Parental Responsiblities
We
expect full cooperation from parents in conducting our program.
Your responsibilities include:
1.Conduct.
We expect a high standard of good sportsmanship from our parents
and spectators as well as our players and coaches. In keeping
with our philosophy, parents should try to relieve, not
increase, the inherent pressures imposed on the players. Set a
good example for your children. Under no circumstances should
you openly criticize referees, coaches, or players (especially
your own child). Applaud good plays by the opposing team as well
as your own. Cheer for your team, but do not attempt to organize
a “cheering section” to try to influence the outcome of a
game. Noisemakers are unnecessary. Enjoy the games but remember
that they are for the players, not the spectators.
While
an adult will occasionally be pressed into service if a regular
referee doesn’t show up, our referees are our own sons and
daughters who have played in the WOYSA program for several
years. They receive training but they are not perfect. They will
make mistakes, and in some cases games will be won or lost on a
questionable call. Please help your child understand that
referees will make errors, just as they will, and that must be
accepted as part of the game. We do not allow protests.
Alcoholic
beverages are not allowed at or in the vicinity of any WOYSA
game. Spectators are not allowed to crowd the sidelines. Conduct
that is contrary to the spirit and philosophy of our program
will not be tolerated.
2.
Equipment. If possible, each child should bring a ball to
practice. Players will be provided a game uniform consisting of
shirt, shorts and socks. Multipurpose cleated shoes are not
mandatory but are almost a necessity, especially for children
over ten years old.
Shin
guards are mandatory for all ages, and will be used at
all practices and games. Individuals who are required to wear casts
or splints are not permitted
to practice or play in games.
3.
Transportation. You are
responsible for transporting or arranging transportation for
your child to and from games and practices.
Never
leave a child unless you see that adult supervision is
present. Arrive before the end of practices and games so that
the coach can also leave on time.
4.
Assisting your Child’s
Coach. There are many ways to be of help to your
child’s coach. You may volunteer to become an assistant coach
even if your knowledge of the game is limited. Many of our most
competent coaches began with no soccer background at all. You
may also help with telephoning, half-time refreshments, being a
sideline judge, helping set up or take down nets and flags,
marking fields, or arranging an end-of-season picnic. A big help
would be to assist in cleaning up the trash left on the
sidelines after games.
To help your child, learn the game and take your child to
soccer games. You can be a great help by simply learning basic
kicking and trapping techniques and playing in the yard with
your child.
Refrain from advising the coach on how long and at what
position your child should play. This is the coach’s
responsibility and it is difficult enough without parental
pressure. Your child will play a full half of every game unless
you and the coach agree to change that because of illness or
disciplinary reasons. Everything else is a matter between player
and coach.
5.
Becoming a Coach. If more
players register than there are veteran, qualified coaches
available, someone must volunteer or teams will have to be
dropped from the league. This is very often the situation in the
under 9 division. Coaching is a very enjoyable experience and we
offer an excellent training program for anyone interested.
6. Medical Liability. You are responsible
for your child’s health and welfare. Soccer is a contact sport
and there may be injuries. This is a risk you are assuming when
you enroll your child in our program. We insure each child up to
a limit of $25,000. Claims should be made only for amounts not
covered by your own insurance and after the policy deductible of
$50.00. If an injury occurs, it is your responsibility to report
it promptly to your child’s coach so a claim can be initiated
if necessary.
7.
Jewelry. No jewelry or barrettes may be worn either
during practices or games. Taping of earrings is not sufficient.
Inclement Weather Cancellations
Practices will generally be cancelled if it is raining.
Players should check with their coaches to confirm this and to
ask about rescheduling.
Games will generally
not be
cancelled in advance because conditions can vary from one
location to another and can change abruptly. The decision to cancel a
game will be made at the field by the
two coaches and the referee.
Players
should report to the field for scheduled games regardless of
weather unless notified otherwise
Rain alone is not sufficient reason to cancel a game.
Coaches and referees must exercise their best judgment to
determine whether or not a field is in playable condition or if
lightning is a potential hazard. If you personally disagree with
a decision to play in inclement weather, you should notify the
coach and not allow your child to participate.
Other Responsibilities
Our coaches are interested parents and adults who have
volunteered their time and energy to serve the needs of
kids, and they deserve your thanks. It is possible,
unfortunately, that we may fail to identify a
well-intentioned individual whose methods do not conform
to our stated philosophy. If you believe that a coach’s
actions are potentially damaging to your child,
physically or psychologically, or that your child is not
playing half of every game, please contact your division
director or the league president immediately (listed on
the last page of this letter).
With your support we are
looking forward to another of many successful years.
Your opinions and comments are welcome at any time and
especially at our Annual General Meeting in November.
Thank you in advance for your continued cooperation.
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