CREEKS ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION PREMIER SOCCER

"CREEKS CLASH" PROGRAM GUIDELINES

The Creeks Athletic Association Premier Soccer Program is…..

A community-based, non-profit, volunteer organization. Each term in this description has significant bearing on our mission.

Community-based - We are focused first and primarily on the communities represented by Creeks Athletic Association. While we will welcome players from other areas within Northeast Florida, it is not our goal to entice additional membership from surrounding communities. It is not our intent to recruit elite players from outside of our area simply to make our Select teams more competitive.

Non-profit - All of the fees collected go towards the expenses of the soccer program and its support. We work extremely hard to contain costs and hold the line on fees charged.

Volunteer - The CAA soccer program relies heavily upon volunteers and their commitment to the advancement of soccer in St. John’s and Duval Counties.  The program exists solely because of the many, many volunteer hours generously contributed by the membership. If there have been occasions in which you felt something was lacking in the program or you had a disappointing experience, it can almost always be traced back to an insufficient number of volunteer hours for an organization of our size.

An organization that exists so that players and parents can share in the experience and the rewards gained from playing organized soccer. Paramount among these are having fun, learning good sportsmanship, understanding the game, individual skill development and developing teamwork concepts.

We Are Not...

… A vehicle for parents/coaches to create and play in their own "sandbox".

… A showcase for an exceptionally gifted child’s individual skills, nor are we a link to college scholarships or a position on a national team. We can help, but we are not a showcase.

Specifically, the goals and objectives of the program are to:

• Most importantly, ensure that the players are provided the opportunity to improve their individual skills and knowledge of the game of soccer in an environment that places equal emphasis on discipline, performance, competition and enjoyment
• Representing the CAA Soccer Club with dignity, decorum, and good sportsmanship
• Strive for consistency across the coaching ranks—everybody, every team plays by the same rules
• Maintain our focus as a community-based organization
• Within this framework, maximize the quality of play and coaching at all levels

Director of Premier Competition (DPC)

The CAA Soccer Board of Directors will elect a director responsible for the select program. This director will oversee the operation and administration of the select program, including the procurement and distribution of uniforms and other player equipment. The director will develop policy recommendations, monitor the select program and assess the program at the close of each season and provide a report of such to the CAA Soccer Board of Directors.

Objectives

The following objectives are specific to the Premier program:

• To develop individual players and teams
• To improve the level of soccer for all players by ensuring everyone has the opportunity to attend workshops, try-outs and clinics
• To provide opportunities for advanced players to further develop their skills at a higher level of competition
• To develop coaches at a higher technical level to benefit both the select and overall recreational CAA Soccer program

Principles

In order to achieve these objectives the program will be guided by the following principles:

• Youth soccer means playing, and playing must be fun.
• The program should include as many players as possible.
• CAA Premier Soccer teams, coaches and parents will exhibit good sportsmanship in all situations.
• Respect for the opponent and the referee must be shown at all times.

Try-outs

Try-outs will take place the week after State Cup Finals in early June. Locations and times will vary depending on age division. Efforts will be made to schedule practice facilities to accommodate the greatest number of players.

Players should initially try-out for their own age group. In the event a team in their age group is not formed, they will be permitted to try out for the next older team.

Premier teams will be formed for all age groups from under-11 to under-19, boys and girls, based on level of interest and availability of coaches. Any registered player is entitled to try out in his/her correct age group. If no team is available in the correct age group, a player may try out in the next higher available age group available.

Premier team try-outs will be coordinated, scheduled and advertised by the Director of Premier Competition and the CAA Soccer Board. Every attempt will be made to ensure every coach and eligible player is made aware of the try-outs. All parents and players must be made aware of the cost and additional time commitment of the Premier Program before selection. Premier coaches can organize the methodology of their team try-out in whatever manner they deem the most appropriate for evaluating and selecting the most qualified players. Every attempt should be made to ensure every coach and player be made aware of try-outs taking place. All parents and players must be made aware of the cost and additional time commitment of the Premier Program before selection.

Premier coaches retain final authority for team player selection within the policies set forth by the club.

In general, "playing-up" is discouraged. Almost always it is for the benefit of an individual at the expense of the appropriate-age team. However, our policy recognizes that there are circumstances that warrant an exception. These are:

1. The size of the player represents a real and unusual danger to others, and/or

2. The skill of the player is so superior as to significantly alter the game (i.e., they become a one-person team) that it would be detrimental to the player’s long-term development to continue playing "on age".

In cases where a player wishes to play-up within the Premier program, the Director of Premier Competition(DPC) and the player’s current select coach must be informed and approve the player for the older age prior to the player trying out. The DPC must also be advised and approve any moves from the recreational program to the select program after the initial try-outs.

Inappropriate behavior may make a player ineligible for a Premier Team. Parents are expected to support the Premier program and its coaches.

Coaches

The Director of Premier Competition and Board select coaches on the basis of their technical qualifications, coaching experience, leadership qualities, availability, commitment and willingness to travel. Directors applying for a coaching position are not eligible to participate in the selection process. A minimum "E" license is required to be a head coach for a select team. Assistant coaches are also required to hold an "E" license, or obtain one within one (1) year of becoming an Assistant to a Premier team. Both the head coach and assistant coaches for a select team may not coach other teams (select or recreational) within the club. Since the players and parents are asked to make a significant commitment to the team, the coaches need to make the same commitment. Coaches holding a "D" license or above are exempt from this rule to provide the opportunity for our most highly qualified coaches to impact more players with their expertise. However, even a D licensed coach may only be the head coach of one team in the club if he or she is a coach or assistant coach of a Premier team.

Coaches are chosen for new Premier teams, typically in the U-11 or U-12 age group, through an application and review process. As it is customary that a coach, once chosen, remains with a team as it progresses in age, it is extremely important to pick the best candidate. Candidates are judged on the basis of their:

• Ability to work with kids
• Knowledge of the game
• Coaching credentials
• Experience as a coach
• Commitment to the program and the guidelines

It is the responsibility of the CAA Soccer Board to review the applications of those volunteering to take on a new team. Similarly, it is also the role of the board to perform a search and candidate review whenever a vacancy occurs. Under all circumstances, the CAA Soccer Board must approve new Premier coaches at any level.

Remaining a Premier Coach

Although it is rare, it is sometimes in everybody’s best interests to change a coaching assignment. It is the duty of the DPC to evaluate a particular situation and make a recommendation to the board. Grounds for discussion include, but are not limited to, repeated violations of proper on-field conduct, violations of our CAA guidelines, violations of league rules, inordinate defections from the team, excessive valid complaints concern from parents regarding practice regimen and player development. Discussions do not necessarily equate to a change. We recognize that youth coaching can be an extremely difficult job and it is impossible to please all parties involved. A great deal of deference will be given to the person giving up their time to be a coach. All coaches are encouraged to follow a path of continuous improvement. They should look for ways to better their team and improve their ability to coach and teach. All coaches are encouraged to advance through the state-sanctioned licenses. CAA Soccer reimburses coaches for all licensing courses taken and passed, subject to prior approval from the DPC.

Coaches are expected to be generous with their praise and set an example of fair play at all times. Ridiculing or yelling at players for making mistakes or losing a competition will not be tolerated.

CAA Premier Soccer teams have built a reputation for fair play. Coaches are expected to develop team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgment of referees. Players are expected to play within the rules and parents must not publicly question the judgment of the officials or ridicule opponents.

Coaches will be evaluated based on a set of criteria developed by the CAA Soccer Board that are in line with the objectives of this program. Results of the evaluation will be reviewed with every coach.

Practice Times

Practice length should mirror the length of games at each age group. For example, Under 12 games are two 30 minute halves, a ten minute halftime and a reasonable amount of pre-game time to warm-up. Therefore, a U-12 practice should run no more than 70 minutes after a brief 5-10 minute warm-up. Frequency of practice should be two (2) or three (3) times a week, depending upon the coach’s availability as well as player/parent’s availability. Coaches are expected to be reasonable in their demands on the players' time, energy and enthusiasm.

Playing Time

Coaches are encouraged to ensure players receive an adequate amount of playing time to ensure their continued development over the course of the season.  Coaches should provide each player the opportunity to play in every game provided the player has met the attendance and practice effort criteria. pA player’s playing time may be reduced if they do not follow all of the team rules, attended all of the practices and games, or notify the coaching staff of any upcoming absences.  Likewise, coaches are expected to avoid the over-playing of players. keeping a player on the field so much that it becomes hazardous to the player’s health or well-being.

Regional and State Cup Play Tournament Play and Off Season Commitment

The Premier program is a year round program and players at U-14 and below are expected to attend all practices, games and tournaments when scheduled during the winter break between league schedules. Premier players must continue to practice and play with their teams if the team is going to Regional or State Cup. Failure to honor Regional Cup, /State Cup or other tournament obligations of the team without prior permission from the coaches could result in a player being suspended from the Premier program.

Equipment

Responsibility for club provided equipment (practice jerseys, balls, cones, first aid supplies, etc.) lies with the head coach.

Disputes

If a parent has a serious grievance about how the team is being managed, they should first speak to the coach. If they are not satisfied with the results, they should then contact the CAA Director of Premier Competition to discuss their concerns. If this proves unsatisfactory, the final step is to write to the CAA Soccer Board with the detailed concern. Discussion of an individual player’s playing time, positioning or other game strategy issues will NOT be addressed by the Director of Premier Competition or the Soccer Board. These issues are solely the prerogative of the head coach. They will be considered at the end of the year when determining re-appointment of a coach to his position for the next year.

Expectations of Premier Coaches

Premier coaches are expected to attend all coach's meetings sponsored by CAA, NFYSL or FYSA prior to the start of the soccer season.

CAA Premier Soccer wishes to provide a quality soccer program and strives for the highest standards in skill and sportsmanship. To achieve these goals, CAA expects Select coaches to take attend the coaching clinics offered by the club during the year. As the leaders in the club, attendance sets a good example for the recreational coaches, and even the most experienced coach will usually learn something new.

It is the responsibility of the Premier team coach to notify the DPC and get approval for any tournament entry before it is submitted. The coach must know and abide by the rules of NFYSL and FYSA for State Cup, Regional Cup and any other tournament or competition that the team enters. This includes knowing the roster freeze dates and guest player guidelines, if any. The coach must notify the registrar and treasurer with as much lead-time as possible to coordinate obtaining the necessary signatures for rosters, player passes, tournament entry applications and fees.

Please note that only registered players may play or practice with the team because unregistered players are not insured. If an unregistered player approaches you after registration and wants to play for your team, direct the player to the DPC.

Control of player behavior is the coach's responsibility. If you are having difficulty, talk to the parent(s) of the player and/or phone the DPC for guidance regarding the situation.

Coaches are responsible for ensuring that players wear proper soccer attire, for safety reasons. If a player doesn't wear shin-pads covered by soccer socks or wears inappropriate footwear, he/she doesn't practice or play that day. Jewelry, including ear studs, must not be worn. Hats may only be worn by a goalkeeper.

Coaches are reminded that referees are not to be harassed. The referees must be supported and decisions must be respected if CAA is to be able to develop and keep young referees.

If a parent and/or spectator is uncontrollable, the referee will expect the coach to control the person by words alone. If the coach is unable to control the offender, the coach, as well as the parent/spectator, is subject to ejection and the referee has the authority to terminate the game.

At the end of each Premier game, the Premier coach is responsible for notifying the data collector of the team scores. The following information is required: opponent's club, level (for example U15 Girls), and the scores for both teams. The coach is also responsible for informing the DPC and/or the club scheduler of any requests for rescheduling a game or adding a game at least seven days in advance of the originally scheduled match. Notification to these same individuals is required as soon as possible after a match cancellation due to weather, a no-show or forfeit due to termination or lack of proper credentials (signed roster and player passes). If the other team does not have a minimum of seven players for a game, then the game can not be played and the team forfeits.

Expectations of Players

CAA Soccer expects players to have regular attendance at practices, games and tourneys, and to realize that excessive unexcused absences from practices are grounds for reduced playing time. Players are expected to notify the coach or their designee as soon as possible if they are unable to attend a team activity, indicating why they will not be in attendance. It is the sole discretion of the coach to determine if the absence is excused or unexcused.

Players are expected to have proper equipment with them at all times. Players are expected to play within the laws and spirit of the game. Players are expected to fulfill their financial obligations to the program. Players are expected to give priority to the team over other competing activities that they are involved in.

Finally, players and their parents are expected to discuss problems or concerns with the coach in a mature manner that will allow the issue to be addressed. If the player feels the problem is not being adequately addressed, it is their responsibility to bring their concern to the attention of their parents.

Disciplinary Guidelines

The CAA Soccer Director of Discipline is responsible for dealing with reported cases of violations of FIFA’s "Laws of the Game". In instances where a select player, coach or parent is reported for misconduct or a violation of CAA Soccer or FYSA guidelines, the Director of Discipline will be responsible for dealing with the incidence. Disciplinary action may be taken against any team official, player, team, parent, supporter, or official for misconduct or violations of CAA Soccer or FYSA guidelines while representing CAA Soccer. Coaches, parents, or supporters can be ejected from the field, if the referee believes that they are being unduly disruptive to the match. Field Marshals also have the ability to remove parents and spectators from the fields in the event of disruptive behavior. The CAA Soccer Board and FYSA have the authority to suspend offenders from the association.

Team officials are responsible for controlling the actions of their player’s, parents and their team supporters. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

Any Select player who is "red-carded" is automatically suspended for a minimum of one game pending further notification from the Director of Discipline or Director of Premier. Two yellow cards during a game also results in a one game, automatic suspension. Offenders, parents and coaches will have the opportunity to appear before or speak to the Director of Discipline who will have final authority.

Appeals must be directed, in writing, to the Director of Premier and Director of Discipline within one week of a decision by the Director of Discipline. An appeal will take the form of a personal appearance at the next Board Meeting. Suspensions must be served while the appeal is pending. This process is in the control of the league, not CAA.

Background

CAA Premier soccer teams are formed in each age group usually referred to as U11, U12, and so on. These teams are based on the "soccer seasonal year." That is, a child born between August 1, 1990 and July 31, 1991 would play on a U12 Select team during the fall 2002 and spring 2003 seasons.

All Premier teams are expected to play in both the fall and spring seasons. Roster adjustments prior to the spring season are up to the individual coaches and subject to the approval of the Director of the Premier program.

Recruitment and Poaching

FYSA and CAA Soccer have strict rules and regulations regarding coaches, players, parents or other individuals affiliated with a team or club contacting or recruiting players to change clubs or teams during the seasonal year. These rules cover outright recruiting (poaching) or more discreet means, which could be construed as recruiting (poaching). If a select team coach gains knowledge that anyone affiliated with the team has approached a player, either within CAA or with another club, at any time other than at the conclusion of the spring season, it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Director of Premier Competition of this contact. The same holds true if a coach or parent becomes aware of any solicitation of a current CAA player by a coach from another team from within CAA or from another club. Failure to provide this information could result in disciplinary action from CAA and FYSA, including possible suspension from both organizations.

It is illegal to contact any FYSA registered player directly or indirectly for the purpose of encouraging or enticing them to transfer from one team to another during that team’s seasonal year. This includes recruitment or contact with CAA recreational program players. If a player or parent initiates contact with a CAA Premier coach, parent or team representative about changing teams in mid-season, written permission from that player's current coach and the DPC is required before even talking to the player or parent. Further, it illegal to invite a guest player to participate in any tournament without first contacting the player’s current coach and receiving written approval to invite them to play as a guest.

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All individuals involved with the program are expected to conduct themselves professionally and in good taste when discussing our club with a player, parent or coach currently involved with another team. Each team and its players, parents and leadership are to abide by the state and club guidelines at all times in regards to recruiting players for the CAA Premier Soccer program. It is the desire of the CAA Premier Soccer program to allow our process, philosophy and performance to speak for itself and to have players seek participation in our club based on the quality of our program, not unsanctioned solicitation.

Miscellaneous

The Director of Premier Competition and the CAA Soccer Board reserves the right to take whatever future actions may be necessary in the best interest of the program. Such actions could include, but are not limited to, changing the select team policies and guidelines, disciplinary action against a coach, player or parent, removal of a team from competition or completely disbanding a team.