WHEELING SOCCER ACADEMY RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS SPRING 2018 YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE PARENT MANUAL

Transcription

1 WHEELING SOCCER ACADEMY RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS SPRING 2018 YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE PARENT MANUAL

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3 Wheeling Park District Dear Parents: Welcome to the Wheeling Park District Soccer Academy. This handout includes information you will need before the start of the season regarding volunteers, coaches, policies, and general rules/guidelines. Schedules, rosters, and practice times will be discussed at the parent s meeting. Thank you for choosing to participate in our youth athletics program. We hope your season is a successful and an enjoyable experience for both you and your child. Sincerely, Javier Mazon Athletics Manager (847) jmazon@wheelingparkdistrict.com THE WHEELING PARK DISTRICT YOUTH ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY Wheeling Park District youth athletic programs are designed to provide healthy recreation in an environment where a child can have fun as well as the opportunity to develop physical skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship through working with others. Competitiveness should come from the game itself and not from emphasis on the score. 1

4 Late Registration / Wait List Procedures Those registering after the maximum in a division is reached or the registration deadline has passed will be placed on a Wait List. Players are removed from the Wait List and placed on teams in need of players. Participants who fill vacancies are taken in order from the Wait List. A $10 late registration fee will apply after the season s registration deadline. Waitlist removal: Waitlisted candidates will be contacted as soon as a spot opens in the league. However, they have 48hrs to register and confirm their participation; otherwise, the spot will be offered to the next person in the list. Coach Selection Process The Wheeling Park District Soccer Academy selects all coaches/trainers. These coaches/trainers are paid staff through the academy. Volunteer parents are welcomed and needed to ensure the success of the program. Volunteers will need to submit to a background check prior to assisting with the team SPRING INTERESTED CANDIDATES MUST REGISTER BY MARCH 11 th Friendship Request Procedure 1. Participants are allowed to make one friendship request; age groups U5 through U8. 2. If a friendship request is made, it must match another participant s request to be honored. Example: John Smith wishes to play on the same team as Sarah Williams. John will note on his registration form that he wants Sarah Williams to be on his team. Sarah also must note on her registration form that she wants John Smith on her team. If Sarah or John do not have the other individual s name on their registration form, the request will not be honored. Each player gets ONE request. 3. Siblings will be placed on the same team unless otherwise noted. 4. Requests made after the registration deadline will not be honored. 5. Request must be made on the Wheeling Park District Youth Athletics Registration Form. When registering online, indicate on the appropriate prompt. Players and Playing Time Coaches are expected to play team members who are in good standing at least half of the game. If the coach has players who have missed practices or display discipline problems, he/she may play that team member less than the required time. Decisions to limit playing time are made by the coach and Recreation Services Manager. Parents will be informed in advance of any such decision. Rescheduling Policy 1. Games will be rescheduled at the coach s request only if there is a conflict with an academic or religious function that would have a direct impact on the participant s scholastic standing. 2. Whether practice or game, if the head volunteer coach or team instructor is unavailable to coach on a given day, it is suggested that another parent takes care of the team, Wheeling Soccer Academy coaches may take care of the team depending on their availability. 3. If games are canceled due to inclement weather, the Soccer Athletic Coordinator will reschedule games based on field availability. 4. If games are suspended due to inclement weather, the game will be completed (depending on when the game was called) at a time scheduled by the Soccer Athletic Coordinator. 2

5 5. Games that 2/3 of the total time have been played will not be rescheduled. Picture Day Friday April 27 st at Community Recreation Center (CRC). Location address is 333 W Dundee Rd Wheeling IL Please keep an open schedule between 5:00pm and 9:00pm. Volunteers and Parents The success of the Wheeling Park District Soccer Academy depends on the acceptance of our philosophy, rules, and the participation of trainers and enthusiastic volunteers. The best way to be sure that this program is a good experience for your child is to cheer them on at their games and practices. Awards Procedures The Wheeling Park District has made a conscious decision not to award trophies to participants in our recreational programs. Instead of a trophy, each child will be presented with a team plaque with the team photo. Each participant must be present at picture day in order to get their plaque. Help us keep the fun and enjoyment in the youth athletics program at the Wheeling Park District by taking the emphasis out of winning. Do s and Don ts for Players and Parents Players Do have fun. Do get to your practices and games on time. Do call your coach ahead of time if you can t be there for a game or practice. Do be fair and generous to your teammates and your opponents. Do stay with your teammates on the sidelines so you are ready when it is your turn to play. Parents Do remember that this is a recreational program; relax at the games and watch your child learn, improve, and have fun. Do introduce yourself to your child s coach and offer to help in any way you can. Learn with your child by helping with practice sessions. Do cheer the players of both teams in a positive way. There is a big difference between yelling to a child and yelling at him. Yelling to him is okay once in a while, but do not expect results; he is trying to concentrate on the ball, his teammates, his opponents, and the game. Trying to listen to someone on the sidelines is very confusing. Do bring your lawn chairs and blankets. However, be sure to place them in a safe and appropriate area. There must be a ten-foot area between audience and field of play that referees will encourage to keep clear. Officials will also request audience to keep area behind goals clear. 3

6 Players and Parents Don t criticize your teammates, opponents, coaches, or umpires/referees. Don t argue with the official. Do not expect the referee to see the game through your eyes. Don t offer the official your glasses - even if you think he/she needs them. Keep in mind that officials are human; they occasionally will make mistakes. Inclement Weather Procedure/Sports Hotline If you are unsure if games are being played on a day/evening when it is raining or following significant rainfall, please call the Wheeling Park District Sports Hotline (847) ext. 3 or check the Facebook website at Staff makes every effort to contact coaches in advance if games are cancelled. Each coach also makes every effort to contact his/her players in the event of a cancellation. However, Mother Nature is unpredictable and, therefore, individual telephone notification to each player is not always possible. Please be proactive and call the Hotline if you are unsure about the status of the day s game. Make-up games are rescheduled as necessary. Rescheduled games are not guaranteed to be made-up on the regular game day. Do not assume that because there is inclement weather games will be cancelled. To sign up to receive alerts please visit: Thorguard Lightning/Thunderstorm Prediction and Warning System Thorguard measures the amount of electrical charge in the atmosphere and predicts with a high degree of certainty the probability of a lightning strike within a covered area. The system is intended to warn guests and staff of probable lightning hazards in the area so lightning-related injuries and deaths can be avoided. Since Thorguard is a lightning prediction system, it is possible for the warning system to be activated even when weather conditions do not seem to indicate lightning is present. Be assured that these warnings are accurate and must be followed to ensure personal safety. When a lightning strike hazard is present, Thorguard s horn and strobe system will activate. There are two (2) distinct signals sent out by Thorguard: Red Alert: External warning horns blare for 15 seconds and strobe lights begin to blink. This signifies a lightning hazard in the area. All outdoor recreation activity should be suspended and guests and staff should seek appropriate shelter, preferably indoors. All Clear: External warning horns give three (3) consecutive blasts lasting 3 to 5 seconds each. This means the lightning hazard has left the area and it is safe to resume normal activities. 4

7 PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR FUN Preparing your child for soccer is no different than preparing your child for school. You want to make sure that they have the right equipment and are ready for the season. For your convenience, here is a checklist. 1. Attire A. What to wear? 2. Shoes It is important to dress your child properly for soccer while keeping weather conditions in mind. Loose-fitting clothing is suggested to facilitate lots of running. If the weather is hot, don t overdress your child. On cool days, don t forget to send along a jacket or sweatshirt/sweatpants. B. Game Jerseys/Shorts/Socks/Athletic pants Kindergarten through Division 4 - Two jerseys gold and blue are available for purchase at the Community Recreation Center. All children at these levels are required to have the league jersey. If you possess a reversible jersey from previous season, it is acceptable to wear it at the games. We do encourage you to match the current league s jerseys. C. Shin guards 3. Water bottle All participants must purchase shin guards to wear at practices and games. Shin guards are worn underneath the tall socks and their use is mandatory. Referees may not allow participants to play without them. It is recommended that participants purchase a pair of soccer cleats; however, tennis shoes are acceptable. It is important to send your child with a water bottle, clearly marked with his/her name, to each practice and game. Fluid replacement is very important as youngsters can easily be affected by heat stroke and heat exhaustion on hot days. 4. Ball 5. Smile! It is suggested that your child bring his/her own ball, clearly marked with his/her name, to each practice. The correct size balls for each age level are listed below: - Kindergarten Size 3 - Division 1 through Division 3 Size 4 - Division 4 Size 5 Send your child with a smile and a ready to learn attitude! We hope to create an environment where fun and learning exist without effort. 5

8 WHEELING PARK DISTRICT YOUTH SOCCER RULES SUMMARY House League Divisions The Wheeling Park District has designated the following divisions: - WWK Division: U5/U6. Participants born in 2012 & Each age group may be assigned into two separate divisions. - Division 1: U7/U8. Participants born in 2010 & Each age group may be assigned into two separate divisions. - Division 2: U9/U10. Participants born in 2008 & Division 3: U11/U12. Participants born in 2006 & Division 4: U13/U14. Participants born in 2004 & Participants born on or after September 1 st, 2003 and currently in 8 th grade will be allowed in this division. See page 13 for further detail on age groups. The Wheeling Park District has adopted small-sided soccer games for first-time kindergarten players. This style of game greatly enhances a players skill and increases overall enjoyment of the game by allowing for more touches on the ball than with larger team sizes. There may be changes in field and roster size to increase touches, tactical/technical learning, and enjoyment of the game. WWK DIVISION Small-Sided Soccer Kindergarten (4-v-4) or (3-v-3) Duration of the game consists of four 8-minute quarters. Each quarter will be separated by a break. Two minute breaks between quarters. Each quarter starts with a kick-off, alternating with each team. Number of Players on the field The maximum number of players at any one time is 4-v-4. VOLUNTEER COACHES ARE HIGHLY NEEDED IN THIS DIVISION. There are NO goalkeepers. Scoring. A goal may only be scored from the attacking half of the field. If any player touches a ball in the attacking half, and it goes into the goal, a goal is awarded. Playing time Each player will play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. As long as they maintain good attendance to season s practices. Pop-up goals may be used for games. A kick-off may be taken in any direction. Ball size 3. Jerseys must be worn during games. No head gear/garments other than knit caps for cold weather. All glasses must be secured with a strap. Shin guards are MANDATORY. Footwear Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes are acceptable. No metal spikes. Official The hired trainers or volunteer coaches will act as the official for the games. 6

9 Ball in and out of Play The ball must completely cross the line to be out of play. Substitutions Officials will stop the play for substitutions midway through each quarter. No off-sides. Yet cherry picking will be discouraged. Penalty Kicks There are no penalty kicks. Free Kicks All free kicks will be indirect from the point of incursion. Opponents must be 7 yards from the kicker. A free kick given within 6 yards of the goal area must be moved 4 yards away so the defenders may form a wall 7 yards from the ball. Kick-Ins A KICK-IN TAKES PLACE INSTEAD of Throw-in and are taken from the point where the ball left the field and are completed by the team that did not kick the ball out. Corner Kicks To be performed when the ball crosses the goal line. Goal Kick The goal kick will be taken anywhere on the top line of the goal box. Mercy Rule: When a team takes a lead of 5 goals, instructors may get involved in the game to guide the kids into increasing the number of passes and to prevent a further dominance. U7 (4-v-4) DIVISION I In the event of combining both age groups, rules for U8 will prevail. Duration of the game consists of four 10-minute quarters. Each quarter will be separated by a break. Two minute breaks between quarters. Each quarter starts with a kick-off, alternating with each team. A coin flip determines who kicks first. Number of Players on the field The maximum number of players at any one time is four and the minimum is three. There are NO goalkeepers. Playing time Each player will play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. As long as they maintain good attendance to season s practices. A kick-off must move forward. Ball size 4. Jerseys must be worn during games. No head gear/garments other than knit caps for cold weather. All glasses must be secured with a strap. Shin guards are MANDATORY. Footwear Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes are acceptable. No metal spikes. Ball in and out of Play The ball must completely cross the line to be out of play. Substitutions Officials will stop the play for substitutions midway through each quarter. No off-sides. Yet cherry picking will be discouraged. No penalty Kicks. Field size Min (30 yds length x 25 yds width) Max (40 yds length x 35 yds width) Any player may play the ball in the goal area. Throw-ins Throw-ins are taken from the point where the ball left the field and are completed by the team that did not kick the ball out. Second chance to throw-in. 7

10 Opponent must be 7 yards from free kick. Goal kick may be taken half way between goal area line and penalty area line, except on fields without a goal area. In the latter case, the goal kick may be taken ten (10) feet away from either goal post. Mercy Rule: When a team takes a lead of 5 goals, the dominant s team coach will direct his/her team to increase number of passes before scoring. For example, five (5) successful passes and then score or play for possession of the ball without scoring. Referee will make invalid any goals scored from inside penalty box and will indicate dominant team to take shoots outside the box only. U8 (5-v-5) Duration of the game consists of four 10-minute quarters. Each quarter will be separated by a break. Two minute breaks between quarters. Each quarter starts with a kick-off, alternating with each team. Number of Players on the field The maximum number of players at any one time is five and the minimum is four. THERE ARE NO GOALKEEPERS. Playing time Each player will play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. As long as they maintain good attendance to season s practices. Ball size 4. Jerseys must be worn during games. No head gear/garments other than knit caps for cold weather. All glasses must be secured with a strap. Shin guards are MANDATORY. Footwear Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes are acceptable. No metal spikes. Ball in and out of Play The ball must completely cross the line to be out of play. Substitutions Officials will stop the play for substitutions midway through each quarter. No off-sides. Yet cherry picking will be discouraged. Corner Kicks To be performed when the ball crosses the goal line. Goal Kick The goal kick will be taken anywhere on the goal line outside the goal area. Field size Min (30 yds length x 25 yds width) Max (40 yds length x 35 yds width) Second chance to throw-in. Penalty kicks applicable. Mercy Rule: When a team takes a lead of 5 goals, the dominant s team coach will direct his/her team to increase number of passes before scoring. For example, five (5) successful passes and then score or play for possession of the ball without scoring. Referee will make invalid any goals scored from inside the penalty box. We want to encourage shooting outside the penalty box when a team dominates another. 8

11 DIVISION II U9/U10 (7-v-7) Duration of the game consists of two 25-minute halves. Two minute breaks between halves. Each half starts with a kick-off, alternating with each team. Number of Players on the field The maximum number of players at any one time is seven and the minimum is five goalie being one of them. There are goalkeepers. Playing time Each player will play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. As long as they maintain good attendance to season s practices. Ball size 4. Jerseys must be worn during games. No head gear/garments other than knit caps for cold weather. All glasses must be secured with a strap. Shin guards are MANDATORY. Footwear Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes are acceptable. No metal spikes. Ball in and out of Play The ball must completely cross the line to be out of play. Substitutions The official will stop the play for substitutions midway through the half. Substitutions can also be made at any other game stoppage. Game clock does not stop for substitutions. Off-sides will be called. Field size approximately 60 yards by 45 yards. Second chance to throw-in. Mercy Rule: When a team takes a lead of 5 goals, the dominant s team coach will direct his/her team to increase number of passes before scoring. For example, five (5) successful passes and then score or play for possession of the ball without scoring. Referee will make invalid any goals scored from inside penalty box. We want to encourage shoots outside the penalty box when a team dominates another team. U11/U12 (9-v-9) or (7-v-7) DIVISION III IMPORTANT: The total number of registered participants in this program will determine the format we will play during the season. Duration of the game consists of two 30-minute halves. Two minute breaks between halves. Each half starts with a kick-off, alternating with each team. Substitutions can also be made at any other acceptable situation. Game clock does not stop for substitutions. Smaller game formats may affect game length. Number of Players on the field The maximum number of players at any one time nine and the minimum the minimum is six the goalie being one of them. Smaller game formats 9

12 may affect minimum and maximum number of players. There are goalkeepers. Playing time Each player will play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. As long as they maintain good attendance to season s practices. Ball size 4. Jerseys must be worn during games. No head gear/garments other than knit caps for cold weather. All glasses must be secured with a strap. Shin guards are MANDATORY. Footwear Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes are acceptable. No metal spikes. Ball in and out of Play The ball must completely cross the line to be out of play. Substitutions Substitutions may be allowed at any point where play is stopped. Off-sides will be called. Field size 80 x 55. Smaller game formats may affect field dimensions. One chance to throw-in. Mercy Rule: When a team takes a lead of 5 goals, the dominant s team coach will direct his/her team to increase number of passes before scoring. For example, five (5) successful passes and then score or play for possession of the ball without scoring. Referee will make invalid any goals scored from inside penalty box. We want to encourage shoots outside the penalty box when a team dominates another. (This rule is applicable only if we play in our own league) IMPORTANT NOTICE Participants playing in Division III may be required to bring prof of identity to all games. Official picture ID may be needed for a roster check prior to all games. U13/U14 (11-v-11), (9-v-9), or (7-v-7) DIVISION IV IMPORTANT: The total number of registered participants in this program will determine the format we will play during the season. Duration of the game consists of two 35-minute halves. Two minute breaks between halves. Each half starts with a kick-off, alternating with each team. Substitutions can also be made as long as ball has abandoned the field and there is referee consent. Game clock does not stop for substitutions. Smaller game formats may affect game length. Number of Players on the field The maximum number of players at any one time is eleven and the minimum is nine the goalie being one of them. Smaller game formats may affect maximum and minimum number of players in the field. There are goalkeepers. Playing time Each player will play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. As long as 10

13 they maintain good attendance to season s practices. Ball size 5 Jerseys must be worn during games. No head gear/garments other than knit caps for cold weather. All glasses must be secured with a strap. Shin guards are MANDATORY. Footwear Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes are acceptable. No metal spikes. Ball in and out of Play The ball must completely cross the line to be out of play. Substitutions Substitutions may be allowed at any point where play is stopped. Off-sides will be called. Field size approximately 100 yards by 80 yards. Smaller game formats may affect field dimensions. One chance to throw-in. Mercy Rule: When a team takes a lead of 5 goals, the dominant s team coach will direct his/her team to increase number of passes before scoring. For example, five (5) successful passes and then score or play for possession of the ball without scoring. Referee will make invalid any goals scored from inside penalty box. We want to encourage shoots outside the penalty box. (This rule is applicable only if we play in our own league) IMPORTANT NOTICE Participants playing in Division III may be required to bring prof of identity to all games. Official picture ID may be needed for a roster check prior to all games. Sideline Etiquette 1. Avoid coaching from the sideline while watching your child s game. 2. Do not criticize the referee. 3. Focus on the benefits of the game rather than the score. 4. Think when interacting with opposing fans. 5. Don t stress out over the game 6. Save issues with the coach for the next day Source: Spectators are required to watch games on the opposing side of the designated area for teams. Only two coaches are allowed to be with each team. No spectators should watch games behind soccer goals. A clearance of at least 5 yards must be available from any touch line. When playing at certain locations. Spectators may be asked to watch games from stands. 11

14 ALLOWED UNIFORMS FOR MATCHES Division III and Division IV Away Uniform when playing at Mt. Prospect League. Division WWK through Division IV Wheeling Park District 2018 Spring Youth Soccer League Important Dates April 5 th, parent meeting for all age groups at the Community Recreation Center. 333 W Dundee Rd, Wheeling, IL U5 through U10 6:30pm and U11 through U14 7:30pm. All practices begin week of April 9th. Saturday April 14 th, first game for U5 through U12. Sunday April 15 th, first game for U13 and U14. Friday April 27 st, picture day. No games on Memorial Day Weekend May 28 th no practices. Activities will be rescheduled according to instructor s availability. June 9th is the intended weekend to conclude Spring Season, yet weather cancellations may postpone the season and certain divisions may finish later. 12

15 Summer Soccer Program begins June 25 th. Registration Deadline is 6/17. Important Contact & Reference Information Wheeling Park District website WSA Recreation Facebook Schedules: Hour Sports Hotline (847) ext. 3 Wheeling Park District (847) Soccer Coordinator Athletics Manager soccer@wheelingparkdistrict.com Javier Mazon jmazon@wheelingparkdistrict.com (847)

16 2017 Fall, 2018 Spring and 2018 Summer age groups PARTICIPANTS MAY PLAY IN OLDER AGE GROUPS AS LONG AS THERE IS A PROGRAM SUPERVISOR APPROVAL. 14

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18 HAVE A GREAT SEASON! WHEELING PARK DISTRICT Spring 2018 PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child and all children participating in youth sports by adhering to the Parent Code of Conduct in the following ways: A. I will lead by example through: 1. Encouraging good sportsmanship and positive support for all coaches, players, opponents, opposing fans, and officials at every game, practice, or other youth sporting event. I understand the importance of setting a good example for my child as children are influenced by those surrounding them. B. I will act responsibly and do my best to assure that: 1. My child gets to practice and games on time. I understand that my child needs to be on time to assure adequate warm-up and preparation. I will assure my child is picked up from all games and practices on time. By doing this, I send a message to my child that he/she is my top priority as showing respect for the coach. 2. I place the emotional and physical wellbeing of my child ahead of a win at all cost attitude. I will help create an environment that builds a culture where winning is not defined by outcome of competition, but by the individual needs of the children. I understand that children are born with different abilities, and that it is not important how my child compares to others, but that he/she is given the opportunity to display his/her personal best. 3. My child has a positive and fun youth sport experience. I understand that less than 1% of all youth sport participants receive college scholarships, and that the number one reason children play sports is to have fun. I understand and will remember that the game is for the players, not the adults, and will keep that in perspective. 4. I will demand a sports environment that is free from tobacco and refrain from its use at all youth sporting events. I understand that every child deserves to play in a healthy and safe environment. C. I will display appropriate behavior by: 1. Treating each coach, player, opponent, opposing fan, official, or administrator with respect and dignity, and refrain from making negative comments, using profanity, intimidation tactics, and/or inappropriate language toward all in the presence of children. I understand that by voicing negative comments, I can poorly impact my child s motivation and overall experience. D. Terminal Behavior I understand that violation of the following codes will result in immediate termination of my privilege to coach youth sports. 1. I will demand a sports environment that is free from drugs and alcohol, and refrain from their use at all youth sporting events. I understand that every child deserves to play in a healthy and safe environment. 2. I will refrain from initiating or participating in any form of verbal or physical assault toward any coach, player, opponent, opposing fan, official, or administrator. The Wheeling Park District reserves the right to take appropriate disciplinary action involving any parent/guardian in violation of the code of conduct. With my signature, which I voluntarily affix to this contract, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and will do my best to fulfill the promises made herein. I have read the results of violations posted on the backside of this form and understand that failure to adhere to the above stated guidelines will result in disciplinary action. Parent/Guardian Name (Print) Childs Name Parent/Guardian Signature Childs Age Date Date

19 WHEELING PARK DISTRICT PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT RESULTS OF VIOLATIONS Violations of the Parent Code of Conduct will result in written documentation, advisory consultation and possible disciplinary action. The following outlines the disciplinary procedures of the Wheeling Park District: Conduct Codes A and B 1. Any violation under Codes A and/or B will result in verbal consultation by Park District Staff. 2. Additional violations under Codes A and/or B will result in a formal meeting between Park District Staff and the parent. Conduct Code C 1. Any violation under Code C will result in a formal meeting between Park District Staff and the parent. Suspension from attending youth sports will accompany. 2. A second violation under Code C will result in termination of that parent s privilege to attend youth sporting activities. Conduct Code D 1. Any violation under Code D will result in termination of that parent s privilege to attend youth sporting activities. 1