Revised January 2007
I. Team Structure
Teams are encouraged to play in Division 1. Agawam soccer players will always come first in player assignments. If fewer than 14 players sign up then the coach can bring the roster up to 14 players with out-of town players.
Age groupings are as follows: Ages are determined as of August 1 at of the current year.
Age Groups
Under 14 One select team consisting of only 13 year olds
Under 13 One select team consisting of only 12 year olds
Under 12 One select team consisting of only 11 year olds.
Under 11 One select team consisting of only 10 year olds.
Under 10 One select team consisting of only 9 year olds.
Under 9 One select team consisting of only 8 year olds.
1. Players that are eligible to play on a younger team but are grade appropriate to play up with their classmates, players will be allowed to play grade appropriate.
2. Should sufficient numbers dictate the A.S.A. Executive Committee might create extra teams for any division. In order to be eligible for this, team players must first try out for their particular age division, when applicable. Additional teams will be formed from players unable to be included on the select age group team.
3 No child under the age of 7 as of August 1 of the current year is allowed to play on a Travel Team.
4. Player movement between teams, in their own division, is up to the two coaches. Eighteen players are the maximum allowed on a travel team roster, although a coach may carry a minimum of fourteen players if he/she so desires.
5. A new team forming with under aged players must make it known that the under aged players must move down to their proper age group when a team is formed. All new sign-ups must play in their particular age groups.
6. Out of town players are allowed by ASA. Waiver from town player lives in will be required. If the town the player comes from does not field a team, a waiver is not necessary. Out of town players may not take the place of a eligible Agawam player.
No child may play outside their age/grade appropriate bracket unless:
1. An opening exists in the next bracket up. No age/grade appropriate player, who is duly signed up, may be cut to make room for the underage player.
2. Subject to tryouts this player is grand fathered if additional age/grade appropriate players sign up and try out.
No team is allowed to play outside their age bracket for any reason.
Tryouts
II. ASA PV TRY OUT PROCEDURES
1. Try outs will be up to two hours long, one day mandatory, two days at coach request.
All players wishing to play for any travel team MUST attend a try out to be eligible. Exceptions to include: injury, other medical condition, and personal family matters. Any player wishing to play, that can not attend a try out, must send letter or email to Agawam Soccer prior to the try out.
In the event a player is unable to try out, previous coach may grade the player based on his/her history and judgement of the player. A player who misses try outs and has no previous PV experience will go to the bottom of the list for eligible players.
2. Try Out Format:
All players will be given a number to wear on body, numbers will correspond to list that evaluators will have.
Players will be broken up into as many groups of 4 players and into even groups. 3, 4, or 5 players can be in group to even out if necessary.
Players will be evaluated by three people, one being head coach, others being independent from team.
3. Try Out Exercises:
Players will all do 15 minutes of foundation exercises, followed by three 15 minute mini-games and a 45 minute full field game, rotating teams as necessary.
Final 15 minutes will be head coach discretion.
4. Evaluators:
Evaluators will be three people minimum, one being head coach and two being other coach with the third being e-council member or appointed person by PV directors. Asst, coaches will not be evaluating. This is mock model, and can be modified to fit schedules, but another PV coach must be second evaluator.
U-9 Try Outs: U-10 Coach
U-10 Try Outs: U-11 Coach
U-11 Try Outs: U-12 Coach
U-12 Try Outs: U-13 Coach
U-13 Try Outs: U-14 Coach
U-14 Try Outs: U-9 Coach
Coaches will ideally stay with their own gender, boy’s coaches stay with boys and girl coaches stay with girl’s. If there is a situation that requires overlapping of genders, PV director may ask girls and boys coaches to rate other teams.
Rating Players:
Each evaluator will have a sheet with all players listed next to number on jersey they are given.
Evaluators will use sheets to rate each player within the group they are put in, each evaluator will rate each player during the mini games, from 1-4 (if there are 4 players) 1 being the lowest rating, 4 being the last highest rating. Each evaluator will look at each group and rating the players in each group as they see necessary. We will use a rating between 1 and 4 so no middle number can be picked (recommended by MYSA).
Agawam Soccer Association reserves the right, if the situation permits and with e-council approval, to employ MYSA for the try out and selection of a given team. This would take the selection process away from ASA and give MYSA full authority to pick the roster. This will only be done when there major issues with team selection between coaches and parents and will not be done without majority e-council approval. This may be determined before try out date or after depending on circumstances.
Final Roster: The ultimate decision will be the head coaches. The two other evaluators will give their input and ratings prior to the full field breakdown. The head coach’s decision should be made in agreement with evaluators. If a major issue arrives, PV directors may override coach if a serious flaw in choice is recognized. PV directors may be allowed to override coach on player choice if necessary. PV coach will have right to an appeal. PV directors may also decide to modify numbers on a team to allow for second team (or to raise the roster number in the spring to avoid issues with other sports) if necessary. These decisions will be made with best interest of ASA and the concerning team, and will not be done without ASA e-council approval. Head coaches are not to notify players of spots on the team until PV director has approved the roster. Final roster must have a minimum of 14 players. Roster size will be determined with input from the head coach.
Try-Out records: Grading sheets done by evaluators will be collected after team has been selected and will be kept on file with ASA for one season. Records are not made available to anyone other than head coaches and evaluators and PV directors.
In between fall and spring seasons, any team that loses players, will recruit players from the previous try out list
III. Uniforms
Uniforms will be supplied by ASA as part of player registration. The uniform is the players and is not owned by ASA. Uniforms will be replaced to each team every 4 seasons (two years) new players will be given a new uniform and each team will get socks each season. Lost or damaged uniforms will be purchased by team.
IV. Coach Licensing (effective 12/2006)
A motion was made (Brian R.), accepted (Bill), seconded (Brenda) and passed to require all PV coaches to possess a MYSA license of “E” or higher, prior to the start of their U12 season. If a coach does not have the mandatory “F” or “E” license and takes over an established team or starts a new team, that coach will have 18 months to get both the “F” and the “E” license. If the coach already has the “F” license, he/she will then have 12 months to get the “E” license.
If a coach does not meet the requirements of Agawam Soccer for licensing they will be classified as a "intern" coach and will have to re-interview for the position each season after the team is posted for coaching applicants.
A motion was made (Brian R.), accepted (Darlene), seconded (Todd) and passed to reimburse the PV coaches for the full cost of the "F" and "E" license, after they have paid and attended the course.
V. Selection of Coaches
1. A coach requesting to coach a Travel Team must have prior soccer coaching experience.
2. Each coach appointed to a team will have a mandatory 1 year probationary term.
3. Each team will be headed by one coach who will pick his/her assistants.
4. The selection of coaches for all seasons will be approved by the Executive Committee of the ASA. All new coaches will be appointed for a one year probationary period.
5. Coaches will move up with their respective teams when those teams advance to an older age group.
6. The Travel Team coaches body will be composed of the head coach of each team. Meetings will he called by the Vice President of the Travel Teams.
VI. Coaches’ Responsibilities
1. Coach will be provided with Travel Team rules, regulations and protest procedures by the boys and girls directors of Travel Teams.
2. Coaches must familiarize themselves and their teams with all of these rules.
3. Coaches must familiarize parents with the rules governing parents, uniforms, and players.
4. Coaches must submit team rosters and player passes in accordance with Pioneer Valley Guidelines.
5. Coaches will be responsible to be represented at all meetings as directed by the Vice-President of Travel Teams. Failure to comply with meeting requests, coaches will be fined $50.00 per meeting and progressive discipline from code of conduct will be followed.
VII. Disciplinary Action - Coaches/Assistants
For any infraction of the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association "Coaches Code of Conduct" (contained herein) the Agawam Soccer Association Executive Board will initiate an investigation. Based upon the results of the investigation the Executive Board may take the following action with any coach/assistant. A majority vote by the Executive Board is required to warn or suspend a coach/assistant. A 2/3 majority vote of the entire board is required to permanently remove the coach/assistant from any ASA events/teams.
Warning - the coach/assistant is given a verbal warning explaining the behavior that was deemed inappropriate and against the M.Y.S.A. "Coaches Code of Conduct". This warning will be documented in the ASA minutes.
Suspension - the coach/assistant may be suspended from coaching his/her team for a period of time as deemed appropriate by the Executive Board.
The Executive Board will then appoint an interim coach for the time.
The suspended coach/assistant MAY NOT participate in any practices or games with the team and MUST be on the parents side of the field during any league games during the suspension.
Any violation of rule 2 may result in the permanent removal of that coach/assistant.
* Removal - The coach/assistant can be permanently removed from coaching and ASA sponsored team or in any ASA sponsored event.
* Two warnings within the same season (Fall and Spring constitute separate seasons) will result in an immediate 1 year suspension.
* Any Coach/Assistant has the right to appeal the Agawam Soccer Associations’ decision to the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association or the organization that the ASA is currently affiliated with. All appeals must follow the governing organizations rules for appeals.
PARENTS
If a team forfeits a game due to the conduct of an Agawam parent, the Executive Committee will take appropriate disciplinary action. Parents and fans will be required to stay at least 10 feet from the sidelines, and no one will be permitted behind either goal.
No alcoholic beverage will be permitted on the field at any time.
The following by-laws pertain to the Blue Card rule during league play. A blue card and or warning is issued by the referee for poor conduct from coaches and or parents.
Head coach or Assistant coach should leave sideline operations and quickly get parents together DURING THE GAME and speak to them and calm everyone down. Head coach or Assistant will remain with parents for a reasonable amount of time as needed to get control.
** If an Agawam team receives a “blue card” from the referee for a parent issue:
Parent will be suspended for 3 games and must pay the $100.00 fine to ASA. Coach will be held responsible. If parent refuses to pay fine, discipline will be conducted on case by case basis by ASA.
** If an Agawam team receives a “blue card” from the referee for coach issue:
Coach will be suspended by Agawam Soccer for 3 games minimum pending disciplinary meeting. Coach must pay $100.00 fine and can not use team funds.
** If any coach or parent gets two blue cards in same season, they will both be suspended for remainder of season. Coach will be dismissed from team until after the season when they can re-apply at that time
PLAYERS
The position of a player and his/her playing time is left to the coaches’ discretion.
The ASA Executive Board strongly recommends participation by all players and by a 2/3 vote may require a coach/assistant to play certain players a minimum amount of time per game. At any time during the season, a coach may drop a player from his roster if there’s an attitude or discipline problem. Coach must notify the Travel Teams V.P. within 24 hours.
Other reasons which may cause a coach to drop a child from his roster or not play a player in a game are absenteeism, inability to play as a team member and negative parent involvement. Coach must notify the Travel Teams V.P. within 24 hours.
TOURNAMENT PLAY
The A.S.A. Travel Team Coaches body may contribute to tournament play. If a team desires to raise money for any appropriate reason by means of a fund raising activity, it must first be approved by the Executive Committee.
State Tournament Play
The ASA will pay the cost of State tournament play for all teams, which qualify for State playdowns. Special consideration shall be given to all Agawam State Champions and Runner-ups.
Should a Travel Team(s) demonstrate exceptional performance in any mid-season or post-season state or regional competition the ASA Executive Board may exercise an option of special consideration for awards.
Fund Raising
· If a team desires to raise money for any appropriate reason, by means of a fund raising activity, the ASA Executive Committee must first approve it. The coach shall coach contact their respective Pioneer Valley Director with the details of the fundraiser in writing, who will the present it to the ASA Executive Committee. That specific fundraiser, if approved, is good for one season (spring or fall)
TEAM FUNDS
· Every Pioneer Valley team will have its own team account. A team can add to this fund through fundraisers (see Fundraising) and the proceeds from the Labor Day Riverside Soccer Classic.
· A coach can use team funds for, but not limited to the following: training items (cones, ball, etc.), indoor fees, soccer camp fees, warm-up gear, gear bags, goalie shirts/gloves, training videos/books
· Team funds may only be used for a team party at the U-14 level.
· If a coach decides to use his/her team funds, the coach shall contact (via e-mail or telephone) their respective Pioneer Valley Director with the reason for the use of team funds for approval. If approved, the Director shall contact (via e-mail or telephone) the coach and the ASA Treasurer. If not approved the Director shall contact (via e-mail or telephone) the coach and explain the reason for the non-approval
· The coach shall provide a receipt to the ASA Treasurer
· The ASA Treasurer will keep a detailed report of each team account and will present a report of each team account to the Vice-President of Pioneers Valley Affairs at the beginning and at the conclusion of each season.
TOURNAMENT PLAY
· Should a Travel Team(s) demonstrate exceptional performance in any post-season, state or regional competition, the ASA Executive Committee may exercise an option of special consideration for awards
Amendments
These Rules and Regulations may be amended by a majority vote of the Executive Board
MASSACHUSETTS YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION
Coaches Code of Conduct
The Board of Directors of Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association, Incorporated (Mass Youth Soccer) and the leaders of the affiliated Leagues are concerned about the conduct of all coaches and referees during games at all levels, from recreational to premier to ODP.
We want to ensure that games are fair, positive and enjoyable experiences for all of the children and adults involved. A soccer game should be friendly and unifying - a spirited social and athletic occasion for players, coaches, referees and spectators.
· To clarify expectations of coach conduct, we jointly expect all coaches to conform to this code of conduct.
· Before, during and after the game, be an example of dignity, patience and positive spirit.
· Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the referee.
· During the game, you are responsible for the sportsmanship of your players. If one of your players is disrespectful, irresponsible or overly aggressive, take the player out of the game at least long enough for him/her to calm down.
· During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of the parents of your players. It is imperative to explain acceptable player and parent behavior in a preseason meeting.
· Encourage them to applaud and cheer for good plays by either team. Discourage them and you may need to be forceful and direct from yelling at players and the referee.
· During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of spectators rooting for your team.
· During the game, do not address the referee at all. If you have a small issue, discuss it with the referee calmly and patiently after the game.
· If you have a major complaint, or if you think the referee was unfair, biased, unfit or incompetent, report your opinion to your League. Your reactions will be taken seriously if they are presented objectively and formally.
· After the game, thank the referee and ask your players to do the same.
We stress two points:
1. Referees - especially young and inexperienced ones - are like your players and yourself, in that they need time to develop. You can play an important role in helping them to improve by letting them concentrate on the game. You can help by encouraging them, by accepting their inevitable, occasional mistakes and by offering constructive post-game comments. On the other hand, you could discourage and demoralize the referees by criticizing their decisions, by verbally abusing them and inciting - or even accepting - your own players' overly aggressive behavior.
2. Your example is powerful, for better or worse. If you insist on fair play, if you concentrate on your players' enjoyment of the game and their overall, long term development, and if you support the referee, your players and their parents will notice. If you encourage (or allow) your players to play outside the rules, if you're overly concerned about results, and if you criticize the referee harshly, your players and their parents will also notice. Think about what you're doing during a game! Uphold the Spirit of the Game! If you follow the expectations described above, the spirit of the game will be alive and well in Massachusetts and will grow, along with the enjoyment of all.
Coaches who don't follow the expectations described above will be disciplined or removed.
COACH CERTIFICATION