| Fleetwood Youth Soccer Club ("FYSC") Mission Statement The mission of FYSC is to promote the values of sportsmanship, fair play and community spirit through a quality developmental program of soccer instruction for young people. Core Values of FYSC Sportsmanship ‑ showing proper respect for teammates, opponents, coaches and spectators. Fair Play ‑ playing by the rules, honoring the referee's decisions, and being a proper role model to others in both winning and losing. Community ‑ building peace and harmony among the people within the area served by FYSC. Team Spirit ‑ putting the success of the team ahead of any individual achievement. Family ‑ using the activities of the Club to strengthen the bonds between children and those who care for them. Excellence ‑ promoting skill development and team play toward the goal of performing at the highest level possible and instilling a life long love for the sport of soccer. Competitiveness ‑ teaching persistence, hard work and a positive attitude on and off the field. Strategic Objectives 1. FYSC will recruit, train and support coaches who are dedicated to the proper instruction of young people in the skills of soccer and overall sportsmanship. 2. Developing teamwork is as important as individual skill‑building. 3. FYSC will field teams that demonstrate fair play, hard work, and good sportsmanship at all times. 4. The instructional program will promote excellence in soccer and contribute to the overall quality of life in our communities. 5. Coaches, parents and players will show respect to referees, opposing players and coaches, and other spectators at all times. 6. Parents will support coaches in their efforts to provide a quality soccer experience for their children. 7. All club members and their families will model good sportsmanship on and off the field and be good will ambassadors for FYSC wherever our teams compete. 8. The primary goals of soccer development are to have fun, develop skills and promote team play. 9. The Club will recruit, support and develop quality referees to officiate for the Club and throughout the league. 10. FYSC will be a respected participant in the activities of the Reading/Berks Junior Soccer League and the EPYSA. Rules & Regulations Approved and Adopted: June, 2001 This organization may adopt a set of rules and regulations to be known as "Fleetwood Soccer Club Rules and Regulations" relating to the conduct and scheduling of soccer games, team formation, the conduct of coaches, assistant coaches, players, and like matters. Such rules and regulations shall be adopted annually by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Definitions Categories of Members ‑ There shall be four categories of members, namely: Board of Directors, Coaches, Youth Members (also referred to herein as "players") and Parents of Youth Members. Board Members ‑ The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, Vice President, Registrar, Secretary and Treasurer of this organization. There shall be four at‑large members elected to the Board of Directors from the general membership. There shall be at least one coach or assistant coach elected to the Board of Directors. Coaches ‑ Coaches shall consist of all coaches and assistant coaches (but no more than two assistant coaches per team) of the soccer club. Youth Member ‑ Youth Members (also referred to herein as "players") shall consist of any youth currently registered with the Club (fiscal year registration is from August 1 through July 31. Parents of Youth Member ‑ Parent or legal guardian of youth member. Other Offices ‑ The office of Equipment Manager and Field Commissioner shall be appointed by the Board of Directors on a yearly basis. A Board member may hold one of these offices. (Refer to Other Offices for definition of each office listed herein.) Voting Rights ‑ Each member of the Board of Directors is entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to the club. Termination of Membership ‑ The affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Board of Directors may suspend or expel a Coach, Assistant Coach or Youth Member for cause after an investigation is performed resulting from an allegation(s) of misconduct (see Procedure for Investigating Allegations of Misconduct). Reinstatement of Membership ‑ On written request, signed by a former Coach, Assistant Coach or Youth Member and delivered (via hand delivery, U. S. First Class Certified Mail or email) to the Secretary, the Board of Directors, by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the Board, may reinstate a former Coach, Assistant Coach or Youth Member's membership on such terms as the Board of Directors may deem appropriate. Meetings Regular Monthly Meetings ‑ Regular meetings will be held on the third Monday of the month, except when otherwise notified by the Secretary. Annual Meetings ‑ An annual meeting of the members shall be held in Fleetwood in the month of December each year for the purpose of electing officers and board members. A Nominating Committee will submit its list of nominated candidates at the November regular meeting. Place of Meetings ‑ The Board of Directors will designate the place for meeting. Board of Directors General Powers ‑ The affairs of the organization shall be managed and voted on by its Board of Directors. For additional information on the general powers of the Board of Directors, refer to By‑Laws. Term of Office ‑ Each officer and board member shall hold office for three years after election, from January 1 to December 31. Each officer will serve a one year term and be eligible for re-election. Board of Conduct The Board of Directors may convene as a Board of Conduct to rule on matters pertaining to the conduct of any officer, coach, youth member or the parent of a youth member. Policy ‑ Programs sponsored by the club are intended for the peaceful enjoyment of players, coaches and spectators. Misconduct on the part of any participant in a club activity detracts for the integrity of the club and compromises its mission. Such behavior will not be tolerated. All allegations of misconduct will be investigated in a timely manner. Definition ‑ Misconduct is any form of behavior made by a coach, youth member, parents of a youth member, or visitor at a club sponsored event that is deemed to be offensive and in violation of good sportsmanship and detracts from the peaceful enjoyment of the game. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to, foul language, repeated loud complaining about a referee or coach, relentless contesting of calls, hostile verbal or physical interaction with spectators from the visiting team, verbal or physical harassment of a youth member, coach, referee, or fan, disruptive interference with the progress of the game by players and spectators, spitting, hitting, kicking, cursing, throwing items on the field, interrupting games through any means, and other forms of unsportsmanlike comments of behavior. Procedure for Investigating Allegations of Misconduct 1. An allegation of misconduct of a coach, player, parent, or guest may be brought forward to any member of the Board. The identity of the person bringing the complaint may be kept confidential if it is deemed appropriate by the Board. 2. The President of the Board shall call a meeting of the Board of Directors to review the allegations and decide whether to conduct an inquiry. The President will notify the appropriate youth soccer oversight bodies (i.e., Reading/Berks) that an investigation has been initiated. 3. Whenever possible, a written statement of the allegations should be sought from the person bringing forth the complaint. A list of eyewitnesses should be compiled. 4. The person alleged to have committed the misconduct shall be given an opportunity to send a written statement concerning the matter to the President of the Board. 5. The Board will interview those people with direct, first hand knowledge of the allegation to the extent possible. Written statements may be requested of any eyewitnesses. 6. If the allegations are made against a coach, the Board may suspend the coach from his or her normal duties pending resolution of the investigation. 7. If the allegations are against a player, the Board may suspend the player pending the outcome of the investigation. 8. A coach called in for an investigation interview may elect to bring another coach along for support and counsel subject to the advance approval of the Board. 9. Once all identified parties have been interviewed, the Board will make a determination whether there is sufficient factual evidence to substantiate the allegation of misconduct. 10. The Board will determine disciplinary actions, if any. Such determinations shall be progressive in nature and comply with standards set by Reading/Berks Junior Soccer League and the EPYSA. Such disciplinary actions will be commensurate with the nature of the misconduct and the person's previous record of unsportsmanlike behavior as may be applicable. 11. The Board reserves the right to censure, suspend, or expel anyone affiliated with the programs of the Club when allegations of misconduct are found to be substantiated. 12. A report of the investigation and its outcome may be filed with the league, if necessary. Committees Standing Committees ‑ The Board of Directors may designate one or more standing committees, each of which shall consist of at least one chairman appointed by the Board of Directors. The designation of such committees and the delegation thereof of authority shall not operate to relieve the Board of Directors, or any individual officer, of any responsibility imposed on it or him by law. Term of Office ‑ Each member of a committee shall continue as such for a one year term beginning January 1 to December 31 of that year, unless the committee would terminate sooner, or unless such members be removed from such committee, or unless such members shall cease to qualify as a member thereof. Chairman ‑ One member of each committee shall be appointed chairman by the Board of Directors. Vacancies ‑ Vacancies in the membership of any committee may be filled by the Board of Directors. Other Offices Equipment Manger ‑ The Equipment Manager shall serve a term of one year and be responsible for the following: 1. Conduct all purchasing of equipment and supplies that uses FYSC funds with Board approval. 2. Issue all equipment and supplies to coaches, and maintain records of equipment issued. 3. Conduct a complete and accurate physical inventory of all equipment annually by December 31 of each year. Monitor and account for the return of all previously issued equipment. 4. Maintain current price lists by vendors. 5. Appoint and oversee a committee as needed to perform assigned tasks. Field Commissioner ‑ The Field Commission shall serve a one year term and be responsible for the following: 1. Make sure the fields are lined before each contest. 2. Make sure the fields are clean after each contest. 3. Contact league to cancel games due to adverse weather and field conditions. 4. Appoint and oversee a committee as needed to perform the assigned tasks. General Fees and Dues ‑ Fees and dues shall be reviewed annually. Each player that registers with FYSC shall pay the required registration fee. Families with multiple registrants shall pay the full fee for the first player and a reduced fee (as determined annually by the Board of Directors) for each additional family member. A player should not be denied the opportunity to play soccer due to financial reasons. Any family who can provide written evidence that they are currently receiving free or reduced lunches from the school district shall have the registration fee waived or the Board, at its discretion, may waive or reduce the registration fee for reasons as determined to be necessary. Registration ‑ Registration dates shall be determined and announced by the Registrar. Any registration forms received after the final registration date set by the Registrar shall be deemed late. All late registrations shall be charged a late fee as determined annually by the Board of Directors. Late registration will be accepted only under the following conditions: It arrives to the club's Registrar prior to the close of registration as determined by the Reading/Berks League. The roster is not full for that age bracket.
If the roster is full for that age bracket, all late registrants shall be placed on a waiting list and placed on teams on a first come, first serve basis if openings occur due to drop outs or injury. This can be done only up until the time when registration is closed by the League. Eligibility ‑ Any player who resides in the Fleetwood School District as indicated on the registration form is eligible to play for FYSC if age appropriate. A player who lives outside the Fleetwood School District will be considered for FYSC when all the following conditions are met: - The club where the player resides does not offer any play in that player's age bracket, or if the player's age bracket is full.
The date for the close of registration for FYSC has not expired. The rosters for the teams in that age bracket are not full.
Eligibility for the individual age brackets shall meet the following conditions. There shall be no exception. - The player must obtain the appropriate age before August 1st of the current season.
A player must attain the age of 6 before August 1st of the current year to be eligible to play U‑8 ball. The eligibility dates shall comply with those established by the Reading/Berks League and the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association. Maximum number of players on 11 vs 11 will be 18. Maximum number of players on 8 vs 8 will be 14.
Coaches's Guidelines Coaches and Assistant Coaches are representatives of the entire FYSC and shall conduct themselves in accordance with the following: 1. A coach shall not place undue pressure on a player to lessen a commitment to another activity (i.e., baseball, football, band, church, etc.). It is the goal of the organization to peacefully co‑exist in the Fleetwood and surrounding communities with other youth organizations. 2. Coaches shall arrange a communications network to notify parents/guardians of scheduling changes (practice and games) and arrange refreshments (water, oranges, etc.) for the entire team for each game and clean up any resultant debris. 3. Coaches are directly responsible for the conduct and sportsmanship of team players, assistant coaches and parents of players during and directly after every game. 4. Coaches should make an effort to play each player in each game. 5. The midfield team handshake at the end of the game is mandatory for all team players, and coaches shall see that it is conducted in an orderly and sportsmanlike fashion. 6. A coach may make a decision not to allow a player to play or reduce his/her playing time if: - the player has excessively missed practice sessions
- the player possesses an attitude that, in the opinion of the coach, is detrimental to team and/or individual development
- a player's physical condition limits playing ability
7. Coaches shall ensure that spectators, coaches, players and parents of players do not interfere with the playing of the game. 8. Questionable conduct of a coach may result in warnings, suspensions or revocation of coaching privileges which will be decided by the Board of Directors. The Coach will be duly notified of the Board's decision by the Vice President. 9. Coaches shall be encouraged to attend all "coaches clinics." 10. Under no circumstances should a coach physically or verbally abuse a player. 11. It is recommended that all coaches hold an "E" certificate and attempt to recertify to a higher level as they continue to coach. 13. Coaches are required to submit a written request for reimbursement to a member of the Board of Directors (including pertinent details) 30 days prior to the date of any coaching clinic and/or training seminar for which they are requesting reimbursement. Coaches shall be reimbursed, if prior approval has been received, for up to one-half of the registration fee (not to exceed $100.00 per coach and assistant coach [no more than 2 assistant coaches per team] during any calendar year). Youth Members' (Players') Guidelines Players will be responsible for being committed to other team members and maintaining a positive attitude in accordance with the following: 1. Attend all scheduled practices. 2. Attend games during the spring and fall seasons. 3. Notify the coach or assistant coach of non‑attendance of a practice or game as early as possible. 4. Conduct themselves in an orderly manner in both practice and game situations. 5. Conduct which is considered to be offensive or in violation of good sportsmanship will be reported to the Board of Directors by the respective coach and may result in a warning, suspension, or expulsion as decided by the Board of Directors. The Vice President will notify the player's parents/guardians of the Board's decision. 6. Players will not be allowed to participate in a game if they are not wearing a proper uniform and all safety equipment required by Reading/Berks league. Players will buy their own uniforms. Parents'/Guardians' Guidelines Parents/Guardians shall conduct themselves in an acceptable manner as follows: 1. Exhibit a sincere interest in youth soccer by supporting the mission statement, core values, strategic objectives, code of conduct and rules and regulations as set forth and approved annually by the Board of Directors. 2. Support fund raising that benefits FYSC (indoor and outdoor soccer tournaments). 3. Provide coaches with requested support to make each players' experience an enjoyable one. 4. Notify coaches of any concerns or incidents which should be brought to the attention of the Board of Directors. 5. Put forth a maximum effort to have players attend all games and practices. 6. Notify respective coaches of a player's absence as far in advance as possible. Select, Division I and Tournament Teams Player Selection ‑ The following guidelines must be adhered to for the selection of players to participate on a select or tournament team. 1. Players will be selected based on their performance at the tryout. 2. The following areas shall be considered during the selection process: a. game situation performance b. skills c. intangibles ‑ previous coaches' recommendations, coach‑ability of the player d. if two players are rated equally and are competing for the last player to be picked, priority will be given to the player from the highest age bracket. 3. Players must attend a tryout in order to be eligible to be selected. 4. The only exception to the mandatory tryout attendance is that the Head Coach is given the discretion to select up to three players, so long as these players are in the eligible pool of players for the FYSC. 5. Tryouts shall be held on separate days, in order by age group, beginning with the highest age group. This will allow each player the opportunity to compete at all eligible levels. 6. A maximum of two tryouts may be held for each team. 7. Player selections and notifications of selections need to be accomplished within 48 hours after the last tryout. 8. All players selected for a team should play in at least half of every game. Coach Selection ‑ The following guidelines shall apply in the selection process when selecting coaches for Select, Tournament, and Division I teams. 1. An application form must be completed and submitted to the Board of Directors by the following dates: May 31 for a Fall Team or Fall Tournament Team September 30 for a Spring Team 2. Each applicant may be interviewed by the Registrar and/or the Board of Directors. 3. The Registrar and/or the Board of Directors shall make their decision based on the following criteria: a. Knowledge of the game b. Past performance as a coach c. Ability to relate to the age group d. Information contained on the application form e. Overall interview impressions 4. The Board of Directors shall make the final decision as to who shall coach the team. |
