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Parent-Player Manual
Updated August 2007
Introduction
Who Are We?
About This Manual
Contact Information
Role of the Executive Director
Role of the Coach
Role of the Team Manager
Role of the Parents
Role of the Player
The Teams
Parent-Player Code of Ethics
Travel Team Fees, Payment Procedures and Policies
The College Program
Acceptance of the Player-Parent Manual and Rostered Travel Team Position
I. Introduction
Far Post Soccer Club is a special place. Not only do we have great staff, we have a great collection of players, committed and talented coaches, thorough and dedicated team managers, a diligent board of directors and wonderful and supportive families. We simply have good people all around us.
Our ultimate goal is to develop creative, skillful soccer players. We want our teams playing an attractive and attacking style of soccer. Because of this, we place higher priority on players' and teams' performance rather than results. We all love ‘winning’ games, but not at the expense of learning, growing and developing as players, as a team and as young people.
We love soccer. And we love kids who love soccer. Nothing fuels our passion for the game like the shared passion of others. Thus, we find ourselves partial to players who clearly love the game. If we are to commit to a player, we need that player to commit to us. We understand that kids find pleasure in more than just one sport, and this is healthy and should be encouraged. However, if we are to set a standard and see our players play to that standard, the players must be present at trainings and games!
Players are not accepted into Far Post to sit idly on the bench. Every player deserves a fair shot to demonstrate to the club and to family that they’ve been improving. We believe in giving all rostered players playing time. We do not guarantee “equal” playing time, but “fair” playing time.
In Italy, club players do not specialize in positions until around 16 years of age. To fully appreciate the game and its demands, a player should experience every position. It is not uncommon for coaches to shift players frequently to enrich their experience in the game. We ask that parents understand this practice of ours and encourage their son or daughter to keep an open mind when it comes to playing all positions.
Sportsmanship is to be valued above all else. The game cannot exist without an opponent, and we must respect them for that. After a hard-fought match we shake the opposing team’s hands and mean it when we say “good game.” The game is played under the guidance and rule of a referee and his/her linesmen. We must respect that the referee’s word is final and the laws of the game and never seek to break them intentionally. Nothing makes a team look worse than to have its players, coaches, parents or supporters argue and whine to the referee.
The best players in the world do not play just twice a week. Nor do they rely on coaches and parents to organize and supervise their every playing moment. Playing soccer with friends, on your own time - in the park, the driveway, the empty field – will make you a far better soccer player than if you just do the minimum required training sessions.
The environment that we create is contagious. Our goal is to have a place where people feel welcomed and valued. We want players to have fun, and we want parents to enjoy themselves. We want to know each and every player on a personal level, and we want the parents to feel comfortable talking with staff. We want our environment to be enjoyable, challenging and safe.
We are a CLUB; we are not an organization with multiple teams going in multiple directions. There is a club-wide community feeling and this club-wide support is something that is encouraged. We travel to tournaments together, and it is so great to see all of our teams supporting each other and cheering on fellow Far Post teams.
We look forward to the upcoming season and are happy to have you as part of the Far Post family!
-- Todd M. Kingsbury, Executive Director
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II. Who We Are?
Far Post Mission and Philosophy
An important part of any successful club is having a clear mission. Our club’s mission statement reads:
“We are a premier club committed to players who have a passion for soccer; we pledge ourselves to the development of individuals and teams striving to improve and succeed at all levels of the game.”
Far Post Soccer Club’s goal is to foster a “love” of the game, and to develop insightful and skillful players. We want our players to play the "beautiful game" as Pele called it. We understand that all players are unique in their own special way, and we are sensitive to individual player needs, potential, and development of personal excellence.
Far Post has three major areas of focus, all of which provide unique soccer experiences for the participants:
Progressus, Educatio, Officium
The Far Post shield represents the founding ideals of the club with the Latin inscription: Progressus, Educatio, Officium. The shield is the club’s official logo. All players should know what the shield represents.
The Color Orange
Orange was not picked as a club color by accident. Originally, Far Post developed a club-wide system of play that mimicked the Dutch style of play. That style of play is based largely on keeping possession of the ball and creative and attractive attacking soccer. Holland’s rich soccer history reaches back at least 30 years, when the National Team earned instant worldwide fame with ‘Total Soccer’ and were called 'Clockwork Orange' because of their precise, skillful and beautiful style of play.
The Holland Journey
Every year, Far Post sends its Under 14 Boys and Girls teams to Holland for a week of training and playing. Teams train with the Dutch National (KNVB) coaching staff and play against local competition. Teams also have the opportunity to watch top level professional teams play and train while in Holland. Both the boys and girls teams are totally immersed in the Dutch system of soccer and culture at a time in their lives when they are just beginning to truly appreciate the game. These teams and players come back from Holland with new energy and excitement for the game. Not only is this a great team bonding experience, players come home with a whole new level of commitment and dedication to soccer. In addition, the trip is a great travel experience for young teenagers. The exposure to a culture that this trip provides is a terrific learning experience in ways that far beyond the sport of soccer.
III. About This Manual
The Parent-Player Manual is designed to guide players and parents through the Far Post Soccer Club (FPSC) operation. The 'club' in this case pertains only to the travel teams. The varying other programs within the Far Post organization, including the Indoor soccer Leagues and Education Programs, will not be discussed in this manual. There is a necessity to produce this manual, as it is critical that each player and parent clearly understands the philosophy of the club. FPSC had 420 players on 26 competitive teams during the 2006-07 season. With so many players, and of course parents, everybody should know their role and realize the chain of command. The Parent-Player Manual is the vehicle that will help to visualize the club operation and attempt to shed light on how it is managed. Each parent is asked to not only read through this manual but ‘sign’ an acknowledgement that says that they have read it. This is done electronically utilizing the form at the end of this document.
IV. Contact Information
105 Pearl Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452
Web Site Information: Our web site is a vital tool and resource for the club and our players. Please monitor the website on a regular basis for updates to schedules and tournaments, announcements of new programs, and much, much more! Send news items, photos, etc. to admin@farpostsoccerclub.com.
Management Team
Far Post Soccer Club
Club Coaching Staff
Click here to visit our Club Personnel page. Bio's of coaches for the 2007-08 season will be updated as soon as positions are confirmed.
V. Role of the Executive Director
Far Post’s Executive Director has multiple roles -- ‘director of operations’ and ‘director of coaching’ -- reporting directly to the Club’s Board of Directors. In the role of ‘director of operations,’ the Executive Director has responsibility for all aspects of the Far Post organization. The specific duties as ‘director of coaching’ organize the club in such a way that players are given the very best opportunity to develop in a safe and challenging environment. It is vital that players enjoy playing for the club and have fun doing so. Enjoying the game will not only help players learn better, but it will enhance many other aspects of a healthy living environment, such as learning social skills and building character. The role of director of coaching ensures quality coaching, adherence to club philosophy, following curriculum and adhering to club policies. Specific tasks of the director of coaching include:
VI. Role of the Coach
Far Post is very proud of its coaching staff. We feel that we have a tremendous staff with very knowledgeable coaches who not only know how to teach the sport, but they also know how to relate to young players. When choosing coaches, Far Post looks for people that not only know the science of coaching (understand the sport and how to teach it), but they also understand the art of coaching (connecting with the players). The role of the coach is a varied one. It involves being a teacher, a trainer, a motivator, a manager and a friend. It also involves being disciplined (and knowing how to discipline), being willing to listen and being willing to learn. In taking on this role, our coaches accept that the development of the player and the development of the player as "a whole person" are most important. Coaches must use the influence they have on players, particularly young children, with care, consideration and concern.
The following are the general expectations that Far Post has for its coaching staff along with the key coaching principles that Far Post endorses:
Attend and assist all winter training sessions.
Conduct all outdoor training sessions.
Attend and coach all league and tournament matches.
Evaluate all players in writing before the final tournament and provide on-going verbal feedback.
Assist with Futsal matches and Futsal team organization.
Communicate openly, directly, and constructively with players, parents, team manager and FPSC.
Be prepared for training sessions and matches, look professional at all events and be on time.
Do not cancel practices unless under certain circumstances after consulting with FPSC.
Be present with players at all times before and after events – Do not leave players unattended.
Yelling at players, parents, opponents, referees or anyone associated with an event is not tolerated.
All players will play – We picked them, so we play them – fair, not equal playing time.
Key Coaching Principles at Far Post Soccer Club
Encourage creativity and ball skills ~ Far Post encourages coaches to teach the fundamental skills of the game. Training sessions must allow players to learn the basic techniques of the game. Skill development and mastery of the ball is our primary responsibility. We want our players to play the ‘beautiful game.’
Encourage players to play in unstructured environments ~ In places where soccer is the primary sport, players “develop” in the streets or on the beaches. Players like Pele and Johan Cruyff “learned” the game on the beaches of Brazil or on the streets in Holland. Far Post wants to encourage players to learn the game on their own. Kids need to be allowed to play freely and develop their skills without the continual guidance of coaches and parents.
Be careful of over-coaching ~ Coaches can often be more helpful to a young player’s development by saying less, and allowing players to do more. Coaches are encouraged to keep comments short, simple, and understandable. Coaches are to encourage players to figure out problems on their own. The coaches must be a facilitator in the process. Coaches, trainers and parents can’t play the game for the kids, so we must encourage young players to think for themselves on the field. The coaches provide guidance and suggestions to help them through the process, but we don’t want to answer the questions for them.
Is winning important? ~ Eventually, winning is important, but not until kids have developed the tools, both technically and emotionally, to allow them to be successful in an environment where the aim is to win. Particularly with the younger ages (9-12 year olds), the most fundamental tool in soccer is mastery of the ball and the creativity that comes with it. This cannot be encouraged enough. As skills are mastered, the rest of the game becomes easier.
Don’t expect games, practices and performances of young players to match that of adult professional soccer ~ Far Post coaches want to give players the opportunity to see soccer at a higher level, but we don’t expect them to replicate this immediately. We all need to remember that players don’t reach their full soccer potential until they are in their late 20s. Development in soccer takes time, persistence and patience.
The Game is the best teacher ~ Far Post coaches create exercises that replicate and repeat the situations found in the game and that allow the player to grow comfortable and confident with the ball. The coaches want to keep it simple and to have a progression to the training. We don’t want to overload players with too many activities. We also don’t want players waiting in line for “their turn in some drill.” Creative games and activities that focus on the main qualities of the game – attacking, defending, dribbling, passing, dealing with teammates and opponents and scoring goals – are used. If the exercises allow the players to play soccer, then they will be able to get the clues on their own from the game. The role of the coach is to set up clear and challenging learning objectives and then provide players with some guidance to help them figure out successful solutions using the game as the best teacher.
Coaches are always learning too ~ Our growth as coaches is similar to players. As coaches, we are always learning. We try to be creative and look to the game for the answers to questions. We are always reminding ourselves that the game is the best teacher. Far Post coaches want to allow players to learn by experiencing the game – sometimes succeeding and sometimes failing, but always learning, developing and growing.
VII. Role of the Team Manager
Each team will have a parent volunteer that will act as team manager. The primary role of the team manager is to provide timely, comprehensive communication from the Executive Director and Coach to the team. Communications should include: “where to go,” “when to be there,” and “what to bring” -- for all games, practices and other events. In addition to the role of communicator, the team manager maintains the team’s paperwork and is a coordinator for all administrative aspects of the team’s activities including: Futsal and other indoor league play, hotels, uniforms, social activities, etc. Some tasks can easily be delegated to other willing individuals and it is recommended that team managers consider recruiting assistance from their team families.
Team Managers are not responsible for coaching or coaching decisions. They are not a sounding board for parental or player issues. Team managers are purely to act as an administrative help to the coach.
VIII. Role of the Parents
We are not in the business of telling the parents of our players how to be parents. We are in the business of developing better soccer players. As parents, however, you have the power to make our jobs easier or more difficult. You can have a positive effect on your son or daughter’s development and you can have a negative one as well. We would hope for the former in both cases. Here are some of our thoughts on how this can come to be:
Trust ~ It is a pillar in any relationship. We call ours the Far Post family, and within a family there must be trust. In this case, we ask that parents trust us. You must trust us to make the right decisions when it comes to the development of your son or daughter and their team. Your son or daughter’s acceptance into our program means that you entrust him or her to us during trainings and games. This time is theirs and ours.
The club values the opinions of our parents ~ We accept that sometimes a parent may disagree with a coach’s decision. Usually these moments occur during games. We ask that you respect the coach and the club and schedule a time (a day or two after the game/decision in question) to meet with the coach or club staff member to address the issue. You can further respect the coach by not coaching from the sidelines as this generally confuses the players. Please let the coach do the coaching during games.
Are you a coach, a referee, or a spectator? ~ The coach is responsible for managing players during games. The referee is responsible for ensuring that the rules of the game are enforced. Parents are spectators and they are expected to watch the game and cheer not only for their own child but for all of his/her teammates.
Measure your son or daughter’s success not by wins and losses, but by performance.
Stronger opponents are not to be feared. ~ They are to be learned from. Encourage your son or daughter to view a stronger opponent as an opportunity to improve and learn.
“Soccer is a game of a thousand mistakes.” ~ This is a favorite quote of Far Post. Mistakes are part of the game. Players cannot be afraid to make mistakes. They must not fear facing disapproving or disappointed parents following a match. If your son or daughter has just lost a match, chances are they already feel a bit disappointed to begin with. Give them some time and space and let them initiate post-game conversation. You may be surprised by how much more you get from them.
“We are all human.” We all make mistakes. Sometimes we know when we are making mistakes and sometimes we don’t. If a parent has an issue or a problem, then we need to know what that problem is in order to solve it. We value feedback, and we view constructive criticism as a “gift.” If we don’t know what the problem is, then we can’t solve it. We ask that all parents work with us in a constructive and positive way to make the entire experience valuable and worthwhile.
We are all in this to have fun. ~ The players are in this because it is fun. That is the bottom line. We exist to provide an environment that is educational and fun. We only ask that you help us to do this.
A wise coach once said, “The best thing that a parent could say to their child in preparation before a match would be 'Good Luck, Have Fun, and I Love You."
Drop players off on time for games and practices. If you are going to be late please inform the coach.
The existence of Far Post would not at all be possible it wasn't for the support shown by parents. After all it is the parents who pay all of the related fees and drive players to practice and games each week. Far Post is truly grateful to all the parents for their continued support of their child’s soccer education.
IX. Role of the Player
Far Post exists to 'quite simply' help players enjoy soccer and to make them better. All players have the opportunity to be associated with coaches that love soccer. They have all had varying degrees of experience and are all willing to share their experience with the players. Remember that the coaches are here to help you. Be respectful of this and always give your best. Here are some other traits you should follow:
Remember to thank your parents for giving you the opportunity to play for Far Post.
Practice is essential to your development. You must be prepared to work hard all of the time at each practice, and do your best to be on time.
Take care of your equipment. Brush your boots off if they are covered in mud, rather than throwing them in your bag and leaving them until your next practice. Remember to have your orange training shirt, shorts, and socks for practice. Remember to bring both uniform jersey’s, shorts and both pair of socks to all games and tournaments.
Maintain good sportsmanship throughout games and practice. Remember to shake the hands at the end of games with the referee and opposing team after the game.
The coaches are there to help you. If you don't understand something the coach does or says, don't be afraid to ask the coach why he or she said or did that.
Indoor practice time is very important part of your development. Use the time to your advantage, warm up before you get on the field and start practice promptly.
Watch soccer on TV. There are many televised games from the U.S., South America and Europe now. You should make time to watch these games and see how the game is played at the highest level. Pick out a favorite player from the MLS and from abroad. Watch these players and try to emulate them.
Represent yourself, your family and the club every time you play, practice or travel with Far Post. Consider yourself a club ambassador.
School work. No matter how much you love soccer your education is more important. Make sure you earn the right to play for Far Post by always doing your very best at school.
X. The Teams
Coaches have the direct responsibility of the team. They manage the team as they see fit, with input and guidance from the Executive Director. The following information will set guidelines on how each team will operate during the year, with a month-by-month breakdown of events and activities.
Tryouts, First Teams & Development Teams
Far Post has open tryouts every year. This means that anyone that wishes to tryout is welcome and encouraged to do so. The older players (U-14 through U-18) have tryouts in August. The younger players (U-10 through U-13) have tryouts in September. The 'open' tryout as stated means everyone, who wants to, may come to the tryout. The teams are picked based on playing ability of the individuals. The top group of players at the tryout are offered positions on the First Team for his/her respective age bracket. The next group (if numbers allow) are selected for the Development Team. If a player is not selected for either team, he or she is encouraged to continue to play soccer. Far Post has a variety of Educational Programs (camps & clinics) designed to assist players in improving their skills.
Far Post staff are always given a hard task when choosing teams, and no coach likes to cut a player or not have them play for Far Post. The staff watch the players, use previous knowledge of the players or ask previous coaches about the players to ensure they have made the right decisions. Players need to understand that playing for Far Post in the past does not guarantee a place on either roster for the next season. The nature of a 'Premier' club intends to create the best team(s) possible given the talent on display. Throughout the season players are given the opportunity to show the coach what they can do and stake their claim as a continual fixture on the team.
Development Teams travel to the same tournaments with the rest of the club, and compete in the competitive Vermont Soccer League Division I, with their fellow Far Post travel teams. Development team players have the opportunity for indoor play in The Soccer Center indoor soccer leagues. They, like ALL Far Post players, have the option to attend Far Post Educational programs to further advance their training, and the following year’s tryouts offers them the opportunity to showcase all that they’ve learned during the prior year.
Both First Teams and Development Teams participate in three tournaments in the outdoor season (see outline below).
Both First Teams and Development teams participate in league play (outlined below).
U12 through U18 First Teams participate in the Vermont State Cup, and if champions, the Region I Championship competitions (see below).
U10 Programming
Far Post's Travel Team program for U10s is specially designed for these young budding players ~ for details click here. For families with children not quite old enough for the U10 travel team program, explore our Far Post Juniors, Advanced Juniors and U8 Development Programs in the "Camps and Clinics" area of this website. We also offer a U10 Fall Development Program and U10 Schools of Excellence for 8-10 year olds seeking soccer training and experiences in addition to the U10 Travel Team or their town's recreation program.
Roster Size and Format for U11's & U12s
In keeping with recently changed regional and state guidelines, Far Post's U11 and U12 teams will roster 14 players. League play for these two age groups will be 8v8, short sided games.
Numbers will dictate whether we have one or two teams in each age group. If two teams are created for each age group, they will have separate, specific rosters but will train together. If there are two U12 teams, First and Development Teams will be created.
For the U12 First Teams, the State Cup and Regionals will also be 8v8, short sided games.
Far Post competes in tournament play that offers the short sided approach for U11s and U12s.
Tournaments, State Cup and League Play
Most Far Post teams play in the Vermont Soccer League Division One. This is a state-wide league with other premier travel teams from Vermont. "VSL-D1" is approximately a seven game schedule compressed into the first three weekends in May and one weeknight in June.
Selected First Teams also participate in the Northeast Regional League, which is approximately a six game schedule with most matches outside of Vermont but within New England. Play can begin as early as April.
Not all Far Post teams are entered in the Vermont State Cup. Only Under 12 through Under 18 First Teams for each age group compete in this competition. Far Post does not want to have its own teams competing against each other in an event like this. We feel that this level of competition can be detrimental to the club-wide chemistry. These competitions take place in the Spring only, and the preliminary rounds of the competition start in May. Winners of the Vermont State Cup represent the club and the state at the Region I Championships (Maine in 2008) in late June and early July. The regional championship is a round robin type tournament, and Vermont State Cup is a single elimination type tournament.
Typical Season
* Note: tournaments for 2007-2008 may change and are subject to confirmation of application.
August/September ~ Try Outs
Indoor Season
Early November through mid-April ~ Winter Training
All teams train once per week at The Soccer Center. The final winter training schedule is to be published the first week of October (once we've confirmed the final number of teams requiring training).
U10’s Mondays ~ either 5-6:15 p.m. or 6:15-7:30 p.m.
U11 and U12 Boys ~ Mondays, 5-6:30 p.m.
U11 and U12 Girls ~ Wednesdays, 5-6:30 p.m.
U13’s and older ~ Generally Sundays, on a rotating schedule between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.; some Saturday mornings.
November/December ~ The Soccer Center Indoor Soccer Leagues (Futsal, 7v7 and 9v9) Session I (Optional, not included in team fee, but highly recommended)
January/February ~ The Soccer Center Indoor Soccer Leagues (Futsal, 7v7 and 9v9) Session II (Optional, not included in team fee, but highly recommended)
March/April ~ The Soccer Center Indoor Soccer Leagues (Futsal, 7v7 and 9v9) Session II (Optional, not included in team fee, but highly recommended)
Outdoor Season
Late April/Early May ~ Outdoor training begins; minimum two sessions per week; schedule generally finalized by end of March 2008 following field confirmation.
U10s ~ generally train at Williston Central School; Tuesdays & Fridays, either 5-6:15 p.m. or 6:15-7:30 p.m.
U11s through U14s ~ twice per week; 5-6:30 p.m.; location and day TBA
U15s through U18s ~ twice per week; 6:30-8 p.m.; location and day TBA
April & May ~ League Play (generally weekends)
Select First Teams, U14s and older ~ Northeast Regional League Matches
U11s, U12s, U13s, as well as all Development teams ~ VSL-D1 League Matches
U10s ~ Jamborees, first three Saturdays in May
May 17 & 18, 2008 ~ State Cup Preliminaries (U12 thru U18 First Teams)
May 24-26, 2008 ~ Memorial Weekend Tournaments *
U10s ~ Wellesley (MA) Memorial Day Weekend Tournament
U11s and older ~ Needham (MA) Invitational Soccer Tournament
Generally the first weekend of June ~ State Cup Finals (U12 thru U18 First Teams advancing from May Preliminaries)
Generally the second weekend of June ~ Kohl’s American Cup (U10s)
June 14-15, 2008 (Father’s Day Weekend) ~ Nordic Cup (local) * (all teams)
"Third Tournament Option"
U11s and U12s, The Green Mountain Challenge, generally, last weekend in June
Most Development Teams, Suffield (CT), possibly June 21-22
First Teams, TBA
June 26 thru July 1, 2008 ~ Region I Tournament (known as the “Regionals,” for those teams that win State Cup; in 2008 will be held in Portland, Maine)
Additional Tournaments
Teams are allowed and encouraged to consider seeking additional tournaments at the team's expense. The Soccer Center offers several indoor tournaments during the winter season in Futsal, 7v7 and 9v9 formats. There are also indoor tournament options available in neighboring states that some teams have participated in and enjoyed in the past. Teams wishing to participate in additional out of state tournaments should inform the club office well in advance for the Executive Director's approval and to ensure that all paperwork is properly handled. Funds should be collected from the families and turned into the Far Post office so that the application and payment flow through the club.
Double Rostering
Far Post players are allowed to play on both their Far Post team and their town team, but Far Post must be their top priority. We compete at “premier” level tournaments, in the State Cup tournament, and adhere to all state, regional, and national guidelines, youth soccer affiliations, and association guidelines. Playing for another team may cause a State Cup match forfeit for the travel team.
Playing Up
Far Post players are expected to play at their proper age group. Playing up is discouraged. Exceptions to this policy are at the sole discretion of the Executive Director.
ODP
Far Post players are strongly encouraged to tryout and play in the Vermont Olympic Development Program. ODP provide players with an opportunity to be identified by college coaches and for potential play at the regional and national level.
Indoor Practices and Games Cancellations
Far Post never cancels indoor practices or games. However, in severe weather conditions, it will not be held against players if they miss a session or event.
Outdoor Practice and Game Cancellations
Outdoor practices may be cancelled by either the Executive Director or by the Coach, but only for specific situations such as lightning or dangerous field conditions. If the Executive Director cancels practice it is likely that the facility manager has asked that the club not practice on the fields. Or, the weather may be so severe that, in the interest of player safety, it is deemed not suitable weather to practice. If practice is cancelled, it is generally done by 1 p.m. on a given day and an e-mail will be sent to the coach and team manager informing them of the cancellation. The coach or the team manager will then inform the team. If the individual coach cancels practice, then he or she may have decided that the weather is not suitable to practice. If the individual coach cancels practice he or she will inform the team and inform the Executive Director.
XI. Parent-Player Code of Ethics
Far Post Soccer Club (FPSC) parents and players must keep in mind that soccer is designed and conducted to promote the physical, mental, social, and emotional well being of the player. FPSC players voluntarily elect to participate. The privilege to participate fosters responsibility and the realization that each player represents:
him/herself on and off the field,
his/her family,
the FPSC and all of its players and personnel, and
his/her own community.
In order to achieve these responsibilities, each player must:
Treat him/herself with fairness and respect.
Treat coaches, officials, and opponents with respect.
Control his/her emotions at all times and never argue with any coach, player, or official.
Accept decisions that are made and abide by them.
Use his/her influence on and off the pitch to help develop good spectator sportsmanship.
Accept victory modestly, defeat gracefully, and never quit.
Never swear, bet, or “grandstand.”
Keep physically fit by observing proper training rules.
In addition, parents and spectators must realize that once the match begins, it belongs to the players. It is imperative that we not take it away from them through our actions.
General Guidelines
All players who compete with the FPSC will:
Sign a medical waiver form issued by the Vermont Soccer Association. You must have had a complete physical examination by a physician or a health care facility within the last two years.
Have written parental/guardian permission.
Adhere to all FPSC policies.
Report all injuries to the coach. Written permission by a physician or health care facility in order to continue participation is needed in the event of more serious injuries.
Be the appropriate age as of August 1st of that particular year.
Adhere to Winter Training and Outdoor Attendance Policies (75% and 90% respectively).
Make every effort to attend all training, matches, and FPSC events. It is the player's responsibility to inform the coach if he/she cannot attend.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Violation of this policy during any Club-sponsored function will result in the immediate removal from FPSC and forfeiture of all fees. FPSC players shall not:
Possess or use a beverage containing alcohol;
Possess or use tobacco in any form; or
Possess, use, consume, sell, or distribute illegal substances or steroids while competing.
Far Post Soccer Club, Inc. travel team policies/guidelines may be amended from time to time.
XII. Travel Team Fees, Payment Procedures and Policies
Team Fees
Over the past five years, there have been dramatic increases in costs of tournaments, league fees, field rentals and various other expenses associated with club soccer. We’ve strived to hold operating costs and streamline administrative needs in an effort to keep the fees for families at a reasonable level. After careful consideration, the board and management have approved the following 2007-2008 Travel Team fees schedule:
Team
Per Player Fee
Player Acceptance Deadline Date
Initial Deposit due by Acceptance Deadline Date
Balance due January 15, 2008
U10 Boys & Girls
$565
$300
$265
U11 Boys & Girls
$660
$360
U12–16 Boys & Girls Development Teams
U12s-U13s ~ Oct 1 U14s and older ~ Sept 4
U12–18 Boys & Girls First Teams
$685
$385
A detailed breakout of what’s included in the fee is below.
Club Registration and Administration Costs
State Registration Costs (both indoor and outdoor)
Winter Indoor Training ~ approximately once per week (November – April)
Spring/Summer Outdoor Training ~ generally twice per week (May and June)
All League and Tournament Expenses:
League Play ~ Vermont Soccer League Division 1
3 Tournaments
All Field Rental Costs
All Coaches Expenses
Commitment: 8+ months
U10 Uniform Kit ~ Estimated cost is $90
For 2007-08:
NEW players need to order the complete uniform kit
RETURNING players, must, at a minimum, order the orange game jersey and navy shorts.
Additional Far Post ‘Spirit Gear’ items are available for ALL players, parents and Far Post fans!
These items will be available for order at the paperwork sessions in the Fall and again in January. Special orders may incur increased cost.
Uniform Kit ~ Estimated cost is $115
RETURNING players, must, at a minimum, order the orange and navy game jerseys and navy shorts.
League Play ~ Vermont Soccer League Division 1 OR Northeast Regional League
State Cup and if champions, Region I National Championship ("Regionals") tournaments
RETURNING players, must, at a minimum, order
