Parent and Athlete Handbook

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Table of Contents

GPMSA Board Members Contact List 5

Presidents Welcome Message 2018 Indoor Season 7

GPMSA Needs Volunteers Like You 9

Team Pictures 9

Season Start Date 9

Respect in Sport 9

The Game 10

LTPD Model 10

GP United Philosophy 11

GP United Team Makeup 11

GP United Evaluations 12

GP United Team Travel and Tournaments 12

GP United Apparel 13

GP United Budget 2018 13

GP United Sponsorship and Fundraising 14

GP United Coaches and Team Managers 14

GP United Player Commitment 15

GP United Parent Expectations 16

GP United Parent Contract 19

GP United Player Contract 21

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GPMSA Board Member Contact List

Kara Sewall GPMSA Board President president@gpmsa.ca

Christine Reid GPMSA Vice President - Indoor vp-indoor@gpmsa.ca

Derek Van Tassell GPMSA Vice President - Outdoor vp-outdoor@gpmsa.ca

Lenny Ramirez Director - Fundraising director-4@gpmsa.ca

Chad Wnuk Director - Equipment and Apparel director-1@gpmsa.ca

Jeff Haakstad Director - Public Affairs director-3@gpmsa.ca

Patrick Bueckert Director - Recreational League director-2@gpmsa.ca

Michelle Richardson Secretary secretary@gpmsa.ca

Lynda Atamanchuk Treasurer treasurer@gpmsa.ca

GPSA Admin Staff

Tim Nesbitt - GPSA HR - Minor timgpsa@telus.net

Dylan Cartier Executive Director - GPSA dylangpsa@telus.net

Do We Need to Know Something?

We want to hear from you if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for improving Grande

Prairie Minor Soccer, this information booklet or our website. If you like what we are doing, please let

us know that too! Please email your questions, comments and suggestions to the above designate.

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Welcome Message 2018 Indoor Season

On behalf of the Grande Prairie Minor Soccer Association (GPMSA) Board and Staff, I would like to

welcome you to the 2018 Indoor Soccer season.

GPMSA exists to promote, develop and govern the minor soccer program in Grande Prairie. We strive to

provide for all children and youth in GP the opportunity to enjoy the “beautiful game of soccer.” We

endeavor to develop all of our players, regardless of initial skill, to their full potential as soccer players,

encouraging the values of good sportsmanship and of course having fun.

Our Board members are committed to improving our programs, so they are more enjoyable for our

players, coaches, and parents. We are also determined to better manage this program by increasing

efficiencies and accountability to you.

GPMSA is a community volunteer driven organization. This means with few expectations, our program is

organized and run by a group of dedicated volunteers from Grande Prairie. We appreciate all our

volunteers from Caches and Managers working directly with the teams other the Board Members

working to improve the program and the countless volunteers that help with registration, re-season

camps, inventory, tournaments, equipment, evaluations and so much more. All these people contribute

hundreds of volunteer hours each year to ensure our youth can play soccer. Please show them respect

and gratitude, for without these generous volunteers, we would not be able to offer this program.

Please consider volunteering some of your time to make your child’s soccer experience, and all other

children’s experiences, a great one.

We welcome your comments, concerns or suggestions at any time. Please contact us sooner than later

in hopes of us finding a way to help you find a solution/ answer. For other questions, please check our

website at www.gpsa.ca

I hope you have a fantastic season!

Kara Sewall

GPMSA Board President

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GPMSA NEEDS VOLUNTEERS LIKE YOU!!!

Our soccer programs in Grande Prairie are run solely on a volunteer basis. We are incredibly grateful for

each volunteer within our organization. Please show respect and appreciation to our volunteers who

give up their personal time to provide sports activities for your player. If you are not already involved,

please consider volunteering some of your time to help make your child’s soccer experience a success.

We are always looking for Coaches, Managers, Board Members, program helpers, etc.

How Can You Help?

Each of the coaches you see on the field started off just like you – a parent/ community member that

wanted to make a difference for a child. GPMSA offers many free coaching courses and clinics, as well

as covers the cost for any NCCP certification courses, upon completion.

Please be advised that any person interacting with a player is required to complete a Criminal Record

Check.

TEAM PICTURES

GP Minor Soccer and GP United will be having their photos taken this year on October 31 & November

1. Please see www.gpsa.ca for schedule information.

POLICIES

New policies have been put in place to make soccer more efficient and smooth year to year. Please

check out www.gpsa.ca to educate yourself on these policies. As new ones are approved by the Board,

they will be posted to the website. Many questions you may have might be answered in these policies.

SEASON START DATE – October 15, 2018

RESPECT IN SPORT

We want our club to not just have the best players but also the best parent supporters. At least one

parent from each family must complete the respect in sport online course at parents’ cost. If you have

completed this in previous seasons, you do not have to do this again. Please provide GPSA with your

certification number if you have completed this course through another sport.

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THE GAME – Indoor 2018

We encourage parents to educate themselves on the rules of the game. Here are some links found on

the Alberta Soccer Association website that may help you.

• 2018/19 Alberta Rules of Indoor Soccer (boarded): https://albertasoccer.com/wp-

content/uploads/2018/09/ROIS-2018-19.pdf

• 2018/19 Summary of Changes to the Rules of Indoor Soccer (boarded)–

https://albertasoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ROIS-2018-19-Summary-Of-

Changes.pdf

• 2018/19 Modified Soccer rules for Indoor (7v7, 8v8, 9v9)– https://albertasoccer.com/wp-

content/uploads/2018/09/2018-19-7v7-8v8-9v9-Rules.pdf

Grande Prairie Minor Soccer Association uses the model of LTPD to develop programs

appropriate for young athletes. Further information than the overview provided below can be

found at: https://www.canadasoccer.com/files/CSA_2009_W2WC_Brochure_EN.pdf

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GP United Guidelines

GP United is the competitive stream of minor soccer in Grande Prairie. Evaluations are conducted

each season to place players on teams according to a variety of factors including, but not limited to,

skill, teamwork, and attitude. GP United aims to put our strongest teams forward, while ensuring

the kids still have fun and develop a love of soccer.

Philosophy

It is the belief of GPMSA to prepare players for life by giving them the opportunity to participate in a

high performance, team oriented, development focused, professionally run soccer organization. GP

United Club will build, create and foster a vibrant community of members dedicated to a lifelong passion

for the game of soccer.

The club is looking to build on its past success to deliver a soccer program that focuses on the following:

• Promoting the technical and athletic development of all players at the highest level.

• Providing an affordable program that is operated on a pay for use basis.

• Developing and attracting the best coaching staff available.

Team Makeup

It’s the philosophy of the Club to provide athletes with as much continuity as possible through their GP

United playing experience. In accordance with this philosophy, teams will be assembled by age group to

establish ‘cores’ for both outdoor and indoor seasons. This will better establish continuity and

consistency within the team environment throughout a player’s development with GP United. If we

don’t have the numbers they will be grouped together in U8 or U18 at the discretion of the Technical

Committee.

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Player Evaluations

GP United Indoor fields teams of 10-18 players, both male and female teams, in the U9 to U17 age

groups. Teams will be assembled and compete in the highest divisions possible based on the direction

from Technical Committee and team coaching staff.

Evaluations may consist of practices, technical sessions, formal evaluation sessions, parent/player

discussions/interviews, coach evaluations, and previous season metrics as deemed necessary by the

technical director.

The following qualities will be evaluated throughout the evaluation period:

• Athletics – Player’s ability to demonstrate solid athletic performance. Evaluators assess a

player’s quickness, speed, endurance, and strength.

• Technical – Player’s ability with the ball at their feet. Technical evaluation will focus on dribbling,

passing and touch.

• Game Sense – Player’s ability to grasp soccer concepts and think in a composed and creative

manner. Game Sense is identified by a player’s presence and decision making on and off the

ball.

• Character Traits – This is where intangibles come into play such as second effort, leadership,

communication and establishing a ‘positive’ presence and commitment to the program.

Tournaments and Travel

GP United teams are encouraged to participate in tournaments within Alberta/ BC/ Saskatchewan and

surrounding communities. Out of province travel must be approved by the club’s Technical Committee.

For the 2018 season, the following tournament policy has been put in place for coaches:

▪ U9, 1 tournament and one weekend of friendlies

▪ U11, 2 tournaments

▪ U13 and older, 3 tournaments

The club does not cover any team travel costs. It will be up to each team to manage the financial budget

of the travel involved. Adjustments have been made to player fees to cover the cost of hotels and food

allocations for non-parent coaches.

Healthy eating habits is very important for all athletes, whether at home or on the road. Teams should

try to plan healthy meals and snacks between games.

There should be a team itinerary created by the team manager, coach or travel coordinator. This must

be followed by all involved with the team. These travel plans are not for family vacations but for team

building, development and a positive culture for everyone involved.

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Apparel

This summer, GP United changed their logo. As such, new clothing and apparel items will be

distributed to all players (and interested parents) at an additional cost to parents. All players

must wear their given jerseys during games, and wear club apparel with pride.

GPMSA will be conducting a United Clothing purchase evening (date TBD) where ALL players will be expected to purchase the following:

o Hoodie o Track pants o 2 pairs of shorts o 2 pairs of socks

Budget

GP United is a not for profit organization run by volunteers. Costs associated with running the program

vary based on technical recommendations. Each team will have a different budget due to the following

items, as decided in part by the coaching staff:

• Number of practices per week, and location

• Tournaments & Travel Locations

• Program improvement fees

• Insurance fees (non-negotiable)

• Equipment costs (non-negotiable)

• Raffle Ticket Fundraising – entire organization

• Other fees set out by GPSA/ GPMSA to cover costs of the program

Please be aware that sponsorships and fundraising are available for the 2018 season. Please see

section pertaining to this information.

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Fundraising/ Sponsorship We are fortunate to be living in such a generous community. So, sponsorship is permitted this season - it can be directed to anything desired of your team. Please touch base your team managers/ team coaches to discuss potential sponsorship, if interested. TEAM FUNDRAISING has been reinstated for this season. Fundraising requests, and appropriate paperwork, MUST be approved by the board prior to its commencement. If we do this incorrectly, we lose our license. Please contact your team manager, GPSA or GPMSA for further details. Fundraising money can ONLY be towards pitch time and tournament fees. They CANNOT go towards clothing/ equipment/ team bonding experiences.

GP United Coaches

Our club coaches are expected to help with the technical, tactical and physical development of all

players associated with the LTPD Model. By being a role model for our youth, our coaches follow

guidelines for many different procedure guidelines for things such as playing time, encouragement,

positivity and work rate. GPMSA encourages, and provides, certification and course opportunities for

coaches to improve their skills and coaching abilities.

Team Managers

Every team is expected to have a team management system in place. We recommend the minimum

management system is a Team Manager to help the coaching staff focus on their tasks at hand. Any

managers, parent helpers, trainers, coaches, etc. have a criminal record check completed and on file

with GPSA and be vetted by the GPMSA technical committee.

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Player Commitment

GP United requires a higher level of commitment from players, their parents and coaches. As

such, the following information will help clarify our exepectations:

▪ Our club expects that all players should have an approximate attendance percentage of at least

75% for all team activities. Proper communication to the team’s head coach and/or manager

regarding upcoming absences is mandatory. Poor attendance at practice may an have impact on

playing time in games at coach’s discretion.

Obligations toward the Game

1. Come prepared to learn and give coaches and trainers my complete attention. Their purpose is to

make me a better player and my team a better team.

2. Practice on my own, make every effort to develop my own sporting ability, in terms of skill, technique,

tactics and stamina.

3. Control my temper and not retaliate, even if I disagree with a decision. Displays of temper will not be

tolerated on the field or in playing area.

4. Show good sportsmanship before, during, and after games, conduct myself with honor and dignity.

Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time-wasting.

5. Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion

on the game and any aspect of it, including others involved in the game.

6. Not use inappropriate language.

7. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.

Obligations towards the Team

1. Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help the teams win.

2. Resist any influence that might, or might be seen to, bring into question commitment to the team

winning.

3. Respect your team mates.

Respect for the Laws of the Game and Competition Rules

1. Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game, and the competition rules.

2. Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally.

Respect towards Opponents

1. Treat opponents with due respect always, regardless of the result of the game.

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2. Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and reckless play.

Respect towards the Referees

1. Accept the decision of the Referee without protest.

2. Show due respect towards Referee.

Respect towards Team Officials

1. Abide by the instructions of their Coach and Team Officials provided they do not contradict the spirit

of this Code.

2. Show due respect towards the Team Officials of the opposition.

If a player is not committed to the club and team guidelines, playing time can be affected.

Expectations of Parents

Parents and Guardians must understand that a player’s commitment to their team is contingent on a

resource to get them to and from games, practices and technical/athletic sessions. This is most

important for our younger players who have joined GP United and rely on their parents to do so. We

appreciate all that you do to allow the kids to enjoy the game of soccer.

To help your child, get the most from our program, please ensure that the player is prompt in their

arrival and departure from team events. Players are expected to be in attendance 30 minutes prior to

games, 15 minutes prior to practice and 30 minutes prior to friendly games. Consistent variance from

this could result in loss of playing time and potential benching.

Parents are traditionally welcome to observe practices; however, they must refrain from comment and

direct interaction with their child during the session. Occasionally sessions may be closed based on the

coach’s request, after approval from the board has been granted.

Parents are encouraged to attend all games and support the team as one unit. At no time should

parents’ coach, criticize, confront or make negative comments regarding the team, their opposition, the

officiating or the coaching. Parents under no circumstances are to coach the players while on the field.

Generic applauds, and cheers are welcomed for the team in general. The kids deserve to hear your

approval! Comments such as “Shoot”, “Pass”, “Get it”, are counter-productive. Kids need to think freely

and discover the game themselves to truly develop.

Sideline support should be balanced and team oriented. There is nothing they need more than a full

bleacher of fans.

Parents must abide by the 48-hour rule regarding coaching concerns. Refrain from approaching coaching

staff at the soccer centers, game or practice facilities. Parents expected to encourage their children to

discuss their concerns and playing issues directly with the coaching staff. All parent concerns need to be

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first addressed directly to the coaching staff. If concerns are not dealt with, please fill out the online

complaint form and submit to GPSA office which will be forwarded to GPMSA board for consideration.

We will do all we can to be as open as possible to players’ and parents’ concerns. We are here to

facilitate their growth.

Please educate yourself about the game of soccer.

Parents are asked to refrain from discussing team concerns within earshot of their aspiring athlete. The

children adopt our thinking, and issues with coaches, players and parents should be reserved as adult

issues and isolated from the impressionable athlete.

Parents are expected to ensure that all athletes are well equipped for their sessions. Please ensure that

all player equipment is safe and suitable for the athlete’s development. A simple “do you have

everything” may not be enough. Please ensure that the athlete has their gear, water bottle, and has the

required nutrition/hydration for the activity.

Code of Conduct for Parents

• Remember that children play for FUN.

• Applaud effort and good play as well as success.

• Always respect the match officials’ decisions.

• Remain outside the field of play and within the spectators’ area.

• Let the team official do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do. “In other

words, let the coach be the coach.”

• Respect the team official’s decisions during game play.

• Respect the team officials and GP United rules for conflict resolution. Ex. 48 Hour Rule (you will wait

48 hours before approaching the club, coaches or administration will issues, around team selection, or

player conflicts, etc.

• Support your team officials with respect to team and/or player discipline.

• Encourage the players to respect the opposition, referee and match officials.

• Do not criticize a player for making a mistake – mistakes are part of learning.

• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behavior.

Understand that if you do not follow the Code, any or all the following actions may be taken by the

Grande Prairie Minor Soccer Association Board. I may be:

• Issued with a verbal warning from GPMSA Board or league official

• required to meet with the club committee

• obliged to leave the match venue by the team or league official

• Requested by the club not to attend future games

• required to leave the GP United program along with any dependents

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Parent Contract

1. I/We understand the commitments and expectations laid forth in the Team

Handbook and agree to diligently follow them.

2. I/We affirm that my child will exert effort to maintain a high level of

academic achievement.

3. I/We, as a spectator, will exhibit a high level of sportsmanship at contests.

4. I/We will follow appropriate procedures in communicating concerns to

coaches.

5. I/We hereby authorize and consent to our child’s participation in Club

athletics and sports.

6. I/We understand that the sport in which our child will be participating is potentially dangerous, and

that physical injuries may occur to our child requiring emergency medical care and treatment.

7. I/We assume the risk of injury to our child that may occur in an athletic activity.

8. I/we agree to release and hold harmless the GP United Club, its members, the Club

Coordinator, Technical Director, the member of the executive, all coaches, and any and all other of

their agents, servants, and/or employees and agree to indemnify each of them from any claims, costs,

suits, actions, judgment, and expenses arising from our child’s participation in Club athletics.

9. I/We hereby give our consent and authorize the GP United Club and its agents, servants,

and/or employees to consent on our behalf and on behalf of our child, to emergency medical care and

treatment in the event we are unable to be notified by reasonable attempts of the need for such

emergency medical care and treatment.

10. I/We hereby give our consent to allow any picks or videos of my child to be used to promote the club

through our website, posters, advertising, etc.

__________________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ Signature of Parent/ Legal Guardian Date Team

__________________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ Signature of Parent/ Legal Guardian Date Team

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Player Contract

1. I understand the commitments and expectations laid forth in the Team

Handbook and agree to diligently follow them.

2. I will do my very best to maintain a high level of academic achievement.

3. I will always exhibit a high level of sportsmanship at contests.

4. I will follow appropriate procedures in communicating concerns to coaches.

5. I understand that I am partaking in a club athletic activity and that,

consequently, all Alberta Club

expectations, rules and policies apply.

6. I realize that being a member of the GP United Club makes me an ambassador of Grande

Prairie, Alberta on the local and provincial scenes. My behavior will show respect towards this

privileged responsibility.

__________________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ Signature of Athlete Date Team