Introduction and Objectives

The purpose of this handbook is to familiarize players and parents with the Wells Branch Soccer Association (WBSA). The objectives of WBSA are to create a safe opportunity for fair and enjoyable play, to instill a spirit of good sportsmanship and teamwork and to foster improvement in playing skills and knowledge of the game of soccer.

Eligibility/Program Description

WBSA provides opportunities for all boys and girls, ages 4 – 18 to play soccer. To be eligible to play, a player must be under the age group level on August 31st of the current playing year. The WBSA board will consider play-up on a case-by-case basis.
Under no circumstances may a player “play down” an age group.
The age group commissioner and coaches will determine the teams along with the board members. Players who have played together in previous seasons will have first preference of staying together as a team.
The fall season runs from September through mid-November. The spring season begins mid-February and ends in early May. Players will be notified two weeks before each season begins by the coach and/or age group coordinator of their team.

Registration

Registration will be announced in advance via mail-outs, flyers and the website calendar. It will be held in multiple locations on at least two dates in August for the fall season and in January for the spring season. All who register before the designated late registration date will be given a position on a team (unless a coach cannot be found or a team cannot be formed). Late registrations will be accepted on a space-available basis only. There will be a $10 late charge per registration in addition to all other fees.

Facilities

The facilities are provided by the Wells Branch Municipal Utility District. Players, coaches and parents have a responsibility to help ensure continued availability of these facilities by seeing the fields are undamaged and free from litter when they leave. Abuse of the facilities should be reported immediately to the Field Scheduler or President (even if witnessed off season or outside of game and practice times).
It is the responsibility of the referee to assure the safety of the facility prior to the start of the game. It is the responsibility of the coach to assure the safety of the facility prior to the start of practice. Facility issues need to be reported immediately to the Field Scheduler or President.

Code of Conduct

The coaches’ primary responsibility is for his/her players to have fun, to develop soccer players and to instill a passion for the game. The performance of a coach is not measured in wins and loses, but rather in what is taught to the players in terms of technique, sportsmanship and fair play.
Coaches of WBSA agree to the following:
• To be a positive role model for the players, leading by example by always demonstrating sportsmanship and emphasizing fair play.
• To place the well-being of every player ahead of their own personal desire to win.
• To organize practices that are both fun and challenging, designed to teach techniques and strategies that emphasize team play.
• To emphasize skills development and improvement based on individual players needs, helping them gain confidence and self-esteem.
• To strive to be consistent, honest, fair and just in treating the players. Seek to be both a good communicator and listener. Be generous in praise and never criticize publicly.
• To maintain an open line of communication with the parents and encourage them to participate as instructors, team parents or liaison.
• To become knowledgeable in the rules of the sport, teach them to the players and support all league policies and regulations.
• To always inspect practice and game venues to insure safe playing conditions. Require players to be properly equipped at all times. Teach safe and proper techniques.
• To review and learn basic first aid and emergency procedures.
• To understand that to play the game is great, but to love the game is better.

Parents must set the example for the children by exemplifying the highest standards of sportsmanship. Parents participate in a match by watching, cheering and supporting the efforts of all participants of the match. Parents have responsibilities to the coach, team and organization.
Parents of WBSA agree to the following:
• To encourage good sportsmanship at all times by setting a positive example for their child. Pledge to support all participants, including teammates and opponents, coaches and referees.
• To demonstrate a positive attitude towards youth sports, not embarrassing themselves, their child or any other participant by yelling or creating a scene. Applaud good effort in victory and defeat.
• To bring their child to matches and practices prepared and on time. Practices and matches require adequate water and a ball to practice. It is not the responsibility of the coaches to provide all beverages and equipment for the team.
• To make sure their child is participating voluntarily in the sport and not forced to because of parent’s wishes.
• To strive to learn the rules of the sport and support the officials in their enforcement of these rules.
• To support and communicate with the volunteer coaches, encouraging them to uphold the Coaches Code of Conduct.
• To understand that youth sports are not babysitting services. Offer to participate as a coach, team, referee, or provide transportation.
• To teach their child to respect other players, coaches, referees and spectators, regardless of their race, creed, gender or ability.
• To calmly seek solutions at a proper time and location if they have problems or have concerns, refraining from confrontations in front of the children.
• To strive to make playing soccer in our organization fun for everyone

Players play soccer to have fun, to learn and to develop a passion for the game, as well as to improve their skills. Players have a responsibility to their team, coach, parents and the community. Players must maintain a high level of sportsmanship and fair play. Players must have respect for their coach, opponents and the authority of the referee.
Players of WBSA agree to the following:
• To play within the laws of the game and the spirit of the game.
• To be on time and prepared for matches and practices.
• To display self-control in all situations and not use foul or abusive language at any time before, during or after a match or practice.
• To train and play to the best of their ability, have a positive attitude and encourage others to do the same.
• To show respect towards the referee and his/her assistants as well as towards the opponents.
• To show respect for themselves, their teammates and property, including equipment and fields.
• To be supportive and encouraging to their teammates, not blaming or criticizing them.

Referees

WBSA games will be administered in accordance with the rules set forth by STYSA and as appropriate for each age group.
WBSA referees are volunteers/Coaches in the U-6 age group. All other age groups must train and pay referees. Referees must be certified by ____STSR_____.
While the referee’s decisions may not always be agreeable to all participants, the referee’s decisions are final. Shouting remarks are not acceptable and are basis for removal from the facilities. The referee has the authority to caution and/or eject players, coaches, spectators and/or terminate a game if necessary. Complaints regarding referee performance should not be directed to the referee on the field, but should be directed to the WBSA Referee Assignor. Teams should always thank the referee after each game.
WBSA strongly encourages those interested in becoming a referee to contact the Referee Assignor. Clinics are provided by CAYSA to train and license referees and assistant referees.

Uniforms and Equipment

All players are required to wear shin guards at practices and in games. Shin guards must be completely covered by socks.
All players must bring a ball to each practice. The sizes for each age group is below:
U-6 & U-8 Size 3 ball
U10 & U12 Size 4 ball
U14 & up Size 5 ball
Jersey, shorts and socks are provided as part of the registration costs.
Soccer-type cleats are preferred, but not required. Studs may be plastic, aluminum or molded rubber, but not more than ¾ inch long. The studs may not be sharp.
Nothing dangerous may be worn during a game or practice, including, but not limited to: jewelry, earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and watches. Casts and splints are not allowed in games and are highly discouraged during practices.
During game play, additional clothing such as shirts and long pants may be worn under the uniform during cold weather, but not over the uniform.
Goalkeepers (U8 and up) must wear a shirt that is clearly different from any other player on the field. They may wear special goalkeeper jerseys, gloves, pants and/or elbow and knee pads.

Field Policies

WBSA has a ZERO TOLORANCE POLICY which will be enforced before, during and after any scheduled activity. This policy applies to all parents, players, coaches and spectators. When on the premises you agree to the following conditions:
• The Referee and Officer Of The Day have the final say in all matters.
• Players and registered coaches for both teams will occupy the south sideline of the soccer field.
• All parents, guests and spectators will occupy the north sideline.
• A registered coach is recognized as someone who has a current Picture ID Kids Safe Badge. These badges must be prominently displayed. Assistant coaches must also be registered. If you do not have a current Kids Safe Badge you will not be allowed to coach while on a WBSA soccer field.
• No one (coach parent or child) should be at either end line behind or near a goal.
• Coaches or players may not cross the midfield line when standing off the field.
• Coaches will refrain from pacing up and down the sideline.
• Coaches may never address players from the opposing team.
• Under no circumstance is a coach, parent or player allowed to enter the field unless the referee has authorized it.
• Refrain from coaching children from the sideline during the game unless you are registered coach and on the proper side of the playing field.
• Never question, discuss, confront or intimidate any player official or coach. Never question calls made by the officials.
• If your behavior as a parent, coach, player or spectator is, in the opinion of a WBSA official or referee, detrimental to the game its players or officials, the offender will be asked to remove themselves from the premises. Failure to leave will result in an immediate forfeit for the team the offender is associated with. A Travis County Sheriffs Deputy will then be dispatched to have the offender removed. The offender will face any necessary civil or legal action by WBSA. A complaint will be filed by WBSA and forwarded to the appropriate club and sanctioning bodies CAYSA and STYSA which could result in a possible ban from all sanctioned events.
• Conflict Resolution: If a parent or player is having difficulties with a coach or referee, (or vice versa) WBSA asks that you contact a WBSA official to fill out a conflict resolution form. A member of the WBSA board will contact the appropriate parties and facilitate a resolution to the problem. Never confront someone. Set an example don’t embarrass your child, team or yourself. Enjoy the game and set a positive example for players you are here to watch or coach.