Beavercreek Soccer Association
Rules, Policies, and Procedures Handbook
WHAT IS THE BSA? The Beavercreek Soccer Association is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to teaching and administering the game of soccer in a healthy atmosphere of good sportsmanship and teamwork. It is dedicated to providing a high quality soccer experience for all youth in Beavercreek. The BSA is primarily funded through participation fees. The BSA is made up of the Recreational Soccer Leagues, the Celtic Soccer Club (Select Division), and the Creek Classic Soccer Tournament. Each are independent, subsidiary operations governed by its own Board of Directors.
THE CORPORATE BOARD
The Corporate Board manages the overall BSA and establishes the overall policy. The BSA is governed by the Corporate Board of Directors and consists of the Executive Committee and its appointed members.
The Executive Committee includes the following five members: The Executive Director, the Commissioner and Vice Commissioner of the Recreational Soccer Leagues, and the President and Vice President of the Celtic Soccer Club. These executives are elected by their own membership and automatically become members of the BSA Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee appoints the following members to the Corporate Board including, but not limited to: General Counsel, a Corporate Accountant, a Master Scheduler, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Coaches Training Coordinator, a Facilities Director, the Creek Classic Tournament Director, and a Referee Director.
Celtic Soccer Club
The Celtic Soccer Club provides a structured program for soccer players in the community to optimize individual and team capabilities in an environment of good sportsmanship, comraderie, top competition team play, good coaching and discipline. Celtic teams in age groups that play 11-a-side can have no more than four players that reside outside of the BSA established boundaries. Celtic teams in age groups that play less than 11-a-side can have no more than 25% of the roster from outside the established boundaries. All coaches have at least a USSF "F" coaching license.
Celtic teams play in leagues within the Miami Valley Youth Soccer Association (MVYSA). Players and coaches must be members of and comply with the rules and regulations of the Ohio South Youth Soccer Association (OSYSA), which is part of the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA).
THE CREEK CLASSIC SOCCER TOURNAMENT
The Creek Classic soccer tournament is organized and hosted by the BSA and is the major fundraiser for the entire program. The tournament provides six scholarships for graduating seniors. Additional funds raised are used for capital improvements. The tournament is played at the John Ankeney soccer complex and at Wright Patterson AFB and is now one of the largest two-day tournaments held in the country. In the past, teams have visited Beavercreek from all over Ohio, West Virginia, Tennessee, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Canada and the Netherlands. The Creek Classic is the second largest Beavercreek event next to the Popcorn Festival bringing over 25,000+ players, parents and families to our community, bringing recognition and a substantial economic boost. The Creek Classic is run entirely by hundreds of parents and volunteers from the BSA.
THE RECREATION LEAGUE
The Recreation League emphasizes participation over competition and strives to achieve well-balanced teams. Teams are reformed each year integrating the experienced players with the less experienced. The Recreation League is governed by its own Board of Directors and is independently operated under the supervision of the Corporate Board. The Recreation League Board of Directors includes, but is not limited to BSA Executive Director, Commissioner, Vice Commissioner, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar(s), League Directors, Referee Director, and Coach and Player Development Coordinator.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS--Duties and Responsibilities
Commissioner -- The Commissioner is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer for the Recreation Leagues. Upon assuming the position after election the Commissioner will:
· 1. Automatically become a member of the Corporate Board.
· 2. Appoint such committees deemed necessary to carry out the functions of the Recreation League.
· 3. The Commissioner shall, with the assistance of the Vice-Commissioner and through the League Directors manage the Recreation League.
The Commissioner is empowered to take prudent and reasonable action in cases not covered by the Code of Regulations, and such authority is implicit in the Office. All such actions are subject to subsequent approval of the Board of Directors.
Vice Commissioner -- The Vice-Commissioner is the Chairman of any Rules Committee established by the Commissioner. Upon assuming position after election, the Vice-Commissioner will:
· 1. Automatically become a member of the Corporate Board.
· 2. Preside in the absence of the Commissioner.
Secretary -- The Secretary is responsible for recording the minutes of all Board meetings and all membership meetings in accordance with the Code of Regulations. The Secretary maintains a file of the minutes of all meetings and shall act as historian for the Recreation League. The Secretary also establishes Board meetings, notifies Board members, and establishes the meeting agenda.
Treasurer -- The Treasurer supervises the financial operation of the Recreation League, and presents regular financial statements to the Board. Prior to the beginning of each playing season the Treasurer is Chairman of a Budget Committee and is responsible for the preparation of a budget to be approved by the Board. This budget identifies and recommends all fees and expenditures. Annual financial reports are made at the Annual Meeting and are subject to audit. No money may be drawn from any account unless allocated by the Board in the budget or approved by subsequent action following budget approval.
Registrar -- The Registrar supervises all aspects and operations of the registration process and will be responsible for collecting, documenting, and processing each applicant for the Recreation League. The Registrar(s) maintains a database of registered applicants and compiles a list to be forwarded to each League Director prior to each playing season.
Director of Concessions -- Supervises all activities related to the concession stand. Organizes concession stand volunteers.
League Directors -- A minimum of one director is appointed per league established within the Recreation League. The functions of a League Director are as follows:
· 1. To be responsible for all aspects of the organization, operation and government of the respective league.
· 2. To establish the number of teams based on the guidelines of team size and to recruit qualified and interested coaches to head those teams.
· 3. To be responsible for assigning registered players, as specified by the Registrar, to appropriate teams and provide each coach with a current roster.
· 4. To coordinate the league schedule, playing fields and other logistics for the league with the Referee Director and Master Scheduler.
· 5. To intervene and reconcile any and all problems, concerns, or suggestions arising within their respective league.
· 6. The Directors shall take under advisement any amendments to the League Rules within their own leagues and requested by a majority of the league members and will report these requested amendments to the Board. The Board must approve all amendments to the League Rules.
Referee Director -- The Referee Director is responsible for insuring each scheduled game has an adequate number of referees with the proper credentials and is responsible for such training and certification of referees as may be required by the Board.
Coach and Player Development Coordinator -- The Coach and Player Development Coordinator helps develop a positive coaching environment. This is accomplished through a series of training and licensing activities.
· 1. Develop and conduct training for the new coach
· 2. Schedule National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA) training. This training is provided through the City of Beavercreek.
· 3. Identify and schedule licensing clinics. These clinics are held under the auspices of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).
The Coach and Player Development Coordinator maintains a database of existing coaches and their training levels and assists the League Directors with the identification of coaches.
ELECTIONS
Elections for the Recreation League Board of Directors are held at the Annual Meeting. The commissioner will set the date of the meeting. The Commissioner shall, not less than sixty days prior to the Annual Meeting, appoint a Nomination Committee consisting of at least three members, with one representative from the league and at least one member from the Board. The Commissioner also appoints the Chairman of the Nomination Committee.
A list of such nominees is submitted to the Board at least two weeks prior to the Annual Meeting. The Nomination Committee names not less than one consenting member for each of the vacant positions.
Additional names of candidates for the Board may be nominated from the floor at the Annual Meeting. When more than one candidate is vying for a vacant position(s), election shall be by written ballot. Each voting member present is entitled to cast one vote for each office. The members receiving a plurality of votes are declared elected. In the case of a tie, the membership shall then vote to elect one member from the nominees receiving an equal number of votes. Terms of office begin on July 1st.
MEETINGS
The Recreation League Board of Directors may convene meetings of the members at such time and place, as it may consider necessary and desirable. A membership meeting must be convened upon a petition signed by not less than twenty-five percent of the members.
The Annual Meeting of the members of the Recreation League Board is held promptly following the Spring Season at a date and place to be specified by the Commissioner. The order of business shall be as follows:
· 1. Call to Order
· 2. Minutes
· 3. Reports
· 4. New Business
· 5. Amendments
· 6. Elections
· 7. Adjournment
Meetings of the Board of Directors are held at such times deemed necessary for conducting normal business. A quorum of the Board is required to transact business. Any member of the Board who has three consecutive unexcused absences from Board meetings may have the office declared vacant at the discretion of the Board. The majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
EXPULSION FROM THE RECREATION LEAGUE
A member may be expelled or have membership forfeited for a serious violation of the BSA rules, policies, and regulations. A two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors is necessary for expulsion.
SOCCER YEAR
The soccer year for BSA begins on July 1st and ends on June 30th of the following year.
PLAYING SEASON
The soccer year is divided into two distinct and independent playing seasons? A season shall normally consist of between eleven and thirteen games Depending on the actual length of the season and the number of teams in the league.
FALL: Officially opens no earlier than September 1 and will close no later than November 15.
SPRING: Officially opens no earlier than March 1 and will close no later than May 31.
These seasons may be extended by action of the Board of Directors if required.
ELIGIBILITY
The jurisdiction of the BSA is the area enclosed by the boundaries of the City of Beavercreek, and the Beavercreek Township.
The Recreation League is a recreational program open to youth in grades K-12, who meet the age guidelines, who reside in the City of Beavercreek, Beavercreek Township or within the Beavercreek School District and who are not participating in another organized select or club soccer program. CYO organized teams are not considered to be a select or club soccer program.
Youth from outside the jurisdiction of Beavercreek who wish to participate in the Recreation League may enroll, but will be placed on a team if space allows and after all eligible Beavercreek applicants have been placed. Applicants from outside the Beavercreek jurisdiction whose parents are heavily involved with the operation of the BSA will have a priority over other outside applicants.
REGISTRATION
Applicants can be registered with the Recreation League on the form approved by the BSA. One form must accompany each applicant wishing to participate in the Recreation League, filled out in its entirety, signed by a parent or legal guardian, and must contain all fees paid in full before the applicant will be considered registered in the BSA.
Registration forms will be distributed individually within the Beavercreek elementary schools and St. Luke School in May. This distribution officially opens the registration period for the upcoming fall and spring sessions. Ankeney and Ferguson Middle schools and Beavercreek High School registration forms will be available at the respective school offices to be picked up by interested registrants. Registration forms are also available at local Beavercreek establishments.
All completed forms and fees can be mailed to: Beavercreek Soccer Association, Registrar, PO Box 340123, Beavercreek, Ohio 45434-0123. The Recreation League will also conduct at least one (1) in person registration period to be located at John Ankeney fields during the month of May. Specific times and dates will be announced in the BSA newsletter, THE GOALPOST, in the Beavercreek News-Current newspaper and on Beavercreek Access Channel 10.
The deadline for fall registration will be July 20 and March 1 for the spring registration.
· 1. The registration forms are only valid during the current soccer year. A new registration form will be required each soccer year. No player shall be allowed to participate in competition under the jurisdiction of the BSA without a current registration form.
· 2. Registering by mail -- The postmark date of the completed form when accompanied by appropriate fees shall be accepted as the date of registration of a player.
· 3. Registering In-Person -- The date of receipt shall be the date of registration of players whose applications are submitted directly to the Association.
· 4. The Corporate Board and the Recreational Board of Directors shall establish the player registration fee. The fee must be paid to the BSA at the time of registration. Player registration is not valid until the form is filled out completely and the registration fee is paid in full.
· 5. Any applications received after a posted deadline will be placed on a waiting list. A waiting list is maintained in order to fill any team vacancies, which may exist after the initial team, has been formed. The designated League Director maintains the waiting list. Coaches will be responsible for bringing any vacancies to the attention of the League Director-who will then assign new players. It is the responsibility of the League Director to equitably distribute players to fill vacancies. Coaches are not authorized to recruit or sign up additional players for their teams.
GRADE REQUIREMENTS
The Recreation League assigns players according to grade and gender, not necessarily by school. BSA will attempt to keep clusters of players within their appropriate school as the final number of registered applicants permits. The recreation leagues are also organized according to school grade level. This provides for players to remain with their grade and not force some to play in a different league based on birthdate. The Recreation League provides both coed and girls leagues. Girls may choose to play in a coed league. (Please note that they may be the only girl on coed teams.) Grade divisions for play in the Recreation League are:
|
Coed Leagues |
|
Girls Leagues |
|
|
Grade |
League Name |
Grade |
League Name |
|
Kindergarten |
K |
|
|
|
1 |
A |
1 |
E |
|
2 & 3 |
B |
2 & 3 |
F |
|
4 & 5 |
C |
4 & 5 |
G |
|
6, 7, & 8 |
D |
6, 7 & 8 |
H |
|
9, 10, 11 & 12 |
J |
9, 10, 11 & 12 |
I (If there are enough players that register) |
The BSA Recreation League also provides a coed Kindergarten league. Children entering the program for the fall session must be 5 years of age before September 30. Those entering for the spring session must be 5 years of age before March 30.
A player can only play in an older league if the parent or legal guardian is the head coach and both Commissioner and League Director approve of the move after the player's skills are evaluated and reviewed. This is not encouraged and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis only.
A player may play in a younger league if the parent or legal guardian gets permission from the Commissioner and League Director. This is only allowed when it is in the child's best interest due to mental or physical limitations.
PLAYER TRANSFER OR RELEASE
Under no circumstances may a player play on more than one team within the BSA. Any registered player assigned to a team is bound to that team for the entire seasonal year (2 sessions) unless:
· 1. The registration form has indicated that the applicant is enrolling for just one of the playing sessions--either fall or spring. The registration fee will not be lowered/adjusted for a player enrolling in just one session.
· 2. There is a case of extreme hardship and by mutual agreement of the parent(s) and with the approval of the League Director and the Commissioner that there is just cause for transferring or releasing an applicant.
All requests for transfers shall be submitted in writing to the League Director stating the reason for the request of transfer. Any player assigned to a team who elects not to play will be dropped from the roster with loss of registration fee unless said player or parent notifies the League Director prior to the refund deadline. No refunds will be given after the completion of the first week of practice.
The purpose of the above rules is to prevent tampering with teams during the seasonal year.
TEAM SIZE
K, A, E Leagues - 7 v 7
Teams are normally allowed no more than eleven (11) or less than eight (8) registered players.. Each team will consist of seven players on the field one of whom must be a goalkeeper. A minimum of six players will be required in order for a team to take the field.
B, C, E, F Leagues - 8 v 8
Teams are normally allowed no more than twelve (12) or less than nine (9) registered players.. Each team will consist of eight players on the field one of whom must be a goalkeeper. A minimum of seven players will be required in order for a team to take the field.
D, H Leagues - 11 v 11
Teams will normally be limited to sixteen (16) players. For D and H Leagues, additional players may be added especially in the spring to account for participation in other sporting and school activities. Each team will consist of eleven players on the field one must be a goalkeeper. A minimum of eight players will be required in order for a team to take the field.
I, J League - 11 v 11
The number of registered players will determine team size.
SHORTAGES
The Recreation League does not acknowledge "forfeits". If a team is short for a game, then the other team is asked to reduce players to the same number present. Teams can also agree to loan players. The object is to have fun and play the game.
LENGTH OF GAMES AND BALL SPECIFICATIONS
|
K League |
5 - 5 min. rotations per half |
#3 (9-10 ounce) ball |
|
A, E League |
4 - 12 min. Quarters |
#3 ( 9-10 ounce) ball |
|
B, F League |
4 - 15 min. Quarters |
#4 (11-13 ounce) ball |
|
C, G League |
2 - 35 min. Halves |
#4 (11-13 ounce) ball |
|
D, H League |
2 - 40 min. Halves |
#5 (14-16 ounce) ball |
|
I, J League |
2 - 40 min. Halves |
#5 (14-16 ounce) ball |
There will be a 3 minute break between quarters and 5-8 minutes between halves. For inclement weather or impending darkness, the length of each quarter may be shortened by mutual agreement of the referee(s) and the coaches.
FIELD OF PLAY
D, H, I and J Leagues play on a standard field of 70 yds. x 110 yds.
The following leagues play on a downsized field as decided by the league.
|
K fields |
80' x 120' (using 40' x 40' squares) |
|
A, E fields |
35 yds x 50 yds. |
|
B,C, E, F fields |
50 yds. x 70 yds. |
Other field dimensions will be scaled accordingly.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
· 1. The Commissioner or representative has the authority to postpone, insert or cancel games because of weather conditions, such as lightning, severe thunderstorm warnings, snow, etc.
· 2. The League Directors will then notify the coaches, who in turn will notify players.
· 3. Teams must report to the playing field ready to play unless officially notified of postponement by the League Director. The assumption that a game is cancelled must never be made.
· 4. The referees will notify the Referee Director of all games suspended during play.
The referee has the authority to postpone a game after its start because of weather conditions. Players should wait in their cars at least 10 minutes to see if the weather clears. DO NOT LEAVE right away.
RESCHEDULING OF GAMES
League games cancelled due to weather will only be rescheduled if time and space permit. In cases of extreme seasonal weather, the League Director will organize all rescheduled games. The League Director will coordinate with the Master Scheduler and Referee Director and then contact the coaches of the rescheduled game. Under no circumstances do coaches undertake the rescheduling/cancellation of a game by themselves.
THE COACH
The coach is one of the most important individuals in the BSA. In keeping with the BSA philosophy and by undertaking the role as coach, your duties are:
· 1. Instruct and train players to develop and improve their abilities in the game of soccer
· 2. Build a positive learning environment
· 3. Promote camaraderie and teamwork
· 4. Develop and practice the principles of fair play and good sportsmanship
· 5. Allow all players to participate equally, no matter what their mental or physical abilities
· 6. Build good character
· 7. Improve physical fitness
· 8. Help children experience the fun and excitement of competition in an organized sport
A good coach is someone a child will remember long after the last game has ended and the season is over.
COACH TRAINING
Coaches must have a working knowledge of the game or aggressively pursuing an understanding of the game in order to effectively coach.
The BSA is committed to providing training and licensing opportunities for our volunteer coaches. Through these classes coaches will receive instruction on basic skills, knowledge of the game, basic care and prevention of injuries and other relevant information.
NYSCA (National Youth Sports Coaches Association) Training
Beginning with the 1999-00 season it is mandatory that all BSA Head Coaches have a current NYSCA membership. Membership is acquired by attending training, and must be renewed annually. All certification classes are held at the City of Beavercreek offices on Research Blvd. Contact your League Director for specific dates and times. The BSA pays the fee for the head coach of each team to attend. Upon completion of the class, each coach will be covered with $2 million excess liability insurance and $250,000 excess accident/medical insurance.
BSA BASIC (Beginner's Assistance to Soccer-Introductory Coaching) Training
This class is for the first year coach who is joining the BSA program for the first time. The class will give the novice coach a look at the BSA program, coaching theories, guidelines/objectives for running your practices and how to manage and organize your team. There is no fee for the class.
TEAM MANAGEMENT
· Attend the coach's meeting with your League Director
Prior to the start of the soccer season, your League Director will contact you to attend a meeting. Attendance at this initial coach's meeting is extremely important. You will receive your team roster, schedule, equipment and supplies. The League Director will also update you on the various activities that will be occurring throughout the season that deal directly with all players. Be informed.
· After obtaining the roster from your league director
Call your team members and parents. Set up the first practice time and work on a parent's orientation meeting. You will generally have 2-3 weeks to practice and get to know the team before your first game.
· At your team orientation meeting
Introduce yourself, your philosophies, and your objectives for the season. Pass out the roster, schedule, newsletter, picture info and relay any other information given by your League Director. (This information is given to you at the Coach's meeting.) Discuss player and parent responsibilities. Ask for volunteers or appoint an organized team representative to assist you.
TEAM REPRESENTATIVE (REP)
The coach has a lot of responsibility within the BSA. In order to remove some of the more administrative tasks from the coach, a team representative shall be identified. The team REP will be the point of contact for things like establishing a calling roster, passing out materials, like newsletters, and serve as a team focal point for any BSA fundraising activities.
PLAYER EQUIPMENT
Player equipment consists of shirt, shorts, socks, shin guards, and shoes. Each player is required to have an appropriate size soccer ball and water bottle. It is better to have a stitched ball rather than a molded ball.
Shoes must be either soft sole gym shoes or soft rubber molded cleat soccer shoes. Cleated baseball or football shoes with toe cleats are not permitted. Players are also responsible for wearing shin guards, which are mandatory equipment for participating in soccer. The socks must cover the shin guards at all times and must not have any exposed hard edges.
UNIFORM POLICY
The primary concern is safety with respect to wearing the uniform. Items that present a hazard to the player or the opponent are not permitted.
JEWELRY-MALE OR FEMALE
Jewelry of any sort is not normally permitted, including but not limited to: earrings, necklaces, bracelets, chains, chokers, rings, pendants, pins, buttons, watches, hard plastic and metal hair combs and barrettes. Medical notification tags or bracelets are permitted. Earrings may be covered with tape.
BLOOD AND BLEEDING
The BSA is concerned that all those in the league take appropriate precautions to prevent the transmission of blood borne and infectious diseases. A Player, Coach, Referee who is bleeding, has an open wound or has blood on the uniform or body shall be prohibited from participating until appropriate treatment is administered. Injured player rules apply.
Precautions for reducing the potential for transmission of infectious agents should include, but not be limited to, the following:
· 1. A bleeding player will be removed from the field of play for treatment. The player will not be allowed to reenter the field until the wound is cleaned and dressed. If any part of the uniform has blood on it, the part must be changed or covered by another article of clothing (i.e. covering shorts with warm-ups).
· 2. Routine use of gloves or other precautions to prevent skin and mucous membrane exposure when contact with blood or other body fluids is anticipated.
· 3. Cleansing of hands and other skin surfaces, if contaminated, (in contact) with blood or other body fluids and immediately after removing gloves.
· 4. Coaches with bleeding or oozing skin conditions should refrain from all athletic care.
PRACTICES
Coaches should have a season long plan for player development. Practices are essential learning times for players to learn the basics of the game by creative drills and exercises. Practice sessions should be conducted at least once per week and should be maintained throughout the season.
Suggested length of practice:
|
League |
Grades |
Duration of practices |
|
K |
Kindergarten |
45-60 minutes |
|
A, E |
1st grade |
60 minutes |
|
B, F |
2nd and 3rd grades |
60-75 minutes |
|
C, G |
4th and 5th grades |
75-90 minutes |
|
D, H |
6th, 7th, 8th grades |
90 minutes |
GAME EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
Before the fall season begins, each coach will be provided team jerseys and socks and a game ball. Goalie shirts may be distributed in some leagues.
At the end of the spring season the goalie shirt, the game ball, and other equipment distributed during the season must be returned to the League Director.
GAME MANAGEMENT
Inspect field, insure nets and flags are present, bring game ball. Make sure players are properly attired. Goalkeepers must wear colors that distinguish them from other players and referees on the field. Develop line-up Sign the referee's game card after the game.
Players not in the game and spectators should remain at least three (3) feet back from the touchlines, (sidelines) and within the area from the goal line to the goal line. No one is permitted behind the end lines.
FIELD PREPARATION
The team listed first in the schedule is the home team. The designated home team is responsible for insuring that the field is in playable condition. Playable condition is defined as nets and flags properly installed. The home team shall provide a properly inflated and playable game ball to the referee prior to the beginning of the match. In case of team colors conflicting, the home team shall obtain contrasting pennies from the concession stand. All field sites will be cleaned up prior to both teams leaving the playing field
PLAYING TIME
All players should play at least one-half of each game. Possible exceptions include injury, illness, ejection, or an obligation requiring a player to leave early or arriving late. Playing time may be limited as a result of disciplinary action of the player approved by the League Director in consultation with Commissioner or representative.
SUBSTITUTIONS
All leagues allow substitution
· 1. After a goal
· 2. On a goal kick
· 3. After an injury
· 4. On your team's throw-in
Subs should wait at mid-field. This makes it easier for the referees and helps get the players on the field quicker.
Timekeeper
It is the responsibility of the home team coach to provide a timekeeper, if requested by the referee. However, only the referee will signal when time has expired.
Assistant Referees
If only one referee is available, each team may be asked to provide one person who will call the line at the referee's instruction. They assist the referee by indicating when the ball is out of play, and which team is entitled to a corner kick or a throw-in. The referee's decision in all cases is final.
In keeping with BSA Recreation League philosophy, running up the score against an opposing team is strongly discouraged. Coaches of a dominating team should take the opportunity to adjust player and team positions to equal out the competition. This will enrich the player's experience and exhibit consideration toward the opponents without compromising the team's desire to win.
Following the Game
Good sportsmanship includes post-game congratulations and thanking the opposing teams for playing well and to their best abilities. Coaches and players should line up in an orderly fashion and offer handshakes and/or expressions of gratitude to the other team for a "good game". Absolutely no uncomplimentary remarks, whether joking or not, will be tolerated. No slapping, hitting, spitting, or other unsportsmanslike conduct will be tolerated.
PLAYER DISCIPLINE
Disciplinary action for players, who violate team rules, concerning missing practices, games etc. is the responsibility of the coach after consultation with the League Director. Prior to taking any action the coach must first discuss it with the parents and player. Difficult situations shall be referred to the Board of Directors through the appropriate League Director.
(Red Card instances) Every coach in the BSA is instructed to make all players aware and knowledgeable of unsportsmanlike behavior. Exhibiting the following unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated. Players will be immediately expelled from the game and additional disciplinary actions may be imposed after review of the incident with the League Director and the approval of the Commissioner.
· 1. Abusive or foul language to a coach, parent, referee, or other player.
· 2. Threatening actions or words toward a coach, parent, referee, or player.
· 3. Aggressive physical contact with the referee or another player
· 4. Striking a referee or another player
· 5. Refusing to leave the playing area after an ejection.
TEAM DUTIES
1. CONCESSION STAND DUTY (K, A, B, C, E, F, G Leagues)
The concession stand provides two vital functions to support the BSA. First, it provides food and refreshments for players and spectators. And second, the profits are used to provide for the referee program.
The successful operation of the concession stand is solely dependent on its volunteers. Leagues are assigned concession stand duty on certain days during the week and at specific times on Saturdays. The League Director assigns this duty to the teams when making up the schedule and each team should include concession stand duty as part of the players' schedule. Teams will normally only have concession stand duty once per season and every attempt is made so that only a portion of a game will be missed. The league encourages each team to assign concession stand duty just like the team refreshments are assigned.
The concession stand can be, at times, extremely busy and dangerous for small children underfoot. Volunteers are asked not to bring children into the concession stand and should make arrangements to have them watched while performing concession stand duty.
2. FIELD MAINTENANCE DUTY (D & H Leagues)
The preparation of the fields for play each week involves several activities. These activities include mowing the grass in the goals, trash pickup and dumping, and putting out the field corner flags. At certain times, the trimming of grass along the front of the complex and around the old telephone poles that mark the parking areas, cleaning up debris from storms and other miscellaneous tasks are assigned as well. Each Friday during the season teams from D and H Leagues are assigned to perform field maintenance duty. Four to six people from each assigned team should get the job done in about two hours.
3. FUND RAISERS (All Leagues)
Registration fees are the primary source of funds for operating expenses for the BSA. The Executive Board from time-to-time may determine that fundraisers are needed to supplement the registration fees. Fundraisers can used to cover general operating costs, or for extraordinary items, such as major equipment repair, or for capital improvements.
SPONSORSHIP
BSA code does not permit the teams to be individually sponsored. However, sponsorship of the entire organization is actively pursued. Currently, SHOUT is a proud sponsor of the BSA.
PETS
Pets are NOT PERMITTED in the soccer complex, during scheduled games. Exception will be made for animals assisting persons with disabilities. When no games are scheduled within the complex, pets are permitted, but must be kept on a leash and under control at all times. Appropriate measures must be taken to clean up after all pets. If the cleanliness of the complex is not maintained, then pets will not be allowed.
SPEED LIMIT
The complex speed limit is 9 MPH.
DISCIPLINE FOR COACHES AND PARENTS
Soccer games belong to the children players and referees, not the parents or coaches. Please remember always that children are very sensitive and are trying their best on the soccer fields. Every child should be given positive support and encouragement even when they don't seem to be on top of their game. The game is where the players and referees test themselves and their training as they strive to play the best game they can. Mistakes, missed calls, missed opportunities are all part of the game and adults must strive to understand these human events in the most positive light. Adults must never place the value of winning over the safety, welfare or fun of the children.
Each coach is responsible for the conduct of his players, the parents, and supporters. Coaches and parents have an obligation to teach good sportsmanship by both word and example. Exhibiting the following unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated.
· 1. Threatening actions or words towards players, referees or other parents.
· 2. Excessive, abusive language to players, referees or other parents.
· 3. Aggressive physical or vocal contact with another parent.
· 4. Constant and excessive verbal harassment of the players.
· 5. Instructing players to play in a deliberately dangerous or unsportsmanlike manner.
· 6. Coaches or parents entering the field with purpose to show dissent to a player or referee.
· 7. Disputing game decisions by the referee during, and/or after any games within sight- or earshot- of the referee.
Referees are instructed to pause the game and call a conference with both coaches to express any concerns about intimidation, harassment, or abusive behavior by parents or coaches. If the coaches are unable to settle the concerns to the referee's satisfaction, the referee may call the game for cause and report immediately to the concession stand to report the incident. All incidents reported to the league will be investigated by the league director and the commissioner, or designated representative. Actions could include game suspensions and possible expulsions for repeated violations. Referees have the right to call the game if at any time they feel uncomfortable continuing because of actions by the coaches and/or parents.
REGISTERING A SUGGESTION
All suggestions should be reported immediately to the team coach even if the suggestion is about the team coach. Reasonable attempts must be made to resolve suggestions through the team coach before filing a suggestion with the League Director. Cordial and cooperative problem resolution is the responsibility of all parties.
Serious violations of BSA rules should be reported immediately to the League Director. Forms for registering a suggestion are available from the coach or at the concession stand. All suggestion forms must bear the names and signatures of the party filing the suggestion as well as the team coach, indicating that all parties have been appropriately informed. The suggestion form should be stapled shut and then placed in the League Director's mailbox in the back of the concession stand.
VIOLATIONS OF THE RULES
It is the League Director's duty to follow-up on any reported violations and report them as necessary to the Commissioner. The League Director has the authority to investigate and take the necessary action required to enforce these rules.
Protocol: Every attempt to handle suggestions discretely with all due respect and consideration to all parties should be exercised. Full disclosure of each suggestion, including but not limited to suggestion statements and names of complainants, accused, and witnesses shall be given to all parties and discussed privately without prejudice or advocacy by the League Director. All parties will be given opportunity to file written statements detailing their observations and attempts to resolve issues and/or take corrective measures.
