For All Players, Parents, and Trainers

CLUB HANDBOOK______

For All Players, Parents, and Trainers

Augusta Arsenal Soccer Club

3824 Maddox Road

Augusta, GA 30909

Facilities:

Augusta Soccer Park

3824 Maddox Road

Augusta, GA 30909

Sue Reynolds Park

1349 Community Park Road

Augusta, GA 30909

Telephone:706/854-0149

Fax:706/ 854-9119

Website:augustasoccer.com

Director of Coaching

Tom Norton

Table of Contents

Welcome to the Augusta Arsenal Soccer Club

Club Organization

Arsenal Teams

Tryouts

Tryout Process

Recruiting

Team Organization

The Head Trainer

The Team Manager

Practice Routing

Team Practice Rules

Uniform Policy

Equipment Bags

Game Day Preparation

Minor Injuries and Injury Prevention

Sports Medicine Associates of Augusta

Arsenal Player Commitment

Arsenal Trainers

Team Managers

Arsenal Drug and Alcohol Policy

Procedures for Handling Problems

Insurance Coverage

The Augusta Soccer Park

Facility Rules

Tournament Play

Bad Weather Procedures

What Does it Cost?

Scholarships

Fundraising

Soccer Calendar

Parental Conduct at Games

Rules of the Game

Arsenal Parent Pledge

Welcome to the Augusta Arsenal Soccer Club

We are pleased that you have decided to participate in what we hope will be a fun and rewarding soccer experience for you and your child. We have prepared this Handbook to help you get better acquainted with the Augusta Arsenal Soccer Club.

The Augusta Arsenal Soccer Club brings together players with differing levels of soccer exposure, from the curious beginner to the more advanced player. For those of you that are less informed about the game of soccer, we have devoted a section of this Handbook to the Rules of the Game and standards of conduct for players and spectators. For all parents, we have attempted to answer the recurring questions about the Club’s structure and philosophy.

The sport of soccer is growing dramatically in this country, and every season brings new ideas at all levels. Therefore, the Club’s policies continue to change in an effort to better serve the needs of each player and the Club at large.

We sincerely welcome your suggestions, as well as your participation in the activities of the Club. It takes a tremendous effort to sustain a successful soccer program – facility maintenance and development, league and tournament arrangements, uniform arrangements, state policies, practice organization, and much more. Too often the responsibility falls on the shoulders of a very few. We are always looking for volunteers and earnestly solicit your participation. If you are willing, we have a job for you.

Please read carefully the information set forth in this Handbook. Your familiarity with the content will ensure that you and your child have a fun and rewarding Arsenal Soccer experience.

Club Organization

The Augusta Arsenal Soccer Club (AASC) is a Non-Profit Organization that was founded in 1982 to provide outstanding area soccer players an opportunity to compete at a high level. The spirit of the founding fathers is still very much alive. In an effort to remain the premier soccer club in the CSRA, the Arsenal is actively involved in all areas and levels of soccer: recreation, club, school, ODP, coaching education, and referee education.

The Augusta Area Youth Soccer League consists of The Family Y (recreational league) and the Augusta Arsenal Soccer Club (select league). This unique partnership ensures that we provide the very best opportunities for youth soccer players. The Arsenal fields over 30 club teams from the U-9 level to the U-19 level. All of the Arsenal teams are referred to as “Gunners.” The Academy program was started in the fall of 2003, and this program for the younger age groups, U-9 – U-12, stresses the technical foundation for soccer. The majority of the older Boys’ teams compete in the Classic I and Classic II brackets, the upper echelons in the Georgia Youth Soccer Association (GYSA). The majority of the older Girls’ teams compete in the Athena A and Athena B brackets, the Classic I and Classic II equivalents. It is also worth noting that the Arsenal is one of the founding members of US Club Soccer’s National Premier League – South Atlantic Division.

Player Development is the primary mission of the Club, and this is evident in the number of players that have progressed to playing at the collegiate level. Arsenal players have routinely been recruited upon high school graduation. Some of the Colleges and Universities that have signed former Arsenal players include: Clemson University, Furman University, Brown University, Augusta State University, Lander University, University of South Carolina, College of Charleston, Berry College, Princeton University, Southern Methodist University, Lock Haven University, Mercer University, Georgia Southern University, Georgia State University, and Clayton College and State University.

With over 400 registered club players and two natural grass facilities, a great deal of work is done to ensure that each player has the greatest opportunity to reach his/her full potential. The AASC is governed by a Board of Directors and currently employs a full-time Director of Coaching and over 25 professionally licensed trainers.

Arsenal Teams

Selection to an Arsenal team requires a full year commitment. Players are financially responsible for, and expected to participate in, the fall and spring seasons, scheduled tournaments, and various club fundraising activities. Team selections are accomplished through a combination of summer tryouts and coaching assessments throughout the year. Tryouts are open to all players, including players from other clubs, and each team will go through the annual tryout process. Please note that an organized spring season is not offered to U-15 to U-19 teams because of area high school seasons. However, many of these teams will begin practicing in May in order to prepare for the Georgia State Cup.

Tryouts

At the end of each spring season, the Augusta Arsenal Soccer Club holds open tryouts for next year’s teams. Current club members and players who have not been members of Arsenal teams are given equal opportunity to compete for team positions. All players are required to attend tryouts. In the event that a potential player cannot attend tryouts due to injury or vacation, that player will be invited back for a tryout after the team is formed. Tryout dates are governed by GYSA. The U-9 to U-12 tryoutsare typically held in late May and early June, and the U-13 to U-19 tryouts are typically held in early and mid June. The tryout process should be completed by the third week of June.

The Tryout Process

The tryout sessions will be divided by age group, and will consist of small-sided games and large-sided games designed to allow the coaching staff to evaluate the skill, desire, attitude and potential of each prospective player. Final player selections are made without regard to race, religion, creed, nationality, or ethnic origin. Selection to a team one year does not guarantee that player a position on the team the following year. Membership into the Augusta Arsenal must be earned every year. It cannot be stressed enough that the tryout process is the most difficult part of the soccer year for players, staff and coaches.

Recruiting

The GYSA limits conversations with non-club members about a team’s selection process. These rules are designed to prevent the improper “recruiting” of players from other clubs. It is important to note that these rules apply to coaches, parents, and players. Prior to the end of the spring season, it is improper to recruit a player from any other club. If you would like to share information about your team with a member of another club, you must first check with your trainer and/or the Director of Coaching. The penalties for improper recruiting can be severe. Recruiting within the club is strictly illegal. If a current club member is interested in trying out for another team within the Club, that player is required to consult with the Director of Coaching. This also applies to players that wish to “play up” in an age group above their true age group.

Team Organization

The organization of soccer teams is necessarily built around the coaching staff. Consistent with the terminology of the GYSA, the Arsenal coaches are referred to as “trainers.” Arsenal trainers, unlike trainers in some clubs, are considered part of the Club structure, and they may periodically change teams to meet the overall needs of the Club. The “team of trainers” approach is one of the major assets of the Arsenal. All Arsenal trainers are there for the support of all Arsenal teams. Team play is a major objective, and individual players are trained within the team framework. Each team is organized in the following manner:

The Head Trainer

A Head Trainer is assigned for each Arsenal team. The trainer has overall responsibility for the team. The trainer is responsible for team discipline, training, play substitutions, and game tactics. One of the unique aspects of the Augusta Arsenal is the fact that each trainer is provided with an Arsenal Player Development Manual. This manual addresses all aspects of soccer training as well as age group directives. With such a structure in place, the Arsenal is able to streamline the training of each age from the U-9 level to the U-19 level. Apart from a team’s assigned trainer, other Arsenal trainers will participate in a team’s training from time to time. The Director of Coaching will also have a hand in the training of each team. The Augusta Arsenal is proud of its trainers and has made every effort to provide your children with the best possible teachers of the game. Please give your trainer support and assistance.

The Assistant Trainer

It is desirable, although not always possible, to have an Assistant Trainer for each team. If you know of someone that is interested in helping with a team, please forward this information to the Director of Coaching. Our club holds its staff in the highest esteem, so please understand that enthusiastic people must also possess a solid soccer background and understanding of the game.

The Team Manager

The Team Manager is perhaps the most important member of the Club structure. He/she should be the first point of contact if you have any questions or concerns about the team or the Club. The manager handles many of the administrative duties of the team, such as GYSA/USCS paperwork, uniform orders, team telephone/e-mail lists, and arranging tournament travel plans. If you are interested in becoming a Team Manager, or assisting the Team Manager, please contact your trainer or the Director of Coaching or Technical Director. In some cases, a few parents may need to divide the managerial duties if someone does not step forward to manage a team.

Practice Routine

Arsenal teams will generally train three times each week during the soccer season. Practices for the fall season will usually begin in mid to late July and continue until the post-season tournament in late November or early December. Practices for the spring season will usually begin in early to mid January and continue until the post-season tournament in mid to late May. The times and days of each team’s practice schedule will be dependent on the trainer and the Club’s field schedule. Training sessions are generally held Monday through Thursday, and each session is 1 ½ in duration.

Team Practice Rules

We have very few Club rules, but there are one or two important Arsenal team rules that relate to practice. New and old players should be aware of these rules:

1. NO PRACTICE…NO PLAY.

It is important to come to practice regularly. You cannot miss practice or practice poorly and expect to improve. If you have a problem attending a practice, give your trainer a call, in advance, if possible.

1. NO PROPER PRACTICE…NO PLAY.

Proper practice means that you:

1. Pay attention to the trainers in practice;
2. Make an effort to improve your skills at practice;
3. Practice at game speed (learning to do a skill in slow motion will not help in a game); and
4. Do not distract others at practice (e.g., acting silly while attempting a drill is distracting to others).

1. THE TRAINERS DETERMINE YOUR PLAYING TIME ON THE BASIS OF THE WAY YOU PRACTICE.

1. ALL PLAYERS WHO COME TO PRACTICE AND PUT FORTH 100% EFFORT WILL BE REWARDED BY BEING ALLOWED TO PLAY IN APPROXIMATELY 50% OR MORE IN THE FOLLOWING LEAGUE GAME.

UNIFORM POLICY

Whenever an Arsenal player is in uniform, he/she is representing the Club and should wear the uniform properly and with pride. Please read and abide by the following guidelines:

1. Jerseys need to be tucked into shorts before stepping on the field. Shorts need to be pulled up appropriately. Sliding pants, if exposed, need to be the same color as the shorts.

1. Uniform socks will be pulled up whenever you have them on, and shin guards must always be covered by socks.

1. Arrive at games fully dressed, with shoes on and tied.

1. Have your equipment bag with you at all practices and games. Put bags carefully in a row on the sidelines at all games. Keep bags in a designated area during training (trainer’s discretion).

1. Bring your soccer ball and water to every practice and to every game.

1. Leave you rings, watches, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and all other jewelry and hairpins (except for rubber bands or other elastic bands) at home or in your equipment bags.

Equipment Bags

The following items should be kept in your equipment bag at all times:

1. All alternate uniforms
2. Soccer ball
3. Soccer shoes (a second pair for emergency use)
4. Shin guards and an extra pair of socks
5. Leather protector or shoes (mink oil)
6. Water bottle or sports drink
7. Trash bag to put your bag inside in case of rain
8. Band aids, tape, bee sting ointment, Vaseline, sun screen, etc.

Game Day Preparation

Parents should help prepare their children to do their best! In the Arsenal Commitment Letter each player pledges that he/she will arrive at the game well rested, mentally alert and physically prepared to play his/her best. Your child cannot keep that commitment if he/she has not had sufficient rest and has not eaten properly. Soccer is a very demanding sport. Your child can be prepared to do his/her best to help their team, and less likely to suffer injury, if he/she observes a few basic guidelines:

• Build up body fluid before the game. Start drinking water 24-48 hours before the game, and try to take in as much proper fluid (i.e., water) as possible right up to game time.
• Avoid spend-the-night parties on the night before a game. More than a few soccer games have been knowingly “forfeited” the night before the soccer match. Fatigue, as a result of too little sleep, also raises the risk of injury.
• Eat sensibly especially on the day of a game. For instance, milk or carbonated drinks before a game will shorten a player’s wind.
• Half-time refreshments should be limited to a moderate amount of water, or perhaps a diluted Gatorade-type drink. Too much water, or any kind of food and drink containing sugar, will cause the blood to leave the muscles and travel to the stomach, causing your child to be sluggish in the second half. This may also result in cramping.
• Make certain that you have proper equipment, and bring it to each practice and game. Proper fitting shoes and shin guards are essential. Watches, jewelry, and barrettes should be left at home or in your equipment bag.
• Arrive at each game in plenty of time to warm-up properly. The trainer will provide your team with a game schedule. Please leave home in time to have your child at the game fully dressed and ready to warm-up substantially prior to game time. A pre-game warm-up to get an abundant flow of blood to the muscles, followed by sensible, slow stretching activities designed to increase flexibility and minimize the possibility of muscle pulls or injury, are of vital importance. It is estimated that about 1/3 of all sports injuries now occur in children age 5 to 14. Give your child every opportunity to avoid being a part of that statistic.
• Call in advance to tell your trainer if you will miss a practice or a game.
• Bring you ball and equipment bag to each practice and game.

Be active in other areas, such as swimming and biking, which build stamina and strength. These activities will help injury prevention.

Minor Injuries

Treat minor injuries promptly and properly. For muscle strains and bruises, remember the principle of “R-I-C-E” – Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Your team should arrange to have ice available at every game for quick application to twisted ankles or knees. Let your trainer know before any practice or game if there is a condition that might affect your ability to play. Seek early medical attention for any physical problems that persist. Do not practice or play if you have reason to believe that it may aggravate an injury.