Dear Soccer Families,

This policy manual is to assist the parents and players in understanding the goals, expectations, policies and procedures of Clackamas United Classic. For the purposes of this handbook, Clackamas United Soccer Club Classic will be referred to as CUSC Classic. Please review the information carefully and thoroughly.

Clackamas United Soccer Club is a non-profit, volunteer soccer club dedicated to providing a recreational platform, developmental opportunities and classic level soccer program for the youth of the Clackamas and Happy Valley area. CUSC is the recognized feeder program for Clackamas High School and the only local soccer club with priority access to NC Park and Rec fields and North Clackamas School district fields. CUSC is a member of the Oregon Youth Soccer Association for competitive soccer.

The club’s philosophy is to provide a tiered set of play that aligns with the interest and capability level of soccer players of all ages and skill sets. The following document addresses the classic program specifically but our commitment to the classic program is two-fold as it is intended to support our goals for the recreational program. We believe that soccer can be a life-long game and by dimensionalizing our programs we can encourage a continuance of play at all skill levels and grow the game in our community.

  • The recreational program for the younger ages (micros and minis) is a platform for teaching game enjoyment and soccer fundamentals.
  • At mid-range, U8–U10 developmental opportunities are created to allow for greater enjoyment and competition for those interested. This is done via programs offered by the club and the OYSA. These developmental programs are accessible but not mandatory and introduce competition so that families and players can identify a path that aligns with their interest and commitment level.
  • At the older age range, U11–U18 classic soccer is available. We believe bringing a competitive arm to the club helps purify the recreational league offering more distinct levels of play to maintain fairness and balance within the recreational league.
  • This system is intended to encourage players at all levels to play soccer as long as they would like at the level appropriate for their skill and commitment to the game without feeling pressure or discouragement.

We value the trust and continuity that comes with community-based athletics and we are committed to this program and its future.

Sincerely,

CUSC

Board of Directors

WELCOME

Welcome to CUSC Competitive Soccer! We are excited that you’ve chosen to have your daughter or son participate in what we hope will be one of the most exciting memories of their youth. We know what a big sacrifice and commitment this is for your child and family. We believe the rewards to be great and the benefits of this experience will reach far beyond the short time we have work with your children. Our club is working hard to provide a quality soccer program for the more focused soccer athlete in our area. This is being accomplished by providing a positive, fun, and quality training environment with coaches that are committed to our community and your children. It is critical to ensure that the intent for participation is within the heart of the child. We encourage you to have open dialogue as a family and with your child about the time and financial commitment that is being made and their feelings and goals surrounding the decision to play classic soccer.

CLACKAMAS UNITED PHILOSOPHY

Clackamas United is a non-profit organization, committed to providing the Clackamas and Happy Valley area an affordable, accessible, and integrated soccer experience. CUSC is an organization that aims to recognize and respond to the needs of the community and to the needs of the athlete. CUSC is committed to providing a positive training and playing environment with qualified and certified coaches. Our primary objective is to provide a comprehensive soccer program while promoting the development of sportsmanship, character and “the love of the game” to our players, parents, coaches, referees and fans.

MISSION STATEMENT

This mission statement is specific to CUSC Classic and Developmental Programs and should be read by all players and parents who are involved in the CUSC Classic program. It is important that all CUSC Classic members understand the club mission statement and adopt this as a guideline for developing a positive atmosphere within the club. By adhering to this mission statement we will enhance our own and each other's experiences through the game of soccer.

For our Players:

  • We aim to create an experience that will allow them to reach their full potential and achieve the self confidence and positive self-esteem necessary to be successful both on and off the soccer field.
  • We will emphasize teamwork but encourage individual development with the intent to help each player find success and be personally challenged.
  • We will respect the value of family time, appreciate participation in other sports or activities and balance commitment to soccer with the needs of each individual child.

For our Coaches:

  • We will provide training and direction to support skill fundamentals, game tactics and the fostering of good sportsmanship.
  • We will provide Premier level EQ and tools for training and coaching.
  • We will provide direction and recommendations but encourage team decision making so that coaches feel empowered.

For our Community:

  • We will offer a program that is affordable, accessible and keeps our families and athletes working together long-term.
  • We will work closely with North Clackamas Schools District, North Clackamas Park and Recreation Department, and the Clackamas High School Athletic Director and Coaching staff.
  • We will work to maintain and improve fields and grow availability long term.

CUSC PROGRAMS

Fall/Summer/SpringCompetitiveSoccer Season

Our Program begins for U8 – U10 Developmental Players and U11 - U18classic players with tryouts during the first part of May and, if selected, will begin training shortly thereafter in preparation for the fall season. Coaches will usually hold 2-3 90-minute practices per week. Our spring program begins practicing in February and our teams play in leagues beginning in March and ending in April. Fees will include OYSA registration fees, Winter Academy fees, equipment fees and field rental. If your team travels out of town you will have additional expenses, per diem, travel etc.

Futsal and Winter Academy Program

After the fall season teams and players can choose to participate in a variety of options. Winter Academy begins in late November and continues through January. Winter Academy fees are included in the cost for U9 and above Classic and Developmental teams. There are drop in fees and registration fees for those not covered. Futsal leagues begin in mid November and continue through February. Team registration, referee fees and players cards are additional cost for Futsal and are the responsibility of each player/team. These programs are facilitated at the coach level and CUSC encourages teams to work together to find an option that is flexible and comfortable for the commitment of the players and families.

PLAYER EVALUATION & PLACEMENT

Tryouts

Evaluations will take place each year as outlined by OYSA. Players will participate in the evaluation process to determine their soccer skill level each year. The tryouts will generally consist of two different dates of 1.5 - 2 hours each. The team head coach will determine the players to be selected for their respective team that is appropriate to their present skill level. Every attempt will be made to place players on teams that best suit their level of development. Placement is to benefit player development as well as team development. A player’s skill level and soccer needs may change from year to year so a player’s position on a team is not guaranteed from one year to the next. Upon completion of tryouts, each player will be notified in a timely manner of their team placement.

Team Formation

U-11 through U-18 boys and girls teams shall be formed based on a general tryout. Teams will be formed under the rules governing OYSA and shall roster no more than 18 players. Only players legally registered with OYSA shall be allowed to participate in league play. We will attempt to field at least one boys and one girls team per age group. If the evaluation team decides that there are sufficient quality players to field a second or third team, then one will be formed.

Playing Up

A player may play in an older age group under the following conditions unless by doing so OYSA laws are violated. Players may play in an older age group if there is no classic team during the season for the birth year of the player. A player may play in an older age group if that player has tried out in the appropriate age group and was then selected by the respective team coaches and head coach to play at a different level than determined by age bracket. If a player is playing up it is recommended that they be considered by the coach as one of the top 8 players before take the place of a player of that age group that would otherwise be cut.

Player Movement

Players may be requested to move from one team to another at any given time throughout the season for a number of different reasons. A transfer will only occur with mutual agreement between the CUSC Director of coaching (DOC) and the Head coach. A player will only be moved if it is considered to be in the best interest of developing the player.

Playing Time Guidelines

  • U8 - U-11 playing time will be a minimum of 50% of the season. This average is based over the course of the season and not specific to 1 game, 2 games, a weekend tournament, or specific period of time.
  • U-12 through U-14 players will receive an average of 25% playing time. This average is based over the course of the season and not specific to 1 game, 2 games, a weekend tournament, or specific period of time.
  • U-15 through U-19 players will not be assured of playing time. Playing time will be determined by the coach relative to skill level, performance and effort.
  • In general for all ages, playing time may also be affected by effort and discipline issues.

Tournaments and Team Level of Play

Teams will play in elective summer tournaments prior to their fall season. Most tournaments are local but some teams may travel to out of state tournaments. For maximum player and team development, coaches expect every available player to participate, but they understand that because of family summertime activities this is not always possible. Fees incurred for elective tournaments are paid for by participating team members. CUSC encourages teams to participate in reciprocal tournaments. Each team works with their coach to determine which tournaments are most appropriate for them. Out of town tournaments must be approved by the CUSC DOC. For new teams tournament play and DOC recommendation determines your level of play for the Fall season. For existing teams prior season performance is also considered.

  • OYSA Levels: Premier/Division 1/Division 2

COACHES PER DIEM (applies to non-parent coaches only)

Mileage — For Coaches and Assistant Coaches only.

Out of town travel, requiring travel greater than 35 miles one way should be reimbursed at the rate of $.50 per mile. Coaches will only receive one round trip per day. CUSC will not be responsible for airfare if necessary unless approved by the DOC.

Meals/Per Diem — For Coaches and Assistant Coaches only.

Meal per diem is included in team responsible costs when the team travels a distance that requires those traveling to use a restaurant for two meals. A two-meal trip is a per diem of $20 for the day. If a complete day of travel is required, a per diem of $30 per day and each subsequent day is required.

Lodging — For Coaches and Assistant Coaches only.

Each team will be responsible for the coach’s and assistant coach’s lodging. Individual rooms for each coach are expected unless otherwise agreed to prior to travel.

LEAGUE GAMES

There will be approximately 12 league games played on Saturday and Sunday in the Portland Metro area and around the state beginning after Labor Day. Playing both days allows the regular season to end in late October.

State Cup & Director’s Cup

At the end of league play, OYSAteams only may choose to participate in the State Cup Tournament and or the Directors Cup. The Directors Cup is for NON Premier teams only. The Directors Cup is directly following the Fall season and the State Cup is played in the spring – April and May.

The Parents Role

The adult/parent role in this stage of your child’s development continues to be critical. As your child grows and develops during their younger years3rd - 8th grades, the changes can be dramatic. Players evolve physically and emotionally at this age and it is important as a parent to accept the change and in a positive manner assist your child through the process. It could be throughout this process they may move from various levels for example, they could be moved from an "a" team to the "b" team, or possibly it will be recommended they return to their recreational club. In most cases, the player cares far less what team they are on as much as they care about playing, having fun, and being successful.

The most important thing to accomplish is maintaining the self-esteem of the child and showing support for their efforts. We believe it to be critical to explore and try different sports and activities. We have seen players burn out because they have focused and put too much emphasis on just one sport. We wish for each child to enjoy and remember their youth soccer moments and accomplishment as a wonderful time in their childhood.

As your child takes the first step into competitive sports, it will be necessary for you to enter into it with an honest assessment of your child’s abilities. We encourage the coach/parent dialogue to show appreciation for player improvements from game to game and recognize the efforts being made. Being a team-oriented and positive parent will teach your child skills that will enable them to be successful beyond soccer . Our coaches are encouraged to reinforce this behavior and educate parents on the game and share ideas on how to support the players development.

Organization

CUSC is a member of the OYSA, governed by a Volunteer Board of Directors as follows:

  • President
  • VP of Player Development
  • VP of Operations
  • VP of Community Development
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Registrar
  • Fields Coordinator
  • Equipment Coordinator
  • Uniform Coordinator
  • Classic Coordinator
  • Micros/Minis Coordinator
  • Traveling Teams Coordinator
  • Referee Coordinator

**The board meets monthly, generally on Sunday Evenings from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.

PARENT AND PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

Players participating in activities offered by CUSC Classic are making a commitment to higher level of play and conduct standards. These players must exhibit the maturity and show the appropriate level of respect to other players, coaches and officials at all times.

General Guidelines:

  • Players are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that is in keeping with representing CUSC Classic.
  • When traveling with CUSC, each player is expected to dress appropriately in the “team uniform” representing CUSC Classic or as directed by the Coach and/or Manager.
  • Respect for the property of others, adherence to the rules and guidelines as specified here or by the Coach and/or Manager, and the observance of State and Federal laws (as well as policies and procedures of the OYSA are required for participation in this program. )

Discipline and Rules:

  • Substance use and/or possession thereof (drugs, alcohol, and/or tobacco by minors) is cause for immediate dismissal from the program.
  • Persistent irresponsible and disrespectful behavior is cause for dismissal from the program.
  • Destruction of property or violation of State and Federal laws and/or OYSA policies and procedures is cause for dismissal from the program.
  • Failure to comply with any and all team rules (attendance, curfew, dress code, schedules, etc.) may be cause for disciplinary action. Persistent failure will be cause for dismissal from the program for the remainder of the current season and could affect a player’s future participation.

Parent Responsibility: