The purpose of this document is to outline the management, administration and coordination of Westerly Youth Soccer Association (WYSA) Competitive Travel Team program. The responsibilities of WYSA, coaches, players and parents are included. While this document describes the functions and responsibilities of the Competitive Director, many of these responsibilities also includes the Director of Player & Coach Development. Both must work jointly to achieve the goals of this document and WYSA. The WYSA By-Laws states that; “The Competitive Coordinator is responsible for the overall logistics of organizing the Competitive League. The 2^nd Vice-President shall also represent the WYSA at the Soccer Rhode Island Competitive League functions”.

This document also references the Policies & Procedures of Soccer Rhode Island. WYSA is required to follow the rules and regulations established by Soccer Rhode Island (SRI). The SRI Policies & Procedures are available on the SRI web site (www.soccer-ri.com). There are also references to the Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL).

WYSA COMPETITIVE TRAVEL TEAM PROGRAM OBJECTIVE

The objective of the WYSA Competitive Travel Team Program is to assemble teams that will represent Westerly as they compete against other teams in Rhode Island. Players will tryout to be selected and represent each competitive age division that best represents the WYSA program and improves the skill level of the participants to the best of their ability.

The Competitive Travel Team Program is the second phase of player and coach development. The first phase is the recreational program that introduces players to the sport of soccer. Those players that choose to take their skills, commitment and desire to a higher level are the candidates for the Competitive Travel Team Program. Player development at this level is often a stepping stone for those players that later may play at the Middle School, High School and College level. As a player moves through the age groups, (U8 to U14) the coaching emphasis will gradually shift from fundamental skills development to game related competitive team tactics.

1000 COACH POLICIES

(Note: The WYSA considers coaches to be one of the most important components in building a successful youth soccer program. The commitment of the coach’s time, training and effort provides our youth with opportunity to learn and play soccer at all levels. The ability to recruit, train and support qualified coaches continues to be a high priority of the WYSA competitive program.)

1001 COACH SELECTION POLICY

The WYSA’s 2nd Vice President (also referred to as the Competitive Director) and committee will compile a list of interested Travel Team coaches (non-competitive and competitive). All interested head coaches should notify the Competitive Director of their interest well before the start of the spring or fall travel seasons. If necessary, the committee will advertise for coaches and contact potential known coaches. The Competitive Director and committee members will evaluate all interested head coaches using the following guidelines:

1.) All potential and active coaches must pass a Background Check as required by SRI. Background checks are agreed to when completing the on-line Volunteer Registration Form. This includes all coaches, assistant coaches and coordinators/managers. Satisfactory background checks must be received by SRI for coaches, assistant coaches and managers prior to initiating any team activities and functions with the players.

2.) Coaches are required to fill out the standard coaching application form, which shall include a brief resume of their coaching experience, age groups intending to coach, state or national licenses obtained and any other related information regarding their coaching experience. This form can be found on the WYSA web site under the League Forms Tab; then select the Spring Coach Form. This form applies to both Spring and Fall travel team coaches.

3.) All head coaches must have (or must obtain) an age appropriate license or certificate as required by SRI. A coach with a higher classification license for an older age group must obtain an age appropriate classification certificate/license for the younger age group.

A. Example 1; A coach with a D-State License needs to obtain a Youth Module 2 certificate in order to coach a U10 age group team.

B. Example 2; A U12 coach with an E-State License cannot coach a U8 team without a Youth Module 1 certificate.

4.) The appropriate licenses or certificate must be obtained prior to the start of the spring travel seasons. Unlicensed coaches may be allowed to coach if approved by the WYSA and with an exemption or waiver obtained from the SRI Board of Directors. Assistant coaches are not required to have state licenses or certification. A list of required coaching certificates/licenses for travel teams (Per SRI) is provided below.

AGE GROUP	DIVISION	STATE LICENSE/CERTIFICATE	WYSA Requirement
U8	All Divisions	Youth Module 1 Certificate	One member of the coaching staff must have certified First Aide Training prior to the season start.
U10	All Divisions	Youth Module 2 Certificate
U12	All Divisions	E- State License
U14 thru U20	Elite, Anchor	D- State License
U14 thru U20	Classic, Rhody	Not Required, SRI Recommends at least an E-State License

5.) Coaches, assistant coaches and manager must be a minimum of 18 years of age and three (3) years older than the age group; they are coaching (Per SRI).

6.) In the event of two or more coaches request the same head coaching position, the order of selection is as follows:

A. The coach who holds the age appropriate state license (or will obtain the state license prior to the start of the season), and has seniority with the team and/or has previously coached the most players ranked in the tryout core group. (It is a WYSA preference to keep teams (same group of players) together as much as possible.)

B. The coach who currently holds a certificate/state license over a non-licensed coach;

C. The coach who currently holds the proper age appropriate state license or certificate over the coach that does not have the proper age appropriate state license or certificate (even if the other coach has a higher classification license). The criteria is the same for both if the higher license coach can certify that the age appropriate license will be obtained prior to the start of the competitive season;

D. The coach that best represents the views & attitudes of the WYSA soccer program.

7.) The Competitive Director will present a list of the recommended head coaches to the WYSA Board of Directors for final approval (by majority rule) at the WYSA September board meeting. Tryouts or player selection will not be held for teams that do not have coaches selected (U8 through U14). Only the Competitive Director is authorized to move this deadline forward.

8.) The team’s assistance coaches and managers will not be determined until the coach is selected and approved by the WYSA Board of Directors. Assistant coaches and team managers must follow the same process for approval and removal as that outlined for coaches. Coaches must also approve the assistant coach and team manager.

1002 WYSA COACH SUPPORT POLICIES

1.) The Competitive Director (and committee) will submit a coach recruitment, training and support program annually for review and approval at the November WYSA meeting. Any costs for outside assistance, training guides or equipment will be provided as a part of the Competitive Travel Team Budget to the WYSA Treasurer to be included in the annual budget submitted in November. If a single coordinated coach assistance program for all coaches cannot be arranged, funds will be set aside in the WYSA budget for coaches to individually arrange for outside team and coach assistance if they determine it is needed. The Competitive Director must approve any costs for outside assistance.

2.) The Competitive Director will assist coaches with the preparation of any required SRI forms and ensure the forms are accurate and that they are submitted to SRI in a timely manner.

3.) The Competitive Director (and committee), the Director of Player & Coach Development and the WYSA Board of Directors will make their submit a budgetary amount to assist coaches in providing end of season awards, mementos, and/or ceremony for Competitive Travel Team players and coaches. An amount of $6.00 to $8.00 per player is suggested. The WYSA Board of Directors must approve the budget for these funds at the November budget meeting.

4.) Player and Coach Development will provide access to a comprehensive library of drills, coaching tips and instruction. Coaching tips will be available on the WYSA web site.

5.) The Director of Player & Coach Development and other qualified WYSA personnel shall be available to provide assistance and training for WYSA coaches. Requests should be made directly to Competitive Director or the Director of Player & Coach Development.

6.) WYSA will provide licensing costs to all coaches registered that attend certification events. Coaches will be reimbursed for licensing cost. When possible, WYSA provide checks prior to the event made out directly to the event host.

7.) WYSA will make every effort to support the associations desire to provide coach licensing locally using experienced Westerly coaching licensing personnel. This will reduce the inconvenient travel and licensing costs.

1003 COACH CONDUCT

1.) In accordance with the policies of WYSA, all coaches should ensure that games are fair, positive and enjoyable experience for all of the children and adults involved. A soccer game should be friendly and unifying – a spirited and athletic occasion for players, coaches, referees and spectators. The coach’s example is powerful, for better or worse. If you insist on fair play and concentrate on your player’s enjoyment of the game and their overall long-term development, and if you support the referee, your players and their parents will notice. If you encourage or allow your players to play outside the rules, if you are overly concerned about the results, and if you criticize the referee or your players harshly, all will also notice.

2.) Coaches should encourage their players to be gracious when losing or winning. Coaches are to discourage the concept that winning is the only worthwhile result and encourage players to do their best for the entire game regardless of the outcome. To the best of their ability, each coach is expected to develop the soccer skills of all players on the team and promote the philosophy that youth soccer is intended to be a positive learning experience.

3.) Coaches are expected to set a good example at all practices and games. They must not attend practices and games while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There will be no use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco at practice or playing fields.

4.) Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and the referee. During the game, if you have a small issue with the referee, discuss it calmly and patiently after the game. If you have a major complaint or if you think the referee was unfair, biased, incompetent, or made a bad call, report you opinion to the Competitive Coordinator and to the SuperLiga.

5.) There will be no tolerance of any rude, physical or verbal abuse of players, referees, parents, or league officials by any coach.

6.) Competitive Coaches are required to uphold all WSYA and Soccer RI Policies & Procedures and to attend any mandatory meetings scheduled by the Competitive Director and SRI Every coach shall conduct himself or herself in a positive manner are they are a representative of the WYSA and the Town of Westerly.

7.) Coaches are expected to dress appropriately in attire that signifies that they are a coach.

1004 DISCIPLINE OF COACHES, ASSISTANT COACHES AND MANAGERS

1.) Any coach, assistant coach or manager behaving in a rude or disruptive manner toward a player, referee, parent, spectator, and/or another coach, or team / league administrator may be suspended or removed from the team by the WYSA Board of Directors. A majority vote of the WYSA Board of Directors is required for dismissal. If the decision of the WYSA Board of Directors is to issue a one-time warning, the Competitive Director will verbally communicate it to the coach and the disciplinary action will be noted in the WYSA meeting minutes. This will provide a permanent record of the action for future board members.

2.) A request for reprimand or disciplinary action of a coach or staff member must be submitted in writing to the President or a Vice President (Competitive Coordinator) of the WYSA who will call a meeting of the Board of Directors. Any action disputed by the coach may be appealed to the WYSA Board of Directors who will determine the course of action to take. Examples are outlined in the Coaches Conduct section and include any behavior that reflects negatively on the WYSA.

3.) If ejected by a referee, the coach must leave the playing area and not encourage, talk or coach his/her players for the duration of the game. The coach also not permitted to coach the next regular season or play-off game. Any coach that has accumulated three (3) cautions in one season will not be allowed to coach the rest of the current season and the next season.

4.) The WYSA Board of Directors may remove a previously approved coach if he or she is found not be conducting themselves in a manner that does not properly represent the WYSA.

5.) A coach will be dismissed for the remainder of the season and the following season (at the discretion of the WYSA board) if a player on his/her team accrues SuperLiga fines in excess of $150.00 in a single season.

1005 COACHING RESPONSIBILTIES

1) Head coaches will assist in preparing the team roster with the required number of players mandated for the age group. The coach will confirm that all players are registered in the WYSA database before the spring deadline for formal SRI team registration.

2) Assistant coaches and managers must be included in the roster. They will assist the coach in the preparation of player passes, administration, and other duties as requested by the coach. The Competitive Director (committee) will assist coaches and their staff with the roster and player passes preparation as needed.

3) Any Competitive Travel Team that does not have a sufficient number of players to meet the WYSA minimum requirement one full day prior to the SuperLiga deadline for team withdrawals without penalties shall be disbanded. The Competitive Director and the WYSA President must approve the withdrawal. (Note: The SRI fine for withdrawing a team past the deadline is $500.00)

4.) WYSA has determined that the minimum number of players required to roster a team is the number of field

players (by age group), PLUS three additional players. (Note: SRI (SuperLiga) defines the maximum number of

players).

FORMAT	MINIMUM NUMBER OF PLAYERS
6 v 6	Nine
8 v 8	Eleven
11 v 11	Fourteen

5.) All coaches will confirm that each player owns a WYSA approved Competitive Travel Team uniform. The WYSA selects uniform styles for the U8 T-shirt and socks, and the U10, U12, and U14 uniform. The WYSA will coordinate the process for the ordering and player payment.

6.) WYSA will select the uniform vendor and styles at least ten weeks prior to the season start date via a competitive bidding process. The players must purchase uniforms prior to the start of the season. Hand made replicas of uniforms will not be allowed.

7.) WYSA will share the cost of supplying coaching aids and equipment (pinnys, cones, cold packs, etc.) for travel team coaches. WYSA will provide bulk-purchasing discounts and will contribute 50% of the cost. WYSA will also provide medical kits and at least one game ball for the spring and fall competitive seasons.

8.) Coaches are responsible for the disposal of all player & coaches passes at the end of the soccer season. Passes are only valid for one full calendar soccer season (September 1 through August 31 of the next year). Coaches may give them to the players as mementos or dispose of the passes.

9.) Coaches of competitive teams may be held responsible for any fines levied on them or their team if the WYSA determines that the actions of the coach resulted in the fine. Any fines will be paid to the WYSA who will forward the payment to the league

10.) Coaching staff must provide a 1” x 1” head shot photo for ID badges. The coach, assistant coach, and manager must wear these identification badges at all games. Only members of the coaching group wearing these ID badges are allowed on the player’s side of the field.

11.) The maximum number of the coaching staff allowed on the teams coaching box is three.

12.) One member of the coaching staff must have certified First Aide Training prior to the season start. This certification will be organized and paid for by the WYSA.

13.) Coaches will conduct a minimum of 1½ to 3 hours of practice weekly from the beginning of the WYSA Competitive Travel Team Season to the end of the season.

2000 WYSA Competative TRAVEL TEAM PLAYER SELECTION

2001 TRYOUT PROCESS

There is no official WYSA tryout process for U8 age group. Informal tryouts may be held at the discretion of the Competitive Committee. The purpose is to attempt to generate player / parent interest. The tryout format will be to this age group. The official WYSA tryout process is held for the U10, U12 & U14 using the following guidelines:

1.) The Tryout Review Committee and Coaches Selection Committee will be determined by the WYSA Competitive Director prior to tryout notification;

2.) The tryouts shall be conducted by qualified soccer personnel with experience in identifying various talent levels in young soccer players. A primary objective is to eliminate any perception of bias and personal favoritism from the tryout rankings. WYSA will use the following hierarchy or combination of soccer experts when selecting tryout evaluators to assist in the ratings:

- University or College coaches from the tri-state area;

- State or National Licensed coaches outside of Westerly;

- MLS, Challenger Sports, Elite Soccer, etc.

- State or National Licensed coaches from WYSA combined with outside expertise;

- State or National Licensed coaches from the WYSA.

3.) If outside personnel are used, WYSA representatives must approve the tryout methodology and process. The evaluators shall have no prior knowledge of the players. The evaluators must agree to provide the same personnel to the same age groups at each tryout.

4.) A TravelTeam Coach will be allowed to participate as legitimate evaluators during the tryout process. Only one coach per team will be allowed to participate. The coach’s evaluation will have equal weighting with the other evaluators. Coaches will utilize the forms and procedures provided by the WYSA Competitive Committee. If a coach has not been assigned or is not present, the available evaluators will be the determining factor. A coach cannot evaluate his or her own children.

6.) Evaluations submitted by the recreational coaches can apply up to 10% of the total rating if approved by the Competitive Committee.

7.) A cost estimate for using outside assistance and other tryout costs are to be included in the WYSA budget presented and approved at the annual November meeting.

8.) It is recommended that all prospective coaches attend tryouts to observe the candidates. They may have minimal contact with the evaluators regarding the process and will not interact with the tryout players.

9.) Acceptance and Non-Acceptance letters will be mailed to all tryout players. These letters (or emails) will be sent no later than two weeks of the decision date. Players not assigned to a team will be placed on a waiting listed in the order of their tryout rating. Players that are not accepted will have their registration fee refunded.

10.) Parents/players should receive tryout-rating assessments. These should be positive and identify areas of skills that need emphasis.

11.) Players who tryout for multiple gender (coed and girls) and/or multiple age groups will be obligated to the group where they received the highest ranking. It is assumed that the player desires to play in any of the age groups that he/she has tried out for. The hierarchy detail is outline in Appendix ‘B’: WYSA Tryout Selection Process. The primary rule is that the player is placed in the highest age group where the player is rated in the top Core Group.

12.) When possible teams ‘age specific teams’ will be assigned (U9, U10, U11, U12, etc.). This is done in other soccer programs to in an attempt to keep players and coaches together during their development period.

2002 COMPETITIVE PLAYER REGISTRATION

1.) WYSA Competitive Soccer promotion will be accomplished using the WYSA web site, verbal solicitation, local newspapers and sign-up sheets available at the Gingerella Sports Complex soccer fields during the recreational season. It is also suggested that the recreational coaches for these age groups receive flyers to distribute to their players describing the program. WYSA Board Members will also distribute notifications to players at recreational games.

2.) Registration will be limited to those teams that have selected and assigned approved coaches in September or prior to tryouts. Any exceptions to this rule can only be made by the Competitive Director and the Competitive Committee.

3.) All players interested in playing for a Competitive Travel Team (U8, U10, U12, and U14) must:

§ Register on-line using the WYSA web site. If the on-line registration is not available, manual registration will be held at the Gingerella Sports Complex field three Saturdays prior to tryouts.

§ Provide ‘Proof of Age’ with a birth certificate issued by an appropriate Government Agency, a copy of a current passport, or an alien registration card. Hospital and religious certificates are not valid. Any player that played the previous season and registers as a ‘returning player’ is exempt from providing proof of age;

§ Provide a 1” x 1” informal photo of the player (head shot). This will be laminated on the player signed competitive Player Passes;

§ The Competitive Player Registration Fee must be paid in order to be eligible to play on a Competitive Travel Team (Note: As of spring 2008, the fee is $65.00 payable to the WYSA). Late registration will result in an additional fee of $10.00.

§ WYSA approved uniforms must also be purchased (U10 thru U14). U10, U12, and U14 uniforms (including two shirts, shorts, and socks) were in the $85.00 range in 2007. Uniforms for U8 players will consist of a WYSA approved T-shirt and socks at approximately in the $10.00 to $20.00 range.

§ The WYSA President has the authority to grant a waiver to those who need financial assistance. Contact the WYSA President to request a confidential waiver of fees. Parents receiving registration scholarship aide will be requested to provide volunteer assistance.

2003 NON-COMPETITIVE TRAVEL TEAM PLAYER SELECTION (U8, U10)

1) If the number of players exceeds the maximum allowed by SRI and there are not enough players (or coaches) to form another team, players may need to be dropped from the team. The coach and the Competitive Director will jointly make this decision. Any available player data, seniority, previous experience, or knowledge of the players may be considered. WYSA may not be able to place every player on a team, but will make an effort to attempt to place all players. Players not selected will be put on a wait list. The U10 modification to this policy can be found in section 2004.

2) If the number of U8 players justifies more than one team, the coaches and Competitive Director will determine how players will be assigned to each team. Either an ‘A’ or “B’ team, equal level teams, or a lottery draw system may be used.

3) A “Competitive Travel Team Guide for Players and Parents” referencing the level commitment and other important issues will be distributed for player and parent signatures. See Appendix ‘A’ to review this guide.

4) Each player in the U8 & U10 age groups must be allowed the opportunity to play at least 50% of each game. See section 3001 for specific policies.

5) U8 & U10 travel teams are only supported by SuperLiga in the spring season; there are no fall teams.

2004 U10, U12 & U14 COMPETITIVE TRAVEL TEAM PLAYER SELECTION

1.) Tryouts are required for the spring teams for these age groups (and U10). Fall teams do not require tryouts because of the player involvement in the Middle School and High School programs.

2.) Notification of tryouts and/or team selection dates will be announced no later than four weeks prior to the tryouts or selection process

3.) A minimum of two tryouts will be held at the Gingerella Sports Complex for the U12 & U14 age groups. Players must attend at least one of the tryouts to be rated for team selection. It is recommended that players attend both tryouts in order to provide equal player comparison data for both sessions.

4.) Acceptance and Non-Acceptance letters will be mailed to all registered and paid players. These letters (or emails) will be sent no later than two weeks after the last tryout date. Players not accepted will receive a full refund of their registration fee. If no players are cut, letters will not be required and verbal contact is acceptable. Those players not accepted will be placed on a wait list.

5.) The “Competitive Travel Team Guide for Players and Parents” referencing the level of commitment and other important issues will be distributed for player and parent signatures. See Appendix ‘A’ to review this form.

2005 U15 thru U20 COMPETITIVE TRAVEL TEAM PLAYER SELECTION

1.) The head coach is responsible for the selection of players for the U15 thru U20 age group teams. The method of player selection is determined by the head coach and must be in accordance with the Rhode Island interscholastic League (RIIL) Rules (www.riil.org). The Competitive Director typically assists the coach with team formation and ensures adherence to the rules.

2.) All WYSA U15 thru U20 WYSA Competitive Travel Teams shall comply with the RIIL 50% Eligibility Rules. Compliance with these rules may require the team to be comprised of high school team players from another town. Failure to comply could jeopardize a player’s participation on the next year’s high school team.

3.) These teams are not required to wear the WYSA Competitive Travel Team uniform, but must ensure that all team players wear similar clothing that would constitute a uniform with unique numbers. The uniform must be respectable and represent the WYSA organization. This assumes a professionally produced shirt with numbers (on the back) and an emblem/logo (on the front). Matching shorts and socks are preferred.

2006 JOINT ASSOCIATION COMPETITIVE TRAVEL TEAM

1.) A joint association team offers the opportunity to combine the players from other towns and provide player with the opportunity to play when there are not enough roster players, to develop select teams, special tournaments, etc. WYSA endorses joint association teams that provide the opportunity for players to participate in a Division I or Elite division SuperLiga league.

2.) When joint teams are hosted by WYSA, the rules and policies & procedures of WYSA will apply. The Competitive Director has the option to determine how the teams are formed, organized, selected, registered and what percentage of Westerly players are required on a case-by-case basis.

3.) Secondary team players must submit Temporary Transfer Forms from their association to the hosting association.

2007 INCOMPLETE TRYOUT

1.) Players who do not complete the minimum tryout process will be given an ‘incomplete’ rating and will not be rated in the ‘Core’ group. They will not be eligible to make the ‘First Team’ if the roster is full.

2.) The only exception is by approval of the WYSA Board of Directors upon written request accompanied by a doctor’s note (i.e., player not able to tryout due to an injury).

2008 PLAY-UPS / PLAY DOWNS

1.) Under NO circumstances may a player participate on a WYSA Travel Team in a younger age division than his or her age permits.

2.) Under NO circumstances may a U6 age group player play-up on a U8 WYSA Travel Team.

3.) It is not recommended for a U8 age group player to play-up to a U10 team or a U10 age group player to play-up to a U12 team. Approval is required from the WYSA Board of Directors (and the coach) on a case-by-case basis.

4.) Play ups to a higher age group must be approved by the WYSA board on a “case by case’ exception basis. A parent letter requesting the play up must also be presented to the WYSA board prior to tryouts.

5.) Only two (2) play-ups are allowed per team (U10 to U12, U12 to U14, and U14 to U16).

6.) Players wishing to play-up must be rated in tryouts and be one of the players identified in the ‘Core Group’ in the tryout rankings in the higher age group that they are planning to participate in.

7.) Players in the ‘Core Group’ have an automatic bye from the WYSA Board of Directors to play in this older age group. Players who are not in this top ‘Core Group’ cannot play in this older age group, these player may still petition the WYSA Board for permission to play. The Core Group is defined as follows:

a. 6v6 Format (U10) = Core Group of 6 Players

b. 8v8 Format (U12) = Core Group of 8 Players

c. 11v11 Format (U14) = Core Group of 9 Players

8.) If more than two play-up players are in the core group, the two with the highest rating will be selected. The lower ranked players must return to their age group team.

9.) A play-up cannot displace a player in an older age group if it results in the player being cut from the team. Teams having multiple play-ups that for some reason must release a play-up player or players will release the lowest ranked player first.

10.) A play-up will not be allowed if it results in the younger team not having sufficient players to field a team.

2009 MULTI-ROSTERING

1.) There must be a minimum of two premier players on a team for premier players to play. A player may play for a Premier Club and a WYSA Competitive Travel Team, but cannot play for two Premier teams or two association teams that participate in the SuperLiga League. (Example, a player cannot play for a WYSA Competitive Travel Team and a South County Competitive Travel Team, nor can they play on two WYSA Competitive Travel Teams even if they are in two different age groups).

2.) A player may play on one recreation team and a WYSA Competitive Travel Team.

3.) A player may participate one recreational team, a middle or high school team and a SuperLiga Competitive Travel Team or premier team;

2010 TOURNAMENT TEAMS

1.) SuperLiga Travel Teams may use their spring rosters for tournaments inside and outside RI if all of the participating players are on the original roster. Non-participating players should be lined out.

2.) If the tournament coach is not the player’s SuperLiga coach, the tournament coach must contact the SuperLiga coach as a courtesy before putting the player on the roster.

3.) A non-registered player who is not registered with any association during the current soccer season and lives in Rhode Island must register on-line via WYSA web site. A fee of $20.00 will be assessed to the player. This will allow participation in all future tournaments for the seasonal year (i.e. Sept 1,2007 – Aug 31,2008);

4.) Non-registered player who is not registered with any association and lives outside Rhode Island must comply with the requirements of section 2006-3 (above) and must register and receive written permission from:

§ The State Association where the player is registered; and

§ The other State Association of the team on which the player wishes to play.

§ A fee of $20.00 will be assessed to each player.

5.) Registered player who is registered with another Rhode Island association does not have to register with WYSA as they are in the state tournament database, but;

§ The coach must contact the other association’s coach, to obtain the player’s SRI ID number in order to add the player to the tournament roster. The coach must also obtain the Player Pass from primary association’s coach, if the host tournament requires them.

§ If the player is currently registered on a SuperLiga team or a Premier team, a Temporary Transfer Form must be filled out (available on the SRI web site)...

6.) If the tournament is a patch event contact, please contact Joe Comforti 348-8685 or Kevin Cabral 596-3929 for patches. See Appendix ‘C’ - Guidelines for Entering In-State Tournaments.

2011 INDOOR TEAMS

1.) The formation of indoor teams is primarily a coach’s responsibility. The Competitive Director must be made aware of all indoor teams playing in Soccer RI sanctioned leagues or tournaments.

2.) The Competitive Director shall encourage WYSA teams to participate indoor leagues. He/she will solicit for an Indoor Coordinator their committee. The coordinator will organize/assist coaches and organize interested players using the WYSA web site and mass email functions.

3.) Sanctioned SRI facilities follow SRI rules and require WYSA rosters. RIIL rules also apply.

4.) Non-sanctioned facilities are not recognized by SRI and WYSA/SRI players insurance does not apply. Note: At this time only the West Warwick, program is SRI Sanctioned.

5.) The Competitive Director (committee), Coach and Player Development and the WYSA Board will should make their best effort to attempt to coordinate the acquisition of community indoor practice facilities for indoor team practice sessions.

2010 OUT OF STATE PLAYER

1.) A player wishing to play on a team is a member of another State Association must receive permission form

a. The State Association where the player is registered; and

b. The State Association where the player wishes to play.

An out of state player playing participating on a WYSA Competitive Travel Team must follow the WYSA Competitive Travel Team Policies & Procedures and obtain a “Permission to Play In or Out-of-State” form from their state of residence.
Example: For a Connecticut resident the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) should be notified, obtain permission, and fax the paper work to Soccer-RI.
CJSA, 11 Executive Drive, Farmington, CT 06032
860-676-1161 fax 860-676-1162 www.cjsa.org

3000 PLAYER POLICIES

3001 50% PLAY RULE (U8 & U10 AGE GROUPS)

1.) Each player in the U8 and U10 age groups must be allowed the opportunity to play at least 50% of each game and play no more than ½ as goal keeper.

2.) No player is to play 100% of a game unless all players on the team play at least 75% of the game.

3.) Coaches may play a player less than 50% for disciplinary or medical reasons. See Player Discipline below.

3002 PLAYER DISCIPLINE

1.) Discipline of the players is a coaching responsibility that is necessary to ensure safety, sportsmanship and order on the team.

2.) Coaches are allowed to suspend a player for single game for fighting, disruptive behavior, repeatedly missing practice without notice, etc,

3.) Suspensions of more than one game or the dismissal of a player requires approval of the WYSA Board of Directors. Parents are allowed to appeal these decisions to the Board of Directors.

4.) A player receiving a red card must leave the field of play for the remainder of the game, cannot be replaced by a substitute player and will not be able to play the next scheduled game (regular season or play-off game.)

5.) A player receiving a yellow card must leave the field of play until the next substitution is allowed. A substitution is allowed for this player. A player receiving three yellow cards in a season will be suspended for the next game.

3003 PLAYER INJURIES

1.) A player injured during practice must be immediately attended to by the coaching staff.

2.) During a game, the coaching staff may not attend to the injured player until approved by the referee. The injured player (with the exception of the goalkeeper) must leave the field of play and be replaced by a substitute. If able to resume play, the injured player may return at the next substitution opportunity.

3.) Coach must have first aid kits and ice packs (supplied by WYSA) at the field and one member of the team’s coaching staff must be certified in first aide).

4.) Players are only allowed to play with a cast if there is a doctor’s authorization, a parent medical release, approval by the Competitive Director, and the cast is covered with a soft material. The game referee must also approve all casts.

5.) A player with free flowing blood or blood on their uniform may not continue to participate in a practice or game until the bleeding have stopped and bandaged and the uniform is replaced.

6.) Coaches should not attempt to move any player that they suspect to have broken bones.

4001 Parent / Spectator Conduct

1.) All parents should demonstrate good sportsmanship and should encourage the children to be a gracious in losing as they are in winning. They should also encourage the players to do their best regardless of the score. Adults need to set a good example by demonstrating supportive, courteous and sportsmanlike behavior at all times.

2.) Parents are encouraged to help coaches with the managerial aspects of the team without interfering with the direct coaching of the team.

3.) During a game, parents and spectators must remain on the spectator’s side of the field spectator line (which is behind the three-foot touchline.

4.) Parents and spectators should not coach players from the sidelines. This advice may conflict with the coach’s instructions.

5.) Parents and spectators are not allowed to badger or be disrespectful to any referee, coach, player and league official. The use of foul or abusive language or any action that reflects negatively upon the players and WYSA will not be tolerated. The referee may stop a game to request the removal of a spectator or declare the game a forfeit if he or she feels they are in personal danger.

6.) If the WYSA Board of Directors determines that a spectator or parent’s behavior has been unruly, abusive or unacceptable, they will notify the person by letter that they will be barred from attending any games for the remainder of the season.

5001 Olympic Development Program, WYSA rules

Per Soccer Rhode Island: It is understood by all Associations, referees and coaches that no practices or games are to be scheduled on Olympic Development Training Dates. This includes all Wednesday evening training dates (April through July) and any mini-camps scheduled and published by March 1 on the Website (soccer-ri.com; programs; ODP; calendar)

6001 Player/parent feedback form

The WYSA will distribute Player/Parent Feedback Forms to all parents prior to the end of the season. The purpose is to provide WYSA with constructive input. The input will provide information relating to areas that a working well, and those that need improvement.

APPENDIX ‘A’
Competitive Travel Team Guide for Players and Parents

o Understanding the Commitment - Players and parents should understand that there is limited roster space for Competitive Travel Teams and that this is a commitment to attend practices and games.

In fairness to the coach and the other players, each participant needs to consider the amount of time, effort and travel that is required to play on a Competitive Travel Team. Games will be forfeited if there are not enough players on the field and the WYSA will have to pay a significant fine. The team will also have to endure playing without having enough substitutions.

o Understand that it is not always possible to place all registered players on a Competitive Travel Team.

o When a player drops out or stops showing up after the season starts, it is not possible to replace that player on the roster. The team now plays with one less player for the rest of the entire season;

o Play ups to a higher age group must be approved by the WYSA board on a ‘case by case’ basis. A parent letter requesting the move up must be presented to the WYSA board prior to tryouts. The maximum number of play ups allowed per team is two (2).

o Players involved in multiple concurrent activities need to determine if they will have sufficient time to contribute to the team and which activity is their first priority.

o Coaches are allowed to suspend a player for a single game for fighting, disruptive behavior, and repeatedly missing practice without notice.

o Players that have not registered on-line or have not paid the registration fee will not be able to obtain tryout results or be placed on a team roster;

o Players must have an official player pass with their picture and signature and purchase an approved WYSA uniform.

o U8/U10 players must be allowed the opportunity to play at least 50% of each game. Coaches may play a player less than 50% for disciplinary or medical reasons.

o The coach will determine U12/U14 player’s game playtime.

o Coaches will conduct a 1 ½ to 3 hours of practice weekly during the WYSA Competitive Travel season.

o There must be a minimum of two premier players on a team for premier players to play. Premier players need to communicate whether they will continue to play on the WYSA Competitive Travel Team if they are also accepted by the premier team.

o Parents should demonstrate good sportsmanship and should encourage the children to be as gracious in losing as they are in winning. They should also encourage players to do their best regardless of the score. Adults need to set a good example by demonstrating supportive, courteous and sportsmanlike behavior at all times.

o The ability to pay registration fees will not be a prerequisite to play WYSA competitive soccer. The President and the Competitive Director have the authority to grant a waiver to those needing assistance in exchange for volunteer assistance.

________________________________________ ____________________

Player Signature Date

________________________________________ ____________________

Parent Signature Date

APPENDIX ‘B’
TRYOUT SELECTION PROCESS DETAIL (Not finalized)

A MALE TRYOUTS FOR A COED TEAM & A FEMALE TRIES OUT FOR A FEMALE TEAM

SITUATION	RESULT	EXCEPTION
o Male player attends try-outs for an older age group, in addition to their own age group, and ranks in both core groups. o Female player – same in female age groups	Older age group prevails regardless if he/she ranks higher in the younger age group.	Younger player must not displace an older player from that age group.
o Male Player attends Try-Outs for older age group, and DOES NOT attend Try-Outs in their own age group; o Female Player – Same in female age groups	o If they rank in the Core group, then they play-up. If forced down because of the Displacement Rule, then they play on the first team; o If they do not rank in the Core group then they must play in own age group on 2^nd team – Cannot play on the first team. What if there is roster room on the first team?	DISPLACEMENT RULE See below
o Male Player attends Try-Outs for older age group, in addition to their own age group, and DOES NOT rank in either core group. o Female Player – Same in female age groups	Child DOES NOT qualify to play-up and must play in his/her own age group. Ranking position is irrelevant in older age group tryouts.	SEE NOTE ( 1 )
o Male Player attends Try-Outs for older age group, in addition to their own age group, rates outside core group in older but ranks in core group in own age group. o Female Player – Same in female age groups	Core group rankings prevail. Child must play in his/her own age group’s first team.
o Male Player does not participate in any tryout groups. o Female Player – same	The player is placed on a waiting list and cannot play on the first team unless there is only one team. Also cannot play on the 2^nd team until all tryout players have been placed. Can the coach pick this player prior of picking a player that tried out?	DISPLACEMENT RULE. See below
o Male or Female Player attends less than 80% of a single tryout session and does not participate in the 2^nd one. 80% of a 2 hour session is 1 hr – 36 min 80% of a 1.5 hour session is 1 hr – 12 min 80% of an 1 hour session is 48 min	Tryout is deemed Incomplete. Player is automatically placed on the 2^nd team. What if there is an injury?	I do not agree with 80%, A discussion on this is worthwhile. An incomplete should be if you do not hand in your number with everyone. I agree
o Male or Female Player misses Try-Outs for his/her own age group but is allowed by the Competitive Director to participate in another age group’s tryout session.	Evaluators will be instructed to do their best in translating the player’s performance to the player’s own age group. Nothing is guaranteed. At a minimum, the player will be placed on a waiting list above those who did not try out.	The player, no matter how skilled, cannot be placed in the core group of his own age group. He/she may be eligible to make the first team through the coach’s selection process.

FEMALE TRYOUTS FOR A COED TEAM

SITUATION	RESULT	EXCEPTION
o Female Player attends Try-Outs for older COED age group, in addition to their own age group, and ranks in both core groups. o Female Player attends Try-Outs for COED group of same age, in addition to their own female age group and ranks in both core groups.	COED age group prevails regardless if she ranks higher in the female age group.	o DISPLACEMENT RULE, regardless if she ranks in the Core group. o A female player CAN displace a male player, who did not attend tryouts from that age group and is on the waiting list.
o Female Player attends Try-Outs for an older COED age group, and DOES NOT attend Try-Outs in her own female age group;	o If they rank in the Core group, then they play-up. If forced down because of the Displacement Rule, then they play on the first team of the girls team in their age group; o If they do not rank in the Core group then they must play in own age group on 2^nd team – Cannot play on the first team. What if there is roster room?	DISPLACEMENT RULE, regardless if she ranks in the Core group.
o Female Player attends Try-Outs for older COED age group, in addition to their own female age group, and DOES NOT rank in either core group.	Player DOES NOT qualify to play-up and must play in her own age group. Ranking position is irrelevant in older age group tryouts. What if the first team roster is filled?	SEE NOTE ( 1 )
o Female Player attends Try-Outs for older COED age group, in addition to their own female age group, rates outside core group in older age group but ranks in core group in own age group.	Core group rankings prevail. Player will be automatically placed in her own age group’s first team.	SEE NOTE ( 1 )
o Female Player attends Try-Outs for COED same age group, in addition to their own female age group, ranks in the COED core group AND ranks in female core group.	COED core group rankings prevail. Player will automatically be placed on the COED first team.	o DISPLACEMENT RULE, regardless if she ranks in the Core group. o SEE NOTE ( 2 )
o Female Player attends Try-Outs for older COED age group, in addition to an older female age group, BUT DOES NOT attend Try-Outs in her own female age group; rates in the core group in COED age group AND ranks in the core group in the female age group.	COED Core group rankings prevail. Player will automatically be placed in the COED age group’s first team.	SEE NOTE ( 1 )
o Female Player attends Try-Outs for older COED age group, in addition to an older female age group, BUT DOES NOT attend Try-Outs in her own female age group; does not rank in the core group for either the older COED age group nor the older female age group.	Player will automatically be placed in their own female age group and forfeit the privilege to play on the first team. They must play in own age group on the 2^nd team – Cannot play on the first team What if there is roster room??	SEE NOTE ( 1 )

NOTE (1): The WYSA can override this rule if allowing the Play-Up results in more children (who attended Try-outs) to play in the lower age group. (I.e. Two play-ups who are not core players are allowed to remain on the older team anyway in order to make room for more players in the lower age group team.)

NOTE (2): The WYSA can override this rule if allowing the female player to play on a COED team results in more children, who attended Try-outs, to play in the female age group. (I.e. Two females, who are not core players as a result of the COED tryouts, are allowed to remain on the COED team any ways in order to make room for more players in the female age group team.

DISPLACEMENT RULE:

1. A Younger player must not displace an older player that had attended Try-Outs, from the older player’s age group, unless the team is participating in Division 1.

2. A Female player must not displace a Male player that had attended Try-Outs, from the male player’s age group, unless the team is participating in Division 1.

NO CLAIM PLAYER RULE

No player may lay claim to be given the privilege of playing for a team that they did not participate in any of the Try-Out sessions relative to that team. The action of signing a player’s name in one of the WYSA Tryout Sign Up Books and/or registering on line via the WYSA web site does nothing more than place that player’s name on a waiting list, if that player does not participate in one of the WYSA try out sessions. ALL Players still need to register on line via the WYSA web site in order to be placed on a team.

APPENDIX ‘C’
GUIDELINES FOR ENTERING IN-STATE TOURNAMENTS

The following guidelines are for coaches interested in taking a team to a tournament in Rhode Island. **

1.0 SRI ID NUMBERS FOR PLAYER & COACHES

It should be noted that you should have the player and coaches SRI ID numbers of all the personnel going to the tournament. These numbers are required to create a tournament roster. The SRI ID numbers can be obtained from your WYSA Team Roster. Any guest player numbers may be obtained from the WYSA Competitive Director or the WYSA Registrar.

2.0 TAKING YOUR OWN SPRING SUPERLIGA TEAM

Teams traveling to tournaments with ONLY the players listed on their current SuperLiga Roster do not need to complete a Tournament Roster form. Just make copies of your current SuperLiga Game Day Roster. Then just complete the ‘e-Travel Form’, which is found on the Soccer-RI web site at:

www.soccer-ri.com

Then click on “Forms & Policies”

Then click on “SRI Forms”

Then click on “e-travel”

Print a copy for the tournament director and for your records.

Sign the e-travel form

NOTE; some tournaments like The Joe Strauss Invitational require that you also type in your tournament roster on-line via their tournament web site. Be sure to enter your players here because failure to do so will delay the organizers from forwarding you important e-mails until you do so.

Most tournaments are patch tournaments. This means that players exchange association patches after each game. Please contact Joe Comforti 348-8685 or Kevin Cabral 596-3929 for patches.

3.0 TAKING ADDITIONAL GUEST PLAYERS TO PLAY ON YOUR TOURNAMENT TEAM

This section is for those coaches who plan on having additional guest’ players to their tournament team beyond their normal Spring SuperLiga Team Roster.

Teams traveling to tournaments with guest players ( players not listed on their normal SuperLiga Roster ) must create a tournament roster using the tournament roster link below:

https://www.youthleaguesusa.com/sri/06-07/127/tournament/TournamentTeam.html

1. On the Welcome page, select “Existing 06-07 Team” then enter the Team’s SRI ID number from the league roster.

2. On Team Registration page, complete Section I with the tournament information.

3. In Section II, select one of the listed coaches or the team manager to be the Primary Team Contact. You may add a coach by entering their SRI ID number here or remove a coach by deleting their SRI ID number.

4. Section III is where you remove the SRI ID number of any player not attending the tournament. To add a guest player to the roster, type in the player’s SRI ID number in one of the provided boxes.

5. Next, click “Verify Tournament Team”. Once your information has been verified you then click on “Submit Tournament Team Information. Follow the direction on the next page and then print your roster and game line-up form. Soccer Rhode Island recommends that you use the game line-up for submitting to the tournaments. This form does not contain the player’s addresses or telephone numbers.

6. IMPORTANT! Be sure to write down the Unique “User ID” and “Password” that is displayed because that is the only way that you can get back in to edit your roster.

o i.e. User-ID WTM4JF

o i.e. Password BBES6L

7. Go to the main menu and print a Hard Copy of the ‘Game Day Roster’ and the ‘Team Roster’. Have both signed by the WYSA President, WYSA Competitive Director, or the WYSA Registrar. Then make three copies of each and send to Soccer-RI for signature and to be stamped, along with a self-addressed stamped #10 envelope so that Soccer-RI can send the certified copies back to you.

4.0 EDITING YOUR NEWLY CREATED TOURNAMENT ROSTER

The following is for those coaches who decide to edit their Tournament Rosters later for whatever reason like, adding a player, replacing a player, adding a coach, etc.

To re-obtain your tournament roster after you have logged out of the web site that you created it in, you must type in the following URL address:

https://www.youthleaguesusa.com/sri/06-07/127/tournament/Team.html

Type in the Unique User-ID & Password, that you were given by the computer the first time that you created the new roster (see section 2.0), to access the database roster.

i.e. User-ID WTM4JF
i.e. Password BBES6L
click on ‘Submit’

Select from the pull down menu ‘Add / View / Edit Team Information’
On the Tournament registration page, replace players by typing over existing SRI ID numbers or add players simply by adding a new SRI ID number to the list.
SAVE the changes
Go to the main menu and print a Hard Copy of the revised ‘Game Day Roster’ and the revised ‘Team Roster’. Have both signed by the WYSA President, WYSA Competitive Director, or the WYSA Registrar. Then make three copies of each and send to Soccer-RI for signature and to be stamped, along with a self-addressed stamped #10 envelope so that Soccer-RI can send the certified copies back to you.

5.0 QUESTIONS

If you have any questions concerning Tournament Rosters, please contact the SRI office at
Registrar@Soccer-RI.com OR the WYSA Competitive Director.

** For out of State Tournaments, refer to the Out of State Tournament Guide or contact your Competitive Director.

2003 NON-COMPETITIVE TRAVEL TEAM PLAYER SELECTION (U8, U10)

2005 U15 thru U20 COMPETITIVE TRAVEL TEAM PLAYER SELECTION

APPENDIX ‘B’ TRYOUT SELECTION PROCESS DETAIL (Not finalized)

APPENDIX ‘B’
TRYOUT SELECTION PROCESS DETAIL (Not finalized)