1.0 PURPOSE: 1.1 The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines on the formation and composition of teams under the jurisdiction of the Granby Rovers Soccer. It also includes guidelines on tryouts and selection of coaches and managers, and additional policies & procedures as approved by the Rovers Board of Directors. The Granby Rovers Soccer ( Rovers ) is a travel soccer program for which there are competitive tryouts. Rovers offers a higher level of play than recreation soccer, with the goals of Facilitating individual skill development; Fostering a passion for the game of soccer; and Developing as many capable players as possible for the Granby High School soccer programs. In addition, Rovers wishes to establish an atmosphere of good sporting behavior, teamwork, commitment, citizenship, and respect for all involved. 2.0 SOLICITATION FOR TEAM FORMATION 2.1 In mid-april of each year, Rovers will announce its upcoming registration for Fall soccer teams, as well as tryout dates for its 9U through 15U Fall soccer teams. Notice will be posted on the Granby Rovers Website and sent out via the Granby School System, the Granby Drummer and any other sources deemed available and appropriate. 2.2 Players are required to try out for their age appropriate team under the guidelines set forth under this policy. In the event there are enough players to form two teams in a particular age/gender group, teams will be formed under the guidelines set forth in Section 4. 2.3 All eligible players must register on-line via the Rovers website prior to tryouts. 2.4 Tryouts are open to all Granby residents and certain non-residents as defined in Section 3 of this policy. 2.5 Each age/gender group is required to host a tryout annually, except in situations where the Board of Directors concludes that a tryout is not necessary due to the number of registered prospective players. 2.6 Any player participating in a tryout for a Rovers team MUST complete the CJSA Youth Soccer Waiver and Release Form, Emergency Information Card, and Granby Rovers Code of Conduct. The forms must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to a Rovers representative prior to a player s participation in any Rovers activity. 2.7 Participation in Rovers requires a significant commitment on the part of each player and their parents or guardians. Each player is expected to make soccer his or her primary sport during the fall playing season.
2.8 Parental support is also expected. Parents or guardians are expected to assist with team management, carpooling, fund raising, travel out of town and minimizing conflicts with team activities. Good sporting behavior at practices and games is also important. 3.0 TEAM FORMATION: 3.1 It is the goal of the Rovers to establish at least one team at each age level for each gender. 3.1.1 In the fall age groups that play 7 v 7 (9U, 10U) the goal is to have team(s) of 10-12 players. For age groups that play 9 v 9 (11U, 12U) the goal is to have team(s) of 12 14 players. For age groups that play 11 v 11 (13U, 14U, 15U) the goal is to have team(s) of 14 16 players. The number of players in the spring may be adjusted up for commitments to other sports teams. 3.2 Players must play at their age appropriate level. The age of the team is determined by the birth year of the oldest player on the team. 3.3 Preference will be given to the establishment of single age group teams of the same gender. If there are an insufficient number of players to form single age group teams, a decision as to how to align teams by possibly combining age groups and/or genders will be made by the Board of Directors. 3.4 Non-resident players may be eligible to register for a Rovers team. 3.4.1 For non-resident players to be eligible to register for a Rovers team, the player must be a resident of the North Central District; and a resident of a town in which NO CJSA CLASSIC competition team of the same CLASSIC COMPETITION level exists in the player s recognized age division in the current playing season. 3.4.2 Once registered, non-resident players will be subject to the Team Tryout and Selection process outlined in Section 4.0. 3.4.3 The number of non-resident players on a Rovers team may not exceed 4. Exceptions may be made by the Board to ensure a team at each age level. 3.4.4 In support of the mission to develop players for the Granby High School system, priority will be given to those that will be eligible to play in the Granby High School in subsequent years. 3.5 To participate on a team, a player must have a player pass as issued by the Registrar, and a completed medical release form and any forms necessitated by CJSA. Player passes will be issued only to players registered to Rovers, as verified by the Registrar, who are in compliance with the Policies and Guidelines of the Rovers. Both passes and medical release forms will be updated annually and will reside with the team coach or manager.
4.0 TRYOUT PROCESS: 4.1 The Boys and Girls Director(s) in conjunction with the current head coaches and managers are responsible for organizing the tryouts and making sure that there are a sufficient number of independent assessors to handle each tryout. A coach is NOT considered an independent assessor of his or her own team from the previous season if he or she is planning on coaching that team. 4.2 Tryouts for a given age group will be held on a date or dates determined by the Boys and Girls Director(s), respectively. The Boys and Girls Director(s) may change the number of tryout dates depending upon the number of interested players. Attendance at all tryout dates is mandatory for any player wishing to be selected for any of the teams to be formed. Should there be a scheduling conflict, the player must make alternative arrangements for a tryout with the Boys or Girls Director. 4.3 A standard format for tryouts will be planned by the Girls and Boys Director(s). Independent assessors will utilize a standard evaluation form. No assessor a team with a relative trying out. 4.4 Under no circumstances may a player participating in the tryouts wear a Rovers team jersey. 4.5 Each potential player will be given a number so that he or she can be independently assessed. 4.6 After the tryouts, the Boys and Girls Director(s) will prepare a list ranking the players using the input provided by the independent assessors and the head coach(es). From that ranking list, the players will be chosen for a team. If there are too many players for one team, in line with Section 3.1, efforts will be made to coordinate a second team if possible. For all teams, the players will be split at levels A, B or C if necessary. Team sizes will reflect the parameters outlined in Section 3.1. The team will be chosen by the Boys or Girls Director(s). The Boys or Girls Director(s) will also receive input from the current coaches and managers as appropriate. If a player wishes to play on the B team, that desire should be communicated to the Boys or Girls Director(s) prior to tryouts. This will be taken into consideration when invitations to participate are extended. 4.7 If a roster spot opens after team formation, invitation will be extended to the next highest ranked player by tryout. 4.8 If a player approaches the Rovers regarding playing after the registration and tryout process has been completed, the decision to extend an invitation to participate on a Rovers team will be made on a case by case basis by the Boys or Girls Director in consultation with the head coach. Factors considered will include the size of the existing team, the player's prior soccer experience, and informal assessment of the player's abilities per the parameters outlined in Section 4.10. 4.9 If a new player to town approaches after tryouts have been completed the decision to extend an invitation to participate on a Rovers team will be made on a case by case
basis by the Boys or Girls Director in consultation with the head coach. Factors considered will include the size of the existing team, the player's prior soccer experience, and informal assessment of the player's abilities per the parameters outlined in Section 4.10. 4.10 In selecting players for the travel team, the Rovers will consider a player s athletic ability, speed, technical and tactical soccer skills, knowledge of the game as demonstrated during tryouts, scrimmages and games as observed by assessors, coaches and other evaluators. Rovers will also consider a player s conduct and behavior during games and practices, and the level of commitment exhibited by the player and the player s parents, including attendance at games and practices and participation in team activities. 4.11 The decision to not extend invitations to participate on a Rovers travel team will be made by the Boys or Girls Director, and will be based on the parameters outlined above. Players will be notified as soon as possible after the date fixed by the Board of Directors via the Granby Rovers website. 4.12 Players may play with another Rovers team as long as they in compliance with the rules and regulations set forth by the CJSA. His or her primary responsibility is to his or her age appropriate team (the primary team) in accordance with Section 3.2. To play for a team other than their primary team, the head coach of the secondary team must receive approval from the primary head coach. 4.13 The Rovers is a two season program. As such, the Rovers encourages participation during both the fall and spring seasons. In the fall, all teams are expected to plan two practices per week and two games per week. All eligible teams are strongly encouraged to play in the Connecticut Cup. In the spring, the number of practices and games are at the coaches discretion. 4.14 In the event there are not enough players to field a spring team the Boys or Girls Director will do whatever possible to maximize playing opportunities for the remaining players, including potentially combining players from two age groups to form a team. It is expected that the formation of teams for the spring season will be flexible in order to try and ensure that every Rovers player who wishes to play in the spring has a team available to do so. Rules regarding playing up will be more leniently applied by the Board of Directors to maximize player involvement in the spring program. 5.0 SELECTION OF THE TEAM COACHES, MANAGERS AND TREASURERS: 5.1 From the list of players from the newly formed team, the Boys or Girls Director will poll the team for volunteers for coaches, manager, and treasurer. 5.2 No coaches will be selected for the teams until after the teams have been determined. 5.3 Prior to the team formation, all coaches will be reviewed by the Coaching Director and the Boys or Girls Director who will recommend the coaches, managers, and treasurer for each team to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will vote on each
selection and make the final determination. The following criteria will be considered by the Board of Directors in coach and manager selection and reappointment: 5.3.1 Head coaching candidates must have their CJSA F License and also their Red Cross First Aid Training. Coaches of 9U or newly formed teams have one year within which to complete this requirement. Assistant coaches are strongly encouraged to have their F licenses. 5.3.2 Time commitment and availability. 5.3.2.1 Availability and commitment to coach a spring team 5.3.2.2 Other coaching commitments that may interfere with the commitment to a Rovers soccer team 5.3.3 Prior coaching experience and knowledge of the game of soccer. 5.3.4 No criminal or behavioral concerns. 5.3.5 Completion of background checks as required by CJSA. 5.3.6 Attendance at Coaches meetings. 5.3.7 Adherence to the practices and policies of the Rovers. 5.4 The following criteria may also be considered by the Board of Directors in making its coach selection and reappointment: 5.4.1 Ability to establish and maintain a good relationship with players, parents, fellow coaches, referees and the Board of Directors. 5.4.2 Desire and commitment to grow with the team in terms of training, knowledge of the sport of soccer, licensing and certification. 5.4.3 Ability to develop a coaching philosophy consistent with the policies of the Rovers. 5.4.4 Leadership capabilities. 5.4.5 Ability to teach the technical and tactical aspects of the game in an age appropriate manner. 5.4.6 Positive feedback and references. 5.4.7 Good role model. 5.4.8 Ability both to demonstrate good sporting behavior and fair play and ability to promote good sporting behavior and fair play among players and parents.
5.4.9 Good organizational skills. 5.4.10 Desire to provide the best possible soccer experience for all concerned. 5.4.11 Interview with prospective coach will be performed by the Coaching Director. 5.5 A coach s win- loss record will not be a significant criterion used by the Board when deciding whether to reappoint a coach or assistant coach. 5.6 A team may choose to hire a professional coach. If so, the team should seek approval from the Board of Directors. The coach must be in compliance with the Rovers coaching requirements. 5.7 The Head Coach, manager, and treasurer of the same team cannot be related. 5.8 Each coach is expected to make him or herself available at the time of tryouts to be called upon to act as an independent assessor of another team as directed by the Boys or Girls Director. 6.0 PLAYING TIME STANDARD: 6.1 Any eligible player who demonstrates a commitment to his or her team should be allowed to play approximately equal minimum time each game (except as set forth in Section 6.2 below). Coaches are strongly encouraged to meet this standard; however, the coaches retain discretion to balance playing time in consideration of each player's contribution to the team. Some of these contributing factors include individual effort in practices and in games, the ability to perform the skills and strategies in games which are learned in practices, and the ability to demonstrate good sporting behavior towards teammates, opponents, referees, and coaches. In addition, coaches retain discretion to adjust playing time based on additional considerations such as injuries, attendance at team practices and games, or disciplinary considerations. 6.2 The playing time standard rule does not apply in CT Cup or League Games. In these games, each coach must make an effort to allow each eligible player to play a reasonable amount of time in each game (subject to injuries, disciplinary considerations and the level of a player s commitment to the team). In determining the amount of playing time in a game for each eligible player, the coach should keep in mind the philosophy of the Rovers program (namely, the opportunity for all eligible players to play among their peers and the opportunity to develop and gain experience in a competitive environment.) Although the Rovers recognize the uniquely competitive nature of these games, this is not to be used as a justification for denying any eligible player the opportunity to experience and learn from these competitive situations. 6.3 Playing time for teams with a number of players which exceeds the parameters outlined in Section 3.1.1 shall be divided as evenly as practical.
7.0 ROVERS FEES AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 7.1 Annually prior to the start of the Fall season the Board of Directors shall establish an assessment of fees to cover the clubs expenses including but not limited to; referee payments, CJSA fees, field maintenance expense, club administrative expense, and capital planning expenditures. 7.2 The assessment will be recovered on a per player per season basis (Fall and Spring). All players will be required to pay the assessment in order to participate in friendly or league games. Should a player participate in only the Fall or the Spring season they will be responsible to pay the assessment for that season only. 7.3 The preferred method of payment is electronically through the Granby Rovers web site as instructed prior to each season. Should an alternative payment method be required a parent may reach out directly to the Granby Rovers Treasurer for further guidance. 7.4 Financial assistance is available upon request for review by the Board of Directors as indicated in Section 8.0 Rovers Seasonal Financial Assistance. 7.5 In addition to the assessment each player shall be responsible to purchase the required uniform (shorts, jerseys, socks) and their share of team specific expenses for tournament fees, CT Cup fees, and team equipment needs. The team treasurer shall provide guidance on the amount, collect the funds and make disbursements as necessary. 8.0 ROVERS SEASONAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: 8.1 Rovers has established a Seasonal Financial Assistance Program under which a limited number of awards may be granted to participants demonstrating financial need, desire to play travel-level soccer, and character consistent with the goals of the program. The intent of this program is to provide financial assistance on an as-needed basis, allowing an opportunity for participation in a travel soccer program by young athletes that might not otherwise have the opportunity. To be considered, applications must be submitted prior to the Fall and Spring seasons consistent with the content and schedule requirements established below. 8.2 Eligibility: 8.2.1 To be eligible, and to assist in the determination of need, the requestor must be currently participating in a financial assistance program like the town Free and Reduced Lunch program, the state Husky insurance program or Food Stamps offered by the state. 8.2.2 To be considered, an applicant must submit via the website at time of registration : Proof of participation in a financial assistance program such as those outlined in Section 8.2.1; some perspective into the financial need behind the request; and a brief summary of the player s soccer experience, what playing soccer means to him or her, and how he
or she can contribute to the goals of the Rovers club outlined in Section 1.0. All information submitted will be kept strictly confidential. 8.3 Complete applications will be reviewed by the Financial Assistance Program subcommittee. This committee will consist of the President, Treasurer, and the Boys and/or Girls Directors. 8.4 When reviewing an application, consideration will be given to the information outlined in Section 8.2. In addition, the subcommittee may consult with current coaches to: consider a player s conduct and behavior during games and practices, the level of commitment exhibited by the player and the player s parents, including attendance at games and practices, participation in team activities, and participation in club voluntary activities (field clean-up days, etc.); and gauge the player s contribution the Rovers goal of establishing an atmosphere of good sporting behavior, teamwork, commitment, citizenship, and respect for all involved. 8.5 Final determinations will be made and communicated by the subcommittee to applicants within two weeks after the cut-off date established in Section 7.1. If the number of applicants exceeds the available amount of assistance, the decisions will be made based on the nature of the financial needs and the needs of the respective team(s), in addition to the items outlined in Section 7.4. 8.6 The awards under the Program are intended to cover team fees. The maximum individual award will be established in conjunction with the annual Rovers budget. Once an individual is approved for assistance under the Program, the amount of the award will be paid by the Rovers. 8.7 Those approved for Financial Assistance will be expected to fulfill a volunteer requirement during that season. Recipient(s) will be made aware of the various volunteer opportunities that arise during the season, with the expectation that the recipient(s) will complete at least one of these to fulfill the requirement of the Rovers Seasonal Financial Assistance Program. 8.8 Receipt of assistance under the Seasonal Financial Assistance Program does not guarantee selection onto a Rovers team. Player selection will be determined as outlined in Section 4.0. 8.9 Receipt of assistance under the Seasonal Financial Assistance Program for one season does not guarantee receipt of assistance in subsequent seasons. Requests must be submitted prior to each season as outlined in Section 8.2 and 8.3., and will be evaluated as outlined in Section 8.4 and 8.5. 9.0 PARENTS and GUARDIANS RESPONSIBILITIES: 9.1 Understand Your Role: 9.1.1 You are the spectator, cheerleader and proud parent. Watch the game and enjoy it. Don t give instructions to the players while they are on the field as this only confuses
them. Soccer is a game that develops according to the situations on the field. If you or a coach continually yell instructions, then the only thing your child will learn is to wait for instructions and do what he or she is told. For your child to grow into a good soccer player he or she must develop the ability to recognize situations and make decisions on the field. Let the player do this and let the game reward the player for making the right decisions. 9.1.2 You are NOT the coach. Don t instruct your child, or any other players, during practices or games. What you are saying, no matter how logical it may sound, may be wrong or inappropriate, or it may contradict the coach and create an internal conflict for your child. Let the coach do the coaching. 9.1.3 You are NOT the referee. Let the referee call the game, and learn from what you see. Parents who yell at the referee distract and annoy the players. Worse, it can create a feeling in the players that they are not being treated fairly. They will then use that as an excuse for a bad game rather than looking to areas where they can improve their play. 9.1.4 You are NOT the player. Don t live vicariously through your child. If you do you will be greatly disappointed, because your child will never be good as you imagine yourself to be. Let your child enjoy being the best player he or she can be, and let yourself enjoy just watching your child play. 9.2 Players or parents who find themselves with any team/player related grievance should do the following: Raise the concern in person with Coaching Staff (head Coach and Assistant coaches. If the concern is not resolved, Parent should contact the team manager. If the issue is still not resolved to the Parents and Players s satisfaction, the Parents can request a meeting with the Discipline committee comprised of the Vice President, Coaching Director, Boys Director, Girls Director and field scheduler. 9.3 Volunteer duties: To be a successful volunteer organization supported by parents and guardians of the players each team shall have a minimum of two representatives for fall and spring field preparations. Teams that do not have participation will be assessed a team fine. 10.0 UNIFORMS: 10.1 All players are responsible for the purchase of their own uniform defined by the league. Players will not be required to purchase new uniforms if there are simple design modifications from one year to the next. Subject to the rules below, a player may utilize a uniform from the previous year if it is in reasonable and presentable condition. 10.2 Assignment of uniform numbers will adhere to the following process: o A returning player will get first choice of number by a deadline assigned from the Team Manager, Coach or Uniform Coordinator
o A Player with an older sibling in the program will get second choice of number to allow for families to reuse uniforms for their younger child. This is subject to a deadline assigned from the Team Manager, Coach or Uniform Coordinator o First come, first serve for all remaining players by a deadline assigned from the Team Manager, Coach, or Uniform Coordinator o All parents/kids missing the deadline for picking a number will be automatically assigned a random number by the Manager or Coach o No exceptions. Any Issues related to jersey number assignment that cannot be resolved by the Team Manager and coach should be escalated to the Granby Rovers Board for resolution