectator, parent or guardian, or team official employ the aid of any lawyer or court before exhausting all available remedies within CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer, CHSA, VYSA or USYS, the offending party may be subject to sanctions and fines, and shall be liable to CHSA and CHSA Tri- Cities United Travel Soccer and shall indemnify them for all expenses incurred by CHSA, CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer, and their officials, employees, representatives and agents as a result of the offending party s actions, including without limitation all attorney fees, court costs, travel expenses, and reasonable compensation for time spent by them in the action, including responses to discovery and court appearances. 13 6/4/2011

14 6. Any incident of assault or abuse directed against a referee or linesmen by a player, coach, or other team official falls within the sole jurisdiction of VYSA and must be reported by CHSA to the State Referee Administrator. However, because of the seriousness of these incidents and the importance of insuring, to the extent possible, that CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer teams are not involved in them, the R&D Director may determine to review the same incident for additional CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer sanctions against the individual or team involved. XV. Fields A. Practice Fields In-Season 1. CHSA will make practice field assignments for the spring and fall seasons as follows. 2. CHSA will query teams as to their preferences for fields and practice days. CHSA will make every effort to satisfy its teams preferences. 3. CHSA will allocate each team practice fields for two practices per week. 4. CHSA will give preference to the older age groups. CHSA will treat girls and boys teams equally. 5. Coaches may not practice on fields not assigned to the CHSA Travel Soccer Program without the permission of the CHSA Travel Director, and then, only if he or she is able to secure permission from the other CHSA programs. 6. The Travel Director must approve practices and scrimmages on fields, days and times not listed on the approved practice schedule. The Travel Director will help you find a field for additional scrimmages and games. 7. Fields are fragile and permanent damage can occur with use during inclement weather. The City of Colonial Heights Recreation Department will close all fields when poor conditions exist. If you are unsure about a field, call the CHSA Hotline to determine if your field is open or closed. 8. If a conflict exists on the use of fields on approved practice days and times, notify the Travel Director immediately. Please provide the Travel Director with information about the encroaching team, club, soccer program (travel or house) and coach. You may ask the encroaching team to leave. Do not take any other action beyond notifying the Travel Director. 9. Teams that practice on the Colonial Heights High School field hockey practice fields must move the goals off to the side after every practice so they do not interfere with the school s use of fields. 10. The Travel Director may adjust the policy, as necessary, including the assignment of practice fields and practice days. C. Coaches' Responsibilities 1. Work cooperatively with the Travel Director in scheduling practice and game fields according to stated policies and procedures. 2. Work cooperatively with other coaches on the use of fields. 3. Notify the Travel Director of any field use conflicts. 4. Notify the Travel Director of needed repairs to fields or goals. 5. Notify the Travel Director of fields that are not playable that he or she may take the appropriate actions. 6. Make a timely inspection of game fields especially in inclement weather and make any needed repairs or grooming. 14 6/4/2011

15 7. Notify the Travel Director of needed repairs to game fields or goals following a game when you have field takedown. 8. Set-up and takedown game fields according to the schedule established by ADSL, VSLI and VYSA. D. Travel Director s Responsibilities 1. Work cooperatively with coaches on all field related matters. 2. Approve schedule and issue field assignments to coaches for seasonal and non-seasonal field use for practices, scrimmages and games. 3. Determine which fields will be available for league and tournament play. 4. Serve as the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer Program representative and spokesperson for all fields-related matters. E. CHSA Vice-President Responsibilities 1. Work cooperatively with coaches on all field related matters. 2. Inspect and effect needed repairs to practice fields and goals and effect needed maintenance and grooming. 3. The Vice-President will initiate actions to repair and maintain game fields and goals. 4. Coordinate the game field lining for the first game of the season. The team with the first game of the day will have set-up as needed. 5. Determine when to remove a field from league play due to inclement weather. a. Only the Travel Director or league representative will notify the leagues (ADSL, VSLI, VYSA) when CHSA fields are not playable. b. While CHSA fields may not be playable, the leagues may be able to reschedule the game on another field. Therefore, notification to the affected CHSA team should come through the leagues. XVI. Field Set-up and Takedown Procedures A. Equipment The CHSA Soccer Complex has a shed, which has the necessary equipment nets, corner flags, etc. A key will be supplied to each coach prior to the fall season. B. Set-up Responsibilities The team that has the first game of the day on any given field is responsible for the initial set-up prepares the field for its game and subsequent games. While the CHSA Travel Soccer staff regularly inspects the fields and goals, the set-up team is responsible for ensuring that the field is playable. A playable field is one, which has: 1. Grass cut to a playable length. If the grass is too long, the field must be cut to a playable length. First, check with the Travel Director to see if he or she can arrange to have the grass cut. The Recreation Department mows the fields on a regular schedule, but in the spring when the grass is fast growing; the mowing schedule may not keep pace with the growth. If the Travel Director knows in advance that the grass at a school field makes that field unplayable, he or she may ask to have the grass cut. However, you should check grass well in advance of your game day so that the Travel Director can alert the Recreation Department if the grass needs mowing 15 6/4/2011

16 2. Dry playable surface. Check the field the day before or the morning of your games especially in wet conditions. If there is standing water, remove the water. If the field is too wet to play or you question its playability, inform the Travel Director so that he or she can inspect the field and notify the leagues. With deteriorating field conditions, use common sense and do not play if a player could get hurt or a field damaged. Consult with the referee about whether to start the game or discontinue play. 3. Goals in playable condition. Please notify the Travel Director of any broken goals. 4. Field properly lined. The fields are pre-lined. Check the field in advance because heavy rains during the week could wash away the lines. 5. Nets and corner flags in place. 6. Set-up completed in a timely manner. The teams that have the first game of the day on any given field are responsible for the initial set-up and should complete this task at least one-half hour before the first game to allow the teams time to warm-up. C. Takedown Procedures 1. The team that has the last game of the day on any given field must return the equipment to the shed on the complex. 2. CHSA s equipment is very expensive and you must keep track of it while it is in your possession. CHSA may, at its discretion, charge teams that fail to return all equipment to the shed by game day evening a $10 fine. XVII. Rescheduling Games A. Cancellation Due to Inclement Weather or Unplayable Field Conditions 1. Pre-Game Postponements - This occurs when a member representative (CHSA or your opponent) closes their fields due to weather conditions. VSLI will try to notify the member representatives and coaches at least two hours before game time for games scheduled before 10:00 a.m. and at least three hours before all other games when they declare a postponement. If CHSA closes its fields, coaches must immediately contact the visiting team. If you do not notify your opponent of a field closure in a timely manner, your team may be responsible for paying referees who arrive at the field for the first game. 2. Referee Postponements - This occurs when the referee assigned to officiate declares the game unplayable because of field or other conditions. It is the responsibility of the Travel Director to coordinate the rescheduling of cancelled matches and inform the VSLI Administrator B. Cancellation for High School or State Cup Conflict 1. As soon as you learn of the conflict, notify the Travel Director. VSLI will reschedule the game on the next available date and will notify you by . You should verify that VSLI notified your opponent of the change. In rescheduling the cancelled match, VSLI will refer to the scheduling request form you submitted before the season began. If you have a conflict on the reschedule date, you may have to play or forfeit. Be advised that for high school soccer conflicts, VSLI will cancel and reschedule your league match only if you are unable to field 11 players for the game. XVIII. Practice Scrimmages and Games 1. Many teams arrange practice scrimmages and games with teams from other clubs during the season and off-season. Some of these games are in a tournament format with tournament fees and awards. USYSA, VYSA and CHSA sanction is required if any of the following apply. 16 6/4/2011

17 a. You are playing games with out of state teams or teams not affiliated with VYSA, ADSL or VSLI. b. You assess fees to invited teams. This includes fees to cover the cost of the games such as referee fees. c. You award trophies, cups or other prizes to teams that win, place or participate. 2. USYSA, VYSA and CHSA require that teams conducting such tournaments or games fulfill the requirements and make the assurances contained in the USYSA Application to Host Tournaments or Games and the USYSA Tournament Hosting Agreement. 3. If you wish to arrange such tournaments or games, you should notify the Travel Director in order to reserve fields for you. You should contact the Travel Director about field availability before applying for USYSA and VYSA sanction. 4. Should you schedule tournaments or games that do not comply with USYSA, VYSA and CHSA policy, you do so at your own risk. The Travel Director will not schedule fields for non-sanctioned events. In addition, USYSA, VYSA and CHSA liability insurance will not cover these nonsanctioned events and VYSA will place your team, and possibly the club, in bad standing. 5. Please note that common sense should prevail. For example, two opposing coaches sharing the cost of a referee for a scrimmage would not constitute a tournament fee. More than two CHSA teams conducting an intra-club festival of games would not be a tournament. However, if a CHSA host team assesses fees from other club teams as a fund raising event and/or to cover game costs, such as referees and trophies, then USYSA, VYSA and CHSA sanctions are required. 6. All CHSA teams may use field equipment for these purposes. A team must return the equipment to the shed and lock it after use. XIX. Coach Licensing All new coaches must be licensed at the D level within 3 years of entering the program. CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer has agreed to pay the cost of the E license and 50% of the D license upon completion. Existing coaches will be grandfathered, however are encouraged to attend the program if not already licensed. Payment offer by the CHSA Tri-Cities United Travel Soccer will apply. 17 6/4/2011