2017/2018 Parent-Player Hand Book
Golden Valley High School
Boys Soccer Program
Program Contacts
Mission Statement
Principles and Values
Philosophy
Our Football Ethos
Our Standards
The Environment and Program and Training Plan
Overview
Player/Parent Agreement
The Coach
Disciplinary Action
Spirit Pack
Fundraisers
Contact Information:
Varsity Coach: Memo Castro
· E-mail –
JV Coach: Tony Hermosillo
· E-mail –
Frosh Coach: Kirk Mancia
· E-mail –
Our Mission… is to attract, develop, motivate and retain the best well-rounded student-athletes by providing the best possible experience.
Values: To develop exceptional student athletes, by means of a shared philosophy, methodology and ethos in order to contribute to achieving the highest number of student-athletes to graduate and have the opportunity to play for a college team.
Our Philosophy: “Everyone Wants to Eat, but Few Are Willing to Hunt.”
· We develop players and deliver comprehensive football education
· They play with pride, passion, perseverance and professionalism
· As leaders in our field, we have excellence throughout our staff… at every level
· We continually set the benchmark for Standards and Conduct
· All student-athletes, whether Frosh , JV or Varsity have a tailored program for development
· Players and parents have clear visibility of their targets at all team levels
· Every player is important and a potential varsity player – they feel special and valued
· A member of our family
· Players are and understand the importance of discipline
· Make sure as a staff and a team we are organized when it comes to administration duties and game play
· Football is played with the mind and our feet are our tools
· Creating a style of play that is exciting and enjoyable to watch
· We train to develop
· We train to win
· Everything that is done is done with a purpose
· Every player puts the team before themselves
· One team. One vision. One goal.
Our Football Ethos.
Our aim for each student-athlete is to be:
· Academically excellent
· Technically excellent
· Mentally strong
· Confident
· An independent thinker
· Academically and Football intelligent
· Physically ready
· Easy to coach
· Always eager to learn
· Well mannered
· A well-rounded individual
· Good citizen
Student-Athlete Centered
· Coaching and Development
· Communications
· Parents
· Administration and Teachers
· Football operations
· Facilities
· Player care
· Performance and analysis
Our People Ethos
To develop strong minded, independent, balanced individuals, who can cope with the wider demands of the Varsity level, are a credit to us as people…
And who develop a deep and longstanding affinity to our football program.
Our Standards
· 2.5 GPA or Higher
· Commitment to the program, to their teams, to their coaching staff, and to their teammates.
· Show up to practices and games early and ready to go (wearing proper equipment and shirt tucked in)
· Constant communication between players and coaches
· Performing at every training session and match to the best of your ability
· Creating a family environment
· No disciplinary issues on or off the pitch
· Responsible and Respectful
· Always setting the bar high, setting a good example, being a leader and leading by example for others to follow
· Have fun, but also showing up to learn and improve
The Right Environment to Perform in.
An engaging environment with an aspirational feel for student-athletes and parents.
4 Key Components for Each Development Stage
· Technical
· Tactical
· Physical
· Mental
The Plan…
Build the Youth.
Every player should always strive to later become a Varsity player. Every player that is selected has the potential to become a future Varsity player. As coaches it is up to us to prepare them and get them to play at the Varsity level and for our Varsity team.
The primary focus at the Freshman/Sophomore level is making sure they all develop and master their skill with the ball. Ball mastery will be the foundation of every player’s development. A player’s technical ability is key before moving on to the next stage/level. Also learning the basic principles of the game, the 4R’s:Running with the ball, Receiving, Releasing, and Retention; as well as the 4D’s:Delay, Deny, Deflect, and Defend. The youth is the future of the program.
As the players move on up the ladder and get into the JV side, we now begin to build upon their technical abilities on the ball and start to introduce the tactical, physical and mental part of their game. Tactically these players must understand and learn the attacking and defending principles of the game, learning to play within a system of play, learning roles and responsibilities within a system. The physical component we begin to build a player that is able to last and withstand the physical needs of the varsity level, so when they do get the privilege and opportunity to play at that stage they will be ready. Mentally we look to build a player who is football intelligent, a player that is confident in their abilities, a player that can always be mentally switched on and focused throughout the length of the match, a player that is always eager to learn and get better, always positive, a leader, and is always looking out for what is best for their team. The 5P’s of the game will also be introduced; Play, Position, Possession, Pressing, and Passion. This stage is vital in our player’s development, because it is preparation for the varsity level. This group of players will potentially be the next Varsity team.
The Varsity will be looked towards to set the standard, to lead by example and be good role models to the younger players. By this point these players should have it all, be technically skilled on and off the ball, understand the tactical side of the game, be physically fit to play and perform at the highest level, and mentally strong. This group will be treated as college/professional players, that way they aspire to continue their journey when they have finished with our program. This group will be held to the highest standards on and off the pitch. We continue to build upon the technical, tactical, physical, and mental part of the game, only the sessions will now become more detailed, specific and even more demanding. This group must be adaptable, games are won technically, tactically, physically, and mentally; it is up to them to recognize what kind of game they are playing and find a solution to earn the result. At this stage we have a winning mentality, we look to win every match that we play, and the goal is always to get the result it anyway possible and win the league.
Overview:
“The Reconstruction.”
We strongly stand by our beliefs of development throughout the program, but as much as we do this program needs to start earning results. With the history and reputation that this school has had, we have finally begun to turn things around the past year and we plan on continuing in that direction. Discipline will be a huge staple if this program ever wants to be successful. With that being said we also begin this year changing on how things are ran, again development is a priority to us and we will stick to our word as promised, each team will carry 25 players but we do not promise that everyone will play every game. Playing time will be determined by the coaching staff based on the players’ performances during the weekly training sessions and previous game performances. With 25 players on every team playing time is not and will not be guaranteed to anyone, it will and has to be earned by each player individually to earn their minutes and for their right to play for each and every game. The goal is consistency for every player and squad, consistently fighting for themselves, for their spot, for their team, and for the program. With the mentality along with the effort by everyone that we must continue fighting week in and week out, the level of play, focus and commitment will rise and will only make the program more successful in the long run.
GVHS Boys Soccer Program
Player’s Summary Agreement:
I understand playing soccer is a privilege, not a right. I will ensure to have the appropriate equipment for each occasion and be on time to every team event (game, practice, and player programs). I understand that 7th period is a school activity and I will be graded based on my attendance and participation, therefore I understand that I will be marked tardy if late and not dressed if I do not dress out. If I need to leave early I will bring a parent’s note with a valid reason, or if injured I will have a letter from my doctor or school nurse/physical trainer, but will be in my practice shirt to watch and help out where I can in training, if possible. I will give maximum effort and strive for my best performance during a game or practice sessions, or any training event. I will not use inappropriate language or show poor sportsmanship. I will a set positive example for others. I will strive to be humble and generous in victory and proud and courteous in defeat. I will treat opponents with due respect at all times regardless of game results. I will keep in mind the physical well-being of my opponents, avoid violence and rough play during match play, and I will help injured players where possible. I will avoid the use of abusive or profane language, taunting or humiliating remarks and/or gestures, and physical assault upon another player, official, or spectator at any time. I will accept the decision of the game official without protest and show due respect towards all game officials and team officials of the opposition. I will abide with the instructions of my coach and team officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this code. I understand that all trainings, friendlies, tournaments and games are mandatory. I will arrive for practice and games on time or notify the coach, in advance, of any reason for not being there. I will also participate in all fundraising and other planned team activities. I understand that I am a student-athlete, meaning I am a student first and my academics are my first priority. I will ensure to maintain my GPA at/or above a 2.5 all year round, and if I am unable to I understand that I will be ineligible to play any matches until otherwise. I am aware that I represent my school, team and coaching staff on and off the pitch, therefore I will ensure to conduct myself in a respectable and professional manner, always. I have read the player/parent Summary Agreement and agree to abide by these policies and understand that violating this agreement could result in suspension or expulsion from the Golden Valley High School Boys Soccer Program.
Player’s Name (Print): ______
Player’s Signature:
X______Date:______
GVHS Boys Soccer Program
Parent(s) Summary Agreement:
I/We understand that for my child playing soccer is a privilege, not a right. I/We will be a positive role model for my child, and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event, representing the Golden Valley High School Boys Soccer Program and Golden Valley High School Teams. I/We will attend as many games as possible. I/We will respect and follow the rules posted or expressed at games by field officials with regard to dogs, smoking, alcohol, food, trash, etc. I/We will respect the officials and their authority during games and will refrain from addressing them in a loud, disrespectful or abusive manner or commenting on their decisions during or after the game. I will show respect and courtesy to officials and coaches by following their instructions and directions. I/We will respect the coaches, players, spectators of the opposing team, before, during, and after the game. I/We will avoid actions, language, and/or gestures that may be interpreted as hostile and humiliating. I/We will ensure that the player has the required equipment for each occasion (game, practice, and player programs). I/We will ensure that the player arrives and is collected by the appointed times for practice sessions and games. I/We will inform the coach, as far in advance as possible if the player will not be available for a practice session or a game. I/We will inform the coach of any illness or ailment that may affect the performance or health of our child. I/We will NOT give instructions to the players during the game or at half time interval or at practices. This is the responsibility of the coach. I/We must and will respect the rights of the coach to make decisions regarding training methods, team selections, substitutions and game tactics unless they contradict the spirit of this agreement. I/We agree that my child is a student first and will stay on top of his academic studies so that he can be success not only on but off the pitch as well. I/We have read the Player/Parent Summary Agreement and agree to abide by these policies and understand that violating this agreement could result in suspension or expulsion from the Golden Valley High School Boys Soccer Program.
Parent/Guardian’s Name (Print):______
Signature of Parent/Guardian:
X______Date:______
The Coach
GVHS coaches are instructed to conduct themselves first as teachers and second as soccer coaches. Nothing positive will come of the program’s efforts if we produce fantastic players who do not know how to conduct themselves as successful human beings. In this regard, you can expect our coaches to conduct themselves as positive role models and display appropriate behavior. Our coaches recognize they are dealing in an important way with young people and cannot overlook the impact they have on a player’s life. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of the team on and off the field whenever the team is together. We insist our players are polite, well behaved and respectful. Players and parents can expect honesty, communication, consistency, and reliability from the coach. The program and coaches are committed to giving players the tools and skills to enable them to become as good as their ability, desire, commitment, and effort allow. Coaches are committed to creating an environment that is conducive to the development of quality, competitive soccer. We recognize there are things more important in life than soccer. In terms of priority, family and school work come first. However, if the coaches see you are not willing to put your soccer above other recreational activities during the season, it may affect your playing time and/or status with the team. Do not expect the coaches to praise everything the player does well. After time there are things the coach will come to expect from every player. There are times when the coaches will say very little, and times they may yell out instructions. There are times they will be critical of players, and other times they will be generous with praise. Players and parents are expected to take constructive criticism along with praise for a job well done, and be able to deal with both. The coach will attend practices and will coach at games. It is important for players and parents to understand that once players reach a certain level of skill, maturity and experience, they become more important to the team’s success than the coach. The coaches will make decisions on player selections, game lineup, player positions, amount of playing time, etc. Players must be positive in fulfilling the role they are asked to perform for the team at any moment, even if that role has them not playing at all, coming off the bench, or playing a different position. If conflicts or issues arise between a player and or parent(s) and the team, then the coach will be responsible for addressing and responding to the conflicts or issues and make decisions for the good of the team. These decisions will be made in the coach’s sole and absolute discretion. The coach’s decision will be final. The player and his/her parents must agree to abide by the decision. We hold our coaches to the highest standards and there will be times when you do not agree with the coach’s conduct. If you have tried everything to rectify the situation and are still not satisfied, you may contact the varsity coach first before going to the athletic director.