To all Players,
This booklet is an informational guide to introduce you to the standards that the coaches of North Valley Soccer Club and I expect from both the parents and players. All of the aspects included here have been thought through carefully, have been researched thoroughly, and are in place to assist players in becoming both a better player and person. For parents it is a guide to ensure that the environment is a positive one for each and every player.
It is important that you read this booklet and take all of the topics in to consideration when you put on the NVSC uniform or attend a game or training session as a spectator.
Have fun and enjoy your year,
Grant Sawyer
Director of Coaching
North Valley Soccer Club
1. Introduction
Our goal is to provide a top quality soccer organization. We believe that with quality players and coaches we will be able to put a very competitive product out to face other teams from the region. This manual is a working document. It will give you guidelines as to what the staff of the NVSC expects at all times from you as a person and player. We are not just looking for soccer players, but rather young men and women who are well rounded individuals. At the NVSC we are on the cutting edge of youth soccer in the United States and with that comes a commitment to do our best for each player.
2. Organizational Structure
There are many facets to the NVSC organization with several qualified coaches and administrators involved. If you have any administrative questions, coaching concerns or team questions please direct them to Grant Sawyer, Director of Coaching at Director@nvsoccer.org
3. Conduct
As a person and a player we demand the highest of expectations on and off the field. At all times you are representing NVSC and yourself. We expect players to respect all participants in the soccer world including, but not limited to, coaches, officials, referees, players, and parents whether they are from NVSC or an opposing club. At all times we expect players to use good common sense and exhibit sportsmanlike behavior. Any violation of these expectations will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
4. Commitment and Attendance
We understand that at times there may be conflicts with training or on game days. It is our expectation that each player will do their best to commit to all sessions. However, if that is not possible you will be expected to contact your coach via email or phone at least 24 hours prior to the session. This is especially important for games. The majority of coaching occurs during training and all players have intricate parts in each session.
- Financial Obligation
• Training and team fees for the club are determined on an annual basis, and are subject to change each year. These fees may include charges for training, field usage fees, conditioning, league fees, registration fees, tournament fees, and expenses. As the parent/guardian of the undersigned player, I/we acknowledge our obligation to pay our assessed fees in full and on time as invoiced by the club and team.
• If a player elects to leave a team for any reason at any point in time during the season, (the season is from Aug 1, 2009 through the end of state cup. Regional and National fees will be billed separately) there will be no refund of the training fees or team fees paid, and their will be no waiver or forgiveness of any outstanding or future financial obligation due to the club or team. Once a player has registered with a NVSC team, that player is financially committed to the club and team for the entire season (ending July 31, 2010), including but not limited to all training fees, team related fees and fees listed above. A player may not leave the club to join another soccer club until all outstanding financial obligations to the club and the player’s teams are paid in full. In the event a player attempts to join another soccer club prior to paying all amounts, the club reserves the right to pull that player’s pass. The player will also be placed in bad standing with the appropriate governing bodies until all such amounts have been paid in full.
• If a player becomes sick or injured during the season and is unable to participate in practices or games for any period, short or long, there will be no refunds of the training or team fees paid. There will be no waiver or forgiveness of any outstanding prorated financial obligations due to the club or team during the term of this agreement. During the time that a player may suffer a prolonged injury or sickness, the club will maintain the player’s roster spot on the team. Fees will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
• If a player is dismissed from a team for disciplinary reasons, there will be no refund of the training or team fees paid. There will be no waiver or forgiveness of any outstanding or prorated financial obligations due to the club or team during the term of this agreement. Fees are due through the end of the session. Sessions vary depending on the league the team plays in.
• If a parent/guardian fails to fulfill the financial obligations set forth herein, then the club reserves the right to pull that players pass, and that player will be placed in bad standing with the appropriate governing bodies until such time that the financial obligation is satisfied. During this time, the affected player will not be allowed to participate in practices, games, event, or other club activities. Per the Arizona Youth Soccer Association, please be aware that Financial Bad Standing is an indefinite period of suspension until the financial obligation is satisfied.
5. Development Philosophy of NVSC
Player development is our number one concern. The ultimate goal of NVSC is to develop players to be able to move on to the next level, whether it is to play in high school, college, in a professional setting, or to play for the US National Team. We have a commitment to our players to provide an environment that is challenging and demanding. Technical, tactical, psychological, and physical aspects of the game will all be taught within the structure of the curriculum.
6. Communication
Communication is primarily through email and the NVSC website. You are strongly encouraged to read your email on a daily basis. This is how your team manager or coach will distribute all team information such as practice and game schedules or changes as well as driving directions or addresses for away games. They will not be phoning individual players with this information. Club information and updates are available on the NVSC website at www.nvsoccer.org
7. Training and Preseason
During the regular season there will be two training sessions per week.
1. Players should arrive at training 15 minutes prior to the designated start time with cleats and shin guards on and ready to play.
2. Do not wear your NVSC game kit to train in.
3. Training with another NVSC team is permitted at any time. Players must not, however, miss their own team training to attend another training session. Players must inform the coach that they would like to attend.
4. Players should bring a ball to training.
We ask that all parents respect that the players are training and to stay a good distance from the fields during all training sessions. If everyone adheres to the rules, players will enjoy an environment that is conducive to playing, coaching, and learning. The type of environment that is envisioned is one that is quiet and without excessive pressure. It is an environment in which coaches can be easily heard and understood. Most importantly, it is one in which a player’s every move is not being scrutinized by parents.
8. Game Day Procedures
Schedules and directions for all NVSC teams will be distributed via email by the team manager or coach. Many teams also have websites that contain this information. For both home and away games players need to arrive 60 minutes prior to the start time. This allows for the player to prepare. 45 minutes before game time teams will begin preparations.
9. Dress Code for All Games
Players may wear their NVSC warm-ups and uniforms to the games with a good pair of shoes (running / tennis shoes are fine). Players should bring both color jerseys/shorts/socks/ to all games.
10. Team Uniforms and Equipment
Take pride and care of your uniform kit, you may wear it to games or change at the fields if appropriate. It is encouraged that NVSC gear is adorn proudly in the community and abroad. All balls, cones, pinnies, and training equipment are the property of North Valley Soccer Club.
11. North Valley Soccer Club and Puma
North Valley Soccer Club is proud to have had a relationship with Puma. It is important that we maintain our part of the agreement. NVSC players and coaches must wear the Puma product. Under no circumstances will players be allowed to play in games wearing a competitor’s equipment (this does not include cleats).
12. Coaches
NVSC offers a highly qualified coaching and training staff. A complete list of coaches and their individual credentials can be found at
www.nvsoccer.org. Coaches or trainers may assist any NVSC team during the season by either coaching teams or scouting players.
13. Cost
The cost to participate with a NVSC team varies depending on the age of the player and the level of the team. Fees include: coaching expenses, administration, league and tournament fees, insurance, and for some teams college placement services. The fees do not include: travel to and from training or games or hotel accommodations for out of area games. Scholarship money is available to those players who qualify for financial assistance.
14. The Role of a NVSC Parent
The role of each parent is important for all young athletes. During training we ask that all parents respect that the players are training and to stay a good distance from the fields during all training sessions. If parents plan on attending games we will be happy to have you at the games applauding good play. There is, however, to be no coaching by parents from the sidelines during games or at training. Referees are not to be abused in any way. Please do not berate or shout at the referees. We all make mistakes.
15. The Role of the Manager / Treasurer
The role of the manager for each team is very important. Communication flows from the manager to players and parents. Managers use email to correspond with the team and to keep all participants informed on a regular basis. The manager is a volunteer and is there to administrate the team. The manager is not there to field coaching questions. Do not address coaching or player concerns with the manager.
The team treasurer is responsible for collecting payments and submitting deposits and check requests to the club treasurer. Deposits and check requests are processed by the club treasurer who manages all team accounts and submits all payments on behalf of the teams.
16. Sponsors
North Valley Soccer Club has numerous sponsors. These sponsors have generously donated money, merchandise, or services to the club. Through these sponsors costs are off set and this in turn is passed on to the players and families. Players and parents should be supportive of our sponsors at all times. If you know someone who is interested in becoming a sponsor please contact Grant Sawyer at director@nvsoccer.org or 615-975-5087.
17. Fundraising
Any team can hold individual fundraisers. In order to have continuity and to avoid duplicate activities within other NVSC’s various fundraising programs there are a few guidelines to follow. All fundraising ideas should be submitted to NVSC Director of Coaching Grant Sawyer at director@nvsoccer.org. Any funds raised should be distributed among the participants, not necessarily the entire team. All funds raise must be reported to the NVSC treasurer at the conclusion of the fundraising activity.
18. Tryouts
The official tryouts for NVSC are typically held during the first and second weeks of June. There are two sessions for each age group and players are expected to attend both sessions. Once tryouts are complete players are chosen for teams to compete in the following season. Even though there is a specific open tryout time for all players, NVSC players are continually evaluated throughout the year and players may be moved up or down during the season as needed.
19. Guest Playing
If a player would like to guest play for another NVSC team or an outside team the player must go through both their own coach and the Director of Coaching, Grant Sawyer. Players and parents should not contact other coaches directly.
20. Preseason Parent Meetings
At the onset of the season there will be a North Valley Soccer Club meeting. This gives us a chance to get together as a club to introduce some of the board members, discuss the club philosophy, field questions, get fitted for uniforms, and fill out any necessary paperwork. There will also be an opportunity to purchase NVSC apparel.
Each individual team will also host a separate meeting with parents and players to outline the year and answer questions.
21. Player and Parent Consultations
Players are encouraged to keep open channels of communication with their coach at all times. There is also an “open door” policy with Grant Sawyer, Director of Coaching. If parents want to consult with a coach concerning their child they should call or email to arrange a time that is convenient for the coach. Coaches are not to be approached by parents at training or games either before of afterwards concerning players. This is a time for both the coach and the players to be focused on the task at hand. If you have a coaching concern please direct it to the coach at the appropriate time. If it cannot be resolved at that level, please contact Grant Sawyer at (615) 975-5087 or via email at director@nvsoccer.org, who will in turn discuss your concern with the individuals involved.
22. Scouting NVSC Players
In order for the Director of Coaching and coaches to know all the players and their abilities, a scouting effort has been put into place. At any time there may be a coach, coaches, or Grant Sawyer scouting NVSC games. They will observe players and confer during and after games. This is important in order to continue evaluating players within the club throughout the year.
23. Recruiting
The club does not condone recruiting in any fashion. If a player or parent contacts a NVSC coach about moving to a NVSC team dialogue can continue, but should be directed to Grant Sawyer. This should never be initiated by a NVSC coach or parent to a player or parent from another club.
24. Game / Tournament Procedures
• The evening prior to a game between 6-7 pm, players should eat a balanced dinner with plenty of complex carbohydrates. Good examples include: pastas and potatoes. Avoid fried and fast food.
• Drink plenty of juice and water. Do not drink soda.
• Between 9:30 to 10:30 pm players should be in bed attempting to fall asleep.
• Players should awake 3-4 hours prior to the game time as it takes awhile for the body and mind to get going.
• Approximately 2 ½ to 3 hours prior to the game players should eat a good size breakfast of mainly fruits and grains. Drink juice water or possibly some milk. Again, avoid fried or fast food and soda.
• Bring water, both color jerseys/shorts/socks, and dress / pack appropriately for the weather.
• Sixty minutes prior to the game players should arrive at the field. All equipment should be on and players should be ready to begin warming up.
• At game time be both physically and mentally ready to play in a highly competitive game.
- Between tournament Games:
• Take off your shoes, socks and shin guards. Wear sandals or tennis shoes if possible. Do not go bare footed under any circumstances.
• Put on a dry shirt and dress appropriately for the weather.
• Eat lightly. There is usually not much time between games. Make sure you stay well hydrated. No fast or fried food or soda.
• Stay out of the sun and heat. If you can get inside do so. If you can not get inside, stay in the shade.
• If it is cold or wet change into dry clothing, bundle up, and find someplace to stay warm and dry.
• Rest. Do not run around.
25. Agreement Contract
I, _____________________________ (player) and I (we) _________________________(parent) ________________________ (parent) have read the North Valley Soccer Club Player Affiliation Manual. (PAM). We understand all aspects of the PAM and agree to abide by all facets. I _______________________ (player) understand that only the highest expectations of myself as a person and player are acceptable. I also understand that any deviation from any aspects of the PAM will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
______________________________
Printed Player name
______________________________
Player Signature / Date
_______________________________
Printed Parent Name
______________________________
Parent Signature / Date
_______________________________
Printed Parent Name
_______________________________
Parent Signature / Date
The PAM should be read by both the player and parent and then signed and dated. Once the form is signed and dated please remove the form and return it to each individual coach. Families should keep the PAM for further reference.
Revised 07/23/2009
