United Football Club

Team Expectations and Guidelines

United FC 95B Elite Team Expectations

Arrival Time for Practice/Games:

I expect players to arrive early enough to each practice and games so that they have enough time to get all gear on for the start of practice and the game. If practice starts at seven, it will start at seven. If the player that is still getting ready at seven or expected game time or running across the field is not on time. If a player is late it is not looked upon highly by the coach and may affect playing time in games if it becomes a regular occurrence.

Missing Practices:

I understand that you are not going to make every practice and training session. However, you have made a commitment to CUFC that you would be part of this team and it is expected that you will do your best to make every practice and training session. If you are not going to make it I require that you please let me know. This does not mean come to me with all of the dates you are going to miss for the year at the first practice! Letting me know the practice before the one you are going to miss is enough notice. If you can’t make it for an unforeseen reason, which does happen sporadically, please contact myself or the team manager so that it becomes known that a player will be missing. It is important for there to be proper communication so if I am planning on a certain number for practice I can count on that number and make my time with the team as productive as possible.

Practice Time:

Practice times are TBD. Due to expected inclement weather practice times and location may change to another location. Please be flexible with this as it is important to continue the player’s development with consistent practices.

Parents at Practice:

Parents are allowed to be at practice from a distance. I do not want you right next to the field. If I hear you or see that your presence is distracting practice you will be asked to leave and go back to the parking lot. Your child is there to learn soccer and learn from the UFC coaching staff. I know all of the boys look up to all of you and listen to what you have to say. However, at practice they are going to have to listen to the coach. If it becomes apparent that they are listening to you over the coach a meeting will be set up and the problem will be discussed and actions will be taken to resolve it. We all want success of the boys. Don’t confuse them by coaching from the sideline.

Extra Practices:

Extra practices will occur throughout the season. These are done to help us prepare for big games or tournaments that we need extra practice to sort things out so we are at our best. We want to be ready to perform at our best and sometimes that takes a little extra time. These practices will be announced in advance, as much as possible so parents can plan on getting their son there.

Time for Questions and/or Concerns:

If a question or a concern arises that you want to talk to me about it is required that players and/or parents arrive early enough so the question or concern can be addressed before the practice starts. Once practice starts it is not the appropriate time to ask me questions that do not relate to the drills that we are working on. Please wait till the practice is done and then approach me. I have no problem staying after to talk to parents or players.

Try-Outs:

As try-outs draw near it is important that is communication between the parent and the coach. If a player is cut or moving to another club it is expected that the player continues to play and work hard and attend all games and tournaments with the team until the end of the season. It is unfair on the other players if the child does not play.

Weather Hotline:

It is expected that prior to each practice you will check the UFC Weather Hotline to see if practice has been cancelled. It is not the team rep’s job to contact you to tell you that practice has been cancelled. The number is (804)-271-7771.

Expected Gear:

I expect each player to be at practice promptly with proper gear on and ready to go for the start of each practice. Proper gear is cleats, shin-guards, black soccer socks, black soccer shorts, team practice T-shirt and a size five soccer ball. If it is cold out players should dress for the weather so that they are able to perform in the conditions that we are in. During practice cleats will be tied, soccer socks will be pulled up covering shin-guards and shirts will be tucked in and soccer balls will be properly inflated prior to each practice. As a member of this team it is your responsibility to make sure you are ready with the proper working equipment for each practice. It is important to remember that a professional looking player performs at a higher level! Do any of you see professional players wearing cut off shirts to practice.

Nutrition:

All players are expected to bring ample water to each and every practice and game so they have enough to drink when they become thirsty. It is also expected that players will eat proper amounts of food and appropriate foods prior to training and games so they have enough energy to perform. It is important to take into consideration that consumption of foods should occur prior enough so that cramps do not occur. Generally an hour is a safe amount of time to give proper digestion to occur.

Game Expectations:

Players will be at the game 45 minutes prior to kick off dressed and ready to go. This may change if we are playing at a new facility that we have not been to before or if it is a long trip and extra time is needed to get the players legs loose from the trip. If a player is not on time this may affect if he starts and how much he is going to play that game. All players are expected to wear the appropriate jerseys to the game, while also having the other jersey in his bag in case we need to switch colors for some reason. This is expected at each and every game and tournament. It is very important to plan ahead and be prepared so that we are all on time and ready to play. Please, before you leave your house make sure all your gear is with you. It is impossible to play with one shoe and don’t expect to play if you do not have the required gear at the game.

Parents at Games:

I hope to see all parents at the games and it is great time to go out and support your team in a great competitive sport. However, it is sometimes that parents take this competition to the next level.

There are two important points to always remember when you are at the games. We are adults representing what the boys look up to. If anything inappropriate is said it will be dealt with swiftly and harshly. We are adults and we all know what should not be said to officials, other team’s players and our own players. If you say something inappropriate you can expect to be dealt with promptly. This does not mean do not yell and scream and get into the game but remember always keep it clean and always keep it positive. It is important to remember that you are fans and your support will make your sons play so much better.

This leads into my second point at games Parents are not part of the UFC coaching staff and you cannot coach from the sideline with tactics and other advice that you think needs to be used. You are just going to hurt what the team has been practicing and working towards. If coaching from the sideline persists and you will not stop, your son will be taken out of the game and will not return for the rest of that game. After the game a meeting will be arranged to discuss the future course of actions and what has to be done to let your son play.

I would also ask that you honor the Club’s 24 hour rule with respect to discussing any concerns or problems at a game.

Tournaments:

Itinerary should be given to all the players by the Team Manager before departure to any out of town tournament.
As long as the team is still playing in the tournament, players are required to meet at a designated area at a designated time as specified by the coach or manager to do any team related activities such as meals and walks etc.
Players must be dressed uniformly when departing to the games.
Using the swimming pool, Jacuzzi, exercise equipment, or the like must only be done with permission of the coach.
Players should never leave the hotel or playing field without notifying the team manager, even if leaving with their parents. The coach should know the whereabouts of all players at all times.
Players must follow the itinerary and must follow curfew which will normally be 10:00 PM precisely.
Every person associated with the CUFC must follow the rules of the hotel in which they are staying.
Players are not allowed to run around in the hotel, play soccer in the hotel hallways, or walk barefoot or shirtless.
If the tournament has both male and female teams, casual association during free time will be allowed in public areas, but absolutely no player will enter the rooms of players of the opposite sex.
If a conference is necessary between the coach and an individual player, it must be done in the lobby of the hotel or if a more private area is required, then it needs to be done in the presence of a manager or the parent of the player or another adult.