Interim revision Feb. 2011
(subject to further revision)
Bethlehem Soccer Club
Junior Academy/Travel Policies U8-U12
The following are the policies of the Bethlehem Soccer Club regarding the establishment and operation of the Junior Academy including the U8-U12 Travel Soccer teams playing in the Capital District Soccer League (CDYSL). Questions regarding the formation or operation of teams not covered by the following policies shall be decided by either the Junior Academy Committee or the Board of Directors of the Club.
1. The goal of the Junior Academy Program is to provide a fun yet challenging opportunity for players seeking more skilled soccer and more playing opportunities than are offered at the recreational level, accessible to players U8-U12. The Club has worked to develop a technical curriculum that will enable players to develop age appropriate skills, allow each player to be assessed and play on a team and in a division most appropriate for their skill and commitment. It is a goal of the Junior Academy portion of the Travel Soccer program to provide the opportunity and the encouragement essential to develop the skill level of the players and prepare them for entry into the Bethlehem Youth Academy (U13-U19).
2. To facilitate skill development, the Junior Academy will hold academy practices run by one or more of the technical coaching staff. The academy practices typically will be organized by age group and generally be held one per week.
3. For the outdoor Travel Soccer season, it is a goal of the Club to form as many viable teams as possible allowing as many children to play on travel soccer as possible. A viable team is a team that has:
a.) a coach; and
b.) at least 10 players for U8-U10 or at least 11 players for U12, by the team commitment date set by the CDYSL (second week in January for Spring), or one that the Junior Academy Committee has a reasonable expectation will have sufficient players by the season.
4. The Club shall set a date and provide notice of the opportunity for on-line travel registration in June of each year. The club shall also provide for mail-in payment and establish and provide notice of the last date for on-time registration.
5. The Club shall charge a fee as established by the Board of Directors for Junior Academy registration. An additional fee shall be charged for each registration accepted after the close of registration. There will be no refunds after November 1st except for: inability to form a team or an injury which occurs prior to May 1st.
6. For U10-U12 age groups, any girl wishing to play on the co-ed team shall indicate such on the registration form.
7. The assigned Technical Coach along with the Technical/Coaching Director shall place players on teams by the end of December. Players will be placed on teams based on his/her observed participation in the academy and level of skill. Roster sizes will be set to ensure no less than 3 substitutions. The number of players in an age group and the commitment level of the players to a team will be members will be considered to determine the roster size. Thus, rosters sizes may be expanded to the CDYSL maximum player limit for the affected age group. If several players are not placed on teams, they may still participate in the academy as rec.-plus players, but will not be placed on a team if and until the club can form another team, either within the Club itself or with one or more local clubs.
8. Players will be placed on teams based on their age group as established by CDYSL. The age cut off used by Eastern New York Soccer League of which CDYSL is a member league is August 1. Players may request a move up to a travel team one age group older than their CDYSL placement age. Such a request shall be in writing, preferably to the Club Registrar via the on-line electronic registration system. Move ups will be granted only if:
a.) the player requesting the move up has the physical ability to compete at the requested age group;
b.) there is an open spot at the age level requested (a move up can not trigger a tryout);
c.) the move up will not jeopardize the viability of the age appropriate team;
d.) the first priority for move ups shall be for players moving to an age group that includes the majority of players in their school grade;
e.) if, after consideration of sub-paragraph d above there are more move up requests than available spots a try out will be held to determine the placement of players per the above try out procedures; and
f.) move up requests are good for only one season additional move ups must be requested in writing each season.
9. All team placements are final. The Junior Academy Committee will consider extraordinary requests for transfers within an age group if a transfer request is made, in writing, to the Junior Academy Coordinator with in 30 days of a player being notified of a team placement. Transfers will not be allowed if it would affect the viability of a team or if it is found that a coach recruited a player.
10. The Technical Coaches will be selected by the Technical/Coaching Director in consultation with the Junior Academy Committee. Parent Coaches will be selected by the specific age group Technical coach subject to consultation with the Technical/Coaching Director and Junior Academy Committee. All parent coaches serve at the pleasure of the Club. All Technical Coaches must have a USSF “D” or equivalent license (to be determined by the Coaching Director) by December of the year she/he coaches in the Club. All parent coaches will be required to attain a license as required by CDYSL.
11. Coaches are not permitted to recruit players for their team unless previously approved by the Club. No coach, assistant coach, or team manager shall promise a placement of a player on a roster unless previously approved by the Club to do so.
12. Playing time shall be at least half the game for all players.
13. Players are expected to meet the commitments of their team as determined by their coach after consultation with the players and parents. Playing indoor soccer is not mandatory, but it is strongly encouraged. Outdoor team practices are strongly encouraged. Players unable to meet the commitments of the team or who are involved in inappropriate or disruptive behavior may be asked to leave the team after a parent or guardian and the player have received one written warning from the coach. A coach shall only issue a written warning to player after first consulting with the travel coordinator.
If you have unanswered questions – please send to: bsctravelsoccer@gmail.com