RED WING SOCCER CLUB

HANDBOOK

www.redwingsoccerclub.org

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Purpose of This Booklet ................................................................................................... 5

The Red Wing Soccer Club ...................................................................................................... 6

Mission Statement .........................................................................................................................6

Board of Directors ..........................................................................................................................6

Club Information and Policies .........................................................................................................7

Players .................................................................................................................................. 8

What you Need ..............................................................................................................................8

Practices and Matches ....................................................................................................................8 Practices ................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Matches ................................................................................................................................................................ 9

FIFA Player’s Code of Ethics ............................................................................................................9

Player’s code of conduct ............................................................................................................... 10

Parents/Guardians .............................................................................................................. 11

Practices and Matches .................................................................................................................. 11 Practices .............................................................................................................................................................. 11 Matches .............................................................................................................................................................. 11

Fields ........................................................................................................................................... 12

Player Safety ................................................................................................................................ 12 Concussions and Testing ..................................................................................................................................... 12 Jewelry ................................................................................................................................................................ 13

Parent’s Code of Conduct ............................................................................................................. 13

Team Managers .................................................................................................................. 14

Duties .......................................................................................................................................... 14

Coaches ............................................................................................................................... 15

Duties .......................................................................................................................................... 15

Coach’s Code of Conduct .............................................................................................................. 16

Appendix A: Club Guidance on Team Goals, Rules, and Operation ........................................ 17

Goals and Rules ............................................................................................................................ 17 Team Goals ..................................................................................................................................................... 17 Rules ............................................................................................................................................................... 17

Operations ................................................................................................................................... 17 Player safety ................................................................................................................................................... 17 Practice Schedule........................................................................................................................................... 17 Playing Time ................................................................................................................................................... 18 Positions ......................................................................................................................................................... 18

4

Match Substitutions ....................................................................................................................................... 18 Weather Guidelines ........................................................................................................................................ 18 Match Day Routine ......................................................................................................................................... 18

Links to websites ................................................................................................................. 19

5

THE PURPOSE OF THIS BOOKLET

The purpose of this booklet is to provide Red Wing Soccer Club (RWSC) members with information important to their participation in club soccer. This booklet provides information for Players, Parents, Team Managers, and Coaches.

This booklet is subject to change without advanced notification. Please consult the RWSC website for the most current information.

6

THE RED WING SOCCER CLUB

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Red Wing Soccer Club is to develop and operate a quality traveling soccer program for the youth of the community, ages 8-18. We will foster and promote sportsmanship, teamwork, fun, and leadership while developing soccer skills through instruction and competitive play with Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) affiliated clubs.

We encourage our players to do their best, learn new skills, be a part of a team, make new friends, get lots of exercise, and have fun. The most valuable skills our players learn are a positive attitude, self-confidence, respect, and teamwork. Win or lose, if they can honestly say after each practice and after every match, “I have done my best”, then everyone has succeeded. With willing spirit and teamwork, we can accomplish any goal!

Four commitments are essential to our club:

1. Provide an opportunity for as many players as possible to play soccer

2. Facilitate training opportunities for adult volunteers to develop coaching and official skills to keep our program viable. The Official (Referee) program provides excellent income opportunities for youths and adults interested in earning some extra money (for more information on Official’s, see the RWSC website under the Referees tab).

3. Expect all players, coaches, officials and other volunteers to conduct themselves with integrity.

4. Support the high school program as it develops. Our program is built as a feeder program for the high school program working with beginners and building skills through the different age and development levels to help the players achieve excellence when they participate in the high school program.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

For a current list of the board of directors, refer to the RWSC web page.

7

CLUB INFORMATION AND POLICIES

The following RWSC information and policies are available on the RWSC web page:

Articles of Incorporation

Bylaws

Policy 200: Document Management

Policy 201: Player Registration Fees

Policy 203: Team Formation

Policy 204: Payments to Officials

Policy 300: Severe Weather and Lightning

Policy 301: Financial Assistance

Web Policy

Board of Directors Duties

8

PLAYERS

Have fun

Be prepared

Play with respect

Give 100%

Be proud

WHAT YOU NEED

Shin guards and soccer socks. The socks protect other players from getting cut on your shin guards.

Soccer Ball; size 4 for U12/younger, size 5 for U13/older

Soccer shoes; cleats recommended but not required. Shoes with toe cleats, such as softball cleats, are not permitted.

Practice clothing appropriate for the weather and the activity

Water bottle (FILLED with water)

For matches you will need both match jerseys, match shorts, and match socks

Jewelry is NOT permitted to be worn during matches and practices (don’t get any type of piercings during the soccer season unless you are willing to take the studs out during matches).

PRACTICES AND MATCHES

Your practice and match schedule will be posted on the RWSC web page, under the Team tab. Check often for changes and updates. If you will not attend a scheduled practice or match, it is your responsibility to notify your Coach. Each team may have different rules (and consequences) for failing to notify your Coach about an absence. Your Coach will tell you how early to arrive prior to each practice and match for warm-ups.

9

PRACTICES

Dress appropriately for the weather. Wear your shin guards, soccer socks (completely covering your shin guards), soccer shoes (cleats recommended but not required). Bring a filled water bottle and ball to each practice and match. Arrive early enough to be on the field and ready to practice at the scheduled time.

Give your best effort at every practice and every match.

In the event of inclement weather, the Coach and/or parents are responsible for canceling the practice in accordance with RWSC guidelines located on the RWSC website (Policy 300), under the Documents Tab → Club Documents.

MATCHES

Bring BOTH match jerseys to every match; generally you will wear your white jersey at home and the red jersey on the road. If team colors conflict, the home team will usually switch jerseys. Jerseys are required to be tucked in. You also need to wear shin guards, game soccer socks (completely covering your shin guards), soccer shoes (cleats recommended but not required) and bring your soccer ball, and a filled water bottle.

In the event of inclement weather, the Official is responsible for calling the game in accordance with MYSA guidelines. Players must arrive at the playing field, as scheduled, until the official decides to play or cancel the match (unless you are notified by the Team Coach and/or Manager prior).

FIFA PLAYER’S CODE OF ETHICS

Play the match for the match's sake

Be generous when you win; Be graceful when you lose

Be fair always no matter what the cost

Obey the laws of the match

Work for the good of your team

Accept the decisions of the officials with good grace

Believe in the honesty of your opponents

Conduct yourself with honor and dignity

10

PLAYER’S CODE OF CONDUCT

Understand the rules of the game and play by them in all fairness

Be on time and prepared for all practices and games

Listen and be respectful to all Coaches, teammates, and Officials

Be respectful to opponents and visiting spectators

Do not argue with the Officials

Do not speak to your opponent or their coach; unless it is to offer congratulations or assistance

Do not use abusive or profane language

Play with a positive attitude for your own benefit, not for your parents and coaches

Work hard for yourself; your team’s performance will benefit, and so will you

Appreciate all good plays; your own, your teammates, and your opponents

Win or lose; play the game with pride

ENJOY THE GAME!

Remember

Early is on time, on time is late.

11

PARENTS/GUARDIANS

Kids play for fun

Check the schedule

Find the fields

Be on time

Cheer

PRACTICES AND MATCHES

Your player’s practice schedule will be posted on the RWSC web page. Check often for changes and updates. Be sure the Coach and Team Manager have your current and primary contact information for last minute changes. If your player will not attend a scheduled practice or match, it is your or your player’s responsibility to notify the Coach. Each team may have different rules (and consequences) for failing to notify the Coach about an absence. Your player’s Coach will tell you, or your player, what time s/he needs to be on the field and ready for practice and match for warm-ups. Teach your player the responsibility of being on time.

PRACTICES

Your player should be dressed appropriately for the weather. Your player should wear her/his shin guards, soccer socks (completely covering the shin guards), soccer shoes (cleats recommended but not required). Your player needs to bring a filled water bottle and ball to each practice and arrive early enough to be on the field and ready to practice at the scheduled time.

In the event of inclement weather, the Coach and/or parents are responsible for canceling the practice in accordance with RWSC guidelines located on the RWSC website (Policy 300).

MATCHES

Be sure your player brings BOTH match jerseys to every match; generally your player will wear the white jersey at home and the red jersey on the road. If team colors conflict, the home team will usually switch jerseys. Jerseys are required to be tucked in. Your player also needs to wear shin guards, game soccer socks (completely covering the shin guards), soccer shoes (cleats recommended but not required), and bring a soccer ball and filled water bottle.

12

In the event of inclement weather, the Official is responsible for calling the game in accordance with MYSA guidelines. Players must arrive at the playing field, as scheduled, until the official decides to play or cancel the match (unless you are notified by the Team Coach and/or Manager prior).

FIELDS

The Team Manager or Coach will provide you or your player with the name, location, and directions to the match playing field. A Red Wing field directory can be found on the RWSA website under the Field Information tab. A directory for all MYSA member fields can also be found on the MYSA website.

PLAYER SAFETY

CONCUSSIONS AND TESTING

A concussion is a hard blow, jarring, or shattering effect to the head or body; resulting in a disturbance of brain function. MN Statute 121A.37 and 121A.38 requires any Coach, Team Manager, and/or Game Official that believes a player may have received or is suffering from a concussion can, and will, withhold a player from participating in practice and matches until approved for return to play by a physician. (See the Links to Websites section of this

handbook.) The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) has developed the Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports. It is an “…initiative to offer information about concussions to coaches, parents, and athletes involved in youth sports. The Heads Up initiative provides important information on preventing, recognizing, and responding to a concussion”. View and/or print fact sheets about the characteristics of a concussion, learn about the risks, and take a quiz on your knowledge of concussions on the CDC’s website. (See the Links to Websites section of this handbook.)

Baseline Concussion Testing is available and recommended before a head/brain injury occurs; typically before the sport season begins. Fairview Red Wing Rehabilitation Services1 is one facility that provides Baseline and ImPact Concussion testing. “ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) is best applied to the concussion management when there is a baseline test to use for comparison.”

1 Fairview Red Wing Health Services. Rehabilitation Services. Concussion Management Program.

Pamphlet. 5 Feb, 2012.

Field Sidelines

No person will be allowed on the player’s side of the field without a valid

player/volunteer pass.

13

If a player is believed to be suffering from a concussion his/her physician may do an ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) evaluation. “ImPACT is a computer test developed to evaluate an athlete’s recovery following concussions. This 20 minute neurocognitive test battery can help to objectively evaluate a concussed athlete’s post-injury condition and track recovery for safe return to play”. Contact your family physician or medical facility to learn more about Sports Baseline and ImPACT Concussion testing.

JEWELRY

Jewelry is NOT permitted to be worn by any player during matches and practices. A

player should not get any piercings during the playing season, unless s/he is willing to

remove the studs during practices and matches.

PARENT’S CODE OF CONDUCT

Teach your player responsibility; be on time for practices and games, as well as being on time when picking up your player after practices and games

Be supportive of your player and team; before, during, and after practices and games

Cheer. Encourage. Have fun watching your player and the team

Do not coach your player or the team from the parent’s sideline. If you are interested in coaching or volunteering your time, please speak to someone on the RWSC Board; we can always use, and will appreciate, your help.

Do not criticize your player, the teammates, Coaches, and Officials

Do not criticize the opposing players and visiting spectators

Do not tell the officials how to officiate the game

Do not argue with the officials or opposing fans

Do not use abusive or profane language

Be gracious in victory and dignified in defeat

Remember

Early is on time. On time is late.

Sideline Coaching

Volunteer to be a coach on the

player’s side of the field. Your player

would be thrilled to have you there, and so would the Club.

14

Conduct yourself with honor and dignity

ENJOY THE GAME!

TEAM MANAGERS

The Team Manager has several responsibilities so a team can run smoothly by working together with the Team Coach(es), players and their family members. Following is a summary of those duties.

DUTIES

First Point of Contact: The Team Manager is always the first point of contact for any and all questions, comments, concerns, compliments, and any other discussions regarding a team and/or the club.

o Second Point of Contact: Carrie Engberg, Team Manager Coordinator. Carrie’s contact information is available on the RWSC website under the Board tab.

o Third Point of Contact: Scott Marty, Club President. Scott’s contact information is available on the RWSC website under the Board tab.

Team Notebook: The Team Notebook will contain the team contact information and Player/Volunteer Passes, which will be brought to each game.

Player/Volunteer Passes: NO PASS – NO PLAY. It is important a 1 inch x 1 inch photo of each player is provided to the Team Manager in a timely manner. The Team Manager will create the pass, have it laminated, and will keep it in the Team Notebook. The passes will be made available to the game official(s) prior to the start of each game/tournament.

Website: The Team Manager is responsible for posting the practice and match schedule on the RWSC website and updating the site as required. Other items, such as team news and photos can also be posted; however player names shall NOT appear on the web site.

Tournaments: Registration fees cover the cost of ONE (1) tournament per team. In addition, for the U09/U10 teams, the cost of the MYSA Summer

No Pass – No Play Every player and

volunteer must have a valid pass to participate in

matches/tournaments.

No person is allowed on the player’s side of the

field without a valid player/volunteer pass.

15

Jamboree is covered. The cost for any additional tournament(s) is the responsibility of the individual teams.

If a team chooses to participate in additional tournaments, the family is responsible to provide payment to the Team Manager, for each child participating, prior to tournament time. If payment for an additional tournament is not received the child(ren) of the non-paying family may, potentially, not be allowed to play.

COACHES

The Coach has the opportunity and duty to be a role model for the players, as well as their family. The Coach’s actions, comments, speech, and general behavior can have a deep impact on the athlete’s lives and those who support the program as spectators and fellow-volunteers. Following is a summary of the Coach’s duties to the team, families, and Club:

DUTIES

Registration and Team Formation: The Coach will help during the registration period contacting players and following-up on registrations. The Coaches may be asked by the Club for input on team formation. For further information, see the Club Team Formation Policy on the RWSC website (Policy 203), under the Documents Tab → Club Documents.

District Meeting: The Coach will attend the MYSA District Coaches Meeting to refresh and learn of new or changed rules and policies.

A Successful Team: The Coach will determine a practice schedule. Work with the Team Manager to schedule and register for the appropriate tournament(s).

Pre-Season Meeting: Each Coach is encouraged to hold a pre-season meeting with the players and parents/guardians to communicate team rules, goals, and team operation.

Coaches Training: The RWSC provides many training resources for its volunteer Coaches; books, videos, and clinics.

Also, the RWSC, in accordance with MYSA rules, require Coaches to participate, and receive certification, in the Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports for Coaches, prior to coaching for the first time, starting with the 2011/2012 season. The Coach must renew this certification every three years.

16

Team Equipment: Each Coach will receive a team equipment bag with a first aid kit, ice pack, one (1) game ball, goalkeeper jersey, goalkeeper gloves, practice pinnies, cones and disks. Benches and/or tents are NOT part of the Team Equipment Bag, and are NOT the responsibility of the Equipment Manager for off-season storage.

COACH’S CODE OF CONDUCT

Understand the laws of the game and ensure that players understand and follow them

Work within the rules and spirit of the game, and teach the players to do the same

Develop good sportsmanship and fair play, and teach the players the value of winning and losing

Remember that players participate for the fun of the game; and winning is only a part of that fun

Show respect for the players, other coaches, opponents, spectators, officials, and any other person involved with soccer and the RWSC

Ensure our players and parents treat the opposing players, opposing fans, and officials with respect

Be gracious in victory and dignified in defeat

Be punctual and prepared for all training sessions and games

Use caution with injured players, and follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to practice and play

Know that your attitude can have an effect on Players, Coaches, Officials, and spectators

Never ridicule, or yell, at the players for making a mistake, or for not winning

Do not argue with officials and trust they are doing their best to be fair

Do not use abusive or profane language

GAME BALL

Each team is provided one game ball to be used at games, NOT practices.

17

APPENDIX A: CLUB GUIDANCE ON TEAM GOALS, RULES, AND

OPERATION

GOALS AND RULES

TEAM GOALS Consistent with the Club Mission Statement, teams should foster and promote sportsmanship, teamwork, fun, and leadership while developing soccer skills

RULES Respect and support for yourself, teammates, officials, coaches, and parents. Be kind and respectful.

Give your best effort at every practice and match. Strive to learn and develop soccer skills; ask questions. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

Follow Laws of the Game in practice and matches. Players and Coaches are responsible for enforcing the Laws of the Game during practices and matches.

OPERATIONS

PLAYER SAFETY A player will be removed from practice and/or matches if it is believed the player has sustained a concussion. The player must provide proof of “Return to Play” by a physician.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Teams typically start practices in mid April (~3 weeks before league play begins). Three to four practices per week are typical (depending on age and level of play). Once matches start, the matches will replace some practices.

When scheduling practices, consider the impact on your team of having practices on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Memorial Day, Sunday mornings/afternoons (church), and Wednesdays (traditionally reserved for faith studies).

18

PLAYING TIME Each player should play at least half of every match. This applies at all levels.

POSITIONS Younger players should be provided the opportunity to

try all positions over the course of the playing season,

including the goalkeeper position if the player chooses.

This does not mean that players should play multiple

positions during a single game. Rather the players

should play a position for 1-3 games, and then have an

opportunity to try a different position.

MATCH SUBSTITUTIONS

For a full U09/U10 team, it is recommended that the whole side be substituted every 6-7 minutes; a stop watch may be useful for keeping track of time.

For other teams, substitutions should be planned based on playing time and positional requirements.

WEATHER GUIDELINES

For matches, the official is responsible for calling the games in accordance with MYSA guidelines. Players must arrive at the playing field until the official decides to play or cancel (unless notified by the Team Manager and/or Coach prior).

For practices, the Coach and parents are responsible for canceling the practice in accordance with RWSC guidelines located on the RWSC website (Policy 300), under the Documents Tab → Club Documents.

MATCH DAY ROUTINE

The Coach should set the arrival time for matches. Be clear about when the players should be ready for warm-up.

19

LINKS TO WEBSITES

CDC

Injury Prevention & Control: Traumatic Brain Injury. Heads Up Tool Kit for Youth

Sports. Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports –

http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/youth.html

Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes: 2012 Minnesota Statutes

MN Statute 121A.37 Youth Sports Programs –

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=121A.37

MN Statute 121A.38 Concussion Procedures –

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=121A.38

MYSA

Field Locations and Directions – http://www.mnyouthsoccer.org/fields/MYSAfields.cfm

Weather Guidelines – http://www.mnyouthsoccer.org/weather.cfm

Red Wing Soccer Club

Board of Directors – http://www.redwingathleticassociation.org/page/show/117018-board

Club Documents: Information & Procedures – http://www.redwingathleticassociation.org/page/show/219803-club-documents

Club Home Page – http://www.redwingsoccerclub.org

Coach’s Resources – http://www.redwingathleticassociation.org/page/show/156214-coaches

Officials (Referees) – http://www.redwingathleticassociation.org/page/show/304665-soccer-referees

Policy 203: Team Formation – http://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0012/9083/203_Team_Formation.pdf

Websites on the Links pages are current as of 11, March 2013

20

Policy 300: Severe Weather and Lightning – http://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0007/6458/300_Weather-Lightning.pdf

Teams Main Page (to calendars) – http://www.redwingathleticassociation.org/page/show/116938-teams

21

RED WING SOCCER CLUB

P. O. Box 220

Red Wing, MN 55066

www.redwingsoccerclub.org

Rev. 2013.3