LJSA CHELSEA. Parent Handbook. Part 1 Program Description & Expectations

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LJSA CHELSEA

Parent Handbook

Part 1

Program Description & Expectations

Revised 8/21/2015

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Introduction

The Le Jardin Soccer Academy (LJSA) Chelsea Parent Handbook is for program participants and their families. It serves to inform parents, guardians and players about the program’s philosophies, organization, player expectations and family commitment to LJSA Chelsea. Additional information, that is more prone to change, is provided on the program’s website: www.lejardinsoccer.org

Recipients are encouraged to read this handbook and will be required to sign off at the appropriate page confirming acknowledgement to their responsibilities. Further handbooks exist for the coaching staff and Team Managers.

Le Jardin Academy Background

Le Jardin Academy (LJA) is a private school that offers classes from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade across two campuses in Hawaii. LJA expanded to its current size beginning with a move in 2000 to its current main campus where it gradually expanded its facilities, complementing its soccer field with the construction of new middle school, high school, and gymnasium over the decade. Additionally, LJA is the only school in Oahu that is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for all grades.

LJSA Chelsea Program

The LJSA Chelsea Program is unique in another way. It is the only soccer program in Hawaii that is 100% owned and managed by a school. Its programming includes:

1. Academy training programs – JK/PK & K-4th grade level training opportunities.

2. Club team programs – All age group tryouts for team competition in Hawaii based “club” leagues. Generally known as Hawaii Youth Soccer Association (HYSA) and US Club Soccer (USCS).

3. Camp and clinic programs.

4. Mainland and international travel opportunities.

5. A Bridge to LJA’s participation in Hawaii’s Intermediate and High School Leagues (ILH). 6. A Partnership with the Chelsea FC of the English Premier League.

The Chelsea FC Relationship

In recent years Chelsea FC has been one of the most successful teams on the domestic and European stages becoming firmly entrenched as one of the world’s elite soccer organizations. Concurrently, Chelsea FC has invested heavily in developing its domestic and youth international development programs - an initiative of which the LJSA Chelsea Program has been a big beneficiary. In 2007, our program became one of five Chelsea “Super Club” partners in the USA. Not only do LJSA Chelsea participants sport Chelsea gear and share the pride of association with one of the world’s biggest franchises, the Chelsea community benefits directly from a host of activities that are not limited to but include:

1. Curriculum Exchange

2. Coaching Training both in the UK and Hawaii

3. Camps and clinics with Chelsea International Youth Coaches 4. International travel and training opportunities

LJSA Chelsea Mission

The mission of the LJSA Chelsea Program is to instill a love and passion for the 'beautiful game.’ We do this by focusing on the development of the individual players consistent with the educational philosophies and core values of LJA and the IB curriculum, as well as the coaching philosophy of Chelsea FC. At a style level, focus is on playing an attractive, fluid, team and possession-oriented style of soccer. At curriculum level, focus is on four main components – technical, tactical, psychological and physical – with the goal of each participant to reach his or her own full potential – whether that means reaching a recreational, high school, college level or beyond.

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LJSA Chelsea Coaching Philosophy

At LJSA Chelsea, win or lose, we always play well.

We believe in the importance of affording our players with the proper amount of time training with our coaches in a fun, challenging environment. We aim to produce technically proficient and tactically intelligent soccer players, who can play the game in a possession (passing) based, creative attacking style. Thus, our training sessions focus on technical repetition and possession exercises, providing players with opportunities for frequent repetitions with the ball via passing, receiving, dribbling, and shooting techniques and exercises. It is important in game situations that our teams build attacks from the back, striving to keep possession of the ball; versus playing a more direct style. This ensures our players get the proper amount of repetitions of passing, receiving, and dribbling in pressure situations. Players are encouraged to find solutions in order to maintain possession, rather than just clearing the ball long, away from pressure.

Through coaching and instruction, players are provided the means and insight to continually unlock aspects of the game. In doing so, the play becomes more enjoyable both to play and watch. Learning from mistakes and wrong choices results in our players’ growth and development. LJSA Chelsea coaches understand that in order to develop confidence and technical skill, they must be patient with players. We understand that player development is a process, and continuously reinforce this to our players.

We promote a ONE CLUB mentality in which the club leadership, coaches, players, and parents are all part of the LJSA Chelsea family and move together with the unified goal of providing the best environment for our players to better themselves as soccer players and as people.

In addition to teaching the game of soccer, LJSA Chelsea promotes sportsmanship and leadership amongst our athletes. Character development is one of our ultimate goals through emphasizing the core values to develop necessary life-skills and the following environment:

1. Create a soccer environment that is both age and ability appropriate for all players.

2. Develop technically and tactically competent soccer players who are critical, independent thinkers on the field. 3. Provide the instruction and support to give our players the best opportunity to reach their potential.

4. Emphasize that the quality of a performance is often more important than the game result. 5. Have fun and enjoy the game, but also to be competitive in our performance.

6. Promote a “team first” philosophy.

After School Policy and Extended Day (LJA students only)

For 3:00 practice sessions, LJA students will be picked up by coaches after school. The coaching staff will ensure the players change, eat a snack, and are walked up to practice. Parents are responsible for picking up their child after practice. If enrolled in extended day, the coaching staff will walk the player to their designated extended day location. For 4:30 practice sessions, LJA students below grade 5 enrolled in extended day will be picked up by the coaching staff at their designated extended day location at 4:15 and walked up to practice. Students below grade 5 who are not enrolled in extended day are responsible to get to practice on their own, LJSA is not responsible for the care of students prior to practice. Students in grade 6+ are allowed to be in the school library after school and walk themselves to practice at 4:15.

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Practice Cancellation / Rainy Day Procedure

In the event of heavy rain, storm, hurricane, or any extenuating circumstances that lead to field closures or other unsafe conditions, practices may be cancelled or moved. The procedures for such cancellations are as follows:

1. The DOC or AD will determine at least two hours prior to practice start time if a scheduled practice is to be cancelled. If practice is cancelled less than two hours before the start time, coaches will be responsible for players for the duration of normal practice times.

2. An alternate practice location may be determined by the Coaching Director and LJA Chelsea staff. Practice may be moved to a classroom, playground, another available site on the LJA campus, or an alternative location in Kailua. If rides must be arranged to move to an off-site location, the Team Manager will be notified to help coordinate a carpool from LJA after determining how many players need assistance with transportation.

3. Parents will be notified via email and text message of any cancellations or change of location by LJSA Admin, the Coach, or the Team Manager via the LJSA team site.

4. Coaches will be present for the entire duration of regularly scheduled practice times and care for students who could not be picked up early. Coaches will not leave until every player has been picked up by their parent or guardian.

LJSA Chelsea Soccer Programs

Academy (Grades K-4)

Description

The Instructional Academy is for players in the K-4th grade levels who are new to soccer or are continuing to develop skills for advancement to playing at club team level. Players can spend up to two years in the Academy before trying out for the LJSA Chelsea competitive teams in their age group. The Academy is an after-school offering and is open to both LJA and non-LJA students. There are four seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Students have the option to sign up for each season; it is not an annual commitment. Players will progress and develop individual skills as well as understand their role as a member of a team.

Fees and Uniform

Fees are paid per session. All players must wear the LJSA Chelsea training uniform, or LJSA Chelsea sponsored jersey or tee-shirt. The uniform is available for purchase and includes socks, shorts, and a jersey. Registration and payment are done online at www.lejardinsoccer.org.

Practice Schedule

Academy practices three days per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Weekday practices are from 3:00-4:00. LJA students are picked up after school and supervised by the coaching staff to change, eat snack, fill water bottles, and walk up to field. Players can be picked up at 4:00, or if enrolled, they will be escorted to LJA’s Extended Day Program. A water bottle and shin guards with socks pulled over are required.

Competitive HYSA Teams (U7-U12)

Description

The purpose of playing on a competitive HYSA (Hawaii Youth Soccer Association) team is for player and team development. It is not to “win at all cost” but to balance the needs of each player to ensure that they develop as strong players for their school, college, and beyond if they choose to do so. HYSA is a 10-month program, August – May, consisting of Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons. All teams play two seasons of games with practices held for all 10 months. Players in ages U7-U11 have the option to play a third season of games for an additional fee (U12 teams are required to play all 3 seasons). Practices are three days/week, with two team practices during the week and a foot skill/individual development opportunity on Mondays. Players will receive evaluations at the beginning of October and November.

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Tryouts for HYSA and Team selection

1. HYSA team tryouts are held in June. Players must register online prior to attending tryouts at www.lejardinsoccer.org. All players are welcome to compete for placement on a club level team for the upcoming seasonal year.

2. All players have the opportunity to try out on an annual basis.

3. Staff will communicate the criteria for team selection. Results from the tryouts are announced within ten days of the final day of tryouts.

4. Player’s previous team assignment is not guaranteed from year to year.

5. If a player is not able to attend tryouts, the Director of Coaching and Coach are to be notified and the player will be considered for a team based on previous performance or a scheduled tryout at a later date. The parent should still register the player online to be considered for a team in the tryout.

6. Roster size is overseen by the Director of Coaching and determinants include the age group, team ability, and what is best for all the player’s development. LJSA Chelsea’s philosophy is to keep rosters below “full” to facilitate more playing time during games.

Annual Commitment

Being a part of LJSA Chelsea Programs competitive teams is a commitment that begins in August and continues through to the end of May the following year. Teams train during this entire period, with appropriate breaks for holidays. Training continues during periods when teams are not playing in a league season. Financial commitment is for the entire year, not for portions of the year. There is a no refund policy for fees already paid.

Annual Fee and Uniform

The annual fee covers August through May. It includes the following: player registration fee, league fees for two game seasons, a training uniform kit (jersey, shorts, and socks), and game uniform kit (two jerseys, shorts, and socks), and training for 3 days/week for 10 months. Additional fees will be assessed if the player/team chooses to play a third season of games (league fee plus coaching fee) and/or if the player/team plays in a tournament (the cost of the tournament divided by the number of players). LJSA Chelsea backpacks and jackets are available for purchase at an additional cost.

Financial Aid

LJSA Chelsea accepts Financial Aid applications for the annual season (Aug-May). Every year, since founding of the organization, financial aid has been awarded to players based on financial need, Coach’s recommendation, volunteer involvement, and essays written by the player and parents who are applying for aid. All applicants are eligible for various partial aid. Need-based awards will be used towards club training fees. All uniform, registration, and league fees are required for all players. A scholarship application is available upon request. All required documents, including the essay must be received by LJSA Chelsea when the player is accepted to a team.

Financial Aid Requirements:

1. Once financial aid is awarded, applicants make the first payment online to pay their registration, league, and uniform fee, and the remaining annual cost will be prorated depending on the aid given.

2. Applicants must submit the application, W2 tax return forms for both parents (if applicable), and parent and player essays.

3. If your child’s team does not have a current Team Manager, parents of the Financial Aid player will be asked to assume Team Manager responsibilities.

4. Financial Aid families will be asked to help set up and coordinate tournament base camps, and volunteer to work for LJSA in the following areas: Chelsea Camp, tryouts, booster sales, travel, and fundraising.

5. Failure to comply with any of the above requirements will compromise future financial aid consideration.

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HYSA Seasons (August - May)

There are three seasons in club soccer: Fall, Winter, and Spring (there are no league games in summer, only tournaments). Teams play in two seasons, with a third season as an option for ages U7-U12. The season goals vary within the U7-U12 and U13-U19 age groups. HYSA (ages U7-U19) play games primarily on Sundays, with games occasionally scheduled on Saturdays, and plays Fall, Winter, and Spring. The USCS MISO Jr. League (U11-U19) play games on Saturdays and is only for Fall Season.

Fall Season

1. For ages U7-U12, the fall season (Sept-Nov) is considered the “Developmental” season. Scores and rankings are not kept in the HYSA league and emphasis is on team and player development.

2. For ages U11-U19, fall season has two options:

A. the competitive MISO Jr. League (games played on Saturdays) B. the developmental HYSA League (games played on Sundays).

Until U13, the LJSA Chelsea philosophy is that even playing in the MISO Jr. League, Fall season is considered an opportunity to develop competitive preparedness for the Winter and Spring competitive seasons for U11 and U12, and prepare for the State Championship Tournament.

3. Developmental HYSA Season is for developing an appropriate style of play over just scoring goals and the Coach takes this time to develop every player to the best of his/her abilities and prepare them for the Competitive Season. All players are given the opportunity to try out for the competitive winter teams during the fall season.

Winter Season

1. The competitive HYSA season is the winter season (Dec-March). During this season scores and rankings are kept and there is a greater emphasis placed on competing at a higher level within the Premier and Select teams. The Premier teams are preparing for the State Tournament and play in a way to be competitive in their age group. (This is the off-season for U13+ so they can play for their school teams in the ILH/OIA divisions.)

2. The emphasis on the competitiveness during the “Competitive Season” becomes more serious starting at age U11. This is when the team’s standing determines placement in the Premier or Select. From U7-U10, each year, the emphasis increases from almost no change in playing time and coaching decisions from the season before to each year emphasizing it more so players learn to be more competitive and earn playing time.

3. During the Competitive Season, players earn their position on the field and game time through hard work, ability and understanding of the game.

Spring Season

1. The Off-Season is Spring (March-May) for U7-U10. It is optional to have teams play in the Oahu League developmental season. Ages U11 are eligible to play in the competitive spring season in the Oahu League, but their standings do not count toward ranking until U12. For ages U12+, this is the competitive season.

2. For U7-U10, because the spring season is optional, teams are formed based on the players who elect to play the spring season games. There is an extra fee to play in spring games, where practice three days/week is included for everyone in the annual fee. Teams may be mixed depending on the numbers of players in each age group playing, or teams may not play depending on what the program decides is best for team development.

3. For U12+, the season is a required competitive season and prepares them for the State Cup in April. For U11, it is optional, however, they are allowed in the competitive season and are highly encouraged to participate for competitive preparedness to play in the older division.

Practice Expectations

1. Practices are scheduled for two-three times a week, after school, at the LJA soccer field, or other practice fields throughout the Club area from August through May. Practices will normally be held at the same time(s) each week. At the Coach’s discretion, an extra practice day may be added.

2. Summer practice will be offered for an additional charge

3. Players will wear LJSA Chelsea approved training uniform, with the jersey tucked into the shorts. No jewelry/watches may be worn. The current game uniform should not be worn for practices.

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recommended that each player have a soccer ball for home practice.

6. Players need to arrive promptly for all practices and notify the coach ahead of time if missing practice.

7. All practices are held at the Le Jardin Soccer field, except from Oct-Dec during the ILH season, all teams who practice at 4:30 will practice at an alternate field in Kailua. A coach may choose to move practice to an alternate location with the intent to provide alternate training conditions (e.g. the beach). Parents will be notified in advance of the change.

Game Expectations and Schedules

1. Game schedules are located on the OL site (www.oahuleague.com) under the “Schedules” tab, and on the Affinity Sports App (for iPhone / iPad only).

2. The Team Manager will have an updated game schedule on the LJSA Chelsea team page and reminders will be sent via email from the site.

3. Players must arrive at the field 45 minutes ahead of kick off for the pre-game warm ups and formalities.

4. Any game changes will be communicated by the Coach or Manager via the team page. The OL site will post any field closures on the day of the games.

5. Players are responsible to have both uniforms (unless the Manager holds the away jersey), a ball, a large water bottle, hair tied back if long, socks pulled up to below the knee, and shirt tucked in. The player is to arrive to the game with sunscreen applied.

6. Proper rest, nutrition and hydration all play a role in successful game day play.

Age Group Classification and Team Assignments

1. When there are enough players in an age group to have two teams, all players are pooled by age for the fall season, which is considered the “developmental” season for ages U7-U10. This allows for mixing players within an age group and movement between teams to further enable player development.

2. Coaches continually assess players through formative assessment and may decide to move players between rosters or age groups based on each player’s technical ability, physical and emotional maturity.

3. Parents will receive a written evaluation in early October and November so that they are aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their child as seen by the coach. A written evaluation will also be provided at the end of the season. A copy of the evaluation will be kept in the Soccer Academy Office.

4. The players will be evaluated and assessed for effort, practice/game attendance, and progress. These evaluations will help determine where the player will be invited to play for the following season. If the player struggled at all in any level, or if the Coach has concerns that cause him / her to question the fit of a player on the team, the Coach will request a meeting with the parents to determine the best placement for the player.

5. During any given season, team game assignments can change from week-to-week. .

6. An email will be sent out by the Coach or Manager on Thursday each week to notify families if there are changes to the roster for that weekend’s game.

New Players Joining a HYSA Team Mid-Season

1. Players unable to attend tryouts in June, and who would like to be considered for a HYSA team, can do an individualized tryout anytime during the year. A new player will be invited to attend a practice (or multiple practices) to tryout with a team.

2. If the player’s skill level is not at the competitive level, options for training / improvement will be discussed with the player and parents.

3. New players can take up to two weeks to be registered with HYSA. Participation in games is possible once HYSA processes the player pass.

HYSA Format and Age Group Plans

1. Teams play in the Oahu League (OL) in either the Premier or the Select division. From ages U6-U10, the club determines the level of the team. From ages U11+, level is determined by performance in the league.

2. Teams in the Premier division play at an advanced level and faster pace and, though there is still an expectation of development, there is an increased focus on competition. Premier teams are expected to play in tournaments and consider travel during the summer months.

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game always has a focus to compete and learn to be better.

4. Players are assigned to play in their age as their primary team unless it is deemed appropriate by the coaching staff to play “up;” in which they must be at the level to be a starter on the older team. This decision is made by the coaching staff and can change throughout the seasonal year.

5. Team coaching assignments will be re-evaluated every year. Coach rotations may take place during the Spring season at the discretion of the Director of Coaching to act as transition for a team or give a team the opportunity to train with more LJSA Chelsea coaches.

Playing Time Expectations

1. Player game-time minutes throughout the HYSA season will be based on factors such as: the team’s level (Premier or Select), the season, the player’s level, training habits, behavior, team chemistry, and player match-ups. No player is guaranteed an equal amount of minutes.

2. The Coach is responsible to explain to players (and parents as necessary) the reason for the amount of playing time and set goals with the player on what he/she needs to do to earn more playing time during the competitive season. 3. During tournaments, some players may receive less or even no playing time. However, every effort will be made to

play every player at the tournament.

4. The goal is to teach children the game and the fundamental skills necessary to play the game; ultimately, the success of the player is dependent upon the player. Each player will become successful by committing to working on dribbling, juggling, passing, shooting, fitness, and foot skills. The individual’s commitment to team training and independent practice will build confidence and belief in his/her ability.

5. The success of an individual player is not measured by a win or loss of the match. Although players having equal playing time during games would be an ideal situation that would also mean that each player is equally skilled in every position.

6. The roster will almost always have more players than the number of players on the field (those are the ‘subs’)

7. The goal for LJSA Chelsea is that each child on our teams love the game. We ask for parents to continue to support, motivate and develop their child. We understand every child is different and if you have constructive feedback for us, as Coaches, we welcome two way dialogs.

Player Assessment

Parents will receive a written evaluation in early October and November so that they are aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their child as seen by the coach. A written evaluation will also be provided at the end of the season. A copy of the evaluation will be kept in the Soccer Academy Office. The coach will be available to provide feedback, answer questions, and discuss goals for the player. The Coach is continuously assessing players at practices and games during the 10 month season. Simply set an appointment with the Coach to discuss the player’s development.

Code of Coaching Ethics

Purpose

This Code of Coaching Ethics has been developed to clarify and define standards of professional, ethical, and moral behavior from coaches affiliated with the Le Jardin Soccer Academy

Responsibilities to Players

1. Coaches shall not place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players.

2. Coaches shall instruct players to play within the Laws of the Game and within the spirit of the game at all times.

3. Coaches shall not seek unfair advantage by teaching unsporting behavior to players.

4. Coaches shall not encourage, condone, or tolerate inappropriate behavior from players in any situation. 5. Coaches shall not encourage players to violate any Law of the Game or any rule of competition established

by LJSA.

6. Coaches shall not encourage, condone, or permit any player to violate any bylaw, rule, or policy of LJSA or the applicable Member Organization.

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competition at a higher level.

8. Coaches shall direct players to seek proper medical attention for injuries and to follow instructions received from healthcare professionals regarding treatment and rehabilitation.

Responsibilities to Opponents

1. Coaches shall afford to opponents the respect expected by the Law of Game and the spirit of LJSA competition.

2. Coaches shall not encourage, condone, or permit any player to engage in conduct with the intent of causing injury to an opponent.

3. Coaches shall not engage in any physical or verbal confrontation with any opposing player, coach, or supporter.

4. Coaches shall not scout an opponent except in sanctioned competition in places open to the public.

Responsibilities to the Game

1. Coaches shall be aware of the Laws of the Game and shall adhere to the letter and spirit of the Laws of the Game.

2. Coaches shall provide instruction to players on the meaning and application of the Laws of the Game.

3. Coaches shall accept the responsibilities of team leadership and shall be accountable for the conduct of the players, team officials, and spectators affiliated with their teams.

Responsibilities to the Officials

1. Coaches shall extend respect and courtesy to match and competition officials.

2. Coaches shall not incite players, team officials, or spectators into conduct towards officials that is contrary to the Laws of the Game.

3. Coaches shall not make demeaning or derogatory comments or gestures directed towards any official. 4. Coaches shall use their influence and authority to deter inappropriate conduct by supporters towards

officials and opponents.

5. Coaches shall employ only methods authorized by the Laws of the Game, the rules of the competition, or the policies of LJSA to pursue review of decisions by match or competition officials.

Responsibility to HYSA and Member Organizations

1. Coaches shall comply with the rules, policies, and procedures established by LJSA and the applicable Member Organization.

2. Coaches shall become aware of the rules, policies and procedures of LJSA and the applicable Member Organization regarding player and team eligibility, team formation, and recruiting.

3. Coaches shall refer disputes, appeals, and disciplinary reports to proper authorities as designed by LJSA and the applicable Member Organization.

4. Coaches shall not encourage, condone, or permit any player, team official, or surrogate to violate any bylaw, rule, or policy of LJSA or its Member Organizations.

Coach’s Duties and Responsibilities

The Coach is hired by the Director of the Academy and the LJA Director of Athletics. The Coach has the following responsibilities:

 Selecting and deleting players from the team

 To motivate, teach and constructively criticize players of the team

 To provide player evaluations for each player (This will be done following the first & second month as well as at the end of the competitive season.)

 Establishing and implementing training techniques in accordance with the format developed by the Director of Coaching.

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 Securing a substitute coach if for any reason you are unable to attend a game or practice

 Determining tactics and formations for the team

 Determining playing positions for the team

 Determine playing time for each player

 Determining times for training sessions in conjunction with club training

 Selecting tournaments in which the team will play in conjunction with the Director of Coaching.

 Ensure that the uniform policy is enforced.

 Selecting a team manager and approving any parental team support

 Keep good communication with the parents of your athletes. Weekly emails must be sent out on Sunday to all families. This email must include but is not limited to a schedule for the week, what skills will be worked on during practices, and the site, date, and times of games if any.

 Be available to parents to discuss players

 Keep good communication with parents of the team In addition, the coach will:

 Lead by example

 Wear club provided gear

 Fulfill all Club expectations

 Be ultimately responsible for the team regarding the enforcement of all club, team, league policies, procedures, rules, regulations, including the philosophy of the Club

 Attend all scheduled club coaches meetings, including special meetings called by the Director of the Academy and the LJA Athletic Director

 At no time, handle any team or club funds, including the maintenance of bank accounts or accounting records

Player Expectations

The coach under the guidance of the Academy Director selects the players. The coach’s commitment to the player and the player’s commitment to the team and Le Jardin Soccer Academy are for the entire HYSA season (Aug - May). It is important that players observe the guidelines established by the Le Jardin Soccer Academy.

As a player I will…

 Train and play to the best of my ability

 Have a positive attitude and never quit

 Win without boasting and exemplify sportsmanship

 Respect officials and accept their decisions without question

 Only give positive encouragement to fellow teammates

 Arrive prepared for all games and training sessions, i.e. proper mental attitude & equipment

 Respect my coach, teammates and opponents

 Learn and obey the Laws of the Game

 Practice soccer skills and condition on my own

 Notify the coach if I will be tardy or unable to make a practice, game or meeting

As a player I will never…

 Allow my enthusiasm and commitment for soccer to override my responsibilities to my education

 Use profane or vulgar language

 Use a controlled substance unless prescribed by a physician

 Leave the field or a session without the permission of the coach

 Disregard any instructions of my coach

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Parent Expectations

The parents are an integral part of the Le Jardin Soccer Academy support system. It is important that parents observe the guidelines established by the Academy.

I Will….

 Be encouraging, supportive and affirmative in regard to my child’s play on the field

 Respect officials and accept their decisions

 Support the coach and the team

 Volunteer my services and talents to the team and the Soccer Academy when possible

 Familiarize myself with the Laws of the Game

 Comply with the rules, policies and procedures of the team, soccer academy, and league as they apply to me

 Follow and obey the Problem Solving Procedures

 Act in the spirit of the game. Support all players on your child’s team and do not criticize ANY player. Do not criticize the opponents, their parents, coaches or the officials

We ask that…

There will be no coaching. No matter how good your intentions, we insist there be no shouting instructions to your child. We also ask that you…

 Let the coach run the team. Attempting to coach or instruct your child from the sideline is distracting and counterproductive for the player.

 Show your vocal support and positive encouragement.

 Please do not go onto the field. Parents are not allowed on the field during practices or games unless invited by the head coach of the team.

Problem Solving Procedure

Remember, there is a time and place for everything. If you need information or wish to ask questions concerning coaching decisions, arrange a meeting with the coach. Concerns or criticisms are welcome, but should be expressed away from training sessions and games. Every effort will be made to address problems or concerns of our members in a fair and consistent manner. In the event of a disagreement the following procedure should be followed when addressing concerns

24 Hour Rule- Games are extremely emotional for players, parents and coaches. Parents and coaches should not discuss individual player problems concerning the team or their child for 24 hours following a game or training session. This allows all a cooling off time and opportunity to discuss the child without the emotion of the game or training session as well as avoid regrettable public confrontation.

Chain of Command

 Step 1- Discussion with Team Coach: The member first discusses his/her issues or concerns with the coach.

 Step 2- Discussion with the Academy Director: If after discussing the issue with the coach the issue is not resolved, he/she can present the issue to the Director of Coaching. (Paco Saavedra)

 Step 3 – Discussion with the LJA Director of Athletics: If the member is not satisfied with this discussion, it can then be presented to the LJA Director of Athletics (Dave Kannewurf).

Chain of Command Review:

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Le Jardin Soccer Academy Acknowledgement Page

LJSA’s Parent Handbook has been carefully developed to enable the Administration to run the Soccer Academy in the most effective and safe manner possible. Coaches, Players, and Parents are required to abide by the rules, policies, and regulations outlined in this manual. It is therefore important that all those involved in the Le Jardin Soccer Academy program familiarize themselves with these guidelines.

I, ______________________________________________________, have read and familiarized myself with this Parent Manual and agree to the philosophy and expectations as outlined.

Signed: __________________________________________________ Date: _______________________

___________________________________ ______________________________________________

Child’s Name LJSA Team Name & Age Group

This document needs to be returned to the LJSA office prior to the player participating in HYSA games. Le Jardin Soccer Academy appreciates your time and understanding in reviewing this handbook.