COMOX VALLEY UNITED

SOCCER CLUB

(CVUSC)

 

YOUTH DIVISION

 

To promote the enjoyment of, and participation in, the sport of soccer.

 

POLICIES & PROCEDURES

MANUAL

 

MAY 9, 2005

 

 

 

Amended November 08, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policies & Procedures: Youth Division, CVUSC

 

 

Index

 

1.1       Introduction

1.2       Mission Statement

1.3       Beliefs

 

2.1       Youth Executive

2.2       Communication

           

3.1       Registration

3.2       Registration Fees

3.3       Refund Policy

 

4.1       House

4.2       House Teams

4.3       House Players

4.4       House Coaching Guidelines

a)    Mercy Rule

4.5       In Summary

 

5.1       Select

5.2       Tryout format

5.3       Notification to Select Player Candidates

5.4       Playing Up

5.5       Reserve Players

5.6       Playing Time

5.7       In Summary

 

6.1       Tournaments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policies & Procedures: Youth Division, CVUSC

 

 

1.1 INTRODUCTION

 

            In 2000, under the directorship of Rob Moore, the process of establishing Policies and procedures for Comox Valley Youth Soccer was started.  Ten dedicated volunteers met at ‘Strategic Planning Sessions” for over 450 volunteer hours to create a mission statement, beliefs and the beginning of fair rules to run a youth soccer program.

            This process was completed in 2005 by a small group of youth volunteers.

        our players needs come first

·        there are many different levels of skill and motivation, each should be supported

·        attitude development is as important as skill and knowledge development

·        all practice and game experiences should be challenging, positive and enjoyable

·        in a commitment to high standards of ethics

·        in the principles of fair play

·        in striving for excellence

·        the heart of Youth Division is in our House League

·        in developing and supporting our coaches

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policies & Procedures: Youth Division, CVUSC

 

 

2.1 YOUTH EXECUTIVE

 

The Youth Executive will consist of the Vice-President of Youth, the Secretary, the Division Manager Liaison, Division Managers, the Upper Island Rep and the Volunteer Co-coordinator.

 

All youth issues will be dealt with by the Youth Executive and voted upon.  If further clarification is needed then the issue(s) will be presented to the Club Executive in writing.

 

Attendance at Youth Executive meetings will consist of the Youth Executive, CVUSC’s President, Registrar, Equipment Manager, Head Referee, Head Coach, Scheduler and Administrator.

 

Regular Youth Executive meetings will be held on the 1st Monday of each month, except for January, July and August, or as needed to accommodate Youth business.

 

Prior to each Season’s start, Division Managers will meet with the Division Manager Liaison and Administrator to deal specifically with Season start up.

 

2.2 COMMUNICATION

 

Issues for the Youth Executive to consider, need to be presented in writing (letter or email) to either the VP of House or the VP of Select, depending on the issue, a minimum of 3 days prior to a Youth Executive meeting.

 

IF the issue warrants a change to the YP & P Manual, then the proposed change needs to be posted on the website within 72 hours providing membership and opportunity for awareness and input.

 

The proposed change will then be placed on the agenda of the next Youth Executive meeting for discussion.  If adopted, it will be in adhoc form, to be ratified at the AGM.

 

All member issues and proposed changes to the YP & P will be given the floor in the first ½ hour of each Youth meeting.  Members are welcome to attend the Youth Executive meeting during this first period for discussion.

 

The VP of Youth will present a written report of the CVUSC’s Executive meeting, to be filed with the minutes.

 

The Upper Island Rep. Will present a written report of Upper Island meetings, to be filed with the minutes.

 

The treasurer will provide a written treasurer’s report that will be filed with the minutes.

 

The registrar will present a written registrar’s report that will be filed with the minutes.

 

 

 

Policies & Procedures: Youth Division, CVUSC

 

Minutes will be posted on the website one week after the Youth Executive meeting.

 

Newsletters will be distributed at the beginning of each Season and at least 2 weeks before the last day of play for each season.

 

If there are coaching concerns:

                                 STEP 1 complainant to talk to coach - if not resolved&ldots;

                                 STEP 2 call division manager - if not resolved&ldots;

                                 STEP 3 call division manager Liaison - if not resolved&ldots;

                                 STEP 4             call Head Coach or VP of Youth or the Administrator

                                                (depending on issues) - if not resolved&ldots;

            STEP 5          presented in writing for open discussion at the next Youth

                                    Executive meeting.

 

 

3.1 REGISTRATION

 

1) There will be a minimum of 4 registration days before each season.  The

    registration dates for the following season will be confirmed before the end of the

    current season.

2) Firm registration and cut off dates will be announced for each season,

3) A minimum of 3 trained volunteers will be needed at each registration session.

4) Any changes to the Registration Form must be approved by the Youth Executive.

5) Micros & all new players are required to bring a photocopy of their Birth Certificate

    to their registration.

6) Registration forms must be signed by a parent or guardian.

7) Players will play in the same age group for the Fall and Spring Seasons

    regardless if the players have had a birthday.

8) Potential Select Players must register with 3 cheques at their first tryout for:   

    a) the Regular fall season, b) the Select season, c) uniform deposit.

9) Players will not be considered registered until all required payments and

    documents have been received.

10) After the final registration date, all late registering players will be placed on a

      waiting list.  Only Division Managers will put these players on appropriate teams.

11) At each wrap-up there will be an opportunity to register for the next season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policies & Procedures: Youth Division, CVUSC

 

 

3.2 REGISTRATION FEES

 

1)     Fees are to be set by the Club Executive at an AGM.

2)     Payment shall be made in cash or cheque only.  Post-dated cheques can be accepted to the last day of registration.

3)  A post-dated cheque for $50 is required as a uniform deposit for all players from U9 and up, to complete registration.

4) Potential Select team players will pay the additional select team fee by cheque at their initial tryout.

5) All players registering after the final date will be subject to a $25 administration fee.

6) ‘Financially disadvantaged’ players shall be charged less & parents may be asked to work concession or Bingo.

7) Families registering 4 or more players will pay for the 3 oldest players.

8) Exchange students not participating the entire season, will have their fees pro-rated accordingly.

9) Refugees who have been re-located in our community, will be able to register free of charge for their initial season.

10) Fees include, T shirt (for U6 – U8), team photo, B.C. Soccer membership, player insurance and wind up treats (for house players).

 

 

3.3 REFUND POLICY

 

All requests for refunds must be received in writing (letter or email) by the 3rd week of play at the Club office:  Box 3563, Courtenay, BC, V9N 6Z8; cvsoccer@shawbiz.ca

The reason for the request must be stated and refunds will be issued at the discretion of the Youth Executive.   A $15 administration fee will be deducted from any refunds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policies & Procedures: Youth Division, CVUSC

 

 

4.1 HOUSE

 

1)  House will consist of two separate seasons.   Fall Season running from

     September to December and Spring Season running from April to June

2)  Games will be played on Saturdays.

3)     All teams will hold one practice/week at the discretion of the volunteer coach.

4)     There will be no play on long weekends.

5)     Players will be organized by age and gender, into their appropriate Divisions.

6)     All players are to play in the division for the year of their birth

7)     Players are not allowed to move up to an older age group.

8)     Girls have the option to play in the boys division upon request at registrations.

7)  Depending on numbers, there could be interlocking play with Campbell

     River for U11 and up, in the Fall Season only.

8) Youth referees will be provided for U9 and up.

9)  Parents/guardians need to pick players up following soccer practices and

     games.  After a 10 minute waiting period and no notification i.e.: cell phone

     call; players will be considered ‘abandoned’ and the Club will be notified.

     Continual re-occurrence may result in loss of member privileges and/or

     contact from the Youth Executive to the appropriate authorities.              

 

4.2 HOUSE TEAMS

 

OBJECTIVE: to ensure balanced teams of equal strength, promoting close, competitive games, thus providing a fun and enjoyable experience for all players of all ages.

 

All players are to have an equal opportunity to be coached by different coaches.

Therefore players will not be kept on the same team as the previous Season.

 

The entire Comox Valley will be considered as one area for the purpose of team

formation.

 

There are no guarantees that requests for team placements will be honored.

(Denman and Hornby players are an exception due to ferry schedules).

 

Division Managers will form teams based on rankings/assessments provided from the previous Season’s Coaches

 

Players may be moved at the discretion of the Division Managers, ideally within the first two weeks of the Season.  This is to provide for balance teams as parity is of utmost importance.                                                                                                                                      

 

Policies & Procedures: Youth Division, CVUSC

 

Guidelines for House Team sizes (depending on numbers and available fields):

                    U6                      Micros                               3/side

                    U7, U8                Fab Fours                         4/side

                    U9, U10              Super Sixes                      6/side

                    U11, U12            Super Eights                     8/side                                                                            

                    U13 & up                                                    11/side

When 2 age groups are combined, they will play up to the older age groups’ guidelines

 

 

4.3 HOUSE PLAYERS

 

All players will:

1)     be placed on a team according to age and gender by the Division Managers.

2)     have different coaches each Season.

3)     have equal playing time on house league teams.

4)     be given the opportunity to play a variety of positions.

5)     be guaranteed placement on a team if they register before the deadline.

6)     be put on a wait list, if they register after the deadline, and placed on teams, numbers allowing, on a first come, first serve basis

7)     be given the opportunity (if age appropriate) to sign up for ‘Keeners’ and the                  ‘Jr. Academy’.

8)     be given information for player camps and workshops.

9)     participate in a wrap up festivity at the end of each Season.

10) have a team photo each Season.

 

4.4 HOUSE COACHING GUIDELINES:

 

1)     Coaches will strive to educate players on the merits and needs of each

      position.

2)     Coaches are encouraged to participate in at least one coaching workshop per sessions.

3)     Coaches can be on the field during a game from U11 and down for the  

      purposes of player development.

4)     Coaches need to delegate parents for phoning, scheduling of oranges and

      putting up and taking down of nets.

5)     Coaches will play with the ‘Mercy rule’ – 3 goal difference. (see below)

6)     All players need to be encouraged to be a team player. Coaches need to help  

      develop team play with passing and 2 or more touches to the ball.

7)     Coaches will rate all house players after each Season, using the form

      provided and returned to their Division Manager.

8)     Coaches will support all team adjustments if there is an obvious imbalance in

      overall ability of the teams in their division.                                                                

 

Policies & Procedures: Youth Division, CVUSC

 

 

4.4a) Mercy Rule:

 

3 goal difference – make changes in a low key manner –

TRY:

1)  number changes –losing team adds a player   and or

2)  play keep away   and or

3)  3 touch game   and or

4)  use an unproven goalie   and or

5)  more strong players back   and or

6)  make position changes   and or

7)  any creative way to have the game’s outcome close.

 

 

4.5 IN SUMMARY

1)  These policies are considered quidelines.  Division Managers will use discretion for the good of the athlete, team and club.

2)  Parents can use the proper communication channels to have a voice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policies & Procedures: Youth Division, CVUSC

 

 

5.1 SELECT

 

1)       Select teams are competitive teams representing the CVUSC as per Upper Island Guidelines

2)       Select will consist of one Upper Island Season running from September to March.

3)       Provincial play off schedules and finals can run into July.

4)       Most games will be played on Sundays.

5)       All players are expected to commit to 2 practices/week.

6)       Players will be organized by age and gender onto their appropriate teams.

7)       Girls can tryout and play for boys teams. ((BCSA rule 4d) affiliations).

8)       Each player may be requested to submit a recent photo for a photo identification card required for all Cup Play.

9)       Parents/guardians need to pick players up following soccer practices and games.  After a 10 minute waiting period and no notification i.e. Cell phone call, players will be considered “abandoned’ and the Club will be notified.  Continual re-occurrence may result in loss of member privileges and/or contact from the Youth Executive to the appropriate authorities.

 

5.2 TRYOUT FORMAT      

 

  • MID MARCH – Invitation to Coaches to submit their letter of intent (form with 4-5 criteria).  Coaches will be informed by a) ads in the newspaper  b)announcements at the Upper Island and House Coaches meetings  c) posted on the website.
  • April 30 – coaches selection process will be completed by 3 individuals, recommended by the Head Coach to sit on the selection committee (determined by mid March) – selection as a coach does not guarantee your child a spot on the team.
  • 1st week in May- Players/parents will be advised about tryout dates, registration and packages (expectations of selected players, coaches and commitment information for parents).
  • 1st tryout session will include a registration table.  Players will need 3 cheques, 1 each for: a) registration fee for the Fall season b) additional Select fee c) uniform deposit
  • Mid May – Select Coaches & Head Coach will meet to establish/review guidelines & procedures for running a tryout & selection process (min. of 3 tryouts unless numbers are small).
  • 1st week of June 0 tryouts to start and be completed by June 30th.  13 players will be confirmed with 5 reserves (a max. of 18 can be registered with BCSA).
  • August 31st – Final rosters will be confirmed.  A minimum of 15 players will be selected with potentially 2 players in reserves.

Policies & Procedures: Youth Division, CVUSC

 

 

5.3     NOTIFICATION TO SELECT PLAYER CANDIDATES

 

Each candidate will be notified at the coaches discretion by letter of by phone.

 

Select Coaches will have final say as to who is confirmed on their roster with the Youth Executive & Head Coach supporting their decision.

 

Only players new to the Valley through the summer of those with medical reasons may be ‘looked at’ for a position on the team in the fall.

 

5.4     PLAYING UP

 

1)       Younger players must be assessed in the top 3 to be considered for a spot on an older team.  Players wishing to play up must request an assessment in writing (letter or email) addressed to the Head Coach.  Players still need to try out for their own age and gender group as well.

2)       When an age group is short of players, younger aged players not being chosen for their own aged Select team will be invited to play up

 

5.5