WELCOME TO PREMIER, COMPETITIVE SOCCER.

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1 WELCOME TO PREMIER, COMPETITIVE SOCCER. Spring Season Player and Parent Handbook Page 1

Table of Contents Welcome to Almaden FC... 3 Almaden FC Team Structure. 4 Positions and Rotation... 5 Playing Time... 5 Player Movement... 5 Additional Player Expenses... 6 Time Commitment.

2 Table of Contents Welcome to Almaden FC... 3 Almaden FC Team Structure. 4 Positions and Rotation... 5 Playing Time... 5 Player Movement... 5 Additional Player Expenses... 6 Time Commitment... 6 Player Evaluations... 7 Spring Almaden FC Program... 7 Team Management Roles 8 Head Coach... 8 Assistant Coaches... 8 Team Manager... 8 Volunteering Commitment.9 Parent Communication With The Head Coach Code of Conduct Player Code of Conduct Parent Code of Conduct..12 General Almaden FC program feedback Almaden FC Key Contacts Page 2

3 Welcome To Almaden FC Dear Parents and Players, Congratulations on being selected to participate in Almaden Futbol Club s (Almaden FC) spring competitive soccer program. It is our passion and our pleasure to share the beautiful sport with so many talented youth in our community. Here at Almaden FC, we are fully committed to our mission of advancing the personal and athletic development of players to their highest potential through the sport of soccer. We will accomplish this by delivering high quality skill development, promoting responsible social interaction, fostering an environment of good sportsmanship and creating memories that we hope will last a lifetime. It is our sincere desire to ensure that every player who comes to Almaden FC will enjoy a positive experience playing a sport that touches billions of people around the world. By joining Almaden FC, you now become a valued player and member of a premier soccer club that is proud to train more than 55 competitive teams, made up of approximately 700 players. We are proud to be able to develop new players, watch teams improve in skill and results season over season, and create an environment of fun in all that we do. One of our greatest joys is simply to celebrate each and every form of success together as a soccer family. Please take some time to review the information that has been prepared for you in the following pages, and we hope after doing so, you will share our enthusiasm for what we know is shaping up to be the most exciting year ever for Almaden FC! Sincerely, Almaden FC Management and Staff Page 3

4 Almaden FC Team Structure Almaden FC names its teams first by Boys (Mercury) and Girls (Quicksilver) and then age group. We aim to form multiple teams in each age group and gender and assign players to a team based on their current development level. The number of players in an age group (boys/girls) will be determined by the number of players evaluated at tryouts and then the final decision as to the number of qualified competitive players within each age group for boys and girls teams. Within each identifier by gender and age group (e.g. Quicksilver 04), teams are given a color assignment reflecting a level of development and competitive play, from most developmental to most competitive: Yellow, White, Black and Green. For example, an Almaden FC team name would read: Almaden FC Mercury 01 Black (MB01). The Green team will be comprised of players identified as having demonstrated an aptitude to train and compete at the highest level within the age group. The next ranking of players will be placed on the Black team, then the White team and then the Yellow team. In some age groups, the highest team level will be Premier or NPL. Almaden FC enjoys our affiliation with US Club Soccer as a member of the NorCal Premier League, including member status within NorCal Premier s National Premier League (NPL). Almaden Soccer is also a proud member of US Youth Soccer as an affiliate of the California Youth Soccer Association, more commonly referred to as CYSA. Page 4

5 Positions and Rotation Our goal is to give our players the opportunity to learn and develop in the sport. An important part of t h e learning and growing process is placing players in various positions on field during the season if needed. Our professional coaches will determine the best positions for each individual player while giving them exposure and on-field experience especially in the younger age groups in multiple positions on field. Soccer is a team sport and not all players can be strikers or defenders. A team can only win as a unit and each player s performance contributes to the success of the team. It is critical for players and parents alike to understand and accept that, in contrast to some other sports, all positions in soccer have the same value for a team there is no better or worse position. Playing Time Like most competitive clubs, Almaden FC has no guaranteed playing time rules. At the youngest ages however, we try to make sure players see close to 50% play time over the course of each season (will not necessarily equal 50% at each game) to aid the developmental goals of this age group. As we move up through the age groups, we will shift more towards earning playing time to aid the realities of more competitive play and environments in the older age groups, including high school. We will place no obligation on our Almaden FC coaching staff to adhere to any minimum playtime guide when the following player issues are present: repetitive tardiness, unexcused absences, repetitive excused absences, and repetitive disruptive and/or disrespectful behavior. If a player misses consecutive practices in a given week, or fails to adequately follow coaching instructions or give sufficient effort during practice, both parents and players should anticipate that playtime during that weekend s game/s may be affected. Reasonable absences such as school science camp, illness and unavoidable appointments will occur and are understandable. Player Movement between Teams during the Year We will prioritize player development, the club and then the team. Our training philosophy is such that whenever possible, Mercury or Quicksilver teams within a birth year will train together. While the initial tryout process provides a good first evaluation, players will develop differently throughout a season; therefore our coaching staff will continually collaborate to determine if roster readjustments are warranted. A player may be asked to guest play on another team in the same age group, or move from one team to another team for the fall season in exchange with a different player that moves in the opposite direction. Like all decisions we make, roster moves will be made at all times in the best interest of a player s development. Page 5

6 Additional Player Expenses Each player is required to purchase uniforms according to the uniform life cycle set by the manufacturer and communicated by the league. The mandatory uniform pieces for competitive players include: Almaden FC Home Kit (jersey, shorts, socks) month life cycle, with cycle reset in January. The January kits will have a life cycle of 18 months with new kit purchase required in June June 2019 kits and beyond will have a life cycle of 24 months. FC Bayern Away Kit (jersey, shorts, socks) month life cycle, with cycle reset in January. The January kits will have a cycle of 18 months with new kit purchase required in June 2019 June 2019 kit and beyond will have a life cycle of 12 months. FC Bayern Training Kit (jersey, shorts, socks) month life cycle, with cycle reset in January. The January kits will have a cycle of 18 months with new kit purchase required in June 2019 (June 2019 kit and beyond will have a life cycle of 12 months.) Uniforms, when purchased as the complete set of 3 kits, run approximately $320 total and are a mandatory purchase. Uniform life cycles are subject to change. Teams may decide to hold additional practices and/or scrimmages outside of what the league registration fee covers. These additional practices and/or scrimmages are an incremental expense incurred and shared by the team. Those additional fees are paid directly by the team and collected by the team manager. All additional practices/scrimmage expenses are to be shared evenly by all players on the team roster regardless of participation. Each team s Head Coach will evaluate and roll out a team tournament plan for the year. The tournament plan will include at the minimum, the number of tournaments specified in the fees and, for some teams, may include additional tournaments. Participation in any additional tournaments is an incremental expense incurred and shared by the team (paid directly by the team and collected by the team manager.) For travel tournaments, families are expected to share the expense of the Head Coach s accommodations and at times, travel costs. All tournament expenses are to be shared evenly by all players on the team roster regardless of participation. Time Commitment Your commitment to Almaden FC is for the spring season. The success of the team ultimately comes down to the commitment levels of all involved. We are also very conscious as a league that soccer players sometimes play multiple sports and there might be conflicts. If players cannot fully participate, their development slows down and so does the performance of the team. If players consistently cannot meet the commitment levels required to be a part of a team, the Almaden FC coach will discuss this with the parents. Occasional participation is disruptive to building team chemistry (on field and off), player development and thereby team growth and development. Page 6

7 Player Evaluations Your player can expect to receive feedback, direction and input from their coach on field during practices. Parents need to remember that as they are most often not on field during practices, they will not hear much of this feedback firsthand; but our Almaden FC coaching staff takes pride in the opportunity to guide and provide immediate feedback to players in the practice and often game time environment. In addition, each player will receive a formal, written evaluation near the end of each season by their head coach. The purpose of these evaluations is to provide you with feedback on your child s progress, their strengths and also their areas for development. Program Overview Almaden FC is pleased to offer a comprehensive developmental and training environment for our players. Practices that fall on Federal Holidays and coach education days will not take place, and will be communicated in advance. During the course of the season, there may also be weather or field related circumstances that warrant practice sessions to be cancelled last minute. Typically for a weather related closure, we will communicate the practice session cancellation by 3:00pm on the day the practice is to be held. Communication will be via the Rained Out text alert system, communication to TM s, and/or updates to the website. Practices not held due to holidays, coach education days, or weather will not be made up as they have been accounted for when determining fees. The Almaden FC spring program runs January 16 th -March 11 th for pre-season, and March 12 th -June 22 nd for spring season. Page 7

8 Team Management Roles Head Coach Each team in the Almaden FC program will be assigned a professional, licensed Head Coach who is interviewed and selected by the Technical Director. The Head Coach will oversee training sessions and games and work with their assigned team(s), following the appropriate training curriculum. The Head Coach will report to their respective Director of Coaching. The Head Coach will also be responsible for providing regular communications with the team and also to communicate clearly the goals and expectations for the season. Assistant Coaches Volunteer Assistant Coaches, if desired by the Head Coach, will assist the Head Coach. Although the Head Coach will take the lead, the role of the volunteer assistant coach is very important, as they provide invaluable assistance at practices and also at games. Any Assistant Coach who is not supportive of the Head Coach may be removed from his/her duties as assistant coach. It is again very important that the Assistant Coaches support the Head Coach in his philosophy and approach. All Almaden FC assistant coaches are required to have obtained at least the minimum of an E coaching license. Assistant Coaches will receive league volunteer credit for the year. Team Manager In order for the teams to be successful, it is important that logistics, communications, and team events are all planned. In order to do this, the team will need a volunteer Team Manager to coordinate events and help keep the team informed. Team Manager(s) will receive league volunteer credit for the year. Team Managers are responsible for collecting all required player and parent information (league registration paperwork) for each season, along with communicating and managing team practice and game schedules, managing uniform delivery, etc. All information about the day to day running of the team comes from the Team Manager. In addition, Team Managers will be responsible for collecting payment from players to cover anything not covered in the league registration fees. The league will register teams for all covered AFC tournaments. Page 8

9 Volunteering Commitment To honor the game, promote our sense of responsibility, and to be an amazing soccer club, Almaden FC relies on support by its volunteers. Each family s service is instrumental in ensuring a fun and successful soccer experience for our Almaden youth. Every family is required to perform a minimum of 4 hours per family per calendar year of leaguedesignated volunteer service if they have at least one child participating in one of these programs: fall recreational soccer, spring 4v4 microsoccer and/or Almaden FC. Alternatively, families may pay a $125 buy-out fee. If a family does not fulfill its volunteer obligation and has not paid the buy-out, they will be charged the $125 buy-out and next season s buy-out fee, in advance, at the next registration. The volunteer requirement can also be met by performing in a league-designated role such as Team Manager or Assistant Coach, or by performing work shifts as a league Hourly Volunteer (via the ivolunteer program.) Only those volunteer activities that are registered via ivolunteer count towards league hours; Helping carry the team bench or EZ up, helping the coach carry equipment, etc. are considered to be part of the child/parent sports experience and do not count towards league hours. Please visit for more information. Page 9

10 Parent Communication with the Head Coach It is important that, together, we foster a positive, clear and ongoing flow of communication throughout the year. When and if concerns arise, please ensure that your first point of contact if you have a question or concern is always your Head Coach. The timing of your communication is also important. We have a 24 hour cooling off period with the belief that a short cooling off time be taken when it can benefit the productivity of a conversation. When meeting with a coach, please respect that it is not appropriate for you to give your input on: Team lineups and discussion of which players should play what position Substitution rotations for players Discussion of a players on-field performance, other than your own player Please make an appointment with the coach to discuss any concerns. Above the age of 11, we encourage players to take the initial step to speak with their coach. It is not appropriate for parents to approach a coach before, during, or immediately after a game with concerns. If, and only after, a coach refuses to meet with the parent or a satisfactory outcome cannot be reached should a parent bring the issue to the attention of the Director of Coaching for their age group. The Director of Coaching will then assist in facilitating a discussion collectively with the Head Coach. If a situation cannot be resolved with the Director of Coaching and Head Coach, only then will the Director of Coaching escalate the situation to the Technical Director. At no point should the line of communication or problem solving jump directly to the Technical Director or a board member. As negativity can become detrimental to a team, an entire age group and therefore a club, we ask that we embrace a spirit of respect and that at no time would we want to hear of parents resort to talking negatively about the program, your team or team members, families, the Almaden FC coaching staff, or Almaden FC employees. Code of Conduct Almaden FC is committed to advancing the personal and athletic development of all of our players both on and off the field. We believe that player enjoyment is the core philosophy, central to achieving the highest level of development in each of our players. We want to provide each of our players a positive environment to play the game at the appropriate level and develop technical and tactical skills, a sense of team spirit, leadership qualities, and sportsmanship. To achieve these goals, we have established a Code of Conduct for players and parents. All players of Almaden FC and their parents are expected to fully understand the commitment and expectations below, and be prepared to fulfill all requirements. Almaden FC reserves the right to dismiss a player or parent who does not comply with the Code of Conduct. Page 10

11 Player Code of Conduct As long as I am a player with in Almaden FC, I agree that I will: Arrive on time and adhere to Almaden FC s attire/training equipment requirements for all games and training sessions. I realize that if I fail to do so, I may be sent home Notify my coach if I will be late or unable to attend a practice or game, including scrimmages Immediately report any injury to my coach Accept that playing time is based on game day readiness, on-field performance, determination and focus during practice, punctuality and attitude demonstrated to coaches and players alike. I understand that I may receive more or less playing time than other team members and that playing time, based on the above, is not guaranteed Exemplify and demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times, on and off-field. I will respect all coaches, opponents, officials, parents, and teammates, and not engage in any negative conversations regarding them Never use vulgar or demeaning language while on the game field, training field or at any time while wearing an Almaden FC uniform or branded attire Accept that violation of any of the above, may affect my playing time, my position on my team, or could result in my expulsion from Almaden FC ALMADEN FC ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY It is the responsibility of ALL coaches to maintain the highest standards of conduct for themselves, their players and supporters in all practices and games. Abusive and obscene language, violent play, violent conduct, fighting and other behavior detrimental to the practice or game will not be tolerated. During games, a coach s responsibility for referee support and spectator control includes the times prior to, during and after the game at the field and surrounding areas. On game day, all persons responsible for a team and all the spectators shall support the referee. Failure to do so will undermine the referee s authority and has the potential of creating a hostile environment for the players, the referee and all the other participants and spectators. Consequently, Almaden FC has adopted the following rule for practice session and game day violations: CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATIONS Initial violation: A verbal warning from the coach 2 nd violation: Player misses next game 3 rd violation: Player sits for the remainder of the season, or faces expulsion from Almaden FC Page 11

12 Parent Code of Conduct As a parent/guardian of an Almaden FC player, I will: Be a positive role model whenever I am around Almaden FC players. I will set a good example by not yelling at, ridiculing, or criticizing my child or any other player Refrain from coaching from the sidelines. I understand that my interaction with players will be detrimental to the game and undermine the professional coach s authority Respect the consequences given to my player should he or she fail to meet the expectations outlined in the player code of conduct Show respect to all coaches, referees, and tournament officials. I understand that Almaden FC supports a zero tolerance policy as to the questioning of and harassment of referees. I will leave conflict resolution to the c oa ch es, field marshals or tournament officials Not initiate or engage in negative discussions about the program, coaches, or staff with other parents and players. If I choose to take this approach, I understand that my family and thereby my player, may be asked to leave the Almaden FC program First address any issues regarding my player with his/her Head Coach. If that approach is not successful, I may then contact the Director of Coaching for my age group. Fulfill my financial obligations to the club and team, and will do so on-time Honor my 4-hour annual volunteer commitment with the club or agree to pay a $125 annual buyout ALMADEN FC ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY Abusive and obscene language, violent play, violent conduct, fighting and other behavior deemed detrimental to the practice or game will not be tolerated. During games, a coach s responsibility for referee support and spectator control includes the times prior to, during and after the game at the field and surrounding areas. On game day, all persons responsible for a team and all the spectators shall support the referee. Failure to do so will undermine the referee s authority and has the potential of creating a hostile environment for the players, the referee and all the other participants and spectators. Consequently, Almaden FC has adopted the following rule for practice session and game day violations: CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATIONS Initial violation: A verbal warning from the coach 2 nd violation: Parent or spectator misses next game 3 rd violation: Parent or spectator may not attend games for the remainder of the season. This sideline ban may also extend to practice sessions if warranted Page 12

13 General Almaden FC Program Feedback We appreciate that you may also have more general questions and opinions of the Almaden FC program this coming year. Please feel free to also discuss at an appropriate time, feedback relative to the overall program with your Director of Coaching or Operations Manager. We have provided their contact information below. Almaden FC is a special place to play soccer. We have an incredible coaching staff, talented players, and dedicated families all supported by an Operations staff, and volunteer Board of Directors. We wish your player a fantastic year of growth filled with great competition and a lifetime of great memories in 2017! Almaden FC Key Contacts John Devine, Technical Director td@almadensoccer.org Patrick Stine, Director of Soccer dos@almadensoccer.org Roxy Kamal, Director of Coaching Girls DOC doc_kamal@almadensoccer.org Adam Whaley, Director of Coaching Boys DOC doc_whaley@almadensoccer.org Page 13

Portland Timbers ODP (Pre-Academy) Invite and Information 2001/02 and 2003/04 Age Groups Tryouts: August 12-13/Salem, Oregon

Portland Timbers ODP (Pre-Academy) Invite and Information 2001/02 and 2003/04 Age Groups Tryouts: August 12-13/Salem, Oregon What is Portland Timbers Pre-Academy/Olympic Development Program (ODP)? All