Practice Sessions

 

Practice is arguably the most important element in soccer development.  Players must attend practice to develop to their full potential and be an active member of the team. Attendance and commitment are major factors in growth and development, and will impact player placement and playing time.

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Coach Responsibilities:

• Coaches will ensure that field and weather conditions are safe.

• Coaches will communicate any changes in the practice schedule well in advance.

• Coaches will foster a positive and inclusive environment during practice sessions.

 

Attendance:

• Players are expected to attend all scheduled practices.

• If a player cannot attend, parents must notify the coach in advance, by declining the practice Spond event.

• For short notice absences, please decline the practice event in Spond, and also send a message to the coach through Spond. 

• Players should plan on staying for the entire practice. If you must leave early, notify a coach before you leave. 

• Attendance and punctuality will be monitored and will affect playing time.

• Suns FC reserves the right to drop a player that accumulates 4 or more unexcused practice absences in a single month.

 

Punctuality:

• Players are at the field ready for practice no less than 5 minutes before the start time.

• Players must bring all required equipment to practice, including a water bottle, Suns FC practice jersey, shin guards and appropriate footwear for the playing surface (outdoor or indoor). 

• If a player will be late to practice by 10 minutes or more, please send a message to the coach informing him of the situation.

• If a player is unreasonably late to practice, the coach will decide if the player can join the team in practice or not.

• Suns FC reserves the right to drop a player for repeated tardiness to practice.

 

Games

 

We expect players to participate in all scheduled game activities and be properly prepared physically and mentally for the matches.

 

Commitment:

• Players are expected to commit to attending all scheduled games.

• Parents should inform the coach in advance if a player cannot attend a game, by declining the game Spond event.

 

Punctuality:

• Players must arrive game ready (not having to put on gear at the field) at the game venue at the specified time communicated by the coach. Please make sure to read the location and time details provided in the Spond event. 

• If we don’t have enough players by the time the game starts we will lose the game by default.

• Coaches will conduct pre-game briefings and warm up to ensure players are mentally and physically prepared.

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Sportsmanship:

• Players are expected to display good sportsmanship at all times, including before, during, and after games.

• Encourage players to congratulate opponents and thank referees after each game.

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Uniform and Equipment:

• Players must wear the full designated team uniform (jersey, shorts and socks) for games.

• All necessary equipment, including shin guards and appropriate footwear (cleats or indoor shoes) should be worn.

 

Player Behavior:

Suns FC believes that proper player behavior lies in fostering a positive, respectful environment that enhances skill development, teamwork, and instills lifelong values of sportsmanship and discipline.

 

Respect:

• Players are expected to respect coaches, teammates, opponents, referees, and parents.

• Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.

 

Positive Attitude:

• Players should maintain a positive attitude during practices and games.

• Coaches will emphasize the importance of learning from both successes and failures.

• Bullying will not be tolerated in our club, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all players. Severe actions will be taken if the behavior is not corrected by the player.

• Suns FC reserves the right to drop a player for accumulated or grave negative behavior events.

 

Parental Involvement:

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Our parents are our second biggest asset after our players.  They “lend” us the most valuable thing in their life and contribute greatly to the success of Suns FC. Our club is constantly growing and our parents are the heart of our continued success.  With a good relationship between both the parents and coaches, our club will continue to be very successful.

 

Supportive Atmosphere:

• Parents are encouraged to create a positive and supportive atmosphere during practices and games.

• Negative comments or criticism directed at players, coaches, or referees are not acceptable.

• Coaching from the sidelines will not be tolerated.  You have entrusted your daughter/son to us and advice you give from the sidelines may go against what we have told him/her to do.

• Referee abuse will not be tolerated.  Let us be concerned with the officiating.

• Let the referees ref, coaches coach and players play.

• Suns FC reserves the right to drop a player for repeated unruly parent behavior.

 

Communication:

• Establish clear communication channels between coaches and parents for any concerns related to attendance, behavior, or other team matters.

 

General Guidelines:

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Playing time:

• In recreational categories it is our goal to provide equal playing time. There is no other way to improve a player's game than to give them opportunities to learn in the field. 

• For competitive categories, we attempt to provide equal time, while also aiming to compete and win games and tournaments. Roster spots and playing time in competitive teams cannot be guaranteed and are directly related with the effort each player gives during practices.

 

Taking time off:

• Any player that wishes to take time off is welcomed to do so, at the risk of losing his/her roster spot.  There is no guarantee that the roster spot will be available when, or if, you decide to return.

 

Rosters:

• In determining rosters, it is the discretion of the coaches.  Please understand that this program is about developing your child to the best of their abilities in order for them to reach their full potential.  Parents are not to interfere with this process. 

 

Leaving the club:

• During our continued growth, individuals will feel the need to leave our club for various reasons.  Again, we ask that you communicate openly and we will be glad to help in the transition in any way we can.  Please remember that you are moving on, it does not mean that you need to lose the friendships that you have gained. If your child leaves a better player than when they came, we as a club have been successful in the development of the player.

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Suns FC reserves the right to be modified at any point in time, allowing the soccer club to adapt and update its rules and guidelines in response to evolving circumstances, ensuring continued relevance and effectiveness.