SSSC Competitive Program

Philosophy and Objectives

Purpose:

 This is a competitive and developmental soccer program with a goal of being accessible to all, who have the desire to play, regardless of social/economical background.  We will focus on player and team development while meeting the challenges of an appropriate league and local tournament schedule.   Our primary focus is on the development of individual and understanding of basic team strategy.  We will concentrate on fundamentals, basic skills and team concepts.  While our teams will play to win and develop a competitive nature, the primary goals of the program are developmental.  Wins and loses are secondary.

Goals: 

Each player will grow as a soccer player – both as an individual and as a team player

• Strive to improve each practice and game
• Demonstrate growth from the beginning of the season to the end
• Each player will grow as a person by experiencing successes and failures
• Dealing with adversity and triumph
• Learning the value of team work and being respective of teammates
• Being committed to good sportsmanship 

Commitment: 

A commitment to attend practices and games is expected as well as for the players to put forth maximum effort on the field - game or practice.  While maximum effort on the field is expected, when the game is over, it’s over.  Move on to other interests.  Keep winning and losing in proper perspective.

Positions: 

Each player will work on skills development to be in a position to play multiple positions as they develop.  During games players will be put in a position that allows them to experience the greatest success and work within the concept of the team.

Playing Time: 

In order to play in games, players must attend practice and demonstrate at practice a capacity to handle the position, assignments and responsibilities.  Playing time is earned at practice.  Great effort will be made to provide equitable playing time based on these criteria.  On the exceptional basis when the stakes are higher (playing for the potential to place high in a tournament), playing time may be less equitable.

Tournaments:

In an attempt to keep the extra costs to a minimum, we will plan on not entering any out of town tournaments, and plan to do no more then 2 local tournaments per calendar year.
 

Expectations

In order for the team and all its members – players, parents, coaches – to achieve the objectives of the program, the following expectations have been established.

Player Expectations:

1.       Attendance

1. Attend all practices and games.
2. Call or e-mail coach and team parent if unable to attend or if you are going to be late or leave early.
3. Understand acceptable reasons for missing practice.
4. Communicate with coach regarding all situations – school work, other sports or activity commitments, family circumstances, etc.
5. Assume game or practice is on unless contacted by coach or team parent.

2.       Behavior

1. Have fun!
2. Work hard on fundamentals.
3. Listen.
4. Be coachable.
5. Demonstrate respect for coaches, parents, teammates, referees and opponents.
6. Be supportive of teammates and other program members.
7. Demonstrate good sportsmanship

                                                               i.      Win and lose with dignity.

                                                              ii.      Coaches will be the only people to discuss situations with referees.

3.       Punctuality

1. Practices.  Be on time.   Be ready to practice at designated start time; not arrive at the field at start time.
2. Games.  Arrive at the game site at the time specified by the coach, not arrive at the game site at start time.

Parents Expectations:

1. Attendance
   1. Attendance by parents is optional – you are always welcome.
   2. Call or e-mail coach and team parent if your child is unable to attend or if you are going to be late or leave early.
   3. Understand acceptable reasons for missing practice.
   4. Communicate with coach regarding all situations – school work, other sports or activity commitments, family circumstances, etc.
   5. Assume game or practice is on unless contacted by coach or team parent.

2. Behavior
   1. Enjoy your child’s participation in soccer!
   2. Demonstrate respect for coaches, other parents, team members, referees and opponents
   3. Provide positive reinforcement.
   4. Do not coach from the sideline – coaches will direct players.
   5. Demonstrate good sportsmanship

                                                               i.      Win and lose with dignity.

                                                              ii.      Coaches will be the only people to discuss situations with referees.

3. Punctuality
   1. Practices.  Be on time.   Have child at practice before designated start time; not arrive at the field at start time.
   2. Games.  Arrive at the game site at the time specified by the coach, not arrive at the game site at start time.

4. Protocol for Concerns & Questions.
   1. Do not be afraid to communicate with coach or committee members.
   2. Call coach and discuss.
   3. Ask coach for a moment to discuss situation in private.

Coaches Expectations:

1. Schedules
   1. Keep schedule changes to a minimum.
   2. If unable to attend a practice or game, make other arrangements – cancel, reschedule, find alternate, etc.
   3. In the case of change, absence or cancellation; communication is key.  Contact team parent(s) and competitive committee member with as much advance notice as possible.

2. Behavior
   1. Be a teacher - provide a positive learning environment for players.
   2. Communicate openly and honestly with players and parents.
   3. Be a role model of good sportsmanship.
   4. Provide discipline as needed.
   5. Place the safety and welfare of the players ahead of winning.
   6. Use appropriate language at all times.