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YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION

WYSA PARENT GUIDE

W inona Youth Soccer Association Handbook

Our Mission:

To improve the Winona Youth Soccer Association program as it develops the whole person, both in player skill and the quality of team play.

Table of Contents

President's Welcome
1-1 Program Overview
2-1 Parent Section
MYSA Parent Code of Conduct
Parent Coordinator/Team Conduct
3-1 Player Section
MYSA Player Code of Conduct
4-1 Coaches Section
MYSA Coaches Code of Conduct
5-1 WYSA Administration

WYSA Development Plan for Player, Coaching, Referee, Field and Risk Management
6-1 Appendices
By-Laws
WYSA Policies and Registration Information

President's Welcome

Dear Soccer Parents and Players:

The Board of Directors would like to welcome you to the Winona Youth Soccer Association. We hope that you will enjoy your experience while forming many lasting memories from year to year. WYSA's mission is to improve the program as it develops the whole person, both in player skill and the quality of team play.

In the past, WYSA has grown each year. This year we anticipate sponsoring 10 or more teams with over 180 area soccer players participating. It is our goal that all players and spectators will conduct themselves in a sportsman like manner. We will not tolerate any violence or aggressive behavior.

The club is supervised by a volunteer board consisting mostly of players' parents. Funding comes from our registration fees, fundraising efforts, and contributions from individuals and community businesses. Parents are an essential key to the success of the organization. We thank everyone who has helped this organization grow and encourage all to become involved. We always welcome and encourage ideas and parent involvement.

This handbook is written to inform and communicate the club philosophy and to provide an overview of the program. If you have any additional questions or comments, please feel free to contact me or a board member. For your convenience, we have provided a list of our board members with their telephone numbers.

We will strive to maintain a quality organization, one from which every child benefits from and one that we all can be proud of.

Thank you and good luck this season and seasons beyond!

Club President,

Mark Gernes

1-1 Program Overview

The start of a new season is always a hectic time for players, parents and coaches. All too often many questions go unanswered, leading to unnecessary confusion on the part of new players and parents. In an effort to help the season progress as smoothly as possible, this handbook will attempt to address some of these issues.

A traveling soccer program is a significant commitment on the part of all concerned--league officials, local registrars and club officials, field and referee coordinators, coaches, players, referees and parents. A program such as this relies on many volunteers to field as many teams as we do.

The goals for each child are really quite simple:

Improve each player's skills and conditioning.
Help each player learn respect--for him/herself, for teammates, for coaches, for opponents and for referees.
Provide a positive soccer experience for each player.
Have fun!

The success of the WYSA program is heavily dependent on the parents of our players. Your cooperation with the coaching staff benefits all concerned. Parents must fill out a medical release form for emergency use by the coaches at away games and provide a picture for inclusion on each player's pass. These passes are checked by the referee prior to the start of each game and are mandatory for all players.

All players must wear their complete uniform including jersey, shorts, socks, shin guards and soccer shoes to be eligible to play in each game. Additionally, players should wear their shoes and shin guards to practice. Parental oversight of the younger players is necessary to insure that each child comes prepared to play or practice.

Many coaches strive to provide a nutritious snack, such as orange halves, for the short half-time break and juice or pop for after the game. Our coaches are all unpaid volunteers and cannot be expected to provide these refreshments for their team. Typically, parents provide these refreshments on a rotating basis.

Parents are responsible to provide transportation for their child to and from all games and practices. These responsibilities include getting your child to practice and picking them up on time. Many coaches are reluctant to leave unsupervised children at the practice field and wait until all players have been picked up before leaving. Your efforts at making arrangements to have your child picked up on time are greatly appreciated.

Additionally, parental responsibilities include transporting your child to all games. Game day transportation and refreshment assignments are handled in a variety of ways depending on the coach's preference. Some coaches may look for volunteers on a weekly basis. Some will assign responsibilities to rotating groups of parents at the start of the season. Whichever approach your child's coach chooses, please do your share to help.

WYSA is serving the soccer needs of hundreds of area children. Your assistance and input is welcome and needed. We are always looking for additional volunteers to assist the program as coaches, referees, committee members, board members, etc. We, the WYSA board of directors, hope each of you has a rewarding experience, and we look forward to meeting as many of you as possible.

2-1 Parent Section

MYSA - Parent Code of Conduct

Children have more need for example than criticism.
Make athletic participation for your child and others a positive experience.
Attempt to relieve the pressure of competition--not increase it. A child is easily affected by outside influences.
Be kind to your child's coach and to officials. The coach is a volunteer giving personal time and money to provide a soccer experience for your child.
The opponents are necessary friends. Without them your child could not participate.
Applaud good plays by members of your team and members of the opposing team.

Between the exuberance of the winner and the disappointment of the loser we find a person called a referee. All referees follow the same creed: to watch every move of every player and to call the game to the best of their ability.

Do not openly question a referee's judgment and never their honesty. The referee is a symbol of fair play, integrity and sportsmanship.
Accept the results of each game. Encourage the child to:
Be gracious in victory
Turn defeat to victory by working towards improvement
Behavior intended to anger or degrade a player, coach or referee is subject to disciplinary action.

Parental evaluation carries a great deal of weight with a child. The attitude shown by parents at games towards their child. The opposing team, the officials and the coach influence the child's values and behavior in sports. Criticism, disrespect for officials and opponents by over-anxious or over-protective parents bent on immediate success rather than long range benefits undermines the purpose of sports and brings into the game stresses beyond those of competition.

Parents who refuse to abide by the Code of Conduct may be requested to leave the field by the referee, the coach or a WYSA Board Member.

Additional parent responsibilities:

Exemplify good sportsmanship
Always be supportive to all players
Never criticize a referee's decision; learn the laws of the game
Stay behind the restraining line
Do not use profanity
Do not bother the coach
Support the team by attending all games
React positively to the team's losses and wins
No alcoholic beverages on the field
Help with coaching duties if asked
Help in fund raising activities to pay for registration, uniforms, etc.
Assist at practice sessions and games - only if requested

Parent Coordinator/Team Contact

Responsibilities:
Assist coach in registration of players, collecting birth certificates, and other
necessary information
Make chart to assign duties to each parent
Arranges refreshments for the games
Makes plans and arrangements for social events; e.g., picnics
Assist coach in last minute phone calls for changes in practice or games.
Makes arrangements for team pictures
Create and distribute handouts
Season schedule of practices and games, detailing:
Location of the fields
Time of events
Driver rotation
Team rules regarding games and practice sessions
Handle emergencies
Team roster including names and phone numbers

3-1 Player Section

MYSA Player Code of Conduct

Play the game for the game's sake.
Be generous when you win.
Be gracious when you lose.
Be fair always no matter what the cost.
Obey the Laws of the Game.
Work for the good of your team.
Accept the decisions of the officials with good grace.
Believe in the honesty of your opponents.
Conduct yourself with honor and dignity.
Honestly and wholeheartedly applaud the efforts of your teammates and your opponents.

The game that the MYSA will support must provide opportunities for:

Fun, enjoyment and other recreational satisfactions.
Achievement, recognition and the pursuit of excellence relative to the skill potential and personal competitive goals of the participants.
The development of physical, mental, social and emotional fitness.

The type of game that the MYSA will not support or tolerate is:

That which brings the game into disrepute.
That which results in physical or mental violence.
Behavior to anger or degrade a player, coach or referee is subject to disciplinary action.

Additional points by the Winona Youth Soccer Association:

Have pride and confidence in yourself.
Work hard in practice and games.
Be a competitor, perform up to your ability and contribute to team unity. Compliment teammates and let the coach handle criticism.
Show respect towards opposing coaches, players and referees.
Maintain good conduct on and off the field. If it wouldn't be tolerated at home or at school, it will not be tolerated, whether in practices, scrimmages or games.
Participation at all games and practices is expected.
Maintain a responsible attitude towards your health - be aware of and adhere to the MYSA policy on drinking, smoking and drugs.
Participate at a level commensurate with maturity and ability.
Participate in a safe, healthy environment.
Expect to be treated fairly and with dignity.
Enjoy your time on the field.
Take advantage of the opportunity to develop your skills; strive for success.
Expect to learn the game's fundamentals and good sportsmanship.

4-1 Coaches Section

MYSA Coach's Code

The Winona Youth Soccer Association fully supports the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association's Coach's Code.

Soccer is a game for happiness.
The laws of soccer should be regarded as mutual agreements, the spirit or letter of which no one should try to evade.
Visiting teams and players are honored guests.
No advantages except those of superior skills should be sought.
Officials and opponents should be treated and regarded as honest in intentions.
Officials' decisions should be accepted without looking angry no matter how unfair they may seem.
Winning is desirable, winning at any cost defeats the purpose of the game.
Losing can be a triumph when the team has given its best.
The ideal is the greatest good for the greatest number.
In soccer, as in life, treat others as you would have them treat you.
Behavior intended to anger or degrade a player, coach or referee is subject to disciplinary action.

1. Briefly discuss with parents and players your personal philosophy and objectives, reasons for coaching this particular team

Soccer background: coaching, playing, courses attended
Time availability for practices and games, help needed
Attitude toward winning and losing
Children and sports - sportsmanship
Aims and goals for upcoming season
Sideline behavior - practices and games
Discipline
Substitution
Lines of communication

2. Discuss parents' responsibilities to the players

Provide transportation; arrive early for practices and games
Encourage practice at home and participate
Play one-on-one games
Participate in fund raising activities and social functions provided by the club

3. Discuss practice sessions

Where will practices be held?
What time will practice start and end?
How frequent will practices be during the week?
How many sessions are mandatory to attend?
What are practice session rules?
What procedure should be used to excuse the child?
What are the consequences for missing practice?

5-1 WYSA Administration

List of administrators

Registration

Registration takes place November through February and the fee -- or partial payment -- is made at that time. Fees are established by the Board of Directors and cover the expected annual operating costs for the club. We welcome all youth interested in participating regardless of financial status--scholarships are available.

Player registration fees for the summer 2010 season are:

$130 for players age U12 and younger.
$180 for players age U13 and older.
$180 for players age U12 and younger if they are requesting to play on a U13 or older team.
A family cap/maximum of $440 applies for families with multiple players.

A non-refundable deposit of $80.00 is due with your completed registration form. The balance is due on or before April 1st, 2010. Any player that is not paid in full will not receive a player pass and will be unable to play in games until payment is received. If a team chooses to enter a tournament at a date earlier than April 1st, player fees are due in full prior to playing in that tournament.

Balance due March 1.

We encourage your early registration! There is a $25.00 Late Fee for returning players after March 1, 2010. MYSA begins requesting team information in January. Final team information is requested by MYSA in mid March.

Financial assistance is available based on need. Complete the fianancial assistance form with registration.

Form available here.

WYSA Development Plan for Player, Coaching, Referee, Field and Risk Management

[click here for entire document]

WYSA must implement Minnesota Youth Soccer Association's (MYSA) Risk Management policy. To comply with this policy, WYSA board members, coaches, and anyone else who might have significant contact with WYSA players are required to complete and submit a " MYSA - Adult Registration/Informed Consent Form ".

WYSA urges all parents, coaches, referees, and other affiliates to read and follow the MYSA Player Protection Program. The " MYSA Player/Adult Protection Guidelines " protect players from sexual, physical, mental and emotional abuse. This policy is implemented to protect all involved with the Winona Youth Soccer Association.

5-4 Board of Directors

6-1 Appendices

By-Laws of the WINONA YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION

PREAMBLE

The Winona Youth Soccer Association is a non-profit organization devoted to the promotion of soccer in the Winona area. The purpose of the organization is to assist existing soccer programs, to develop new programs to complement existing programs, to conduct fund raising and to promote soccer in the Winona area.

ARTICLE I - DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS

SECTION 1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association and the Board of Directors. The President shall appoint a person or committee of each standing task. The President shall appoint persons or committees to complete special tasks as required by the affairs of the Association. The President shall conduct business affairs and carry out policy as directed by the board. The President shall be authorized to sign checks in the absence of the Treasurer. The President shall prepare an agenda for the annual meeting and for the Board of Directors meetings. The President shall notify the Board of Directors of all regular meetings and shall notify the general membership prior to the annual meeting. The President may only vote in case of a tie.

SECTION 2. The Vice-President shall exercise, in the absence of the President, all of the functions and duties of the President and shall be vested with all of his/her powers.

SECTION 3. The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, the minutes of the annual meeting and meetings of the Board of Directors. He/she shall have custody of all books and records of the Association except those of the Treasurer.

SECTION 4. The Treasurer shall have custody of all funds of the Association and shall keep an accurate record of the receipts and expenditures and shall pay out funds as authorized by the Board of Directors. He/she shall submit, or cause to be submitted, at each regular meeting of the Board of Directors a report of the complete financial condition and at the annual meeting of the membership a complete annual report of the financial conditions. The Treasurer shall validate checks for payments as authorized by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE II - DUTIES OF THE DIRECTORS

SECTION 1. The Board of Directors shall elect the officers of the Association in the manner described in Article IV from the elected members of the Board.

SECTION 2. Directors are required to attend scheduled Board meetings and failure to attend 3 consecutive meetings, without excuse, shall be cause for terminating the position.

SECTION 3. The Board of Directors of this Association shall cause to be kept at a place designated by the Board from time to time originals or copies of:

records of all proceedings of the Board of Directors,
such records and books of account as shall be necessary and appropriate to conduct of the Association business,
all financial statements of the Association , and
Articles of incorporation and by-laws of this Association and all amendments restatements thereof.

SECTION 4. The Board of Directors shall cause to be established and maintained, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis, an appropriate accounting system for this Association. The Board of Directors shall cause the records and books of account of this Association to be audited at such times as it may deem necessary.

SECTION 5. The fiscal year of the Association shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 6. All checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money and all notes, bonds, or other evidence of indebtedness issued in the name of this Association shall be signed by such officers, agent or agents of this Association and in such manner as may from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 7. No officer, director or member of the Association shall disperse any funds or moneys in his/her keeping and belonging to the Association nor shall he/she authorize such dispersal or incur any debt in the name of the Association without authorization of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 8. No person shall use the name or official insignia of the Association for other than strictly Association purpose unless written approval is given by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE III - COMMITTEES

SECTION 1. All members and volunteers may serve in any capacity on any committee. Each standing committee will have at least one Board of Director as a member. Chairpersons will be selected by the committee membership.

SECTION 2. The Finance Committee or assigned person shall direct the work of securing the necessary funds to maintain programs of the Association. The committee shall maintain records, direct mailings and acknowledge receipts from all donors. This committee or person prepares an annual budget and submits the same for Board approval. The Treasurer of the Association shall be a member of this committee.

SECTION 3. The Registration and Membership Committee or assigned person is responsible for player registration, the maintenance of current player rosters, and the maintenance of the WYSA membership rolls. This committee seeks and recruits eligible members.

SECTION 4. The Facilities and Equipment Committee or assigned person shall coordinate maintenance of all facilities used by the Association. This committee shall have charge of identifying new fields if needed. This committee shall have charge of coordinating the selection and maintenance of all equipment and uniforms purchased by the Association.

SECTION 5. The Soccer Program Committee or assigned person shall coordinate all scheduling of the soccer programs to insure each competing team an equal opportunity to use the facilities available. This committee shall have charge of the coaching program and the training and orientation of all coaches involved in the Association.

SECTION 6. The Officiating Committee or assigned person is responsible for an adequate supply of trained and competent officials who are available to insure each competing team equal treatment under the rules. This committee provides a program of instruction and training for officials and shall maintain a roster of qualified officials for the program. This committee is responsible for assigning officials to games played under Association jurisdiction.

SECTION 7. The Publicity Committee or assigned person is responsible for all advertising and publicity of the Association.

SECTION 8. The Tournament Program Committee or assigned person coordinates any WYSA tournament.

ARTICLE IV - ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

SECTION 1. The Board of Directors shall be elected at the annual meeting and shall consist of 12 members. Only members of the Association are eligible to be a director. A term of a director is three years. A director may not serve for more than two consecutive terms unless approved by the board.

SECTION 2. Directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of the members by the members. Directors shall not be paid for their services to the Association as directors.

SECTION 3. The Board of Directors may fill any vacancy at any time by appointment. A director so selected shall hold office until the next annual meeting, when he/she shall stand for election for a full term.

SECTION 4. In addition to method provided in Minnesota Statutes Section 317, a director may be removed for cause by unanimous vote of all other directors at a meeting called for that purpose, at which he/she shall be entitled to answer charges of cause for removal.

SECTION 5. A quorum of the Board of Directors shall consist of a majority of its elected or appointed directors.

SECTION 6. The Board of Directors shall elect the president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer from members of the Board of Directors. An officer's term is one year.

ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. Membership shall be open to all persons who are eighteen years of age or older and who have a demonstrated and continuing interest in the promotion of soccer.

SECTION 2. Membership in the Association shall be open to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, ethnic background or economic circumstances.

SECTION 3. Membership includes any parent or guardian having a child who registered to play soccer in the past 12 months or has applied to the Board of Directors.

SECTION 4. It shall be the responsibility of every participating member to cooperate to their fullest ability to assure the proper function of the Association.

SECTION 5. Each member shall have one vote on each matter brought before the annual meeting of the members.

ARTICLE VI - MEETINGS AND PROPERTY RIGHTS

SECTION 1. The Association shall hold an annual meeting, the place and date of which shall be selected by the Board of Directors and five days notice given to all members of the Association. A special meeting may be called by the President or a majority of the Board.

SECTION 2. A quorum at the annual meeting shall consist of the lesser of 10% of the membership or 10 members.

SECTION 3. No member, director or officer shall have any right, title, or interest in or to any property of this Association. If this Association dissolves for any reason, the assets of the Association will revert to another nonprofit organization as designated by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VII - WAIVER OF NOTICE

Whenever notice of any meeting is required to be given by these by-laws or any of the corporate laws of the State of Minnesota, such notice may be waived in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before, at, or after the time stated therein or before, at, or after the meeting.

ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS

The Board of Directors may amend these by-laws. Any number of amendments or an entire revision of the by-laws may be submitted and voted upon at a single meeting of the Board of Directors. There must be a 10 day written notice of the meeting stating the purpose of the meeting being the amendment of by-laws. In order for amendments to be adopted, a quorum must be present and receive the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the total number of directors of the association.

Adopted September 13, 2009

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``

WYSA Policies and Registration Information

Registration:
WYSA accepts player registrations from January 1 through March 1, 2010. At this time players are registering as players but not for a team. Team formation will take place between March 1st and March 15th 2010. Any player registering with WYSA for the 2010 summer season may not be registered to any other soccer team from May 3, 2010 through August 1, 2010.

Minimum Player Team Registration Threshold:
The WYSA board will register teams with the state for summer soccer based on the number of players that have registered by March 1, 2010.

It is the goal of the WYSA board to register a team at every age level, but based on the number of players registered by March 1, 2010 the WYSA board may register teams that are combined ages.

For U11 and U12 teams, the WYSA board has established that a minimum of eight (8) players (per team) need to be registered by March 1, 2010 before the board will form/register a team with the state. The Minnesota Youth Soccer Association requires a minimum of ten (10) players for U11 and U12 age teams.

For U13 and older teams, the WYSA board has established that a minimum of eleven (11) players (per team) need to be registered by the March 1, 2010 before the board will form/register a team with the state.

Late Registration:
Registrations received after March 1, 2010. (See At Risk Players) A late fee of $25.00 will be required on all registrations received after March 1, 2010. The late fee applies to returning players only.

Player registrations received after May 15, 2010 will not be accepted.

Playing Age:
Playing age is based on the age of the player on August 1st (see player age table at MYSA web site http://www.mnyouthsoccer.org/leagues/birthyear.cfm ). This is set by the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association and cannot be petitioned for any variance.

At Risk Players:
Players who do not register by March 1, 2010 and/or do not participate in an assessment if required are at risk of not being placed on a team. If a player does not register on time or does not participate in an assessment if required and the team(s) are full, there may not be a place for them. WYSA will make every effort to accommodate all players.

Special Requests:
Any player wishing to play on a team other than their age appropriate may have their parent(s) request IN WRITING prior to March 1st the desire to be assessed for another age group. The requested age group must be older than the player’s registering age. However, given that the organization’s goals are to provide a positive soccer experience for all players and to field competitive soccer teams, the final decision on placement of players will be made by the WYSA Board of Directors and coaches when teams are formed and rosters developed annually. The approval of a previous special request DOES NOT guarantee the request will be honored this year.

Additionally, the WYSA Board has established the following criteria when a player requests to play up on a team that they would not normally be placed on based on their date of birth:

The team the player is requesting to leave must have a minimum of 15 (or 11 for U11 and U12 teams) registered players remaining should the play-up request be granted.
WYSA board decisions regarding play-up request would normally be made by March 15th. Once play-up requests have been evaluated and decided upon, parent(s) of the player requesting to play-up will be informed.

Teams:
Coaches do not form the teams and cannot guarantee that any player will play for them.

Decision on Division Level:
For teams at U13 and younger, the board in consultation with the team representative, will select the competitive level. For teams U14 and older, the board will seek to organize teams to retain the competitive level that a team has earned under MYSA rules during the previous season. When extraordinary circumstances exist, the board may petition to MYSA for placement at a competitive level other than the one directed by MYSA rules.

Skills Assessment:
If necessary, a skills assessment may be conducted for any age group to facilitate team formation. These assessments will help WYSA place each player at an appropriate level of competition.

Out of Town Players:
WYSA allows players from other communities to register. No special provision will be made for these players and placement on teams will follow the same format for everyone.

Parent Involvement:
WYSA is a volunteer-run organization. EVERY parent is needed and expected to support the organization and their child. Every team will require a parent team coordinator. You will be needed to volunteer your time in various ways such as: driving, providing refreshments, helping with facilities, coaching, tournament organization, committee member, etc.

Team Meeting:
Once WYSA teams are formed, each team will hold a team meeting to discuss game and practice scheduling, tournaments, and district playoffs.

Uniforms:
WYSA provides players with two jerseys. They must be returned at the end of the season. Parents of players who do not return WYSA jerseys at the end of the season will be billed for each jersey that is not returned.

Uniform shorts must be purchased from WYSA.

Fee Refund Policies:
The WYSA Board has adopted the following policies when fee refund request are made.
$80 non-refundable deposit is refundable if

Player is injured or moving out of town and the request is made prior to team registration with MYSA.

The balance of fees paid is refundable in the following circumstances

Player is injured after team registration and before the first scheduled game and is unable to play due to injury.
Player finds out they will be moving out of town after team registration with MYSA and before the first scheduled game.

WYSA Fees:
Player registration fees for the summer 2010 season are:

$130 for players age U12 and younger.
$180 for players age U13 and older.
$180 for players age U12 and younger if they are requesting to play on a U13 or older team.
A family cap/maximum of $440 applies for families with multiple players.

Financial Assistance:
Limited financial assistance is available based on need (see financial assistance form).

REGISTRATION FORMS (.pdf)

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