Parent & Player Guidelines

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Parent & Player Guidelines"

Barnaby Robertson
5 years ago
Views:

Parent & Player Guidelines Hill Country Crush Soccer Academy www.crushacademy.

1 Parent & Player Guidelines Hill Country Crush Soccer Academy Landfill Road Kerrville, TX Mail: P.O. Box Kerrville, TX 78029

2 Table of Contents Practice, Game, and Tournament Rules Page Practices or Training Sessions 4 Games 4 Tournaments or Playoffs 5 Director of Coaching Comments 6 HCCSA Policies and Procedures Team Administration 7 Unresolved Issues and Complaints 7 Good Conduct 7 Drug and Alcohol Policy 8 Fees and Payments 8 No Pay, No Play Policy 8 Refund and Tranfer/Release Policy 9 Player ID Card Policy 9

3 HCCSA is striving to maintain its status as a competitive and professional youth sports organization that exhibits good character and sportsmanship both amongst its members and in our dealings with other clubs and organizations. Based on past experiences, we have developed certain guidelines to help keep our Club running smoothly. This is not always easy in competitive sports organizations, but if we all make an effort to be aware of and follow these guidelines, it will help provide the type of environment that is orderly and enjoyable for everyone involved with the program. Hill Country Crush Soccer Academy has built a solid reputation within the area soccer community. Not only are we known to have competitive teams, but we are also often complimented for our sportsmanship and good behavior of those on our sidelines. It is VERY DIFFICULT to maintain this reputation, particularly when the competition is close and there are questionable calls on the field or poor behavior by other teams. On the other hand, it is VERY EASY to damage this reputation in these types of situations. Therefore, we sometimes need to remind ourselves that this is just a game and character is more important than winning. Disagreements are inevitable, poor behavior is not.

4 Practice, Game & Tournament Rules 1. Practices or Training Sessions 1. Players will treat the other players, Coaches, Trainers, Managers, and parents with respect and courtesy. Foul language, rude or offensive behavior will not be tolerated. 2. Players should arrive at least 5-10 minutes before session begins. 3. Players are required to practice in the HCCSA training uniform. 4. Players are required to wear shin guards. 5. Players are required to bring an inflated soccer ball of the proper size. 6. Players must bring fluids, water, Gatorade, etc. to avoid dehydration. 7. If a player has to arrive late or leave early, the player or parent should notify the Team Manager in advance. This allows the Coach or Trainer to modify the session appropriately. 8. If a player needs to miss a practice, the player or parent should notify the Team Manager as soon as possible. This allows the Coach or Trainer to modify the session appropriately. 9. To maintain training focus, parents are asked to remain outside the training area and off the fields while a training session is active. Parents are asked not to address the Coach, Trainer, or players while a training session is active unless there is an emergency or urgent reason to interrupt. 10. In the case of a need to interrupt a session, parents should first go to the Team Manager if they are available. 11. If you would like a conference with the Coach or Trainer, please notify the Team Manager who will pass this on to the Coach or Trainer. They will then coordinate a time to visit. Some Coaches and Trainers have multiple training times and may not be able to easily conference before or after practice sessions. 12. If a player or parent desires a conference with the DOC, he may be contacted after following the previous chain of command. 2. Games 1. During any game, players, HCCSA volunteers and parents must refrain from making any negative comments to the game officials, opposing team s parents, players, or coaches as well as our own players, coaches, parents and spectators. The other team and officials should always be dealt with in a professional and courteous manner (even when they are not doing so themselves). Foul language, rude or offensive behavior will not be tolerated and HCCSA can take disciplinary action for offense of this nature. THIS AREA IS WHERE MOST PROBLEMS OCCUR, AND ALSO WHERE WE CAN MAINTAIN OUR REPUTATION---OR LOSE IT. 2. Players will not argue or make disparaging or negative comments to the referees. 3. Players should arrive at the game field at least 45 minutes before the game, unless directed otherwise by the Coach. 4. Players must arrive in uniform ready for the game, and bring both home and away jerseys. 5. Players should only warm up with their Coach and/or teammates.

5 6. Players should only be instructed by the Coach during a game. The parent s role is strictly one of encouragement and support- PLEASE, NO COACHING FROM THE SIDELINES. This is distracting for the players and is often in opposition to instructions from the Coach. 7. Any involvement by the parents with their son/daughter during the game has to be designated by the Coach, Manager, and/or League rules (injuries, water break, etc...) 8. If a player has to arrive late or leave early the Team Manager must be notified in advance. This allows the Coach to modify the game plan appropriately. 9. Parents should not approach the Coach before or after a game for discussions about playing time, playing position, etc... Games, particularly competitive matches, are often emotionally charged and sometimes very intense. Both before and after a game, Coaches may be very focused on processing the game plan or results, etc. and it is best to set up Parent/Coach conferences for another time. 10. Every member of the HCCSA organization must abide by the STYSA/AAYSA league and tournament rules. Among other things, these rules require all adults on the coach s sideline to have a Kid Safe Pass. These rules also prohibit parents, friends, siblings, etc. to be on the coach s sideline during games or halftime. 11. It is a league rule that parents of opposing teams set up their seating opposite their team s bench when the game starts so that the two teams supporters are on separate sides of the field. 12. We ask that all parents and visitors take time to clean up any trash they may have brought to the field of play so that we are not known for leaving a mess. Ideally, we would leave the area better than we found it. 3. Tournaments or Playoffs 1. Players must be dressed and ready for the game when leaving the Hotel. 2. If still involved in tournament play, Players must check with the Coach before using Hotel facilities such as swimming pool, hot tub, exercise equipment, etc Use of these facilities could affect the player s ability to perform in the tournament play. 3. Players should never leave the Hotel without Parents, Team Manager and/or Coach s permission. 4. The Coach and Team Manager may set a curfew for players which must be followed. 5. We would expect everyone associated with HCCSA to follow the Hotel rules where they are staying. 6. Players should not be left unattended at the Hotel. A parent or other designated adult for each player should always be with players at the Hotel. 7. Players, friends, siblings (or parents for that matter) should not be allowed to run around in the Hotel, play soccer in the rooms or hallways, and should not walk around barefoot. 8. In the event we are at a tournament with both male and female players, casual association during free time will be allowed in the public areas of the Hotel. At no time will a player enter the room of the opposite sex unless supervised by a parent. 9. If a problem arises and a conference is necessary with an individual player, the Coach should hold the meeting in the lobby of the Hotel. If a private area is required, the meeting must be held in the presence of the Team Manager, the Parent of the player, or another adult if the first two are not available.

6 HCCSA Academy Teams (U10 and below) are to play no more than 2 (two) tournaments per season. HCCSA Competitive Teams (U11 and above) will commit to participating in up to 2 (two) tournaments with their team per season. 4. Director of Coaching Comments NEVER BE NEGATIVE TO SOMEONE ELSE S CHILD. This behavior hurts everyone associated with the team and WILL cause unwanted tension. There is no guarantee that soccer can instill self-discipline or build character. There are however plenty of good life lessons mixed in with soccer instruction and participation. Experiencing the greatest game in the world is of far greater value than how many cheap trophies are won. Success comes from self-discipline, paying the price, perseverance, and by playing within the rules. Adversity builds resilience. Teamwork brings rewards. Individual talent and achievements are highly valued. We as parents hope that we all teach our kids more than just winning a game at any cost. Playing the game of youth soccer or any youth sport is supposed to be fun, but there are times in this day and age when we must ask ourselves, at what cost? Do you want to win so badly that your family turns out to be the losers? If soccer for your child adds to your stress level because you always focus on the score/wins/losses, then the game has become more important than your kids who play it...and that should never happen. Shane Heffernan, Director of Coaching

7 HCCSA Policies & Procedures 1. Team Administration The primary responsibility of the Coach is to train the players, and this would be severely hampered if it became necessary for him / her to handle all of the administrative details for multiple players and parents. Because of this, the Team Manager is the primary contact for almost all team administration and business. This can be a difficult job, and we ask all parents to be respectful and patient when dealing with the Team Manager. The Team Managers primary means of communication will be and text. It is the responsibility of the parent to check their and text messages frequently. Please make sure your team manager has the correct contact information. Parents can also utilize the website at crushacademy.com for information. 2. Unresolved Issues & Complaints HCCSA encourages communication and believes most issues can be resolved through patience and communication. However, for any unresolved issues and / or complaints, the Academy offers the following method to seek resolution: 1. Contact Team Manager with the issue or complaint. 2. If unresolved, parent and/or player discusses with coach. 3. If coach is unable to resolve issue, then parent and/or player may escalate to Director of Coaching. 4. If Director or Coaching is unable to resolve issue, then parent/player should then send a mailed letter addressed to attention of Secretary outlining issue. This should be mailed to: HCCSA P.O. Box Kerrville, TX For general club complaints or inquiries, the concerned party should send a mailed letter addressed to attention of Secretary outlining the issue. Should be mailed to above address. 3. Good Conduct HCCSA desires to uphold high standards of conduct and citizenship; these are essential to maintain a strong program and provide a good atmosphere for all players and families. This includes basic respect for others and exhibiting common courtesy on and off the playing field.

8 If players cannot conduct themselves in this manner, it could result in independent disciplinary action by the Coach, Director of Coaching, or the HCCSA Board of Directors. Serious or multiple violations can result in the dismissal of a player from the team. 4. Drug and Alcohol Policy HCCSA expects our athletes to be of exemplary behavior and under no circumstances is the use of drugs or alcohol acceptable. There is no acceptable reason for alcohol or illegal substances to be used by any athlete in the HCCSA programs at any time during the calendar year. Any player found to be involved with a controlled or illegal substance or alcohol through confession, legal, or disciplinary chargeable events, will adhere to the following consequence program: First Offense: Suspension from participation and/or punishment, as determined by the Head Coach of the team and the Director of Coaching Second Offense: Immediate dismissal from the program. There will be no refund of prepaid fees, dues, or tournament fees. Note: If an athlete is cleared of legal charges and no action results, the athlete may be reinstated by recommendation of the Director of Coaching and HCCSA Board of Directors approval. 5. Fees and Payments Our training seasons run approximately from the middle of August to mid-december, and from February 1 st to the middle of May. Some technical sessions may be offered in the off season (January) by some coaches. HCCSA Club Fees are for all of the Club s expenses, not just training or game fees. Club Fees may be paid in one payment, two installments, or broken down over a 10 month installment payment period. Club Fees are due regardless of whether training sessions are in season or not, whether a player is making it to practice sessions or not, etc. Without these fees, the Club cannot provide and maintain its facilities, staff, or services. Payments received after the 10 th of each month will incur a $10 per player late fee. Returned Payment Fees Returned payments that do not settle your account and are returned unpaid to HCCSA are subject to a $25.00 service charge. This applies to payments by check, electronic debit, credit card, and debit card payments. 6. No Pay, No Play Policy There are limits to the roster size set by STYSA and other league association rules. When a player commits to a HCCSA team, they are taking up a roster spot that may have been able to be offered to someone else. The Club s budget is also based on the number of players rostered. By signing the Commitment & Payment Contract, all players, parents and/or

9 guardians agree to remain current on all payments of Club Fees, uniform fees, tournament fees, and registration fees by their due dates. If an account becomes past due, a $10.00 late fee will be incurred. If no attempt is made by the parents and/or guardians to bring the account current by the 30 th of the month and/or make alternative payment arrangements, HCCSA will enforce a No Pay/No Play policy. The athlete will not be permitted to participate in practice sessions, games, tournaments, play-off games, or try-outs until their account is brought current or other arrangements have been requested by the parent and/or guardian in writing and approved by HCCSA Vice President & Treasurer. HCCSA can, upon approval, extend payment plans in the event of sudden or extraordinary circumstances. Contact your Team Manager to communicate any circumstances which may prevent you from remaining current on your account. 7. Refund & Transfer/Release Policy By signing the Commitment & Payment Contract, all players, parents, and/or guardians agree that they have financially and competitively committed to HCCSA for a period 1 (one) calendar year which covers both Fall and Spring Seasons. In the event that a situation arises where a player wishes to be released from their contract with HCCSA prior to July 31, 2012, a written request must be made to the club Registrar along with a $20.00 release fee. Parents/Guardians are financially bound to HCCSA for the full amount of Club Fees regardless of whether or not their child is playing, practicing, injured, or decides to quit. If a player quits and does not fulfill their financial contract with HCCSA, it is understood that any prepaid Club Fees, Uniform Fees, Registration Fees, and Play Off or Tournament Fees are non-refundable. If a player quits and does not fulfill their financial contract with HCCSA, it is understood that any uniform items or spirit gear ordered and/or not distributed to the player will become property of HCCSA and returned to inventory. 8. Player ID Card Policy Players may request their Player ID Card from their Team Manager during the seasonal playing year for tournament use. The following procedures must be followed: a. The parent must pick up and return the card for their child only. b. Cards are to be returned to the Team Manager within 48 hours of the conclusion of a tournament. c. If a card is lost, there is a $25.00 Administrative Fee for a new card. If the fee is not paid and a card reprinted the player is in jeopardy of not being able to participate in regular season games. d. During the off season (June-August) the parent will need to pick up the Player ID Card and return it to the Club Registrar within 48 hours of the conclusion of the tournament. e. All Player ID Cards will be destroyed, as per STYSA, by the Club Registrar after the off season tournament season concludes, or new Player ID Cards for the following season are printed, whichever occurs first. Players are not permitted to keep the cards for scrapbooks, etc once the seasonal year concludes. Any serious violations of the above policies will be dealt with in the appropriate manner, and may be referred to the Board of Directors. We want HCCSA to foster a professional environment that is enjoyable and safe for every player and parent involved with the program. This is more important to the Club than winning games. Please feel free to contact the DOC or board members to discuss any concerns or ideas that you have about the club or these policies.

Competitive Guidelines & Policies

Competitive Guidelines & Policies In an effort to preserve our reputation as one of the most respected clubs in Ottawa and Ontario we have developed the following guidelines, which must be strictly followed