Rules & Policies

Training Attendance Policy

As soccer players it is imperative that you attend each and every session of training in order to improve as an individual, and for the team to improve.  While we understand that some conflicts are unavoidable, and 'acts of God' do happen, we never the less must all commit to train the full amount each and every week.  As such, we have come up with the following attendance policy:

1.  Players must attend every training session (2x per week for U11, 2-3x per week for U12-U18)

2.  Players who miss a session must notify the coach of the reason of missing the session, prior to training.  Players missing a session can plan to have their play time reduced accordingly.   Players missing two sessions in a week can plan to attend the weekend game to support their team, but not expect to play.   

3.  Injured players are expected to attend training and games, observe, and learn, so that team issues do not need to be rehashed time after time.  Long term injuries may arrange with the coach an acceptable schedule.

We can assure you that adherence to these policies will result in better players, better teams, and more team unity.  We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Lightning Policy

“If you see it (lightning), flee it; if you can hear it (thunder), clear it”  
 
It is paramount to keep in mind that a player’s parent and/or guardian has the ultimate decision-making responsibility regarding the removal of their child or charge from severe weather and lightening. Nonetheless, a strong commitment to common sense must be exercised by coaches, officials, and players.  
 
The decision to evacuate a field of play may be based on any of the following:

  1. National weather radio broadcast and/or lightning detection device warnings.
  2. Any lightning seen or thunder heard in the area. You should evacuate the field of play.

 
During games, the referee is responsible for the safety of the players. Be aware of any severe weather guidelines or policies. When the decision is made to evacuate and clear the field during games, the referee will blow his whistle to suspend the game and announce the game is being stopped for the possibility of lightning and/or severe weather. The official shall record the time remaining in the game and will then instruct everyone to seek shelter. Assist the official if asked concerning the suspension of play. Furthermore, if lightning is seen or thunder heard, regardless of the official’s decision, exercise prudent common sense to ensure as best as possible the safety of players, coaches, officials, and spectators. Again, the primary responsibility for the safety of a player lies in a parent or guardian’s parental decision. 
 
During practices, while a parent or guardian of a player is primarily responsible for the safety of the player, coaches should exercise prudent common sense for the safety of the players concerning lightning and/or severe weather. If the decision is made to evacuate the field of play, coaches must insist that players and parents quickly evacuate the field of play to a safe shelter.  
 
Safe shelter includes a car, truck, or van with a hard top. Avoid places such as pavilions, shelter under trees or poles, or remaining in an open field.  
 
Resumption of Practice/Play

  1. Common sense and prudent observation should be used in determining whether to resume Practice or play after a decision to evacuate has been made and exercised. A guideline that may be used to resume play after the last thunder or lightning is fifteen (15) minutes without subsequent thunder or lightning observation. If lightning or thunder is observed during the 14 minute waiting period, the 15 minute waiting period is re-started from the time of the most current observation or lightning of thunder.
  2. No games or practices shall begin or continue upon the National Weather Service’s issuance of either a severe thunderstorm warning or tornado warning in effect for the geographical area where practice or play is commenced.