INTRODUCTION 

Courage '89 Red (formerly known as PWSI Fire) is a Premier Select Boys Travel Soccer Team, affiliated with Prince William Soccer, Incorporated (PWSI), and the National Capital Soccer League (NCSL).  The team is committed to the development of player's technical skills and team building through sportsmanship and tactical instruction.  Team members and their families are expected to be familiar with and abide by the policies of the aforementioned organizations.  This information is available upon request from the manager or coach. 

          Travel soccer is much more than a competitive sport.  As the player’s work and play together, they become much like a second family.  The social relationships that develop are equally important as playing the game itself.  From time to time the team will sponsor team social events, such as team swims, parties, picnics, and the like.  Parents are encouraged to develop these "team bonds" and there will be occasional "parent parties".  We encourage everyone to take part not only in the training and games but also the social events. 

         It takes a MAJOR commitment not only from the coach and players, but from the parents as well.  Travel soccer requires a lot of your time in getting your son to training, scrimmages, games, clinics, tournaments, and other events in which the team may participate. 

During seasonal play the team travels to NCSL games in Prince William County to locations as far away as Baltimore, MD. The team will also participate in pre and post season tournaments.  Normally we will play in two to three tournaments a season.  This team will also participate in a number of scrimmages, which are designed to help the coaching staff evaluate players, and for the players to sharpen their skills in a game like situation.  During the winter months the team will either participate in an indoor program, or we will have indoor training sessions. 

There is a financial commitment for travel soccer.  Unlike recreational soccer, each travel team is responsible for their own finances.  We must purchase uniforms, equipment, pay for tournament fees, league fees, pay coaching staff, and pay for insurance.  It is not unusual for a team's annual expenses to exceed $10,000.00.  Courage '89 Red has elected to have monthly dues that run for a twelve month period.  The current monthly dues will be decided upon at the beginning of each season and for what period of time.  Team dues are payable to the team Treasurer no later than the 10th of each month.  Checks should be made payable to "PWSI Fire".  When a player leaves the team, prepaid dues will be refunded on a prorated basis from the day of separation from Courage. 

Players account balance will be distributed monthly to the individual player or their family monthly as needed.  Special fees may be assessed at any time that a need arises and a majority agrees to that assessment (i.e. tournament fees, uniforms, camps).  The Team Treasurer and Manager are authorized access to team funds.  If the team were to dissolve, all team funds would be divided equally and distributed to current team members who are in good financial standing with the team.

Each player, and the player's parents, is expected to be active participants in all team functions.  This includes such activities as helping with field set up and take down, assisting with party arrangements, and naturally includes paying your dues on time. 

TEAM POLICIES

1.      All matters with respect to administrative and/or financial policies and procedures are subject to the approval, by simple majority vote, of the current team member's parents that are in good standing.  Each family will have one vote.  A curium of  6-7 families will be required to conduct either a team meeting or a vote to amend polices and procedures. 

2. Parents may call a special team meeting, on 72 hours notice, when a simple majority (8 families) of the parents agree on the need for such a meeting.  Team meetings will not be held without the knowledge of the Team Manager and the Head Coach.

3. All matters pertaining to player development, playing time, positioning of players, player discipline, player release, or player selection will be dealt with by the Head Coach.  Parents having a concern in one of these areas will contact the Head Coach directly.  These matters should not be done at practice, game time, or at tournaments but instead on a one on one basis with the coach by appointment.

4. Attendance at training is mandatory.  There will be at least two (2) to three (3) training sessions per week.  Absence from training is either excused or unexcused.  Illness, injury, family emergencies, family vacations, and scheduled school or religious activities are all considered excused.  When planning family vacations you are asked to please consider the team schedule.  Unexcused absence includes, lack of transportation, forgetfulness, having other things to do, or homework.  Homework is included because the boys are old enough to effectively manage their time.  Lack of transportation should never be a problem with the number of parents who regularly attend training sessions.  Failure to contact the Head Coach to notify him that you cannot attend a training session may be automatically considered an unexcused absence.

§         It is the players/parents responsibility to check the teams “Hotline”.  Players/parents are encouraged to check the Hotline prior to all practices/matches/events.

5. Be on time to training sessions. Please arrive at training session so your son can be on the field 15 minutes prior to the start of training session, ready to play.
6. Every player must bring his own fully inflated ball to practice.
7. Be to all games at least 45 minutes before the scheduled game time.
8. Upon arrival to field for game/practice players are responsible for their “kit” (Jerseys tucked into shorts, shin guards covered by socks with no tape or accessories covering, and appropriate footwear).
9. Playing time will be at the discretion of the coaching staff, and will be a result of the consideration of the factors listed below.  There is no guarantee on the amount of playing time any player will receive in a game or a scrimmage. (Some examples listed below):

·        Attendance and participation at training sessions, scrimmages, games, and other team events.  Excused absences do not directly affect playing time, however, the players weekly performance in practices is a key determinant in the coaches determination of playing time as the team’s starting lineup is determined on a match-to-match basis.  The starting lineup is dictated by the coaches’ subjective judgment of the best TEAM of 11 players at the time of the match.

·        Attitude, intensity, and commitment to learning.

·        Skill development level and level of fitness.

10.  Play time may be reduced for the following reasons:

·        Two or more unexcused absences from scheduled training, during any one season.

·        Habitual tardiness to training sessions. 

·        Failure to arrive at a game site at least 30 minutes before scheduled start time. 

·         Lack of commitment to training. 

·         Poor physical conditioning. 

·        Parental interference with coaching staff and/or parental coaching from the sideline.

·         Injury or illness.

NOTE:  Matches/Games are the player’s “test”.  It is the opportunity for the coach to see if the player can apply the “lessons” taught in practice!  Although the coach may provide “hints/suggestions” during matches, the players are expected to “figure out the answers/find solutions on their own”.

11.   Players may be suspended for a minimum of one game for the following reasons:

·        Issuance of a yellow card for dissent, violent behavior, or unsportsmanlike like conduct.   The issuance of multiple yellow cards during any given season (including tournaments) may result in further action/suspension at the coaches’ discretion.

·        The issuance of a red card is deemed a very serious infraction, which automatically results in a one game suspension. Further action will be taken at the coaches’ discretion.

·         Fighting with an opponent or a teammate, or repetitive arguing with other team members. 

·         Use of profanity.

·        Parent request due to misconduct at home or poor grades in school.

12.  It is the parent and children’s responsibility to report any injuries or conditions, which affect the health of the child.  Allergies and Asthma must be discussed!

13.  Players will be expected to play positions that the coaches ask them to play.  There is no guaranteed position for any player on this team.  If a player decides that he does not want to play a particular position, then the player needs to talk to the coach.  The player should understand that this decision would have an adverse effect on the player’s playing time.

14.  We expect positive comments from everyone and encourage positive reinforcement. Negativity, of any kind, will not be tolerated and will result in the appropriate action being taken by the coach.  An individuals playing time could adversely be affected if the behavior by either player or parent(s) persists.

15.  Absolutely No sideline coaching will be tolerated.

16.   All players are expected to attend tournaments. Plans for tournaments will be announced as far in advance as possible.

17.  Every effort will be made to involve the parents as much as possible in all decisions affecting the team.  However, the Head Coach will make the final decision on all team related issues.

18.  It is not fair to expect other parents to assume your responsibilities to the team.  We all have limited free time.  If you have volunteered to perform a function or task for the team, or if you are assigned one, please complete that assignment.

19.  If you are concerned or displeased with something, please do not question any of the coaches about concerns immediately before or after a game.  You are asked to wait 24 hours to see if time reduces the intensity of the problem.  If you are still upset or unhappy, contact the Head Coach, not your neighbor on the sideline.

20.  Players who are more than 30 days delinquent in paying team dues may be suspended from the team until dues are brought current.  Anyone having difficulty paying the monthly dues is encouraged to discuss the situation with the Team Manager.  The coaching staff will not discuss financial matters with individual players or families.

21.  Uniform Policy: It is the player’s responsibility to maintain all uniform items in good condition.  Uniforms include 2 jerseys, 2 shorts, 2 pairs of socks (1-Red/1-White), warm-up, and a team bag. The purchase of team warm-up/training suits may be optional.  Team standard, team specified uniform will be purchased by the Team Uniform Rep and paid for by the player’s family.

§   Players are expected to bring ALL game shirts to every match!

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HEAD COACH 

  COURAGE '89 RED COACHING STAFF  

Brian Hinkey was recently selected over numerous candidates as the teams new coach. He has been involved in and played on every level of soccer from youth travel to professional.  

Coach Hinkey was a member of the Ohio state and regional ODP (Region II) teams. A member of the US National Team Pool (u-18). He was a Western Reserve Academy High School (All-American). Coach Hinkey was named Vanderbilt University, Sunbelt Freshman of the year and ranked third in the nation in assists. Coach Hinkey transferred to William & Mary were he was named Captain. During the three years at William & Mary he was a All-South Region Team selection. 

Coach Hinkey's professional career began with Cleveland Crunch (Professional Indoor League) where he was named "Rookie of the year". He was also a member of both the Nashville Metros (A-League) and the Kansas City Comets (Major Indoor Soccer League).

Coach Hinkey's Training/Coaching experience:

   Coach Hinkey has been one of PWSI’s featured clinicians since the Fall 2003. 

Team Vision and Goals

·        Have FUN learning and playing attractive, competitive soccer.

·        Elevate player’s individual skills, team skills and competitiveness.

·        Exhibit and encourage good character and sportsmanship, respect for others, teamwork, hard work, ethics and commitment.

·        Teach discipline and responsibility.

·        Develop “students of the game” that share a passion for the “beautiful game”!

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

The team relies on parent volunteers to help in the variety of activities that support the team.  You will be asked to volunteer for one or more of the following tasks, or you will be assigned a task(s) by the Team Manager:

·    Field setup/takedown:  To assist in setting up the field for a game or a Scrimmage (i.e. setting up nets, & lining field).

·    Sponsorship Person/Committee:  To plan and coordinate all activities with respect to Identifying and contacting potential team sponsors.

·    Game Statistican:  To maintain the Team Game Log Book.  To record game highlights for each player, to include shots on goal, goals scored, assists, penalties, and keeper saves.  To provide the Head Coach with the logbook at half time and at the end of each game for review. 

·    Scrimmage Referee:  To assist at scrimmages as a Referee or Linesperson as needed.

·    Step In Assistant Referee (SIARs):  To assist the referee at games as a Linesperson, in determining when the ball has gone out of bounds and which team has possession.

Note: Certification is required. All SIARs must attend mandatory class. 

·    Publicist:  To record game highlights, such as total goals for, total goals against, goals per player, player assists, keeper saves and defensive and offensive standouts.

§       To create a game write-up to be submitted to the local news media in a timely manner.  To record the history of the team, for the record, such as total games played, total goals for, total goals against, and total wins, losses, and ties.  

·    Social Committee:  To plan and coordinate all team social events such as team swims, team outings, team parties and picnics, and parent socials.  The social committee should schedule at least one event every other month.

·    Tournament Coordinator:  To assist the team in locating lodging for tournaments, as well as planning a team breakfast or dinner during the tournament, and obtaining information on local recreational activities at tournament locations.  

·    First - Aid Kit:  Will maintain the team's first aid kit, and ensure that it is present at all team training sessions, scrimmages, and games.  Will assist the coaching staff in treating minor injuries.  Is responsible for completing incident reports on players whose injuries require medical treatment.  Provides insurance information to parents as necessary.

TEAM MANAGER

  The Team Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the team.  This requires a great deal of communication between the coaching staff and the parents, and requires a good deal of effort on the manager’s part.  The Team Manager is appointed by and reports to the Head Coach.  The duties and responsibilities of the Team Manager include:

·        Passing information between the Head Coach and the Parents.

·        Assigning team duties, including but not limited to:  

v      Field Setup/Takedown

v      Fundraising Committee

v      Game Statistician

v      SIARs "Linesperson"

v       Newsletter

v      Publicist

v      Scrimmage Referee

v      Social Committee

v      Tournament Coordinator     

·        Attending all team, PWSI, NCSL, and tournament meetings.

·        Submitting and maintaining the official team roster, to include player additions, drops, and/or transfers. 

·        Maintaining the Player and Coach Pass Identification Cards.  

·        Maintaining the Player Medical Release Forms.  

·        Establishing, maintaining, and initiating the Team Phone Tree; to include regular updates to the team’s Hotline. 

·        Publishing and maintaining the Team Game Schedule, field directions, maps, and Coordinating the purchase of uniforms and/or equipment, and maintaining an accurate inventory of team equipment.  

·        Making applications to tournaments and assisting the Tournament Coordinator and Travel Coordinator in obtaining lodging.

TEAM TREASURER

·        Maintaining accurate financial records.

·        Establishing teams annual budget.

·        Reporting to parents on teams financial status.

·        Providing individual financial statements to parents on a quarterly basis.

·        Writing team checks.

·        Point of contact with bank.

PARENTAL SUPPORT – “The Key to Peak Performance”

The role that parents play in the life of a soccer player has a tremendous impact on their experience.  With this in mind, I have taken some time to write down some helpful reminders for all of us as we approach the upcoming season.  If you should have any questions about these thoughts, please feel free to discuss it with me. 

1.      Let the Coaches coach: Leave the coaching to the coaches.  This includes motivating, psyching your child for practice, after game critiquing, setting goals, requiring additional training, etc.  You have entrusted the care of your player to these coaches and they need to be free to do their job.  If a player has too many coaches, it is confusing for him and his performance usually declines.

2.      Support the Program: Get involved.  Volunteer.  Help out with fundraisers, car-pool; anything to help support the program.  

3.      Be your child’s best friend: Support your child unconditionally.  Do not withdraw love when your child performs poorly.  Your child should never have to perform to win your love.  

4.      Support and root for all players on the team: Foster teamwork. Your child’s teammates are not the enemy.  When they are playing better than your child, your child now has a wonderful opportunity to learn.  

5.      Do not bribe or offer incentives: Your job is to motivate.  Leave this to the coaching staff.  Bribes will distract your child from properly concentrating in practice and game situations.  

6.      Encourage your child to talk with coaches:  If your child is having difficulties in practice or games, or can’t make a practice, etc. encourages him to speak directly to the coaches.  The “responsibility taking” is a big part of becoming a big time player.  By handling the off-field tasks, your child is claiming ownership of all aspects of the game-preparation for as well as playing the game.

7.      Understanding and display appropriate game behavior:  Remember, your child’s self-esteem and game performance is at stake.  Be supportive, cheer, and be appropriate. To perform to the best of his abilities, a player needs to focus on the parts of the game that he can control (her fitness, positioning, decision making, skill, aggressiveness, what the game is presenting him).  If he starts focusing on what he cannot control (the condition of the field, the referee, the weather, the opponent, even the outcome of the game at times), he will not play up to his ability.  If he hears a lot of people telling him what to do, yelling at the referee, it diverts his attention away from the task at hand.  

8.      Monitor your child’s stress level at home:  Keep an eye on the player to make sure that he is handling stress effectively from the various activities in his life. 

9.      Monitor eating and sleeping habits:  Be sure your child is eating the proper foods and getting adequate rest.  

10.  Help your child keep his priorities straight:  Help your child maintain a focus on schoolwork, relationships and the other things in life besides soccer.  Also, if your child has made a commitment to soccer, help him fulfill obligation to the team.