TRAVEL POLICY (revised
PREAMBLE
Philosophy
The
The WYSA is dedicated to the belief that any
child, regardless of ability, has a place in the association. The in-town
program provides opportunity for children to learn the game and develop soccer
skills, while the travel program provides the opportunity for players to play
at a competitive level against other municipalities. Each coach should fairly
distribute playing time to ensure that every child plays a substantial amount
of time each game.
The WYSA is also dedicated to the use of
single age teams to foster and encourage long-term player and team development.
Single age teams will be established and maintained unless not enough players
exist in a particular single year age group. In those instances the Board of
Directors (BOD) can approve a mixed team.
To assure fairness, this travel team policy
has been drawn and approved by the BOD and will be overseen by the Travel
Program Coordinators.
A. The Travel Team Committee is to be
composed of between seven and eleven members as determined by the BOD
upon the recommendation of the Travel Program Coordinators. At least three
members of the Travel Team Committee should be travel team coaches with at
least two seasons of coaching experience. One member of the Travel Team Committee
shall be appointed from the current In-Town Committee due to their knowledge of
the coaching pool for the U-9 teams. The BOD shall appoint (by vote) the Travel
Program Coordinator(s). The Travel Program Coordinator(s) shall serve as
members of the Travel Team Committee and shall select other committee persons
to serve on the Travel Team Committee. The Travel Team Committee must be
approved by the BOD.
The three coach members of the Travel Team
Committee should be experienced coaches for the following reasons:
1. They are familiar with the level of Travel
Team play;
2. They are aware of the coaching and playing
situations unique to this level;
3. They constantly interact with coaches,
coordinators, and directors from other towns and thus acquire invaluable
information regarding this particular level of play;
4. They are among the most dedicated coaches
in terms of effort needed to compete at that level;
5. They will have experience which is also
helpful in terms of individual skill development and game tactics; and
6. They meet with certified, licensed
referees and thus can communicate the subtleties of team play to the
Association.
Note: Even though the Travel Team Committee
appears to be autonomous, it is not. The intent is to allow this Committee to oversee
a specialized situation and to unburden the BOD with problems unique to this
area. It should be recognized that this Committee has the responsibility to act
openly, fairly, and effectively upon each travel team concept. Travel Team
Committee members will be volunteers or nominees approved by the BOD. It is
mandatory that at least one of its members be a Middlesex Youth Soccer League
representative. (Individual Town/Club Travel Program Coordinator(s) are
automatically included as non-voting representatives on the MYSL Board of
Directors.)
a.
Coaching candidates for the combined Fall/Spring season
must apply in writing to the Travel Program Coordinators prior to or during the
registration process or as specified by the Travel Program Coordinator(s).
b.
Coaching candidates for additional Spring teams must apply
in writing to the Travel Program Coordinator(s) during registration or as
specified by the Coordinator(s). Choosing a coach during the season immediately
preceding the season in which the selected coach’s team will play will allow
that individual ample time to prepare so that he or she may make informed
choices for their roster.
c.
Coaching candidates may apply for multiple coaching
positions within different age groups and genders. However, in most instances
they will be awarded one team only.
d.
All coaches will submit with their application (attached to
this policy) a copy of their coaching license and all other applicable
documentation.
e.
The BOD advocates that coaching candidates, who are neither
parents nor legal guardians of children in the program, follow the
recommendation of the Travel Team Committee as to which team they will coach
based on the needs of the program.
f.
A travel coach will be nominated by the Travel Team Committee
and approved by the BOD by majority vote.
g.
Coaches will be assessed on criteria including, but not
limited to, those set forth in Article X
h.
All coaching applicants, but specifically first time Travel
Coaches for the U-9 Boys and Girls positions, should submit as much additional
information relative to their coaching philosophy. Parental evaluations and
recommendations as well as letters from other coaches are also advisable to
ensure a fair and knowledgeable decision by the Selection Committee.
i.
Members of the Travel Team Committee who are being
considered as a head coach shall be excluded from the coach selection process
for those teams. If there is not an adequate number of Travel Team Committee
members left, then the BOD members who are not being considered as a head coach
shall assist the Travel Team Committee in the coach selection process. In
divisions where there is more than one team, the Travel Team Committee will
choose a head coach for the first team and establish a seed list for additional
teams from the remaining candidates.
j.
The Travel Team Committee will submit its Travel Coaches
recommendations at the next BOD meeting (before tryouts) for approval. If no
BOD meeting is scheduled prior to tryouts, a special BOD meeting will be called
for this process.
k.
There must be one Head Coach for each travel team. The
Travel team coach for the Fall season is making a commitment to a team for both
the Fall and Spring season. This individual will be responsible for all phases
of the team. He or she will choose an assistant coach who then must be approved
by the BOD.
l.
A travel coach selected for a combination (mixed) team
(e.g., U13 & U14) shall attempt to attend the try-outs in each age group.
Try-outs shall be scheduled (if possible) at different times so that the
selected coach will be able to evaluate players in each age group.
m.
All travel team coaches are subject to review and scrutiny
of the Travel Team Committee and/or BOD. In the case of severe wrong doings
either in violation of WYSA guidelines or Middlesex League rules, a coach may
be removed during the season with BOD approval. If removal is necessary either
by the MYSL or WYSA, the coach will be notified by letter that he or she is
suspended. The coach may appear at the next BOD meeting to appeal the
suspension. Notification of such appeal must be confirmed with the current BOD
President. Removal or suspension by the Middlesex Youth Soccer League or
n.
Travel team coaches should endeavor to attend all coaching
clinics offered and sanctioned by the MYSA to advance our level of play and
coaching techniques.
o.
Coaches should fairly distribute playing time to ensure
that every child plays a substantial amount of time each game.
p.
Coaches must report yellow/red cards given at their game
and any injury of a serious nature to the Travel Program Coordinator(s) prior
to their next scheduled game.
q.
Head coaches must have a minimum -F- License or equivalent
coaching experience. Anyone selected as a head coach without the minimum
required license must obtain an "F' License prior to the next application
period.
r.
Each coach and assistant must agree to submit to a Criminal
Offender Records Inquiry (CORI) and must provide the BOD with all documentation
required to complete the CORI, within
one week of being selected. No one shall be permitted to act in any coaching
capacity until they have undergone the CORI and the results thereof have been
reported to the BOD by the appropriate League or agency. Any coaching designee
not in compliance will be subject to replacement by the WYSA.
A.
1.
Our commitment to the travel team players will be for one
year if selected for the F fall and only one season if selected for the
S spring.
2.
When necessary in the discretion of the BOD, tryouts for
combined Fall/Spring travel teams for all single age divisions will be
advertised before the end of the Spring Season in the local newspapers and
notices sent home through the school, if permitted by the Superintendent.
3.
Tryouts for the Spring only season for all age divisions
will be advertised prior to the end of the Fall Season with notices distributed
at least two weeks in advance.
4.
The Travel Program Coordinators will select tryout times
and observe them for fairness to everyone.
5.
Each single age division will have two tryouts to evaluate
the players. Each Travel Team will be determined by the Head Coaches with input
from independent evaluators. Independent evaluators shall be knowledgeable but
disinterested advisors, appointed by the Travel Program Coordinators. If a
coach does not have a child competing, he may serve as an independent
evaluator. If however, three disinterested advisors are not available, tryouts
will proceed as scheduled. The Head coach of each travel team will have the
final choice of the players selected for his or her team, pending BOD approval.
All evaluation material generated during the try outs shall be distributed and
shared between the coaches appointed in the age bracket (A, B, C, etc.) at the
close of each tryout day/ evening and will be utilized for the selection of all
teams within that age bracket. A copy of the evaluation materials will also be
given to the Travel Program Coordinator(s) for record keeping purposes.
6.
The tryouts will be run by the first team Head Coach of
that age bracket with assistance from
independent evaluators and other coaches of that age bracket. The first
team coach shall establish in writing how they plan to conduct tryouts and
ensure that the other head coaches and the independent evaluators have a copy
of this information prior to the start of tryouts.
7.
Only
8.
No commitment will be made to any player during the tryout.
9.
Players must attend at least one tryout per age bracket to
be considered for selection by the head coaches and the independent evaluators.
Players who cannot attend due to injury or scheduling conflicts, will only be
considered if they have submitted a completed registration, payment and a
letter explaining their absence filed with the Travel Coordinator(s) prior to
the start of the Tryout.
10. The only
exception to the rule set forth in Section III.A.7 would be in the age groups
of Ul5 and above when there is an insufficient number of candidates to fill a
roster.
11. All proposed
rosters will be submitted to the BOD for approval.
12. If more than one team in a given age bracket
is to be determined during the tryout period, the involved coaches should meet
before submitting rosters (up to 18 players for U11 and older, up to 12 players
for Ul0 and younger). The first coach’s rosters shall be submitted to the
Travel Team Coordinators within three days after the second tryout date. The
second coach’s roster shall be submitted to the Travel Program Coordinators
five days after the second tryout date. Additional coaches within the same age
bracket shall submit their roster one day following the submission of the prior
team’s roster.
13. The minimum
number of players per roster shall be 16 players for U11 teams and
older, and 10 players for U10 teams and younger. If the numbers are not
available to satisfy this requirement, then an exception may be made with BOD
approval, provided that the exception satisfies MYSL rules. Prior to Team
Selections the Travel Program Coordinators shall inform coaches of the number
of players to be placed on each roster.
14. The Travel Program
Coordinators will assist coaches in
resolving any questions regarding the rosters with Coaches and independent
evaluators.
15. The coaches will
advise the players of their selection within one week after the BOD’S approval
of team rosters and upon receiving permission to do so from the Travel Program
Coordinators.
16. All candidates
who are not selected will be notified in writing by the Travel Program
Coordinator(s) within one week after the approval of the team rosters.
17. Players will be judged
evaluated and rated by head coaches and the independent evaluators on items such as the following:
1. Physical
Abilities - Coordination, endurance, speed, quickness, durability, overall
health.
2. Soccer Skills
- Passing, trapping, heading, dribbling, shooting, tackling, throwing, kicking,
and keeper skills.
3. Knowledge -
anticipation of plays, ability to use open space, strategies, tactics, rules of
the game, mental alertness and quickness in various situations.
4. Attitude - coachability, teamwork, supportive both on and off the
field, aggressive but fair when playing, respectful to coaches, players, and
referees.
5.
Commitment to the game, practices and to oneself.
B. Section of Players in the U-16 and U-18
Age Brackets (High School Players)
In addition to the requirements set forth in
section III. A., subject to scheduling and weather related issues, tryouts for
the U-16 and U-18 Age Brackets will be held on the first or second Saturday of
November. There will be one tryout only for each gender and each Age Bracket.
If applicable, WYSA will attempt to field single-age teams, however, teams will
be dictated by the number of players trying out.
IV. Single Age Teams (Fall/Spring)
a.
Travel Teams should be established strictly by age and sex
brackets, unless no team is available in a given age bracket. This will provide
continuity to our program and to will allow other players in the same
birth year a chance to compete for the available positions. This restriction
will help to force us to develop the skills of our players.
b.
The WYSA will establish teams for boys and girls, 6 v6
interest permitting, in single age groups for U9, Ul0- and 11v11 in single age
groups Ul1, U12, Ul3 and Ul4. Should it be necessary, due to the number of
players trying out, combined teams may be established (e.g., a Ul2 team
consisting of Ul1 and Ul2 players, or U-12 Co-ed Teams).
c.
All teams will be established in accordance with MYSL
guidelines.
d.
Teams for the Spring Season Ul6 and older may play outside
of their regular age/gender grouping (e.g., Fall birth date but in High
School).
e.
New Spring Travel Teams may be a combined team. This
guideline will be followed if the numbers trying out only comprise one team.
Single age group is preferable if there are more candidates. Combination or
split age group teams will be approved by agreement of the coach, Travel
Program Coordinator(s) and the BOD.
f.
Players who are in an age bracket lower than their Class
Grade (e.g., August, September birth dates) are to try out for the single age
division of their classmates.
g.
EXCEPTIONS TO THE ABOVE GUIDELINES: Players wishing to play
inside their regular age/gender group per MYSL guidelines and not play with
their grade (e.g., August / September birth dates) must request in writing to
the Travel Program Coordinators at registration or prior to the first tryout.
This exception will be granted if the parent wishes their child to play at a
lower level. First year eligibility for U9 players is: entering the third grade
and whose eighth birth date is prior to December 31st.
a.
All roster changes must be approved by the BOD and meet
MYSL and WYSA guidelines.
b.
Players eligible for roster changes are limited to those
that are available in the following hierarchical order with number one (1)
being considered first.
1.
Players currently on a lower seeded travel team within the
same single age bracket (e.g., an "A" team will select players from
the "B" team or lower if preferable to the selecting coach.)
2.
Players available from the "Try-out List" who
have not been selected for a Travel Team.
3.
Players currently playing in the In Town Program.
4.
Any player outside the organization meeting MYSL and WYSA
guidelines.
c.
Any roster changes must first be discussed between the
coach requesting the change and the Travel Program Coordinator(s). When
requesting players currently playing on travel teams, coaches may only request
eligible players from teams seeded lower within their single age bracket. The
Travel Program Coordinator(s) will then confirm the need and if the team has
gone below the established age group minimum player requirement.
d.
Recognizing the importance of all teams, players and
coaches within the Travel Program, the requesting coach must submit two (2)
names to the lower seeded coach and to the Travel Program Coordinators. The
lower seeded coach will then be required to choose the player to be moved and
will inform the Travel Program Coordinators of that decision. The Travel
Program Coordinator(s) will then proceed in the following manner:
1.
Discuss the request with the coach effected (B, C, etc.).
2.
Communicate process and obtain approval from the BOD.
3.
Communicate with the parents of the requested player
explaining the process and to obtain approval.
e.
No contact or commitment can be made to a player or parent
prior to BOD approval.
f.
Failure to adhere to this procedure may result in negation
of the player movement.
g.
Any roster changes requested after the rosters are
submitted to the Middlesex Youth Soccer League may be subject to a fee set by
the MYSL and Board of Directors.
a.
In the event that no coaching candidates are available in a
given age bracket, it will be the responsibility of the Travel Program
Coordinators to obtain a qualified coach.
We do not want to
deprive youngsters of the opportunity to play soccer at a more competitive
level. However, if the list of coaches is exhausted and no parent or guardian
of the selected team volunteers, the team may be cut from travel play and be
assigned to the In-Town Program, if applicable, so that they may play soccer.
The travel coach must have discretionary
powers to use his or her players according to their commitment to the team
(i.e., attendance at practices, learning new skills, attitude, and hustle in a
game). Travel players may be suspended during a season for disciplinary reasons
by the coach. This will require the approval of the Travel Program
Coordinators. Expulsion for an entire season requires approval of the Board of
Directors.
Players
Responsibilities:
1.
Make every effort to
learn and follow the rules of the game of soccer
2.
Show good sportsmanship
3.
Listen and pay
attention to their coaches
4.
Have fun playing the
game of soccer. All players are encouraged to tell their parents or coaches if
they are not having fun or if they are having a problem
5.
Treat all WYSA
equipment with the utmost respect
6.
Come prepared to play-
shin pads, water bottle and a ball for practices and all of the aforementioned
plus a uniform for games (soccer cleats are recommended but are not required)
7.
Treat your coaches,
teammates and officials with respect
All
parents are encouraged to:
1.
Ensure that their child
arrives at games and practices at the specific place and times
2.
Have another adult
responsible for your child at the game or practice that you are unable to
attend. Do not assume your child's coach will watch your child after the
conclusion of the game without his/her prior approval
3.
Inform your child’s
coach of any health related issues pertaining to your child.
4.
Attend games and cheer
for all good soccer plays by both teams
5.
Become an active member
in WYSA by coaching or doing other volunteer work
6.
Present a good example
to all the children by following the policies set forth by the Wilmington Youth
Soccer Association.
7.
Notify your child's
coach in the event that your child will be unable to attend a game or practice
8.
Speak to coach or a BOD
member if you feel your child is having a problem with a coach or a teammate
9.
Be respectful toward
players, coaches, referees and one another
IX.
Coaches, Parents, Players and Spectators MAY NOT:
1.
Smoke on any school
property (set forth by Mass. State Laws)
2.
Make any derogatory or
critical comments regarding referees at any time. Any issues regarding referees
should be brought to the attention of a WYSA Board Member. In accordance with
the "Zero Tolerance Rule," comments addressed directly to game
referees at any time will not be tolerated by WYSA.
WYSA
issues all uniforms to players placed on travel teams. The uniform as issued may not be altered
without prior approval of the BOD.
Further, no substitution of any piece of the travel uniform will be
allowed. Alternative uniforms or
portions of the travel uniform may be approved after due consideration of the
BOD while maintaining compliance with FIFA and MYSA rulings regarding
uniforms. In the case that an
alternative uniform is approved for use, then the entire team in question must
wear the alternative uniform in its entirety.
All uniforms are subject to appropriate FIFA and MYSA rulings. The Head Coach is responsible if a referee
deems a uniform non-compliant with FIFA or MYSA regulations. Please note that a referee can invoke a team
to forfeit if an issue arises at game time with a team’s uniform.
In appreciation for teams that win the MYSL
Commissioner's Cup or participate in the Massachusetts Tournament of Champions
(MTOC), Wilmington Youth Soccer Association will present a jacket or /
sweatshirt to each team player and coach. Each jacket will have the WYSA logo
on the left breast and the appropriate level of accomplishment embroidered on
the back (wording to be approved by the Board of Directors). MTOC participants
and Commissioner's Cup winners are determined by MYSL officials.
Wilmington Youth Soccer Association will also present a sweatshirt or T-shirt
for excellence of play to each team player and coach of any Wilmington team
that, at the end of the spring's regular season, has placed first in its
division or subdivision (bracket) in league play, as determined by the
appropriate MYSL Age Director. Each sweatshirt or T-shirt will have the WYSA
logo on the left breast and the appropriate level of accomplishment on the back
(wording to be approved by the Board of Directors).
A team that is eligible for multiple awards will receive only the award
representing its highest level of accomplishment.
a. The following information should be used
only as a guideline when selecting Travel Team coaches. The Travel Team
Committee and the BOD retain broad discretion in making final selections. The
BOD advocates that coaching candidates, who are neither parents nor or
legal guardians of children in the program, follow the recommendation of the
Travel Team Committee as to which team they will coach based on the needs of
the program.
b.
Evaluation Guidelines:
Soccer Coaching
Experience
1. Experience as
HS or above varsity coach
2. Experience as
HS JV Coach, or ODP Coach
3. Experience as
Travel coach
4. Experience as
Travel assistant or In-town Coach
Soccer Education
1. G (4 hour)
license
2. F (8 hour)
license
3. E (16 hour)
license
4. D (32 hour)
license
5. C national
license
6. Clinics,
Symposiums
7. Playing
Experience
Commitment to
Program and Other Skills
1. The Number of
years committed to the Program and the players participating therein (e.g.,
Board of Directors, committee member)
2. Experience as
a Certified Referee
3.
Experience in Coaching other Sports
4.
Attitude
5. Organizational
Ability
6. Ability to
work with players, assistants, referees, etc. and to follow the required travel
team organization duties (organization of practices, communication with players
and parents) and other information relevant to administrative duties of the
coach
7. Parental
Evaluation input from letters and evaluations
8. WYSA, MYSL,
MYSA awards and/or sanctions
9. Awards and/or
sanctions from all youth sports and organizations
10. Best interest
of the players
Travel Program Coordinators may distribute
written coach evaluation forms to parents and arrange for the collection of
these forms. The evaluation form shall be approved by the Board of Directors
annually. The information contributed by parents by means of the evaluation
forms shall be compiled by the Travel Program Coordinators and shall be made
available to the Travel Team Committee and the Board of Directors for
consideration in the selection of Travel Team Coaches.
The
Travel Program Coordinators strive to operate an excellent program and
encourage all comments, both positive and negative, as well as any constructive
suggestions that may improve the Program. All such comments or suggestions
should be directed to a member of the Board of Directors. Occasionally a member
of the organization may have a substantial grievance or complaint with regard
to a policy, coach, player or parent associated with the Travel Program. It is
recommended that any grievance of this sort be submitted to a Travel Program Coordinator in a signed letter. Any
grievance or complaint filed anonymously will not be addressed, however, all
grievances will be confidential to the parties involved. The Travel Program
Coordinators will investigate all grievances brought to their attention and
will seek a satisfactory resolution. Some grievances may require action by the
Board of Directors, in which case the Travel Program Coordinators will offer a
recommendation to the Board of Directors. Anyone submitting a written grievance
or complaint will receive a written response from either the Travel Program
Coordinators or the Board of Directors.
It is the intent of the WYSA BOD to follow
this Policy in a consistent manner. However, the BOD recognizes that all
policies and procedures encounter unique scenarios that, if the Policy is
strictly applied, are detrimental to the organization and the players that is
serves. In these instances, the Travel Program Coordinator(s) is encouraged to
propose solutions that are sensitive to the best interest of the Players,
Teams, and Organization as a whole. The final determination regarding
enforcement or exercising this policy and any exceptions thereto will rest with
the Board of Directors.
Includes
Amendments Approved by the Board of Directors through March 6, 2005