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HFC Policies-Procedures
** NOTE - These Policies and Procedures are currently under Revie / Subject to Revision before the start of the Summer 2017 Season **
Policies and Procedures
As of February 1 2015
Introduction
This manual sets forth the major policies, procedures and regulations of the HFC Soccer Club in addition some information regarding day-to-day operations of the Club. In certain instances exceptions to policy are noted which are solely determined and administered by the club technical committee. All members of the Club are asked to refer to this manual as a point of first reference to answer questions and to understand the goals and objectives of the Club.
This document will aid the many volunteers who so willingly give of their time and expertise with a structured approach in providing the member of the Club with the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful game of soccer.
This manual will be published on the club website so that all members (players, parents, coaches, managers) and potential members can access current information about the Club
For the sake of brevity 'Club' is used to refer to 'Highland Football Club' throughout this manual.
Changes to this Manual
This manual is reviewed at least annually (usually before each season) by the Club President. Programs Director and Technical Director who will recommend edits, additions or subtractions to the board at this time.
Club Purpose
The purpose of the Club shall be;
To provide for the competitive development and recreation of the members.
. To provide the opportunity to learn and develop the fundamental and advanced skills of the game.
. To promote and afford opportunity for friendly and social activities within the
soccer community.
. To encourage and foster among all players, coaches and club members the highest
level of sportsmanship, self-discipline and the spirit of good fellowship through
playing soccer.
Club Structure
The Club is a registered not-for-profit society under the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stocks.
Accordingly the Club is governed as outlined in its official constitution and by-laws.
The Club board of directors has an executive consisting of: a President, past president, Secretary and Treasurer, in addition Director of Technical development, Director of supply and equipment, Director of communication, and Director of team managers. Directors oversee the key functional areas of the Club. The directors are supported by numerous volunteers.
Present board and term.
Present Board.
. President / 1 year , Past President / 1 year, Vice President / 1year, Secretary / 2 years
. Director Team Managers / 2 years, Director Communications / 2 years, Director Technical adviser / 2 years
Club Registrar / 2 years
Club’s financial year end is Aug 31st of each year.
Club’s Annual meeting by Oct 31st of each year.
Club Organization
The Club is a proud member of Highland District Soccer Association (HDSA)
Who in turn is a member of the Soccer Nova Scotia (SNS). The SNS is a member of the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) who is ultimately governed by Federation International de Football Association (FIFA). The Club is therefore a fully sanctioned soccer club.
Club Code of Conduct
All parents, players and coaches must sign and agree to the Club Code of Conduct prior to each season.
The Club Code of Conduct is the backbone of the Club Discipline Policy. The Club Code of Conduct is available on the website. (xfcsoccer.org). Copies are also available at registration.
Club Code of Conduct - Coaching Staff
All members of the coaching staff are sport leaders and will maintain a high level of
sportsmanship, professionalism and integrity both off and on the field of play. Managers and trainers are considered part of the coaching staff.
All members of the coaching staff will maintain and model the highest degree of respect for game officials, all members of the opposition, and the laws of the game of soccer.
The coaching staff will be reasonable when scheduling games and training sessions,
remembering that young athletes have other needs and obligations.
All members of the coaching staff will obtain proper training and endeavor to improve their skills through educational opportunities in their respective coaching field.
The coaching staff will ensure that all players receive equal instruction, discipline and support.
The coaching staff will ensure that all players receive playing time in accordance with the level of play, the nature of the competition and the developmental stages of the athlete. Reasons for reductions in playing time must be clearly explained to the player. The coaching staff will utilize the appropriate club directive regarding playing time. (Playing Time Policy)
The coaching staff will ensure that equipment and facilities are safe and appropriate to the
player’s ages and abilities.
All members of the coaching staff will refrain from the use of alcohol or drugs, including tobacco, in the presence of players.
All members of the coaching staff will refrain from using foul or abusive language and,
furthermore, will not accept foul or abusive language from other members of the coaching staff, from parents or from players.
The coaching staff is responsible for ensuring that all coaches, players and parents involved with the team adhere to the Club Code of Conduct.
The coaching staff must deal with any violation of the Club Code of Conduct in a responsible and prudent manner. This includes reporting serious violations to the Club Technical Director and the Club Discipline Committee.
Club Code of Conduct – Players
Players will play the game of soccer of their own accord, not because coaches or others want them to.
Players will maintain self-control and model the highest degree of respect for team mates,
coaches, opposing players, game officials, and the laws of the game.
Players will fulfill their team commitments, be on time for games and training sessions, and will notify the coach or manager of any foreseen absences.
Players acknowledge that the coaching staff and officials are there to help them. Players must accept and respect their decisions.
Players will remember that “winning isn’t everything” – that having fun, improving skills, making friends and giving a complete effort are also important.
Players will not publicly remove their club jersey in anger or frustration, or disrespect their club name, club shield, and club crest or club logo at any time during any match or competition.
Players will demonstrate a healthy soccer lifestyle by avoiding the use of alcohol or drugs,
including tobacco, at any team competition or training activity.
Players have a responsibility to their coach, team, club and community and will conduct and represent themselves accordingly by demonstrating the highest levels of sportsmanship, integrity and respect both off and on the field of play.
Players may receive reduced playing time, suspensions or removal from the team for breaches to the Club Code of Conduct.
Club Code of Conduct – Parents
Parents will not force their child to participate in soccer.
Parents will do their best to help their child fulfill their team commitments.
Parents will encourage their child to play by the rules, in the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship, and to respect the decisions of game officials.
Parents will never question the official’s judgment or honesty in public or in front of their child, recognizing that officials are being developed in the same manner as players.
Parents will not coach, give instruction to, or ridicule any player from the sideline, no matter what the situation.
Parents should give praise to players, including the opposition, for good performances, hard work and fair play so that players see other beneficial outcomes to sport besides winning.
Parents will support all efforts to remove all forms of abuse and neglect from our game.
Parents will respect and show appreciation for the volunteers and paid personnel who work on behalf of the sport.
Parents will adhere to a 24-48 hour cooling off period before discussing any grievance or
concern.
Parents will first approach the team manager if they have an issue or concern. Failing resolution from this point, the chain of inquiry shall be Coach, then Program Director and then Board in care of the President.
Club Soccer Governing Bodies
There are four hierarchical governing bodies under which XFC is sanctioned and ultimately governed.
FIFA
FIFA is the international governing body of soccer that, among other things, administers the World Cup and Olympic soccer. Most importantly, FIFA defines and revises the “Laws of the Game”, which are the rules governing worldwide soccer.
Canadian Soccer Association (CSA)
CSA is the governing body for soccer in Canada. It is directly affiliated with FIFA and organizes the Canadian National Teams at the Word Cup, Olympic and Youth (U21) levels.
Soccer Nova Scotia (SNS)
SNS is directly affiliated with the Canadian Soccer Association. SNS is the governing body for amateur soccer if Nova Scotia. It divides the province into Districts within which teams play in leagues and between which divisional provincial championships play is conducted.
Highland District Soccer Association (HDSA)
The Highland District Soccer Association consists of soccer clubs from, Cumberland, Colchester, Pictou, Antigonish, and Guysborough counties in northern Nova Scotia.
Each organization has representatives on the board of directors at HDSA.
The federation is a cooperative body that strives to develop and improve the game of soccer in Highland zone through the respective leagues and associations.
Highland Boundaries
The region encompasses the counties of Cumberland, Colchester, Pictou, Guysborough and Antigonish
Specific Boundaries:
To the south to the boundary of the municipal regions of Colchester county and East Hants. For clarity purposes, an exception to the boundary for the highland region to south shall be”
For Mini and Youth Recreational players that reside in Colchester County under the jurisdiction of the East Stewiacke Elementary, Stewiacke Elementary, or Upper Stewiacke Elementary within the Chignecto Central Regional School Board, these players shall be eligible to register in either Suburban region or Highland Region.
Youth Playing Zones
Players shall register and play within the region in which that player resides (home region –Highland) this applies to all youth age registered players, who have not attained the 17th birthday before January 1st of a given year.
The residency of the player is determined by the residency of the parent. The parent of the player is;
Either parent where both parents have a common residence or if there is only one surviving parent, such surviving parent: and;
In the event that the parents are living apart, the parent who has custody of the player, or if both parents share custody, the parent with whom the player habitually resides, or if the player does not habitually reside with either parent, then either parent, and;
In the event both parents are deceased, the person who is the guardian:
In the event that the parents have joint custody of the player and are living apart and the player takes turns habitually residing with both parents, the area where the player attends school is deemed to be the area of residency.
Players who change residency into a new region may continue to play in their former region or register in the new region, upon signing an affidavit that their principle residence has changed.
Level of Play
The Club recognizes one level of youth play Tier-1, as suggested by Highland District soccer association, in addition to youth development.
The Club Programs
The Club offers five main programs for Tier 1
U12 for male and female
U14 for male and female
U16 for male and female
U18 for male and female
Senior men and women
Team Formation Process
Team formation is currently completed twice annually in March-April for outdoor soccer and again in September-October for indoor soccer. Players are evaluated according to the following and the resulting evaluations are used by the technical adviser and coaches in coordinating the assignment of players to teams.
Please also note that only those who have paid their fees in full prior to training camp, will be eligible for placement on a Club team.
All appeals must be filled within 72 hours of team announcements and will be subject to review by the Technical staff. Decisions will be made regarding all appeals in writing within 10 days of receipt. All decisions are final.
.
REGISTRATION
All Players must register on the XFC website (soccerxfc.ca) before the first evaluation session. Click on registration and follow instructions.
Players cannot attend any sessions until fees are paid. (See below)
FEES
Summer 2015 Fees
U12 $450.00, U14 & up $525.00
Any family that has two or more playing soccer with XFC this summer $100.00 reduction in fee.
If for any reason fees cannot be paid in full, arrangement must be made for a payment schedule with the administrator before the player can take the field
Payments can be made by using PayPal, e-mail transfer, cheque, or cash.
For e-mail transfer there is a $15.00 deduction in fee
NOTE All cash payments must be turned to the administrator only and a receipt will be issued at the time.
Any Player that does not make a team, will be issued a full refund.
Kits will only be distributed after deposit of $100.00 (post- dated cheque) has been paid
Refund Policy
All requests for a refund, must be made in writing, e-mail or letter and sent to
XFC Administrator
6055 Trafalgar Road
Stellerton N.S.
B0K 1SO
- Request made before season starts, full refund, less 50.00 admin fee
- Request made after no later than 7 days after team list is posted. Full refund, less 50.00 admin Fee
- Request made before first game played, half refund, less 50.00 admin fee
- No refunds after the first league game.
All refunds will be sent out by cheque.
Medical Reasons
If an illness or injury prevents the player from further participating, a portion of the fees will be refunded, by cheque. The refund will by pro-rated according to the remaining schedule, either the date the written request if received or the date of the illness/injury as per a physician’s note. Less 50.00 admin fee
Any exceptions of the above policy must be approved by the XFC Board of Director
Team Administration
Team Name
The official name of the club is the St. Francis Xavier Football Club. For publication purposes involving media and official club documentation the name Club is used.
Official Uniforms Colors
The consistent image and the quality of that image are of significant importance to the Club. The Club Board of Directors approves the official color and style of team uniforms for all teams, which include a jersey, shorts, and socks. The uniform provided by the Club must be worn in all games. Teams who deviate from the official colors, official color combination or style will not receive travel funding from the Club for tournaments or provincial championships. In addition the coach of the team may be brought to a discipline hearing by the Club resulting in loss of playing privileges for the team.
Official Colors
Home kit: Blue jersey, blue shorts, blue socks
Away kit: White jersey, blue shorts, white socks
Club Merchandise
The Club will designate approved tracksuits and equipment bags, as well as other merchandise that will be made available for sale each season. This merchandise is made available through the Club web site (xfcsoccer.org) Teams and individuals must purchase all Club apparel through this web site.
Club Logo Usage
The Club logo is a protected copyright of the Club and licensed by the Club. All Club tracksuits and alternative game jerseys must have the official Club shield o the articles. No team is permitted to use the official logo on any merchandise without the expressed written permission of the President and the Board of Directors unless this merchandise is purchased from the official supplier or the Club. Team nicknames or custom team logos may not be used on Club apparel unless permission is received from the President and Board of Directors.
Roster Size Indoor teams
Indoor team rosters may be slightly smaller than outdoor team rosters. Indoor teams carry rosters of 12-16 players and rosters of 13-15 are recommended. Older age groups often carry more players than younger teams due to player work and school commitments. Circumstance will dictate exceptions to the above recommendations at the discretion of the Club Technical Director.
Roster Size Outdoor Teams
Recommended roster sizes for outdoor teams are as follows.
U12 14-16 players, U14 15-18 players, U16 16-18 players, U18 17-20 players
Team organization
It is required that all teams have a team manager who coordinates the various tasks that are essential for the operation of a successful team.
Team Manager Responsibilities
The Team Manager is the liaison between the coach, parents, players and the club.
It is important that the Team Manager support the coach by directing all questions concerning player selection, player positions and playing time to the coach.
Listening to parents and passing on concerns to the coach. Keep private information provided to you in confidence.
Handling confrontations one on one in a private setting, not in public. Be willing to listen, often will be all that’s needed.
All coaching decisions, are made by the coach, don’t make promises for which you have no authority.
Be fair and consistent in dealing with parents and players.
Work closely with the Club Registrar in getting all players registered, and information correct. Keep the team organized, by communicating practice times, and game schedules, plus any special events
Supply team member’s information i.e. e-mails and phone numbers, parent names- this helps with carpooling.
Information regarding the Club will be filter through the team manager to disseminate to their team.
Be sure each parent is aware of the Code of Conduct of the club; this is posted on the Club web site. soccerxfc.org
The team coach and manger must have an up to date roster with complete contact info at each game and practice. This is important is case a player is injured and the parent is not present.
Team manager is responsible for calling all parents, or e-mailing, to notify them of a change in game or practice, or cancellations.
Team Selection
After team is selected by the coach, the roster is compiled and all data entered into the Club’s internal system, and “GOALLINE” NSSL system.
Only players listed on a team roster may play in a game.
Appeal Process
All appeals regarding player’s selection are to be registered using the form found on the web site and forwarded to the Team Manager. These appeals will be forwarded to the team coach, and the Technical director will review and make a final decision.
Game Day
For outdoor games, players are to arrive one hour before game time. For indoor games, players are to arrive half hour be for game time.
Dress for Home games blue top, blue shorts and blue socks,
Away games white top, blue shorts, white socks.
It’s wise to bring both sets of jerseys to every game.
If both teams are wearing the same of similar colors, the “away” team must change. Pinnies are not acceptable in outdoor games.
Teams must have only one captain take the coin toss, and that person must be wearing full uniform and captain’s armband. (No track suit or sweat top).
The home team must supply the game ball. For games outdoors corner flags are also required.
The team manager is responsible for the Club’s portion of the referee’s fee. For outdoor games the home team pays the full fee. For indoor games the team pays half of the fee. The fee structure is determined at the start of each season by NSSL. The Club provides this money to each manager.
Game sheets, one for the coach and one for the referee, if we are the home team.
These game sheets are printed off using “Goalline” the NSSL system.
At the end of the game, and if we are the home team, get the completed and signed game sheet from the referee.
The home team must entry data into the system, using ‘Goalline” to do so.
Game sheet must be fax or e-mailed to NSSL office.
Tournaments
Decision on tournaments should be made as early as possible, so that time can be blocked by the league.
With the coaches input, select tournaments that you’re interested in playing prior to the start of the season.
At the first practice, these tournaments and dates must be explained to the teams and parents. With vacations it doesn’t make sense to register for a tournament that only half your players can attend.
Also explain any addition cost to the parents.
Check List for Team Manager - Kit
- Make sure kits (white and blue jersey, and blue shorts) are issued after the team has been selected. There is a 100.00 dollar deposit required from each player, this money or cheque will hold by the Team Manager until the end of the season.
- Player numbers are to be noted and forwarded to the Club Registrar.
- Any kit damaged during the season, is to be replaced as quickly as possible.
- Seasonal equipment and kit pick-up is completed on scheduled dates only. These dates are communicated to all coaches. Reminders are posted on the Club website.
- Uniforms and equipment MUST be return on time.
- Kits are to be laundered and folded neatly in storage containers provided, with the name of the team and coach clearly labeled and taped to the container.
- Managers are required to submit the names of any player who fails to return a kit. Players, who fail to return kit, will have their deposit cheque cashed.
The Club Equipment Manager will issue necessary equipment, balls cones, pinnies corner flags etc. To the Team Manager at the start of each season, and becomes the responsibility of the Team manager.
Any damage to equipment should be reported to the Equipment Manager, for replacements.
Selection of Coaches
The Club is a volunteer organization where the vast majority of coaches are parents. The Club classifies coaches as either parent coaches or independent coaches.
All coaches require at least a Pre B certification.
Parent coaches work with a team on which the coach’s son or daughter is a member.
Independent coaches work with teams where the coach has no immediate family members on the team.
CPIC Clearance
In accordance with SNS policy, all team coaches, managers and chaperones must have the governing soccer bodies’ clearance before being allowed on the bench or locker room.
All of the above and any other persons that will be involved with Male/female players are required to have police check. These police checks are required at the start of each outdoor season.
These forms can be obtain from your local police or RCMP detachment
Form - Consent for Disclosure of Criminal Record Information
Form – Criminal Records – Consent for Check for a Sexual Offence for which a Pardon Has Been Granted or Issued.
These Forms must be completed and handed into your local Police or RCMP unit.
When reports is completed and return, they should be handed into to the team Manager.
Training of Coaches
Coach Education
The Club encourages all coaches to become certified and to continuously improve their coaching skills. Any coach who completes (passing) a certified coaching program may apply to the Club for reimbursement of course fees to obtain certification.
All coaches should report courses attended to the registrar so records can be updated with the Club.
The Club recommends Pre-b certification for all coaches.
Coach Education Course Fees
Coaches will be reimbursed for all approved coach education courses.
In-House Coach training
The Club offers in-house coach training to all coaches in the club free of charge. In-house coach training is offered throughout the year in various clinics, seminars and the like.
Coach Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses
Coaches are paid a stipend each season commensurate the level of play that is coached. This stipend is determined each season in consultation with the technical director and the board and is dependent upon budget approval each season.
Coaches receive Club apparel where ever possible the Club purchases coach apparel only once per year. It is the goal of the Club for all coaches to wear Club apparel while coaching.
The Club pays for entrance fees for one tournament per team, per year. For U12 to U18 teams
The Club may approve additional tournament fees for U12 teams when not in league play.
Playing Time
Playing time is a function of player age and level of play.
U12
U12 is classified as purely development years in the club. At U12, each player is entitled to play a minimum of 50% of each game. However, if a player fails to attend a training session, whether excused or unexcused, then the coach may reduce the playing time of the player in the next game that the player attends.
Indoor teams with more than 13 players make it almost impossible for every player to play 50% of the game. Coaches U12 are advised to maximize the time on the pitch for each player as best possible, within the constraints of the roster size.
U14
U14 players are entitled to play a minimum of 50% of each game on average. Playing time over a short span of 3-5 games should equate to 50% playtime. If a player fails to attend a training session, whether excused or unexcused, then the coach may reduce the playing time of the player in the next game, reducing average playtime below 50% over a short span of games.
Indoor teams with more than 13 players make it almost impossible for every player to play 50% of the game. Coaches are advised to maximize the time on the pitch for each player as best possible, within the constraints of the roster size.
U16-U18
U16-U18 players compete for playing time. Playing time is a function of several factors including match fitness, practice performance, practice attendance, match performance and attitude on and off the pitch. At the tier one level of play coaches are encouraged to identify a starting eleven players for each game based on criteria known to the players. Coaches are strongly encouraged to avoid multiple substitutions of the same player in a game, even though the rules allow for such. It is the XFC philosophy to not allow re-entry of a substituted player in the same half that the player is substituted from the game (medical treatment excluded).
Senior A
Senior A is the top team in the club and players compete for playing time. Playing time is primarily a function of performance outcomes and the preferences of the head coach.
Player Movement
Player Play-Up Procedure
A play-up occurs when a player in a lower division team or lower division and age-group plays a game on a higher division team or higher division team and age-group. All play-ups must comply with SNS rules of play. Call-ups to the Tier-1 teams can be from any tier-II in the Highland Zone, also from within the Club.
Player who wishes to play-up to a higher level team may do so on a game-by-game basis. There is no limit to the number of games that can be played-up.
Players can not play-up for league playoffs or Provincial playoffs.
Coaches who need extra players may ask the coach of a lower division team for permission to play a player from the lower division team. Coaches are not permitted to directly ask a player on a lower division team or a younger aged team to play –up to a team.
- The coach requiring a player(s) contacts the coach of the lower division team, specifying a player of a position. Coaches should ensure that the player(s) selected for play-up are not put into a situation where they could get discouraged or injured. The Club encourages play-ups whenever possible. Coaches should not withhold play-up opportunities for any player unless the player will end up playing more than one game in a 24 hour period.
- The lower division coach contacts the play-up player to schedule the play=up.
- The play-up player is noted on the game sheet as A/P.
Resolution of Play-Up Conflicts
In cases where play-ups create a conflict between two teams who are both in need of players for a game on the same date, the Club Technical Director will guided by the following principles:
- The Club will field two complete teams if possible.
- The Club will assess the importance of each game in terms of creating additional playing opportunities for players on both teams.
- No team will sacrifice opportunities to benefit another team.
Youth to Adult Play-up Procedures
Players who have reached the age of 16 years are permitted to play-up to a men’s or women’s team. All youth players who are 16 years of age may play-up to an open-age senior team at any level provided they follow the play-up rules of both the SNS and the relevant senior league. Senior coaches must contact the coach of the youth team to request permission for a player to play-up. Players who play –up without the signed permission of their coach or Technical Director may have playing time reduced with their youth team as a consequence.
Out of District Transfers
See Soccer Nova Scotia (SNS) Section 5.17 for details
League Play Information
Rules and Regulations
All Club youth teams play in NSSL and as a result all coaches must be familiar the NSSL rules of play. Failure to know the rules does not excuse any coach from violating the rules. All coaches are advised to acquire knowledge of the FIFA Laws of the Game. In addition coaches must abide by the Club Code of Conduct, which is signed by the coach at the beginning of each season.
Scheduling
All NSSL league games are scheduled by NSSL. Many games are allocated to community pitches and the Club must assign and communicate the location and time for games played on community fields.
If fields are closed due to weather, NSSL must be notified ASAP, so that games can be cancelled, rescheduled, and visiting teams made aware for conditions.
Player Identification Cards.
Photo ID cards are required for all players u12 to u18 age levels, as well as all coaches and managers. Player cards are used to identify players and coaches as members of the Club teams.
Tournament and Exhibition Play Information
U12 toU18 are encouraged to enter tournaments. The Club will pay the entry fee for one tournament per team per season. There is no compensation from the club for exhibition play.
All tournaments applied to must be sanctioned by SNS
Travel Permits
All teams must apply for travel permits from the Club prior to traveling outside of the province. No permit is required for travel with in Nova Scotia. Out of province and out of country travel permits take longer to process and cost more. International travel permits take three to six months of process and out of province permits may take more than a month. Contact SNS for current fees and timelines.
Travel permits are available from the Club. A travel permit is required for any competition, including exhibition games outside of the province. This is extremely important and teams failing to file travel papers are subject to severe suspensions and fines.
Financial Assistance for Travel
The Club is able to provide reasonable financial assistance to aid players in paying registration fees. However, the Club cannot subsidize players for travel expenses. All coaches are reminded that the decision to travel must not put unnecessary strain on families. All travel should be planned well in advance so that fundraising opportunities and activities are available to players.
Insurance
All members of the Club, including executives, managers’ coaches, trainers, officials, employees and volunteers, while acting within the scope of their duties with the Club, are insured through the SNS. Further information is available through SNS.
Health & Safety
Coach Participation in Practice and Scrimmages
Coaches are advised to be respectful of the physical difference between children and adults. Coaches are also advised to be respectful to the skill differences that may exist between adults and children.
Male Coaches of Female Teams
Male coaches must have a “bench mom” or female assistant coach or manager on the bench for all games. The reverse also holds true if there are female coaches of male teams there must be a “bench dad” or male assistant coach or manager on the bench for all games. This is a SNS rule.
First Aid
The Club requires that someone on the coaching staff have first aid training, and, requires that each team have at each practice and games and emergency medical kit supplied by the Club.
Emergency Procedures
This section is provided only to give information. Please seek medical attention if you have any questions about an injury of condition. For all injuries coaches are requested of complete and accident report form. These forms are available from the Club.
Major Injuries
If a major or serious injury should occur, the coach should adopt a steady and support policy. Examples of major injuries include broken bones, head trauma, unconscious athlete and possible spinal injury. Do not take any risk in moving a player is there is any possibility of spinal injury.
- Immediately dial 911 have the address or field location ready
- Assign a look-out for emergency personnel to help guide them to the site.
- Support the player by making him/her as comfortable as possible until help arrives
- DO NOT MOVE THE INJURED PLAYER – DO NOT REMOVE ANY EQUIPMENT
- Assign someone to contact the family of the injured player
- Obtain as much information about the injured player as possible and have if ready for emergency personnel
- Remain with the injured player until help arrives.
Minor Injures
St. John’s Ambulance recommends the use of the RICE principle for injuries to bones, joints and muscles
Rest
Stop the activity that caused the injury. If a twisted or sprained ankle, knee or elbow, don’t try to “work it out”.
Ice
Apply ice to the injured area once immobilized. If will reduce swelling by narrowing the blood vessels. Apply ice 15 minutes on – 15 minutes off.
Compression
Compression is the application of pressure to the injury. This will help limit swelling.
Elevation
Get the injured part elevated to make is easier for fluids to drain away from the injury. Use the RICE principle while waiting for medical help. Even the most minor injuries will benefit from using the RICE principle.
RICE Warnings
Don’t put ice directly on the skin. Always have a layer of fabric as a barrier
Do not apply cold compresses to open wounds.
Don’t use compression on a fracture.
Jewellery
Players may not wear and earrings, bracelets, watches, barrettes, or any object that could possibly cause injury to him/herself or another player to practice or to a soccer game. Pierced earrings will not be allowed and covering them with tape will not be allowed.
Club Discipline Policy
Minor breaches to the Club Code of Conduct are dealt with by the coach to the team or by the Technical Director if the breach was by a coach. Serious breaches to the Club Code of Conduct by a player, parent or coach are subject to referral to the Technical Director who convenes a Discipline Committee consisting of the Technical Director, President, and selected independent Club member(s). This discipline committee reviews the breach of conduct according to the Club Discipline Procedures.
Club Discipline Procedures
Discipline procedures are followed on a breach of the Club Code of Conduct.
Serious breaches to the Club Code of Conduct are reported to the Technical Director if potential physical harm to an individual occurred. If no harm or potential physical harm occurred, and it is a first occurrence then the breach is handled by the coach and manager of the team. Coaches and managers are free to contact the Technical Director for advice if necessary.
Minor Breach
- Coach or manager holds a discussion with the offending individual if possible using 2-up rule (at least one other adult witness to a conversation).
- Identify contributing factors.
- If first offence, review previously agreed to consequences if repeated.
- If a repeat offence, review previously agreed to consequences. Ensure relevancy.
- Coach, administers appropriate discipline or consequences. Technical director administers if coach breach.
- Document.
- Follow-up monitoring if necessary.
- Coach or manager holds a discussion with the offending individual if possible using 2-up rule (at least one other adult witness to a conversation).
- Determine if potential or actual physical harm to self of other(s).
- If physical threat is ruled out, document the events, inform caregivers if applicable, determine appropriate consequences, communicate consequences and monitor. If physical threat, report to Technical Director.
- Technical Director convenes Discipline Committee meeting to discuss known facts. Decision on law enforcement intervention made.
- Committee meets with offender to discuss breach.
- Consequences / plan of action determined.
- Communication of consequences. This may include suspension of expulsion.
- Document.
All members of the board, paid staff, coaches, committee members, and volunteers make themselves available to members of the Club. However, this is a volunteer organization and as such, respect and restraint in communication are critical to the successful operation of the Club. A complete directory in available on our website (xfcsoccer.org)
When you have question and comments, please refer to the problem solving procedure below as an appropriate course of action. Most often, team officials will be able to address issues directly. You are encouraged to communicate with the Club volunteers by e-mail so they are able to respond to you at a time that works within their schedules. Also, allow them sufficient time to get back to you; remember that they have responsibilities that go well beyond the Club, including their professions, families and their children’s soccer and other activities.
Electronic Communications
In an effort to disseminate information on a timely basis, the Club has chosen e-mail as its primary form of ongoing communication. In addition to e-mail the Club website (Xfcsoccer.org) provides information on a timely basis.
All information re ongoing and up coming events will be sent out by the team manager via e-mail, to each team. It’s important that all e-mail address is current and up to date.
Problem Solving Procedure
The following steps are to be used in dealing with any issue of problem that occurs with the Club.
- Remember that the Club is a volunteer organization and everyone is well intentioned and working toward a positive soccer experience for all players and members.
- Please act maturely and respectfully, and try to see both sides of an issue.
- Organize your thoughts, wait 24-48 hours after a conflict before contacting the manager.
- Address all issues in the order outlined in the Club Code of Conduct.
B Failing resolution, address the coach of the team
C Failing resolution, address the Technical Director.
D Failing resolution, address the board in writing, care of the President.
If an issue should make it all the way to the board level is processed at regularly scheduled monthly board meetings.
Officiating
It is important for coaches, players and parents to realize the encouraging and fostering the education of the referee is their responsibility. If you have an interest in refereeing, the Highland district (HDSA) coordinates and schedules theses courses.
Scheduling of Officials
NSSL directly assign referees for all games played.
Fund Raising
As a registered non-profit society, we must ensure that Club members do not “profit” individually from fund raising activities. To ensure this general premise is observed we require that all fundraising activities have a specified purpose such as travel cost, extra training,
Please ensure that all fund raising activities are within the traditional moral and ethical standards of a youth soccer club. Contact the Club President if you are unsure of a fund raising idea. Also ensure that all required licenses and permits are obtained in advance of any events. The Club can help support your event by advertising on our website.
Harassment and Abuse
SNS is committed to the principles of equality, fairness, respect and tolerance among all persons regardless of race, nationality, gender or any other personal attribute, and to promote a philosophy within SNS that creates a safe environment for all individuals that are part of the soccer community and promotes relationships based on mutual respect, co-operation and understanding.
This policy applies to all coaches, athletes, officials and SNS members
See SNS Policies and Procedures Section 17 for a complete description of the Harassment Policy.
Privacy Charter
The Club will strive to uphold the ten principles underlying the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (Canada), and other applicable legislation for the protection of personal information.
Principle 1 Accountability
The Club is accountable for all personal information is its possession or custody, including any personal information collected, used or disclosed to third parties the processing. The Club has established procedures to comply with the code and has designated persons to be accountable for compliance.
Principle 2 Identifying Purposes
The Club will identify the purpose for which is collects, uses or discloses personal information before or when it collects the information.
Principle 3 Consent
The Club will make reasonable efforts to ensure the players, parents and staff understands the personal information is being collected about them and used for specified purposes.
The Club will obtain appropriate consent from its members, staff and other authorized individuals before or when it collects, uses, or disclose their personal information, unless otherwise permitted or required by law. Consent can be express, implied or given through and authorized representative. The Club will respect an individual’s right to withdraw consent, subject to certain limitations.
Principle 4 Limited Collection of Personal Information
The Club will endeavor to collect only the optimal amount and type of personal information necessary to meet identified purposes, and no more.
Principle 5 Limited Uses and Disclosure of Personal Information
The Club will use and disclose personal information only for the reasons for which it was collected, unless the individual gives consent to use if for another reason, or is permitted or required by law.
The Club will endeavor to keep personal information only as long as necessary for the identified purpose for which it was collected or to meet certain legal requirements.
Principle 6 Accuracy of Information
The Club will keep personal information as accurate, complete and up-t0-date as necessary for the identified purposes for which it was collected. Individuals may, in writing, challenge the accuracy and completeness of their personal information and request that it be amended.
Principle 7 Safeguarding Personal Information
The Club protects personal information with safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the information.
Principle 8 Availability of Policies and Procedures
The Club is open about the policies and procedures it uses to manage personal information. Its membership, staff and other individuals have access to information about theses policies and procedures. The information will be made available in a manner that is reasonably easy to understand.
Principle 9 Access to Personal Information
The Club will provide individuals with access to their own information when the request it in writing, subject to some legal limitations.
Principle 10 Complaints and Questions
Individuals may challenge the Club’s compliance with this charter. The Club shall maintain polices and procedures to receive, investigate, and respond to any complaints and questions.