Coaching Philosophy - Play Hard, Play Fair, Have FUN! Our season will be about enjoying the game and, at the same time, learning all the skills necessary to develop our girls as players and as a cohesive team. It’s about players learning to give 100% whether we win or lose. It’s about teaching the kids techniques of the game through a variety of fun games and drills where players have as much contact with a ball as possible and learn at their own rates. Code of Conduct for Players *Everyone must respect and follow all directions given by the coaches *Everyone must hustle & do their best at all practices, training sessions, and games *When a coach is speaking you must pay attention and listen *Everyone is to be a good sport whether we win or lose *No cursing or name calling! Not to your teammates or opponents *Disruptive or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated *Keep your hands to yourself *Dangerous behavior will not be tolerated Code of conduct for parents *Be your child’s best fan and support them unconditionally. *When you take your child home after a game or training session, please be supportive and always focus on the positive aspects of his game. *Develop a responsibility in your child to pack his own soccer gear, clean his cleats and take a drink bottle (full of water or sports drink only) to practice and games. *Practices and training sessions are just as important as attending games. We can’t play well as a team unless we practice as a team. If your child will be missing practice, training, or a game, please notify a coach or team manager as soon as possible. *Respect the facilities at our opponents’ grounds, please! *If you have an issue or concern with the coaches, communicate with the coaching staff. Do not criticize your child’s coach to your child or other parents. Let’s work together. *Encourage your child to speak with the coach. If your child is having difficulties in training or games, or can’t attend training etc. encourage him to speak directly to the coaches. This “responsibility taking” is a big part of helping your child learn to claiming ownership of all aspects of the game. *Help your child to focus on the performance and not the result. Remember - winning is not as important as the performance. *Support all the players in your child’s squad. Do not criticize anyone. Remember – children don’t mean to make mistakes. *Do not criticize, boo opponents or cheer when the other team makes a mistake. *Never audibly dispute a referee’s decision. They will make mistakes occasionally. We all do. If you abuse or shout at the referee you are breaking the rules of the game and risk generating a fine for the club. In extreme circumstances we could even be expelled from the League. Most importantly, be a good role model and a good sport! *Parents must not coach from the sidelines during matches or training. Leave this to the coaches or you may cause confusion and erode your child’s confidence. *Parents must not enter the field of play. *Please remember – the game is for the children. It is not for the glory of the coach, managers or parents    Soccer Parent/Player Expectations   Practices   Practices are an important part of a player’s development and a team’s cohesiveness and success. Players and parents are expected to abide by the following guidelines:   Practices are mandatory. In the event of an unavoidable absence, notify the coach well in advanced of the practice; whenever possible. Arrive at the field ready for play at least 10 minutes before the start time (this includes proper training gear including shorts, shirt, socks, shin guards, footwear, sunscreen and appropriate apparel for colder weather, as well as water or sports drink).   Games and Tournaments   Our team’s success during games and tournaments are a direct result of our hard work and preparation. Players and parents are expected to abide by the following guidelines:   Whenever possible, notify the coach of an anticipated absence well in advanced of the game. Arrive at the field at least 45 minutes prior to kick-off; ready to play (this includes proper training gear including shorts, shirt, socks, shin guards, footwear, sunscreen and appropriate apparel for colder weather, as well as water or sports drink). Arrive fresh and ready to play. Come to home games wearing white jersey, bring purple. Come to away games wearing purple jersey, bring white.   A player’s playing time will depend on the factors listed below and is up to the discretion of the coach: Effort Practice attendance Practice performance Player’s physical state Discipline Ability   Team Meetings Parents/guardians and players are expected to attend every team meeting as requested by the coaching staff.     Sideline Behavior   To maintain the exemplary reputation of our club and town, players and parents are expected to abide by the following guidelines:   Parent / Guardian Code of Conduct: Will exemplify good sportsmanship. Will be supportive and positive, offering encouragement to the child and his or her teammates. Will be positive role models. Will let the coach do the coaching. Will not yell at the referee or question the call. Will treat the officials as we would treat our child. Will treat the opposing team and their fans with respect. Will remember that the game is for the children.   Players are expected to: Have fun! Come prepared to work hard and learn. Treat their coaches, team mates, referees, opposing players and parents/guardians with respect. Refrain from using foul and abusive language; refrain from name calling and disruptive behavior. Pay attention when the coach is speaking. Exemplify good sportsmanship. Play as a team.