Eagles Soccer Club
Participation Contract for the Central Coast
2016/2017Season
REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT THIS COMPLETED FORM.
Congratulations and welcome to the Eagles! We are very excited and looking forward to the upcoming season. This document is used for reviewing issues that are important to the club, the players and their parents and we request your agreement.
We take this opportunity to explain the philosophies and goals behind our soccer club. It is our belief that to be a successful club, we must have a very clear understanding of what we are trying to accomplish. The club is not a collection of teams with each operating independently. We are an elite club that is run like a business. This means the club management is in control and makes decisions on behalf of the club and its teams. Because we wish to speak with one voice all communications with organizations such as CYSA-S, ECNL, US Soccer or Coast Soccer League is reserved to club management. Your cooperation is appreciated. Through our understanding and cooperation we will lay the foundation for a positive learning experience, and ultimately success. While this agreement does not cover everything it does provide a foundation for what we are about. Other rules and regulations can be obtained from club management.
Philosophy
The primary goal of Eagles soccer is to develop quality individual players who will be able to perform well as a team. The lessons learned are intended to be applicable both on and off the field. We are firm believers in our style of play. It is very important that the team play attractive, intelligent soccer both in attack and defense. To successfully play this style of soccer we will focus on four areas in training: 1) Technical Abilities 2) Tactical understanding of the game 3) Physical capabilities 4) Mental toughness. Each of these areas must be worked on continually to stay sharp and on the cutting edge of the game. It is important to note that the players must first master their technical ability with the ball (ball skills) in order for them to really benefit from tactical training sessions. Thus, time spent with the ball away from the field is just as, if not more important, as practice time with the team.
All players must be students of the game. It is the coach’s goal to develop the minds of the players as well as the player's technique and skill by sharing his/her own personal experiences and knowledge thereby bringing the players to a higher level. However, while the coach is an important part of the process it is the combined effort of the players and the coach and the proper support of the manager and parent/s that determines the level of success achieved.
It is important for all of our members to understand that we are a club that focuses on player development and that winning is a by-product of that development. We are less concerned with results at the younger ages as long as our coaches are teaching within our philosophy. As our players progress into the high school ages winning becomes more important because it is the culmination of one’s proper development. We expect our most elite teams to play to win but we will NOT do it at all costs. In general, we will not abandon our style of soccer to affect an outcome of a game. However, we will make and should make tactical adjustments based on the conditions of the game. This is an important concept for our members to understand. It is the responsibility of the Technical Director of the club to provide oversight of the proper development of our players and coaches. The Technical Director is supported by the age group directors on the boy’s and girl’s side of the program.
Players
All Eagles players should constantly prove their commitment to achieving excellence. This means you give all you can at practices and games. The more you put into practice, the more you will develop as individual players and collectively as a team. Remember, it is not now badly you want something. It is what you're willing to do to get that something that matters.
Once you commit to joining the EAGLES, you agree to abide by all the policies and rules of the club. This commitment is for an entire season. At the end of each playing season, everyone must try-out again. This process begins soon after State Cup for your age group. If a player is cut during the tryout process any payments made by the parent will be fully refunded within 30 days. Once a player has been named and rostered to a team the Eagles have a NO REFUND policy. Credits for the following year will only be considered for injury for an extended absence from the team and must always accompany a doctor’s note requesting removal from participation. A senior who gets injured may receive a refund with a doctor’s note. We expect players and parents to honor their commitments and, therefore, you should make your decision to join the club thoughtfully and carefully. Once your commitment is made, we expect your full support and participation for the entire soccer season (through State/National/ECNL competition). Once you have committed to us, we will also commit to you. No player will be cut during the season unless it is for disciplinary reasons (not abiding by the rules and policies by the player or parent(s)) or you train or play with another club without the knowledge of the Eagles SC. There is no guarantee of playing time for players in the Eagles organization. Coaches in the younger age groups are instructed to provide sufficient enough playing time for development. This is measured at the end of league play and at the end of State Cup. Players are allowed to arrange for a tryout with another Eagles team only at the approval of the age group director or the Technical Director.
Players are expected to care for themselves on and off the field. Players are responsible for their appearance, performance and conduct. We expect players to respect themselves, others and the sport of soccer. It is important that you maintain a healthful lifestyle away from the soccer field and that you take special care to prepare yourself for competition. The use of drugs and alcohol are strictly forbidden by the club.
Players are expected to arrive at games and practices on time and properly equipped with clean club attire and practice essentials. When you arrive at the field for games or for practice, it is necessary that he/she be focused on soccer. If you are ever going to be delayed for whatever reason an effort should be made to contact the coach. Players old enough to drive and parents: Please do not text while driving!!
In order for one to play his/her best game, one’s mind must be totally attentive to the task at hand. For this reason, there will be no mingling with friends, family, or pets before a game, during halftime, or until the post-game discussion is concluded. Have your own water so that your parent does not have to bring it to you. Your cell phone should be turned off. If your parent needs to contact you during practice or a game in an emergency situation he/she can call the manager of the team to relay a message. When your responsibilities to the team are over, you are free to carry on with your normal activities.
Parents
Parental support and involvement in the team is essential. Your child has chosen to commit to the Eagles and your commitment is also necessary. If your child is to make a quality commitment to this club, you must see to it that he/she attends and participates in team functions. There will be times when conflicts will be unavoidable, but through organization, planning, and understanding these conflicts can be minimized. Parents are asked to maintain an attitude that is consistent with a healthy team environment. Players will be taught and expected to ignore adverse conditions such as foul language, dirty play, bad officiating, cheating, poor weather, negative behavior by opponents or opposing parents. We expect parents to take the same mature approach. Disciplinary action can and will be taken against parents who cannot control their behavior on the sideline or around the team.
There can be no sideline coaching from the parents at games or at practices no matter how good your intentions. We insist that there be no shouting of instructions, hand signals, whistling or any other method of communication to players during a game. Yelling at the referees during a game is strictly prohibited. All parents should sit during a game at some point along the touchline that is at least 10 yards away from the center line. Those who must stand should stand near either corner flag. Please do not follow your child by running up and down the sideline during a game so that you can give advice. Your vocal support and positive encouragement after a good play are more than welcomed. “Go”, “Shoot”, and “Push Up” are interpreted as instructions and are thus unacceptable. Loud yelling or screaming is not allowed. The reason we ask this is that we are concerned with the long-term development of players. It is crucial that the only voice a player hears in training or in games is the voice of their teammate and their coach.
In order to maintain a positive environment for the players the club has certain protocols that must be followed in the event of a grievance with a coach, another parent, player or the club management. All such discussions should be held with your coach first but NEVER in and around the training and match environment. A separate meeting away from the soccer field is the appropriate method to communicate with the coach. If no relief is available then speak with the respective director. If that is not successful then you may contact the Executive Director of the club. Under no circumstances should a parent campaign for support from others by sending a team email airing their complaints. No team meetings may be called without club management's presence and permission other than for such things as planning the years schedule, travel plans and so forth.
Parental support includes the financial commitment to the club. The Eagles Soccer Club maintains aNo Refund Policy. Parents may request a credit for the following year or refund based on hardship (such as an extended injury for seniors only) or special circumstances (such as moving due to work). The Executive Director or President will review the request and make a decision. That decision is final. Registration fees and incidental expenses, such as tournament entry fees, warm-ups, bags, and other agreed upon items are the responsibility of the parent. Failure to pay any fees incurred may lead to the player being placed in economic bad standing, which prohibits the player from playing with the Eagles and or any other CYSA-S team until the financial issue has been resolved. All registration fees are due no later than November 1 unless agreed to by the club. Uniforms are to be purchased separately by the parents.
Financial aid is not offered in the Central Coast due to reduced registration fees. Individual teams may and are encouraged to fundraise for financial aid for needy families or to reduce or offset other costs not covered by the club.
The Eagles have a number of fundraisers each year. However, due to the distance Central Coast families have to travel the Eagles only require that all families in the Central Coast work their 12 volunteer hours off at the Summer, Winter and Spring Classic Tournaments. Additionally, there will be one major fundraiser in the Central Coast that all families are required to participate in. The Central Coast Director and the managers will inform you the details of this fundraiser.
Coaches
The Coach is primarily responsible for the team and oversees all technical matters. The manager supports the coach in the administration of the team and should always consult the coach if it impacts the technical side of the game.
Players can expect honesty, reliability, and proper communication from the coach. Every coach is required to provide the player a written evaluation at a minimum of once a year. The coach is required to meet personally with the player to go over the evaluation
No coach is allowed to recruit a player from another Eagles team. The Technical Director has the right to move a player from one team to another if they feel it is in the best interest of the club and the player’s development. Coaches do NOT recruit or select players for their individual teams but for the Eagles Soccer Club. This is a very important concept for everyone to understand and management will be very strict in its enforcement.
There are no guarantees regarding playing time. Decisions will be made based on what is best for the club, team and individual development. Players shall be given the tools and the understanding of the game that will enable them to become as good as their abilities, desires, and efforts will allow. All coaches should cooperate with each other in regard to practice areas, game conflicts and other situations that come up in order to keep the club running as smoothly as possible. If a situation comes up that cannot be handled the coach should contact the club management immediately.
Coaches should take the safety of the players as their first priority. All injuries incurred during practice or competition must be reported to the club management. All issues of serious injury should be vetted with your doctor and the club management before allowing the player to continue to play or practice. No advice on how to treat serious injury will be given to players or their parents other than for the parent to seek competent medical attention.
A club coach will be present at all training sessions and games dressed in the proper attire. Coaches are not allowed to alter Eagle attire or allow the team members to do so or introduce new attire without the permission of the club. Use of the Eagles logo on any attire or equipment other than standard issue Eagles attire or equipment is strictly prohibited without club permission.
Thank you for your attention to the above. We look forward to an enjoyable season.
Signing below signifies that you have read and agree to the terms of this:
Participation Contract
2016/2017 Season
Agreed to:
Player: ______Team ______
Parent: ______Date: ______