Upper Freehold-Allentown Soccer Association
Travel Policy
Travel Mission: Upper Freehold-Allentown Youth Soccer Association (UFASA) is a non-profit organization that exists in order to provide eligible children with the opportunity to play soccer. The league has maintained the following philosophy that applies to both recreational and travel league play: Our overall aim is to develop skills through coaching and competition, while instilling values of good sportsmanship and cooperation with teammates. Our hope is to give all participating children, whether in recreational play or travel, the enjoyment of competitive team sports, as well as a lifelong appreciation of soccer.
The mission of the Travel Program extends from this overall league philosophy. It is to provide opportunity for further development of skilled players and their participation on competitive teams through coaching and more competitive play, while continuing to instill good sportsmanship and cooperation with teammates.
Purpose of this Travel Policy: The purpose of this Travel Policy is to ensure that all participants, including players, parents, and coaches alike will have a common understanding and expectation of Travel play as it will be conducted in the UFASA. Our hope is that by conducting Travel play in accordance with this Policy; the experience will be fulfilling and enjoyable for all involved.
Role of the Board of Directors: The Board of Directors sets Travel Policy and will modify Travel Policy if changes are determined by the Board of Directors to be in the interest of the UFASA.
Appointment of the Travel Committee: The Board of Directors will appoint a Travel Committee, which will abide by this policy.
Role of the Travel Committee: The Travel Committee will be responsible for the organization of the Travel Program, subject to this Travel Policy as enacted by the Board of Directors, including, but not limited to; program scheduling, coach recruitment and orientation, organization of tryouts, financial responsibilities, and fundraising. This committee will also be responsible for ensuring that coaches, players, and parents are fully aware of Travel Policy.
Role of the coach: A Travel team coach will be responsible for conducting team tryouts, team member selection, team training, coordinating communications with players, coaching during games, and player discipline in accordance with this Travel Policy. Tryout and selection to a team is good for one calendar year. A coach will conduct tryouts and evaluate players with the assistance of at least one other UFASA coach. The Travel team coach decides playing time. No playing time is guaranteed, although coaches should make every effort to get every player into the game. A coach may discipline a player by not allowing the player to play in a game. In this event, the player’s parent will be notified prior to the day of the game. A player may not be dropped from a team without just cause and prior warning. Just cause for dropping a player could include problems with player discipline or the player’s repeated absence from games and/or practices. With the approval of the Travel Committee, a coach may drop a player from the team if the child is a persistent discipline problem or is absent (without a valid excuse, such as illness, family vacation, etc.) from 2 or more practices and/or games. Coaches will treat players, other coaches, parents, and referees with respect. Coaches will sign an agreement preseason acknowledging Travel Policy.
Role of the player: By participating the Travel Program, players are making a commitment to learn and play competitive soccer. A player is expected to respect the coach’s authority. A player is expected to treat other players, coaches, parents, and referees with respect and to understand Travel Policy.
Role of parents: A parent of a player is expected to treat players, coaches, other parents, and referees with respect. Parents will sign an agreement preseason acknowledging Travel Policy.
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Player eligibility: Participation in the Travel Program is open to any boy or girl who meets the applicable age requirements at the time of registration (pending team openings). The minimum age is 8 years. The number and age bracket of teams fielded will depend on the number of interested players and coach availability.
Team Tryouts: Travel team members initially will be selected on the basis of advertised tryouts open to all eligible players. Openings on previously selected teams will be filled on the basis of subsequent tryouts open to all eligible players. Tryouts will be held once per year; additional tryouts will be held as needed when openings arise.
Complaints: Complaints regarding a coach shall be made in writing and given to the UFASA President. Upon receipt, the president will convene a committee of at least three Board members to investigate the facts of the complaint and to determine what action it recommends. The committee may at its discretion call a special Board meeting. In all cases, the Board will provide a written response to the complainant.
In the event that questions or issues arise that are not covered by specifics of this policy, the Board of Directors will accept responsibility for interpreting Travel Policy and making decisions in accordance with the Mission and best interests of the UFASA.
I have read the above Travel Policy Document and agree to abide by the rules set out therein;
Signed………………………………………. ………… Date…………………….
Signed………………………………………. ………… Date…………………….
PlayerParentCoach
(Circle one.)