Woodstock United Soccer Association

Woodstock United Soccer Association Parents Meeting 2012

AgendaWelcomeWho Is Woodstock United (video)Board Member IntroductionsVolunteer & Sponsor InvolvementPrograms- Recreational & TravelMission Statement and PhilosophiesHow the program worksPlayer and Parent ExpectationsWeb SitesQuestionsClosing

Welcome, Thank You for comingWe truly value yours and your Childs participation in the Woodstock United Soccer Association

and look forward to working with you both for years to come.

Who Is Woodstock United Soccer Association (WUSA)WUSA is the premiere youth soccer association providing both recreational and travel level of play to the children of Woodstock and its surrounding areas.

Formerly WAYSO and Crossfire SC, WUSA combines the best aspects of those programs to bring you one comprehensive program supporting all levels of play and interest in the sport of soccer.

WUSA is affiliated with Illinois Youth Soccer Association. Board MembersClub is made up of all volunteers! Its Fun! Varied Roles!President (Oversee Board): Jayson ThillVice President (Next President Candidate): Steve SchreinerTreasurer (Watch the $): Anne MaidmentRegistrar (Oversee registration and teams/players): Beth MisulonasSecretary (Circulate/maintain BOD minutes): Paul FurlanoDirector of Travel: Bryan FosterDirector of Recreation: Gin BishopDirector of Coaching: Matt WarmbierDirector of Fields: Mike DiCanioDirector of Referees: Patrick LeggeWebsite: Brandon CookEquipment: Chris Azzaline/Mike Ordenhal Latin Community Coordinator: Jose RicoMarketing & Sponsorship: Multi coverageConcessions: Monica Sargent/Kyle Shultz Many positions Still available!!!!

Emails for the board can be found on the Woodstockunitedsoccer.org website

Volunteer & Sponsor InvolvementWUSA is highly run by volunteers including the Board of Directors and coaches.

This year on the rec side went with a volunteer buy out to help enforce volunteer coverage for concession hut, field maintenance, and field striping team when no volunteers can be found.

Monica Sargent and Kyle Shultz will be maintaining the volunteer log in order to make sure all shifts are covered and logged .

If no one volunteers these tasks will go undone, ultimately affecting the children of the organization.Volunteer & Sponsor InvolvementFor the travel side we would like to encourage parents to step up:

if the coaches need a team parent

Picking up refuge and lost and found after all practices and games.

Assisting in team car pooling if neededVolunteer & Sponsor InvolvementSponsorship information can be found on the woodstockunited.org website.

Also by contacting info@woodstockunitedsoccer.org orvolunteer@woodstyockunitedsoccer.orgThe ProgramsRecreational And TravelWhile housing both Recreational and Travel levels of soccer, Woodstock United will provide a safe, experienced and educational atmosphere in which you will watch your child(ren) flourish athletically and socially, enhancing their sense of self esteem, accomplishment, and team work.What is the difference between recreational and travel soccer?WUSA Recreational soccer will provide an affordable, structured, non-competitive and fun learning environment that allows the youth to discover a passion for the game of soccer. Coaches will be equipped with the information and resources to allow them to teach the young soccer players in a positive atmosphere.

WUSA Coaches will consistently display good sportsmanship and fair play.

WUSA Recreational soccer pledges to consider every player as an equal and integral part of a team allowing equal playing time in a variety of positions to optimize the learning experience.

WUSA Recreational soccer aims to teach the youth the basic skills and love for the game so that they can enjoy the game of soccer well into adolescence and adulthood and share their knowledge with future generations. We use soccer as a child development tool to build self esteem, team work, problem solving, and much more!What is the difference between recreational and travel soccer?Travel soccer (Crossfire Soccer Club) is committed to teaching the youth not only the complete game of soccer, but the value of personal commitment, fair play, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Travel soccer will promote a positive and safe training environment for the players to learn and improve their skills and knowledge of the game. We will encourage each team member to play in an enthusiastic manner, with the knowledge that good sportsmanship creates a positive competitive environment. We stress this during all training sessions and games and encourage all coaches, parents and volunteers to support this approach.

Travel Soccer Players are selected through a tryout process based on need of the team and players skill set. WUSA Recreation DivisionMission Statement & ValuesWUSA recreational soccer league is for children age 4 to under 19, which provides an open, non-competitive opportunity for children to play soccer, develop their skills, have fun, and become part of a team. Player Development: Emphasis is on the development of players at all levels: Good Sportsmanship: Create good sportsmanship through a positive learning environment. Positive Coaching: Encourage kids to have fun. Everyone Plays: Our goal is for all kids to play soccer. Open Registration: Our programs are open to all children. Opportunities: Allow kids to play to their potential.

Team Make-up Philosophies: Teambuilding, Fun, and FriendsEach team has at least 1 coach (starting point) Honor all practice night requestsHonor mutual friend requests (1 max)Each team has at least 2 schools representedTry to have at least 1 player from their schoolExcept private schools & late registrationsBalance teams for abilities based upon ratingsTry to group elementary schools by area No swapping teams/players except: Truly Extenuating circumstances (e.g., cannot make practice) ONLY by: Director of Recreation Program or Club President

UniformsThis year we returned to a mass order system that had been used in years past.

This makes it easier for administration to move players around the age divisions while allowing us to order the uniforms early enough to have them in time for the season.

This minimized many issues we had last year with size specific ordering and allowed us to have uniforms for all teams at the start of the season.

All players must provide their own shin guards and cleats or gym shoes

Coaching Roles:All volunteers Parents High School & College Students / Community MembersTwo adults on the field at all times!!Preferably one of each sex Head Coach (HC)Present for 75% or more games/practicesPractice plansLineups / SubbingAssistant Coach (AC) Required for practicesWorks with the HC on and off the fieldTeam Manager (TM) If you have one they are to help with contacting and keeping players updated

Youth Coaching ProgramOver the last 3 years WUSA has begun to integrate a youth coaching program at the younger levels.

We found great success with these coaches, every year all the players from those teams have returned to play and even requested these coaches again.

This year we have 3-U5 teams, 1-U6 team, and 2-U8 teams that have youth coaches. 1-U12 team with a youth assistant coach, and we also have 3-4 youth coaches that work at practices on a drop in basis.

All youth coached teams have an Adult assistant At Practices Coaches will:Demonstrate, No Lectures and No Lines5 minutes warm-up; player lead stretches 10 minutes of dribbling, group warm-up Handle the Ball Include both Right and Left Proper dribbling technique, protect ball (shielding) Proper striking the ball Games like Sharks and minnows, freeze tag, and red light green light

Break into 2 groups when possible (15min each)Attacking Passing/Diagonal ballDefending Throw-insShooting/Finishing technique Corner/Goal/Penalty KicksFoot Work Traps/FeintsBreakaways 2 v 2, 3 v 3, 1 v 2, 2 v 3 etc...

PracticesAlways finish with a ScrimmageThe scrimmage lets the players use the skills they just learned in a game like situation

The scrimmage allows the coach to evaluate the players growth and areas of opportunity

Games and Practices We:Focus on fun / teambuilding / learning: Not training college prospects Always have ICE, Basic First Aid Kit, cell phoneABSOLUTELY ENFORCE --- Players SafetyNo Jewelry including earrings, hair beads, necklaces, rings, watches, consider mouth guardsWear proper size shin guards, cleats, socks, and uniform ,using proper size ball.Maintain structure, discipline, set consistent rules Say something positive to each player Complement Sandwich positive---opportunity---positive

An Open Letter toParents EverywhereYelling Shoot, Jenny, shoot to a player who isapproaching the goal with the ball does anumber of destructive things. First, it tells everyplayer on the opposing team that Jenny is aboutto shoot, therefore lessening considerably herchances of success. Secondly, it makes Jenny feelshe has no choice but to shoot, and that if shedoesnt shoot, she is somehow letting the teamdown. Worst of all, it lets Jenny off the hook.Now she doesnt have to actually think and makea decision herself about what to do. All she has todo is obey the instruction.

Letter ContinuedFor kids of this age, obeying instructionsfrom an adult comes far more naturally tothem than making decisions of their own.But soccer is a sport where theplayers have to make the decisionsthemselves, literally thousands of smallsplit-second decisions every game. Theyounger they start, the better.

So please dont yell specific instructions toplayers during games

Game SituationsEQUAL PLAYING TIME FOR ALL PLAYERS, ALWAYS!Referees have the game cards to keep track

Each Age Division Has Different Game Lengths U5: 2- 10 minute halvesU6: 2- 15 minute halvesU8: 2- 20 minute halves U10: 2- 25 minute halves U12: 2- 30 minute halves U14: 2- 35 minute halves U19: 2- 45 minute halves

Playing TimeEvery Player should play at least half of the game.At the discretion of the coaches the referee shall permit substitution. This normally occurs as a substitution during play, the player coming out will be asked to slap the hand of the player going into the game at the touchline. It is the coachs responsibility to ensure the correct amount of players is on the field. On occasion the referee may need to stop play for substitution while the ball is in play, in which case the game is resumed with a dropped ball.Exception: If player shows up late or leaves early. Then player will play at least half the time they were there

Fields

Rules of the GameWe play under the Rules of the Game; small sided games governed by US Youth Soccer. (with the exception of keepers at U8)

For the rules go to: www.usyouthsoccer.org/coaches/rulessmallgames.asp

Any for additional questions you may ask a coach, an official, or a board member for clarification.

Parents and family must sit on opposite sides of team.No parents allowed on team sideline. This helps the coaches maintain player focus.RefereesBoth Youth & Adult RefsSome are Volunteers Just learning this season!Please be courteous and thank the refsZero tolerance! 2nd Infraction Red Card (coach/spectator/player ejection)

Both coaches and referee should speak before game to establish common knowledge on what to expect.Contact Director of Referees or Age Group Coordinator if there are issues.

What Weve Told the RefsTeach /demonstrate/ explain to the players(especially U8/U10)Control the game Blow the whistle loudly!! Make calls loudly so all can hear Call early fouls on overly aggressive players Do restarts quickly/immediatelyRun with the gameUse your judgment on all callsKeep the game movingNo jewelry PERIODClear the fields in the presence of lightning.

Season SchedulePractices begin week of 8/13 for someFirst games on Saturday 8/25 for In House and 9/8 Fox Valley ConferenceSchedules- http://www.gotsport.com/home.aspx or at http://www.woodstockunitedsoccer.orgSheppard Schleisman Tournament U12&14 Late September in Cary, ILSeason Ends 10/27Indoor Season Starts 12/1 (optional for additional charge, 5 weeks)Spring Season Starts 4/13Spring Season Ends 5/18Cancelations & Schedule ChangesField conditions and weather are checked game day by 7:30AM, you will receive an email by 8:00AM if games are to be cancelled for that day in case of inclement weather.

Stay posted though just because some games are cancelled it doesnt always mean all will be.

On occasion there may be a schedule change do to a coach or field issue. We will try to have a 7 day notice for all those changes.

Soccer CommunityWoodstock United Soccer AssociationRec & Crossfire Travel Soccer ClubHarvard AYSOWonder Lake SoccerMcHenry Area Soccer Federation Rec & Vipers TravelCrystal Lake Soccer Federation Rec & Force TravelHuntley SoccerRec & Heat United TravelCary Soccer AssociationRec & Cary Defender Travel

Travel Soccer Philosophies WUSA takes pride in educating and training the players and coaches to a competitive level yet in a positive fun environment. The club promotes sportsmanship, integrity, leadership, self-discipline, and character development by stressing the technical, tactical, physical and mental components of the game.

Sportsmanship and team spirit are as important to us as being a highly skilled competitive player. In order to accomplish our philosophy, the club has placed great emphasis on the following:

Long term development of all players

Conducting age appropriate training sessions during the course of the year directed by certified & licensed coaches

Offering a year round program for both fall and spring players

Conducting winter training sessions for all players under the direction of licensed coaches as well as our Director of Coaching

Encouraging our coaching staff to further their soccer education

Divisions and TeamsCrossfire Boys teams play in the YSSL, YOUNG SPORTSMENS SOCCER LEAGUE

Crossfire Girls teams play for IWSL, Illinois Woman's Soccer League

Teams are formed after try outs in the spring when coaches draft their teams based on a teams need and players skill set.Uniforms and CoachesUniform Kits come with a Home and an Away Jersey, socks and shorts.

All coaches for Crossfire soccer must be E class certified with the state in order to be a passed coach.

Most coaches also have many years of playing and coaching experience as well.PracticesAt least twice a week for 1.5 hours

Working on many of the same items as recreational players as well as additional conditioning, advanced ball skills and game situation development.

Continuing through the winter months indoor at RSC.Game RulesGames are governed by the current Laws of FIFA except as noted below. The only person empowered to interpret and administer those laws during the game is the Center Referee!

Game Length and Ball sizeU8-10 2 X 30 minutes Size 4 BallU11-12 2 X 35 minutes Size 4 BallU13-14 2 X 40 minutes Size 5 BallU15-16 2 X 45 minutes Size 5 BallU17-19 2 X 45 minutes Size 5 Ball

Halftime and rest periods All teams should be given a minimum of 5 minutes at halftime.In conditions of high temperatures and humidity, halftime can be extended 2 to 3 minutes and rest periods at midpoint of each half for 2 to 3 minutes should be taken.Playing timeA players time on the field during a game is based on the coach.

Coaches make the decision to put a player in a game based on attendance and participation at practice and games, need of their skills on the field, players attitude, and other variables.

It is at the sole discretion of the team coach how much time every player gets on the field.FieldsFor U9 & U10 Northwood is home field

For U11, U12 & U13 South Street is home field

For U14 Biglow is Home field

RefereesReferees are provided by YSSL and IWSL, with exception to the home game ARs

Thank the Referee for being at the game

Referees are the end all, be all of what happens on the field. Do not:Argue with themChallenge themDisrespect themSeason and CancelationsSeason begins 9/10 and runs through 11/12

For some teams there is the Lighthouse tournament in Racine October 8 & 9

For any game cancelations or changes your coaches will let you know and the league website will be updated.

All Player/Parent ExpectationsPlayers are expected to be at all practices and games on time.

On time means on the field and ready to go at the practice start time.

On time for games is determined by the coaches usually 15-30 minutes prior to game start time.

If you are unable to be at them for any reason, or you are going to be late, please notify your coach prior to the absence.All Player/Parent ExpectationsThere is a basic Code of Conduct on the WUSA website that all families agree to by allowing their children to participate in the program.This includes but is not limited to:

Respect for yourself and others including coaches, players, spectators, and officials

Sportsmanship

Not attending games or practices while intoxicatedAll Player/Parent ExpectationsWe encourage: Parents to support and cheer on their teamCome to every gameHelp when possiblePractice with player at homePick up your player on time after games and practices.Talk to coaches and/or appropriate board member when problems arise.Have fun!!!

All Player/Parent ExpectationsWe discourage: parents coaching from the sidelinesNever attending your players gamesNot encouraging practice at homeForgetting to pick up your child on timeIgnoring a problem or gossiping about it on the sidelines.Never offering to help Even if it is just picking up at the field after a game

WebsitesWoodstockunitedsoccer.org

Gotsoccer.com

YSSL.org

IWSL.org

Any Questions?

Thank You And Good Night!