Travel Soccer Parent Manual Arlington Soccer Association

Arlington Soccer Association
Travel Soccer
Parent Manual
2013/2014
Arlington Soccer Association
5210 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22205
703-527-0157 (phone)
703-527-0158 (fax)
www.arlingtonsoccer.com
Click on Section Heading to be taken directly to that page
Table of Contents
PHILOSOPHY ................................................................................................................................................... 4
HIERARCHY OF YOUTH SOCCER .................................................................................................................. 5
ARLINGTON SOCCER ASSOCIATON (ASA) ................................................................................................... 5
ASA SOCCER STAFF ....................................................................................................................................... 6
TRAVEL COMMITTEE ...................................................................................................................................... 7
VIRGINIA YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION (VYSA) ....................................................................................... 7
Medical Insurance .......................................................................................................................................... 7
“ KIDSAFE” Forms and Background Checks .................................................................................................. 7
SOCCER LEAGUES ......................................................................................................................................... 8
TRYOUTS, TEAM FORMATION & TEAM MOVEMENT .................................................................................... 9
Soccer Seasonal Year ................................................................................................................................... 9
Age Groups.................................................................................................................................................... 9
ASA Travel Soccer Playing Up Policy ............................................................................................................ 9
Tryouts ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
Team Naming Convention .............................................................................................................................. 9
Roster Sizes .................................................................................................................................................. 9
TRAVEL COACHES ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Coach Selection ........................................................................................................................................... 10
Coach Rotation ............................................................................................................................................ 10
PRACTICES & GAMES ................................................................................................................................... 10
What to Bring to Practice/Games ................................................................................................................. 11
Injured Players at Practices and Games ...................................................................................................... 11
Playing Time ................................................................................................................................................ 11
Club Pass and Movement of Players for Games .......................................................................................... 11
TOURNAMENTS ............................................................................................................................................. 12
Guest playing with other ASA Teams or with other Clubs ............................................................................ 12
VYSA State Cup Tournament ...................................................................................................................... 12
TEAM MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................................................... 13
COMMUNICATION ......................................................................................................................................... 13
Team Communication .................................................................................................................................. 13
Club Communication .................................................................................................................................... 14
Coach Questions/Concerns ...................................................................................................................... 14
Other Questions/Concerns ....................................................................................................................... 14
Communication with Local Travel Leagues (CCL, NCSL, ODSL, WAGS) and VYSA ................................... 14
ROSTERING A PLAYER - PAPERWORK ....................................................................................................... 15
ASA 2013-2014 Travel Soccer Parent Manual
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CLUB FEES .................................................................................................................................................... 17
ASA Travel Soccer Club Fees 2013-2014 .................................................................................................... 18
Recurring Payments..................................................................................................................................... 18
Late Fees ..................................................................................................................................................... 18
Refund Policy ............................................................................................................................................... 18
FINANCIAL AID ............................................................................................................................................... 19
UNIFORMS ..................................................................................................................................................... 20
Travel Team Uniform Kit Fall 2013-Spring 2015........................................................................................... 20
Optional Uniform Items Fall 2013-Spring 2015 ............................................................................................. 21
Goalkeeper Uniforms ................................................................................................................................... 21
Uniform Numbering ...................................................................................................................................... 21
Spirit Wear ................................................................................................................................................... 21
LOST AND FOUND ......................................................................................................................................... 22
PLAYER SAFETY POLICIES .......................................................................................................................... 22
Parent Presence Policy ................................................................................................................................ 22
Transportation Policy ................................................................................................................................... 22
Check in/Check Out Policy ........................................................................................................................... 22
Buddy System During Breaks ...................................................................................................................... 22
Medical Release Policy ................................................................................................................................ 22
Background Check Policy ............................................................................................................................ 22
Goal Movement Policy ................................................................................................................................. 22
Injury Information Policy ............................................................................................................................... 22
SPRING AND SUMMER CAMPS .................................................................................................................... 23
TRAVEL CLINICS ........................................................................................................................................... 23
APPENDIX A
TEAM PARENT COORDINATOR DUTIES ........................................................................... 24
APPENDIX B
ACRONYMS COMMON IN SOCCER.................................................................................... 26
APPENDIX C
WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION ABOUT TRAVEL SOCCER ON THE ASA WEBSITE ..... 27
ASA 2013-2014 Travel Soccer Parent Manual
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PHILOSOPHY
Travel Soccer Mission Statement
Arlington Travel Soccer is a player-focused program that develops each player to their highest potential by focusing on
three pillars of development: technical skills, club pride, and love of the game .
Age Group
In order to ensure long term viability of the ASA Travel Program, our goal is to have an appropriate number of players
participating in a competitive youth soccer training environment that promotes excellence and sportsmanship from an
early age, and that also provides the players the opportunity to develop at their own pace. In order to accomplish this
goal, we will have player pools consisting of 4 boys teams and 4 girls teams in the U9 through the U12 age groups.
During this phase, the program places an emphasis on individual technical training and overall player development.
Having a large and technically proficient player pool at the U9 through U12 age group provide the club with an adequate
pool of players to successfully compete at all levels when program tiering begins at U13. The club will utilize a balanced
approach of continuously developing our current ASA player pool as well as allowing players from outside the club to
compete for spots on ASA teams.
Age Groups
Number of Teams
Focus
U9 through U12
4 Boys Teams
4 Girls Teams
Developmental
U13 through U14
Tier 1
Tier 2
1 Boys and 1Girls Team
2-3 Boys and 2-3 Girls Teams
Competitive Stage of Development
U15 through U18
Tier 1
Tier 2
1 Boys and 1 Girls Team
2 Boys and 2 Girls Teams
Advanced Competitive Stage of Development
Note: Actual team counts may vary due to size of player pool & player ability
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HIERARCHY OF YOUTH SOCCER

Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) is the US Youth Soccer
governing body in the state of Virginia for youth soccer players
ARLINGTON SOCCER ASSOCIATON (ASA)
Founded in 1970, the Arlington Soccer Association (ASA) is a volunteer-based nonprofit soccer organization whose
mission is to provide quality soccer programs to meet the needs of people of all abilities, backgrounds and financial
means, and advocates for the advancement of soccer in Arlington and surrounding communities.
ASA Structure: Twelve recreational (house) clubs, the teen recreational program, the developmental program and the
travel program make up the ASA.
ATS Governance: The ASA is governed by a nine-person elected Board of Directors. Travel program policy decisions
are made by the Travel Committee and the ASA Board. Operating decisions are made by the Executive Director of ASA
and ASA staff.
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ASA TRAVEL SOCCER STAFF
ASA Travel Soccer Staff Directory
Frank Demarco
Assistant Director of Coaching
frankdemarco@arlingtonsoccer.com
703-599-5233
Works with DOTC
Alex Pinto
U15-U19 Girls Age Group Director
alexpinto@arlingtonsoccer.com
703-901-3304
Oversees U15-U19 Boys Travel
Coaching Staff
Mo Tayari
Youth Director (U9-12)
mo@arlingtonsoccer.com
703-200-8068
Oversees U9-U12 Travel
coaching staff
Jennifer Kosko
Travel Administrator
jenniferkosko@arlingtonsoccer.com
703-244-7280
Oversees Travel Uniforms, Travel
Financial Aid and Travel Team
Player Rostering
Jawed Sanie
Director of Player Development, U13-14
Age Group Director
jsanie@arlingtonsoccer.com
703-801-8810
Oversees Travel Camps/Clinics & U13U14 Travel Coaching staff
Justin Wilt
Executive Director
justinwilt@arlingtonsoccer.com
703-527-0157
German Peri
Director of Travel Coaching (DOTC)
gperi@arlingtonsoccer.com
703-346-0495
Oversees all travel coaches, Club
liaison to Club Champions League
(CCL)
Lizzy Stell
Assistant Travel Director
lizzy@arlingtonsoccer.com
703-241-0309
Oversees Travel Tryouts, Travel Field
Scheduling
Nicci Wright
U15-U19 Girls Age Group
Director
nicciwright@arlingtonsoccer.com
703 -851-2006
Oversees U15-U19 Girls Travel
Coaching Staff
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TRAVEL COMMITTEE
ASA Travel Committee members are current parents of travel soccer players in the club. The Travel Committee is
responsible for (among other tasks and duties):
 Ensuring that the business of the Travel Program is conducted in accordance with established rules, guidelines,
and policies of the ASA and ATSP.
 Maintaining current and establishing new rules, policies, and guidelines for the effective management and
operations of the Travel Program.
 Responding to Travel Program Team Manager or Travel Program Parent inquiries on an as needed basis.
The current Travel Committee members are:
Chairman: Paul Bobeczko, paulbobeczko@gmail.com
Vice Chairman: Noah Simon, Noah_Simon@verizon.net
U9-U12 Commissioner: Noah Simon, noah_simon@verizon.net
U13-U14 Commissioner: Amy Westhoff, amywesthoff@hotmail.com
U15-U19 Boys Commissioner: Sean Hamilton, scgf.hamilton@verizon.net
U15-U19 Girls Commissioner: TBD
Secretary: Mia Petree, mpetree@juno.com
Finance Sub-Committee Chair: Ramiro Crespo, crespo.ramiro@gmail.com
Member at Large: Ben Smuthkochorn, bunchas@verizon.net
Non-Voting Members
CCL Club Reps: Stephanie Mendes, stephsoccer07@gmail.com
NCSL Club Rep: Maureen Dalbec, mdalbec@gmail.com
ODSL Club Rep: Alisann Fatemi, alisannf@yahoo.com
WAGS Club Reps: Errin Matechak, ematechak@yahoo.com
Special Sub-Committee Chair: George Shirley, geoshirley@hotmail.com
The Travel Committee meets the Third Wednesday of each month (check the ASA Online Calendar for exact dates).
The Agenda for the next meeting will also be published when available (usually one week prior to the next Board
meeting). The ASA Travel Committee will be publishing approved Meeting Minutes on the club website HERE.
Elections for open Travel Committee positions are held at the August Program Council Meeting. Club travel parents are
encouraged to consider volunteering to work on the Travel Committee.
Additional Details about the Travel Committee can be found in the Travel Program Charter (Rev. April 2012) HERE.
VIRGINIA YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION (VYSA)
The Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) is a non-profit, charitable corporation devoted to promoting youth
soccer in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia. VYSA has over 140,500 registered
players. ASA is a member of VYSA. Membership in VYSA also brings with it membership in the United States
Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer) and US Youth Soccer’s Region 1 (Virginia-Maine). Complete
information about VYSA can be found on their website http://www.vysa.com.
Medical Insurance
Players registered with ASA and rostered on an ASA travel soccer team are covered by insurance via VYSA. The
medical insurance is a supplement to the medical insurance that the player or his/her family may have through other
sources or is primary insurance if a player’s family does not have health insurance. The insurance also covers any adult
aides, such as additional assistant coach(es), manager(s) who are listed on the official team roster. Information on the
insurance program may be found on VYSA’s website.
“ KIDSAFE” Forms and Background Checks
US Youth Soccer has adopted the KIDSAFE program in order to exclude from participation in its activities all persons
who have been convicted of felonies, crimes of violence or crimes against children. Background checks are required by
VYSA for all personnel (team volunteers, employees, coaches and administrators) working in VYSA clubs and league.
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SOCCER LEAGUES
Arlington Travel Soccer teams participate in the following leagues:
Club Champions League (CCL)
CCL provides play for boys and girls team ages U9 to U19. The CCL requires that member clubs
commit to placing their top competitive teams, in each age group, into the league.
The 15 member clubs of CCL are: Annandale, Arlington, Beach FC, Braddock Road, DC Stoddert,
Fredericksburg Area Soccer Association (FASA), FC Frederick, FC Richmond, Freestate, Loudoun
Soccer, Prince William Soccer Inc. (PWSI), Roanoke Star, Soccer Organization of CharlottesvilleAlbemarle (SOCA), Southwestern Youth Association (SYA) and Virginia Legacy
National Capital Soccer League (NCSL)
www.ncsl-soccer.com
NCSL provides play for boys’ teams ages U9 to U19. Participating clubs range from Baltimore and
Frederick to Loudon County and Stafford. NCSL fields up to 60 teams per age group divided into six
divisions (and maintains a waiting list for additional teams).
Old Dominion Soccer League (ODSL) www.odsl.org
ODSL provides play for boys and girls ages U9 to U19. ODSL plays in northern Virginia, as far out as
Stafford, Culpepper and Winchester.
Region 1 Leagues (US Youth Soccer) www.region1.com
US Youth Soccer Region I covers the northeastern United States. The states that comprise Region 1
are pictures in the logo on the right
Colonial League
This League is intended for teams below the level of the Region I Premier League: teams not
accepted into the Premier League and teams able to play at the level of their state cup Finalists,
semi-Finalists, and quarter-Finalists.
Premier League
Region 1 Premier league is open only to those teams within the 15 State Associations of Region
1. The Region 1 Premier League is for the top sixteen teams throughout the Region in the U13
to U18 age groups for both girls and boys. The competition is designed to allow the very best
teams in Region I to play each other in a league format. With only sixteen positions available in
any age group throughout the Region, entry into the league is competitive.
Washington Area Girls League (WAGS)
www.wagsl.com
The WAGS league provides play for girls’ teams ages U9 to U19. Participating clubs range from
Baltimore and Frederick to Loudon County and Stafford.
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TRYOUTS, TEAM FORMATION & TEAM MOVEMENT
Soccer Seasonal Year
The tem soccer “seasonal year” means September 1 to August 31; the term “season” means from the first official league
game date each season to the last official rain make-up date.
Age Groups
Age groups for NCSL, WAGS, ODSL, CCL, State Cup, tournament play, and other U.S. Youth Soccer-sanctioned events
are based on an August 1 - July 31 year. A player’s age on August 1 determines his or her playing age for the “seasonal”
year.
Note: ODSL does not allow players to play until they are at least eight years of age.
US Youth Soccer does not permit players to play “down” on a younger team.
ASA Travel Soccer Playing Up Policy
No player will be allowed to try out for an older age group, or be selected for a team in an older age group, unless either:
The player attends school in the school grade most closely aligned with the soccer age group, i.e., U9 – 3rd grade, U10 –
4th grade, U11 – 5th grade, an so on.
The Club’s technical staff determines that the player’s soccer development needs are not being met within their own age
group, and the player receives the expressed permission of the Director of Travel Coaching or the Age Group Director.
Note #1: For a player to tryout in an older age group, that player must also attend at least one tryout session in their
natural age group.
Note #2: Because the mission of ATS is player development and competitive soccer, the club strongly encourages players
to play in the age group that affords them the best opportunity to play on a top level team. When the Club’s technical staff
believes that a player currently playing in an older age group would be better served by moving to their natural age group,
the player’s coach and the Director of Travel Coaching/Age Group Director will encourage the player and the family to do
so.
Tryouts
The Club will organize and schedule age group tryouts in May for new U9 teams and late May and/or June to for all other
age groups. Tryout information is posted on the Tryout page of the club website by late April each year.
Team Naming Convention
Each year when new U9 teams are formed the players will select a name for the age group, such as “Samba” or “Eagles”.
Then within the age group the teams are given colors by the Director of Travel Coaching. The colors are: “Red”, “White”,
“Blue” or “Black”. These colors designate the level of the team.
Thus ASA travel teams within an age group have the same name but a different color; i.e. U12G Samba White, U12G
Samba Blue.
Roster Sizes
Please consult league rules to determine maximum roster sizes. Roster sizes vary by leagues and within leagues by age
groups. Please keep in mind while US Youth Soccer, VYSA and leagues might allow a maximum of “X” players on a
roster, your Age Group Director might keep the roster maximum size at a lower number.
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TRAVEL COACHES
Coach Selection
The travel soccer club employs a licensed, professional coaching staff which is under the supervision of the club’s
Director of Travel Coaching (DOTC). All coaches are hired and paid by the ASA. The coaches work for the club and are
placed on teams to benefit the development of each player. A complete list of the travel program’s coaching staff, and
credentials, is available on the ATS website.
Coach Rotation
The coaching staff is evaluated each year by the DOCs and the Age Group Directors (AGDs) and may be rotated among
the teams for maximum player development benefits.
PRACTICES & GAMES
Each ASA Travel Soccer player is expected to attend every practice and every game. Travel Soccer is a team activity and
all members of the team need to be present to be working together towards common goals. Players are expected to arrive
at the pre-appointed time for practices and games and be completely dressed and ready to warm up. This is usually 10-15
minutes before a practice starts and at least 45 minutes prior to game time unless otherwise directed by the team
manager/coach.
Practice is one of the most basic ingredients of our program. We demand from our Coaches a significant time
commitment and it comes as no surprise that we should expect our players to be willing to make the very same
commitment. While we realize that our players may have other activities or interests, we also strongly believe it is crucial
that players attend every training session (and every game) unless they simply cannot for a valid reason. As such, the
older the player, the stricter the Coach will be with absences from mandatory training sessions and/or other team
activities. This is why we communicate to families as early as possible about the upcoming training sessions, games,
tournaments and other team related activities.
We realize that on occasion it may be necessary to miss a practice or a game. Players can be excused from a game or
practice, with prior notification, for any of the following reasons:
 Academic reasons
 Major event in a non-athletic activity, for example, school field trip, play, concert or recital, or major scout event
 Religious observance or event.
 Illness or injury
 Family Emergencies
 Once in a lifetime events (weddings, funerals)
The following are never approved reasons for missing a practice or game:
 Player does not wish to play or practice that day
 Parents do not wish to transport, or arrange for transportation, for the player
If the player cannot attend a game or practice, the parents or players should contact the manager or coach as soon as
they know of the conflict. If the player’s parents are not able to transport the player to a practice or game, the player’s
parents should make arrangements with another player’s parents to give their player a ride.
Practices begin in August prior to the fall season and in February/March prior to the spring season and continue through
the last week of each season. The team will practice 2-3 times per week, generally on weekday afternoons or evenings.
Teams of the same gender and age group will practice together to the extent possible
While parents are welcome to attend practice, they should stay off the field and should not participate unless called upon
by the coach. Parents may have informal conversations with the coach before or after practice as long as it does not
interfere with the coach’s work.
In addition to practices, the team may schedule scrimmages with other teams to prepare for regular season games or
tournaments.
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What to Bring to Practice/Games
At every practice and game, players should:
 Show up at the assigned time and be ready to respect and listen to the coach(es)
 Bring a water bottle
 Bring their own soccer ball (U9 thru U12 play with size 4; U13 & up play with size 5)
 Bring the player’s team backpack/sackpack or their own bag to hold needed supplies
 Wear shin guards (Shin guards are REQUIRED to be worn for all practices and games), socks over the shin
guards and soccer footwear
 Be appropriately dressed for the weather conditions.
 Bring the alternate uniform (games only)
Injured Players at Practices and Games
All injured players are encouraged to attend every training session and game. Every team activity is an opportunity to
learn and thus injured players are encouraged to attend. Since every child and injury is different, the Coach and parents
should discuss if the injury is such that the player should be excused from team activity.
Playing Time
The travel program of ASA is a competitive soccer program and the amount of playing time in a match (game) is not
guaranteed. Coaches will determine playing time based on a number of factors including the player’s ability and work
ethic, the level of the competition, the opposing team’s strengths and weaknesses, and the match situation. As a Club
focused on player development, we believe match play is an important component of that development and we encourage
all of our coaches to find opportunities for all players to contribute to the team and develop their skills in match play.
Just as playing time can be earned it can also be lost. The following are examples of situations that will result in a loss of
playing time (in addition to other disciplinary actions).
 Being late to or absent from practices and games
 Failure to appear at practice or games without prior notification
 Being disruptive during the coaching process
 Being disrespectful to coaches or other players
 Not being in good standing with the club (fees not paid, etc). ASA operates within a pay to play policy. If club dues
are past due then a player’s pass will be pulled a player will not be able to practice or play with the team till fees are
current.
Club Pass and Movement of Players for Games
The main objective of the club pass system is to allow coaches to move players freely within their own club based on
specific team needs and in the interest of player development.
Rules for using club pass players vary by league, state cup and tournament rules. Sometimes they even vary within an
age group. CONSULT YOUR TEAM’S LEAGUE RULES for specifics.
For teams that are eligible to use Club Passes the process is that coaches of the “lending” and “receiving” team
communicate with the player/parent and team managers no later than Thursday night prior to a weekend game. This
allows players/parents to plan accordingly and allows team managers to work among themselves to move the player’s
pass and medical release to the receiving team for the weekend (and then afterwards returned to the lending team).
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TOURNAMENTS
ASA expects that all teams will play in tournaments during the soccer seasonal year. The major tournaments in Virginia
and Maryland take place on Labor Day, Columbus Day and Memorial Day HOLIDAY weekends and on non-holiday
weekends in August (before the fall season) and March (before the spring season).
Generally, tournaments are held on a Saturday (two games) and Sunday (one game). If the team does well, it may play in
a second game (the championship) later on Sunday. In some cases, in tournaments that occur on a three day holiday
weekend, there may be two games on Saturday, two games on Sunday and a championship game on Monday.
Guest playing with other ASA Teams or with other Clubs
The correct procedure is for the borrowing coach to contact the player’s coach of record (before contacting the player) to
obtain permission to invite the player to come to the tournament and to arrange to borrow the player’s player pass. Once
permission is granted the player will need to secure their US Youth Soccer player pass and medical release form from
their current team. Please note: ASA travel teams are registered with VYSA as US Youth Soccer teams (not US Club
Soccer teams).
A reminder that ASA is a member of the Club Champions League (CCL). Thus the following CCL rules apply to ALL
ASA travel players, even if they do not play on an ASA travel team who plays in the CCL league.
From CCL Rules
III. A.5. Out of League Play (including, but not limited to indoor, tournaments, training, Super Y, guest players)
a. A player from a CCL club team may not participate in out-of-league play with another CCL club team if
the player’s CCL club has a scheduled commitment unless both Directors waive this restriction.
b. An invitation to participate in such an event with another team in a CCL club must be initiated by the
Director of the guest team club with the Director of the player’s team club. The Director of the player’s
team club may submit approval of out-of-league play in writing to the Director of the guest team club.
c. A player from a CCL club team who participates in out-of-league play with another club team without
the written approval of his/her Director is ineligible to play for another CCL club team in league play for
the fall season of the next seasonal year unless the player has moved to the geographical area of the
new club and beyond reasonable travel distance of the old club AND both Directors agree to waive the
restriction.
Players wanting to guest play with an out of state travel team must complete an Interstate Permission Form, which
requires both State Associations to approve before the player may play.
VYSA State Cup Tournament
The US Youth Soccer National Championship Series is the country's most prestigious national youth soccer tournament,
providing approximately 185,000 players on over 10,000 teams from US Youth
Soccer State Associations the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against
the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair
play.
VYSA State Cup, is the playoff that determines the Virginia state champion in each
age group. Ages U12 through U14 and U19 play in the Spring; ages U15 through
U18 play in the Fall. ATS Travel Technical staff will determine which ASA travel
teams should compete in State Cup (typically Tier 1 teams).
Most State cup play is on Saturdays except for the finals weekend. Top Seeded
teams have home field advantage (although games might not be played on home fields per state cup rules). When
applying for State cup play teams must agree to travel anyway in the state of Virginia to play their State Cup game.
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TEAM MANAGEMENT
Travel teams are responsible for the organization and management of their team (while following and operating within
club, league, state and US Youth Soccer policies and procedures). Think of your travel team as a business organization
that has established goals and philosophies, a defined budget and parents/players who work to handle the financial,
operational and organizational needs of the team (business). Every parent/family on a team must participate in the
running of the team. There are team duties that are small and large, complex and simple, one time and recurring.
Specific duties can be handled by one person or shared among two or more parents.
The club has created a “how-to” for most team parent coordinator jobs. These “Guides to . . . “ are posted on the club
website on the Team Management page.
A complete list of team parent coordinators and their duties is listed in Appendix A.
At each team’s “Beginning of the Year Travel Parent Meeting”, typically held the end of June, the team will decide who
will continue on or take over as team manager as well as other team parent coordinator jobs.
COMMUNICATION
With over 8,000 total soccer families in the club each year the club
communicates exclusively via email. In addition to specific correspondence
sent from ASA Staff during the year there is another additional method the club
utilizes to communicate, that of a club electronic newsletter titled “OFF THE
POST”. OFF THE POST contains timely information on current club news,
events and special offers from our club sponsors. Be sure and not “OPT OUT” from receiving this very important
newsletter.
Team Communication
As much as possible, all team administrative issues and problems should be brought to the manager for action and
resolution. Communications about individual player performance, playing time or other player related issues should be
directed to the coach. Your coach will indicate the best method and time to contact him/her. TIP: Typically as the coach is
leaving the field after the game is NOT the time to try and discuss questions and concerns with the coach. It is the perfect
time to say, “Great Game” and “Thanks Coach”.
Team Contact List
Team Managers will maintain a team contact list with home, work, cell phone numbers and e-mail addresses of
parents and players on the team. Be sure and notify your team manager if your contact information changes during
the year.
Team Hotline
Each team will be given access to a team hotline service. The hotline service is called ONE CALL NOW. Your coach
and team manager will be able to record a voice message and send this message out to all team families.
Team Website
Each team will maintain a team website. Teams can post team contact information, practice/game schedules, team
news or last minute schedule changes on their team website.
 Girls Team Websites are posted HERE
 Boys Team Websites are posted HERE
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Club Communication
In order to get quality and timely communication in the event that you, your player or a member has a technical or
administrative issue or concern, we ask that players/parents follow the process noted below:
Coach Questions/Concerns
Serious problems or concerns with the coach, regarding any inappropriate or abusive behavior, lack of responsibility
regarding attendance at games and practices, or inability to perform as specified in the coaching contract MUST be
communicated to the team’s manager. The team manager will pass this information on to the team’s Age Group
Director (AGD).
Other Questions/Concerns
First Step: Ask the Coach (technical issues) and/or the Team Manager (administrative issues). Often this is the
fastest way to get issues taken care off.
Note - If the coach in question is also the Age Group Director (AGD) for the group, contact the coach directly, first, then
contact the DOTC if need be about your concern.
First Level of Escalation: Next, if you need to go further, contact the Age Group Director (AGD) for your age group.
 Youth Director (U9-U12): Mo Tayari, mo@arlingtonsoccer.com
 U13-14 Age Group Director: Jawed Sanie, jsanie@arlingtonsoccer.com
 U15-19 Boys Age Group Director: Alex Pinto, alexpinto@arlingtonsoccer.com
 U15-19 Girls Age Group Director: Nicci Wright, nicciwright@arlingtonsoccer.com
Second Level of Escalation: Additionally, you may contact the appropriate Age Group Commissioner (AGC) to help
provide a voice. The AGCs are members of the Travel Committee, and they are here to help facilitate communication
between players and parents and the Travel technical staff. The AGCs are:
 U9-U12 Commissioner: Noah Simon, noah_simon@verizon.net
 U13-U14Commissioner: Amy Westhoff, amywesthoff@hotmail.com
 U15-U19 Boys Commissioner: Sean Hamilton, scgf.hamilton@verizon.net
 U15-U19 Girls Commissioner: TBD
Third Level of Escalation: Assistant Director of Coaching (ADOC), Frank De Marco,
frankdemarco@arlingtonsoccer.com. If your issue is not satisfactorily dealt with using the previous options, please
contact the ADOC and explain the issue and the previous attempts at resolution.
Fourth Level of Escalation: If none of the previous steps yields a result, contact the Director of Travel Coaching
(DOTC) directly (but please try the other steps first!) - German Peri - gperi@arlingtonsoccer.com.
Fifth Level of Escalation: If all else fails, contact ASA’s Executive Director, Justin Wilt,
justinwilt@arlingtonsoccer.com.
Please help ASA staff serve you better by adhering to this process. We are confident that your questions will be more
swiftly answered, and to your greater satisfaction, if the process listed above is followed.
Communication with Local Travel Leagues (CCL, NCSL, ODSL, WAGS) and VYSA
Absolutely all league communication must go to your team manager who will contact your Club League Representatives.
Travel Parents MAY NOT contact their league directly.
Absolutely all communication with VYSA must go to the ASA Travel Soccer Administrator, not directly from an individual
travel manager or travel parent.
THIS ARE ABSOLUTE RULES set by the leagues and VYSA. Breaking this will result in your communication being
ignored by the leagues and VYSA and worse undermining the club’s standing with the leagues and VYSA.
ASA 2013-2014 Travel Soccer Parent Manual
Page 14
ROSTERING A PLAYER - PAPERWORK
Team Managers will work with their Team Registrar and determine who will collect the paperwork listed below to roster a
player. Paperwork will be turned into your team at your first team meeting or by July 15, 2013.
Codes of Conduct
Parents and players must Read and Sign the ASA Club Codes of Conduct. Club Codes of Conduct are posted on the
club website HERE.
Each league has different Codes of Conduct that also must be signed by players and parents. See below for further
information:
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CCL Teams – the league does not have a code of conduct that needs to be signed
NCSL Codes of Conduct can be found on their website HERE
WAGS Codes of Conduct can be found on their website HERE
ODSL Teams - your team will have you read and sign an ODSL code of conduct they provide
Club Commitment Form
All travel player and their parents must read and sign that they understand and agree to the club’s travel soccer
obligations for the year. These signed forms are turned into the club when the team submits their roster to be approved.
Club Commitment forms are available in both English and Spanish on the Travel Soccer Forms Page of the club website
HERE.
NEW in Fall 2013 ASA Concussion Information and Waiver
All travel player and their parents must read and complete this waiver before the start of the season to be permitted to
participate in ASA activities. These signed forms are turned into the club when the team submits their roster to be
approved. The ASA Concussion Information and Waiver forms are available in both English and Spanish on the Travel
Soccer Forms Page of the club website HERE.
Medical Releases
Parents need to complete a Medical Release Form for their player. Medical Releases do not need to be notarized for
local league play but might need to be for tournament play. The Medical release form can be found on the club website
HERE.
Photo for player pass
A small (1” x 1”), current, full-face picture of the player is placed on the player pass. VYSA now requires digital images
(,jpg files) be used. Your team registrar will collect the digital photo files (or take digital head shots of the players). The
photo can be cropped as only a clear head shot is needed.
Proof of Birth/Age Documentation
A player carded with a VYSA travel team during the 2012-2013 will not need to present their US Youth Soccer Player
Pass as the documentation for proof of age for the 2013-2014 year. Proof of age is now being saved in the VYSA
database.
If the player is a NEW travel soccer player (playing travel soccer for the first time) or did not play travel soccer last
seasonal year (Fall 2012-Spring 2013) then the player will need to (According to US Youth Soccer Rule 204) submit
one of the following as proof of age in order to be added to a team’s roster. Parents may scan the document and email
the file to their team registrar, or present the team registrar with a hard copy.
ASA 2013-2014 Travel Soccer Parent Manual
Page 15
Proof of Birth/Age Documentation (continued)
NEW in FALL 2013 (PHOTOCOPIES OF ANY OF THE DOCUMENTS WILL NOW BE ACCEPTED):
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Birth Certificate (Government Certified Copy or “Credit Card birth certificate” issued by the same government
agency). Birth certificates in foreign languages need to be translated and then have the translated copy
notarized (notaries can be found at most banks). Turn in the original foreign birth certificate and also a notarized
translated copy to your team registrar.
Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card (DD Form 1173) issued by the uniformed services of the
United States,
Passport, (may be expired)
Birth Registration issued by an appropriate government agency or board of health records,
Alien Registration Card issued by the United States Government,
Certificate issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service attesting to age,
Current Driver’s License, (or Learner’s Permit)
Unexpired federal, state, or local government identification card if documentation of date of birth is required)
(i.e., “walker” ID)
Certification of a United States citizen born abroad issued by the appropriate government agency
Hospital, baptismal, or religious certificates will not be accepted
Was Your Player Born Outside the United States?
If your player is NEW to Travel Soccer and was born or lived outside the United States please notify your team manager
and team registrar as soon as your player accepts a spot on the team. These situations may require additional
paperwork and necessitate clearance from VYSA or FIFA, which can take up to 6-8 weeks.
Rostering Reminders
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A player may be rostered to only one VYSA travel team at a time.
ASA permits players to play on both a travel team and an ASA Recreational/Teen team, but restricts the number
of travel players on each ASA RecreationlTeen team.
Players may NOT play on both a travel team and in the ASA Developmental League.
ASA 2013-2014 Travel Soccer Parent Manual
Page 16
CLUB FEES
The Arlington Travel Soccer Program Fee for the 2013-2014 year includes:
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Coaching Compensation -The ASA makes it a priority to select and retain the finest coaching staff in the area.
All payments to your team coach, and assistant coach, will be made by the ASA.
Continued Coaching Education - ASA makes continuing education a priority for all Travel Program coaches.
ASA reimburses 50% of the cost for all USSF or NSCAA coaching education courses passed by current ASA
coaches
Player Development Programs - supplemental player development programs, offered during the season, such
as functional training and goalkeeper training. Programs differ depending on the player’s age and tier placement
Off Season Playing Program - team training, age group training, player clinics and other training opportunities,
offered by the club during the off-season months. Programs differ depending on the player’s age and tier
placement.
VYSA, USYSA and USSF Fees - registration, insurance and other benefits with the Virginia Youth Soccer
Association, the United States Youth Soccer Association and the United States Soccer Federation.
League Membership and Fees - Fees for team participation in each team’s primary league
Referee Fees – Fees for team participation in each team’s primary league
Staff Compensation - The ASA employs a qualified, professional staff to direct and oversee all aspects of the
travel soccer program. All or a portion of these salaries are paid from the player fees.
Club Administration Costs - website, on-line registration, office supplies, equipment, etc.
Risk Management and Background Checks - security checks performed on all ASA coaches, team managers
and team registrars.
The Arlington Travel Soccer Program Fee does not include the following listed items. These items are typically
covered in a separate Team Fee which varies by team. Team Fees for the year can range from $200-$800 depending
on the activities of the individual team.
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Tournaments - teams will pay all costs associated with playing in tournaments.
ASIST Tournament - All Arlington teams selected to play in the tournament will NOT be charged an entrance
fee. However, all Arlington teams are expected to provide field management services for the age group in which
they play.
US Youth Soccer National Championship Series - teams playing VYSA State Cup, Regionals and/or Nationals
will pay all costs.
Coaches Expenses - Travel and accommodation expenses for coaches are paid for by the team.
Winter indoor league fees/ Futsal league fees - the player/club fee does not include winter indoor leagues or
futsal league fees.
Club patches - Club patches, traditionally given out at tournament are paid for by the team
STAR referee expenses - ASA does not reimburse a team for STAR referee program expenses
Other Team Expenses - Game Balls, Team Equipment (first aid supplies, etc) are paid for by the team.
Fees paid by families directly include:
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ASA Travel Soccer Uniform - One uniform kit per player which includes 2 jerseys, 2 pairs of shorts and two pairs
of socks. The Travel uniform kit is used for a two year period, Fall 2013-Spring 2015.
Additional OPTIONAL Gear - teams or players will pay for additional or optional gear. This includes optional
backpacks, warm ups and/or practice tee shirts.
Tier 1 Training Sessions - For Tier 2 teams U13 and older, players may buy into Tier 1 training sessions each
season.
ASA 2013-2014 Travel Soccer Parent Manual
Page 17
ASA Travel Soccer Club Fees 2013-2014
Payment
Date #1
Payment
Date #2
Payment Date
#3
Payment
Date #4
Payment
Date #5
TOTAL
Player Fee
July 1
Sept 1
Oct 1
Nov 1
Feb 1
U9 –U12
$1625
$425
$300
$300
$300
$300
U13-U14 Tier 1
Red Teams
$1700
$500
$300
$300
$300
$300
U13-U14 Tier 2*
White, Blue & Black Teams
$1600
$400
$300
$300
$300
$300
U15-U18 Tier 1
Red Teams
$1720
$520
$300
$300
$300
$300
U15-U18 Tier 2*
White, Blue & Black Teams
$1600
$400
$300
$300
$300
$300
Age Group
Description of Age Groups

U9-U12: Players within each age group and gender will train together in an environment that emphasizes player development vs.
team placement. Players will have two group practices per week and five weekly group skills sessions per season.

U13-U14 Tier 1: This program will include the Red teams in each age group. These teams will have two team training sessions
per week, additional Tier 1 skills training sessions (5 per season), and some required winter training. Players are expected to have
a very high level of commitment as a result of the additional training, tournaments, and travel requirements.

U13-U14 Tier 2: This program will include the White, Blue, and Black teams in each age group. Teams will have two training
sessions per week. In addition, players within this program will be eligible to attend the U13-U14 Tier 1 skills training sessions for
an additional fee.
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U15-U18 Tier 1: This program will include the Red teams in each age group. These teams will have two team training sessions
per week, additional Tier 1 skills training sessions (6 in the fall season), college programming, and some required winter training.
Players are expected to have a very high level of commitment as a result of the additional training, tournaments, and travel
requirements.
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U15-U18 Tier 2: This program will include the White, Blue, and Black teams in each age group. Teams will have two training
sessions per week. In addition, players within this program will be eligible to attend the U15-U18 Tier 1 skills training sessions for
an additional fee.
Recurring Payments
When registering your player for travel soccer you may request the option to sign up for the recurring club fees payment
program. This means that with your permission ASA will automatically charge your credit card the 1st of the month for any
travel soccer club fees that are due at that time. You will receive a reminder seven (7) days prior to the 1st of the month
that this charge will occur.
You may sign up for recurring billing during the initial registration by selecting the Recurring Payment by Credit Card
option as the payment method and then checking the appropriate boxes. The subsequent payments will then be charged
according to the payment schedule. If you wish to cancel the recurring payments at any time, please contact the ASA
Finance Manager, Diane Oden, at any time allowing 7 to 10 days for the cancellation to take effect. As a reminder, if you
cancel your credit card or a new card is issued with a different expiration date you will need to notify the ASA Finance
Manager to update your account information.
Late Fees
A $25 late fee will be assessed for any club fee payment received past the due date and cannot be refunded. For the July
1 payment – no late fee will be charged until July 15.
Refund Policy
The travel soccer refund policy is located on the Travel Soccer Policies page of the club website.
ASA 2013-2014 Travel Soccer Parent Manual
Page 18
FINANCIAL AID
The Arlington Soccer Association (ASA) will offer financial aid for ASA Travel Soccer Club Fees, to the extent
possible, to financially challenged youth and their families. It is our goal that financial hardship or low income shall not
keep qualified players off of Arlington fields.
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Financial Aid determinations will be made once a year in concert with tryouts and determination of the next
season’s roster. The aid provided will cover the entire soccer seasonal year.
The maximum amount of financial aid a player may receive is $1000-$1120 (depending on their team’s tier),
thus the player would owe $600 in club fees.
Financial aid players have the following payment plan: Initial payment due by July 16th and seven equal
additional payments of due on September 1st, October 1st, November 1st, December 1st, January 1, February
1st and March 1st.
$100 of club fees paid by players awarded financial aid will be turned over to their team to assist in paying team
fees. Payments from the club to cover financial aid player’s team fees will be made twice a year, once in the fall
and once in the winter. The remaining team fees are the responsibility of the player’s family.
Applicants will be required to fill out an application form which must be signed by the player’s parent or guardian.
The required Financial Aid Request Form is available in both English and Spanish on the ATS website. Families
are encouraged to apply for financial aid in May and no later than June 28th, prior to the conclusion of Tryouts.
Applicants will be required to provide proof of income by supplying one of the following documents.
o Approval Document for Free Lunch Program or Reduced Lunch Program
o Approval Document for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program
o Approval Document for Women Infant and Children (WIC) program
o Approval Document for Food Stamps program
o Most recent Federal Tax Form 1040, with W2s and 1099s.
ASA uses the US Government Federal Poverty Guidelines for decisions on awarding Financial Aid.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, Food and Nutrition Service, Child Nutrition Programs; Income Eligibility Guidelines,
Effective July 1 2013 – June 30, 2014
o
o
o
o
130% of
Poverty Level
185% of Poverty
Level
Qualifies for
Free Meal
Program
Qualifies for
Reduced Meal
Program
Household Size
100%
Federal
Poverty
Guidelines
1
$11,490
$14,937
2
15,510
20,163
3
19,530
4
23,550
5
250% of
Poverty
Level
300% of
Poverty
Level
$21,257
$28,725
$34,470
28,694
38,775
46,530
25,389
36,131
48,825
58,590
30,615
43,568
58,875
70,650
27,570
35,841
51,005
68,925
82,710
6
31,590
41,067
58,442
78,975
94,770
7
35,610
46,293
65,879
89,025
106,830
8
39,630
51,519
73,316
99,075
118,890
For each additional
person, add
$4,020
$5,226
$7,437
$10,050
$12,060
st
1 priority for Awarding Financial Aid: Those players receiving free lunch benefits (or family income
at 130% of poverty level or below)
nd
2 priority for Awarding Financial Aid: Those players receiving reduced lunch benefits (or family
income at 185% of poverty level or below)
rd
3 priority: Those families at 250% of poverty level. If financial aid money is still available to award the
club will consider Financial Aid Awards in this category. Financial Aid awards may only be partial
awards.
th
4 priority: Those families at 300% of poverty level. If financial aid money is still available to award the
club will consider Financial Aid Awards in this category. Financial aid Awards in this category will only
be partial awards.
ASA 2013-2014 Travel Soccer Parent Manual
Page 19
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Please keep in mind the amount of Financial Aid money that can be awarded each year is limited and will, more
than likely, run out during the initial months of a soccer seasonal year (June – August). Being awarded financial
aid one year does not guarantee financial aid will be awarded in subsequent years.
Financial aid is only available to cover ASA’s travel soccer player club fee and one uniform kit. Financial Aid
provided by the club DOES NOT cover team fees and expenses (i.e. tournament fees, coach/player travel
expenses or other expenses budgeted by the team), optional uniform pieces and/or camps/clinics run by the
club.
Approval for ATS financial aid does not guarantee a right to continued participation. Applicants must re-apply
each season.
ASA’s financial aid program is funded by profits from the ASIST tournament and not from club fees.
UNIFORMS
Arlington Soccer Association strives to project a professional image. The club uniform plays an integral part in the
forging of club identity and in building both a sense of community and of pride in the organization. This can only be
accomplished if all ASA travel teams wear the designated club uniform so that no matter what the age group, no matter
what the occasion, the team can be readily identified as representing the Arlington Soccer Association This underscores
the fact that we are a single club that exists to support and encourage its members
Uniform Reminders
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ASA in contracted with Adidas to provide travel soccer apparel. Thus, all Arlington
Travel Soccer players and coaching staff must wear Adidas gear on game day.
Exception: Players may wear footwear, shin guards, and compression/under
tops/shorts from a different vendor.
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The official ASA uniform supplier is Eurosport (soccer.com). All travel teams must obtain uniforms through
Eurosport, and do so in accordance with the ASA / Eurosport Agreement. Team Uniform Coordinators will set up
on-line team rosters in the Eurosport ordering system and families will purchase their uniforms online via a credit
card. Uniforms, and other purchased items, are shipped directly to the family. Families that are Eurosport “Goal
Club” members will receive Goal Club points for their uniform kit purchase.
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The club does not make any money on Uniform Kit sales. ASA negotiated the best possible pricing for our
members, and the cost savings are passed on to our member families. There is no mark-up, rebate, or kick-back
that ASA will receive from uniform kit sales. ASA, as a Goal Club Member with Eurosport, will receive Goal Club
points from uniform sales. Any family that is also a Goal Club Member will also receive the same Goal Club
points as the Club.
Travel Team Uniform Kit Fall 2013-Spring 2015
Effective August 2013 the official ASA travel team uniform kit is the following Adidas uniform. All travel teams must wear
this uniform at all times (all league and tournament matches, etc. – anytime that the team is playing under the club
affiliation):
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Home jersey, Adidas MLS Match , royal blue/white
Home shorts, Adidas MLS Match, royal blue/white
Home socks, Adidas Copa Zone, royal blue w/white
Away jersey, Adidas MLS Match, white/white
Away shorts, Adidas MLS Match, white/white
Away socks, Adidas Copa Zone, white w/royal blue
Cost of a complete uniform kit is approximately $120 Adult sizes/$110 Youth Sizes
Click HERE to see a visual of the travel soccer uniform kit
ASA 2013-2014 Travel Soccer Parent Manual
Page 20
Optional Uniform Items Fall 2013-Spring 2015
Optional club and player equipment and apparel will be available thru the Club Uniform Agreements and teams are
encouraged to also procure these items (i.e.warm-ups and bags for teams/players). Items such as those listed below will
be available to all players through the special ASA club uniform link to Eurosport.
The following items are not required by the club but individual teams might decide to require these items for their players.
Check with your coach on specifics.
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Warm-up top and pants
Required style: Adidas Tiro 13 Training jacket in Royal blue and Tiro 13 training pant in Black
Backpack
Required style - Estadio II Team Backpack in Royal Blue OR for younger teams Estadio Team SMALL
Backpack in Black OR the Adidas Royal Blue Alliance Sack pack
Goalkeeper Jersey Adidas Revigo Jersey in Green/Black. Club encourages all ASA goalkeepers to
wear the selected jersey whenever possible but it is not required
Club Training T-Shirt
100% cotton Grey T-shirt with ARLINGTON Chest logo OR Grey Estro 12 Jersey with ARLINGTON chest
logo
Click HERE to see a visual of the travel soccer optional uniform items.
Goalkeeper Uniforms
Keeper Jerseys
Goalkeepers are encouraged to order a complete ASA travel uniform kit but it is not required. In addition Keepers may
order an “Arlington” Keeper jersey or wear one of their own keeper jersey’s (Adidas brands only for games). For the
younger teams that do not have a dedicated goalkeeper, the team should purchase one or two goalkeeper jerseys
(two are recommended) that can be used by any player playing keeper. These goalkeeper jerseys can be purchased
by the team (from their team account). For older teams with a dedicated goalkeeper, each goalkeeper may want to
purchase their own goalkeeper jersey.
Team Managers and Team Uniform Coordinators will consult with their coach to determine how your team will handle
goalkeeper jerseys.
Customized ARLINGTON Keeper Jerseys are ordered through the online Eurosport ordering system. Your team
uniform coordinator will have complete details on how to order.
Keeper Shorts/Gloves
Goalkeepers may wear their club uniform shorts or if they purchase Goalkeeper padded shorts or pants they must be
an Adidas brand (or if another brand no logos may be showing on the outside of the shorts/pants). Gloves (and
footwear) are considered personal items and any brand may be worn.
Uniform Numbering
Only single or double digit numbers are allowed. Jersey numbers for players within an age group (either boys or girls)
should not be duplicated. Each player in the age group should have their own unique number. Team managers and team
uniform coordinators within an age group will work together to ensure jersey numbers in an age group are not duplicated.
This allows for players to play with other ASA travel teams for league games (where allowed), to guest play in
tournaments with other ASA teams or to transfer to another team in the age group without encountering jersey number
conflicts.
Spirit Wear
The Eurosport Arlington Soccer Uniform web pages have other ASA customized products such as rain jackets,
sweatshirts, long sleeve t-shirts, etc. that are not included in the required uniform kit. These are optional items. Families
also earn Goal Club Points with each purchase if a Goal Club Member.
The ASA Travel Spirit Wear Store can be accessed via a link posted on the club website.
ASA 2013-2014 Travel Soccer Parent Manual
Page 21
LOST AND FOUND
Please make sure your player’s gear is marked with some form of contact information such as last name/email/phone
number. Every year the club receives many FOUND items from balls to full warm-ups that are never claimed. What
these items have in common is they are not marked and the club, or those who found the items, cannot contact the
owner.
To report lost or found items at soccer fields in Arlington:
 Contact the ASA’s Executive Director by email, justinwilt@arlingtonsoccer.com, or telephone at 703-527-0157
 Describe item, date, time, field name, game, teams, and any other information
 Provide your name, phone and/or email address
PLAYER SAFETY POLICIES
Below is an abbreviated description of items contained in the ASA Player Safety Policies. The document (in English and
Spanish) is located on the club website under the Travel Policies and Form page.
Parent Presence Policy
ASA expects all teams to put together a Parent Volunteer schedule at the beginning of each season. The Parent
Volunteer will remain on the sideline or in an area adjacent to where the practice or event is being conducted.
Transportation Policy
Staff (which includes coaches) are not to give players rides to or from ASA Events.
Check in/Check Out Policy
ASA requires that specific check-in and check-out processes are implemented for every ASA activity. Coaches, team
managers and team parents should work together to develop workable processes.
Buddy System During Breaks
A Buddy System should be used for bathroom breaks. At no time should a coach or an assistant coach accompany an
individual player to bathroom facilities.
Medical Release Policy
Copies of Medical Releases must be at all practices/game. In case of any emergency when the parents are not present,
the medical release may be presented as proof of authorization to provide emergency medical and/or transportation
services for the players listed.
Background Check Policy
VYSA requires all ASA Staff, volunteer coaches and other team volunteers (team manager, team register) to undergo
background checks (“Kidsafe” checks).
Goal Movement Policy
ASA players should not move soccer goals. Players should not be asked to help adults move goals.
Injury Information Policy
Parents or guardians of ASA players must inform in writing the player’s coach if the player is injured (beyond minor
injuries like scrapes or bruises) during any ASA game, practice, or other event. Parent must notify the coach when the
injured player has been medically cleared to resume participating in the ASA activity and whether there are any
restrictions on such participation. In the event of serious injuries (to include breaks/fractures, muscle/ligament/cartilage
tears (including partial tears), head injuries (including concussions), anything requiring surgery, or any illness that
requires doctor’s release to play), a note from the doctor must be presented to the coach (by the player’s parent)
specifically clearing that player’s return to action. The note must be the result of a post recovery review by the doctor.
NEW in FALL 2013 Due to the serious nature of any head injury/concussion, medical clearance from a
doctor/neurological specialist who is properly trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating these injuries is
required for return to play. An exception to this is for high school athletes who have been cleared to return to play by
their high school’s athletic trainer.
ASA 2013-2014 Travel Soccer Parent Manual
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SPRING AND SUMMER CAMPS
ASA offers spring break and summer camps for travel players. Camp topics include Shooting Camps, Footskill Training,
Airball Control, Crossing & Finishing and Preseason preparation work including ViPRfit Conditioning. Camps are offered
both in the morning and evening. In addition ASA offers a residential (overnight) camp for travel players in July.
Complete information about these camps can be found on the “Travel Camps & Clinics” link on the club website.
TRAVEL CLINICS
Travel Skills Clinics are held on Monday evenings during the Fall and Spring season.
 U9-U12 players will have five weekly Monday evening skills clinics each season included in the player’s travel
program fee.
 Tier 1(U13-U14) teams will have five weekly Monday evening skills clinics each season included in the player’s
travel program fee. Tier 2 (U13-14) players are eligible to attend the clinics for an additional fee.
 Tier 1 (U15-U19) teams will have six Monday evening skills clinics in the fall (none in the spring) included in the
player’s travel program fee. Tier 2 (U15-U19) players are eligible to attend the clinics for an additional fee.
 Specialized Keeper clinics will be held on Monday evenings during both fall and spring seasons.
Complete information about these clinics can be found on the “Travel Camps & Clinics” link on the club website.
ASA 2013-2014 Travel Soccer Parent Manual
Page 23
APPENDIX A
TEAM PARENT COORDINATOR DUTIES
The club has created a “how-to” for most team parent coordinator jobs. These “Guides to . . . “are posted on the club
website on the Team Management page.
A red asterisk after a title (*) indicates a required position. Each team must have a team parent fill this position.
TEAM MANAGER* The team manager is the main contact for all relevant team information. Their role is to provide
timely, comprehensive communication from the Club Staff, Technical Coaching staff and/or league. This communication
includes “where to go,” “when to be there,” and “what to bring” – for all games, practices and other events. In addition to
the role of communicator, the team manager maintains the team’s paperwork and oversees the other parent team
coordinators.
Arlington Spring Invitational Soccer Tournament (ASIST) Coordinator (for those teams playing in the ASIST)*
Attends ASIST planning meetings. Organizes team families to cover tournament jobs such as field marshal, concessions
and trash.
Field Coordinator*
Coordinates set up/take down of nets and flags. If needed checks to see (home) fields are lined day prior to game.
Teams must set up nets and flags for all week night and Saturday games.
Equipment Coordinator*
Purchases team equipment (and requests reimbursement from team account). Stores, or finds someone on the team to
store, the equipment the coach does not keep: balls, ball bags, cones, medical kit (keep it well stocked), bench and
shade awnings. Your team does not need all of this; it is a fairly inclusive list. Assembles and brings to games the team
equipment bag (list of suggested items posted on the Team Management Page of the Club Website). Some teams
break down this job and have different parents responsible for first aid kit, ice, etc.
Fundraising Coordinator*
In conjunction with team families creates team philosophy regarding fundraising, including expectations for families
participation in fundraisers. Organize any fundraising activities approved by the team.
Photographer
Takes team photos (group, individual and action shots). With parent approval photos are used for team and club website
along with articles sent to the media.
Publicity Coordinator
Write and submit short articles about team socials, fundraising, tournament or league championships for the ASA
website or local media. Publicity Coordinator’s should be aware of the club’s Personal Information Online Policy (which
also applies to print media).
Registrar*
Register team with VYSA. Creates rosters in VYSA database. Uploads players head shots for player passes. Prints
rosters, player passes and other paperwork needed to roster a team or submit roster changes. Coordinates with ASA
Travel Administrator and VYSA club assigned registrar to secure approval for team rosters. Computer knowledge
necessary. VYSA will train to input and output data from their club database. Need printer/scanner or printing/scanner
access.
Soccer in College Team Coordinator (for High School Age teams with players looking to play in college)
Works with ASA staff to promote Soccer in College Nights, NCAA compliance talks and other Soccer in College events.
Produces or oversees the production of the team’s College Brochure. Works with team in producing player resumes and
passes on information and articles about college sports recruiting.
Social Coordinator
Plan beginning and/or end of year team parties, special events or outings.
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STARS (Step-in Assistant Referees) (if required by league rules*)
STARS must have current FIFA level 12 or better certification, or have completed the STAR courses given by the
leagues. STARS should be parents able to physically perform the Assistant Ref function, along with having enough
knowledge of the game to successfully complete the ref courses, and be willing to be present at and perform as a STAR
if needed at both home and away games. The leagues sponsor STAR courses before each season, lasting
approximately 8 hours. The teams receive payment for services of their STARS, and this generally goes into the team
budget to help pay for STAR training courses, STAR uniforms, and other team expenses, instead of being paid back to
the STARS themselves, figuring other team roles listed above are unpaid, and thus payment for this team function
should benefit the team as a whole.
Tournament Coordinator*
Team Parent Tournament Coordinators file timely applications for selected tournaments, showcases and State Cup
play. Attends, or designates another parent to attend, tournament registration session (usually night before tournament
begins) but sometimes handled on-line. Coordinate transportation, arrange hotel accommodations, and plan any group
meals or other activities for out-of-town tournaments. Keep team tournament and league record histories for use in
future tournament applications. If needed, orders ASA patches from ASA to distribute at tournaments. Teams often
assign two parents to tournament chores, dividing the hotel/meal responsibilities from tournament
registration/paperwork.
Treasurer*
Works with manager and coach on team budget based on the yearly plan set by the technical staff. Shares and
explains team budget to team families. Collects payments to cover team expenses and deposits into team account.
Request expense reimbursement for any payments made for covered expenses. Keeps track of how much is in their
team account and reconcile with ASA. Assist families with financial aid applications as needed.
Tryout Coordinator*
Works with club to establish yearly tryout procedures. Organizes and staffs one-site registration for tryouts (typically only
1-2 tryout shifts are required). Runs tryout reports for coaches prior to tryout.
Team Sportsmanship Liaison (TSL) (if required by league rules*)
Responsibility for monitoring and providing guidance to parents and other spectators at games regarding appropriate
behavior. Likely to attend most if not all games. Any problems regarding behavior of the opponents’ spectators are
addressed between the TSL for one team speaking to the TSL for the other team, not by direct confrontations between
non-TSL parents.
Uniform Coordinator*
Team Parent Uniform Coordinator oversees the team uniform ordering process. Set up team roster for online uniform
ordering system. Confirms all team players have ordered required uniform items. Orders extra team Uniform kit(s) and
keeper jersey (optional) and works with age group to determine non-conflicting jersey numbers (and keeps this jersey
number list on file). Submits and distributes uniform kit orders for team players who are awarded financial aid. Some
basic computer experience needed to set up roster online and check orders.
Webmaster*
Updates (or creates if team is new) team site on ASA website. Only minimal team information is required but many
teams add their practice schedule, tournament information and other important details to their sites. In addition some
team operate an independent team website (linked to ASA’s site). Computer experience (but not programming
experience) needed to set up/edit team website. Webmasters should be aware of the club’s Personal Information Online
Policy (which also applies to print media). Exception: College bound players can post Player Profiles on their team’s
page.
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APPENDIX B
ADOC
AGC
AGD
ATS
ATSP
DOPD
DOTC
ICW
PK
R&D
STAR
TD
TSL
ACRONYMS COMMON IN SOCCER
Assistant Director of Coaching
Age Group Commissioner
Age Group Director
Arlington Travel Soccer, governing body for travel soccer in Arlington
Arlington Travel Soccer Program
Director of Player Development
Director of Travel Coaching
International Clearance Waiver
Penalty Kick
Rules and Discipline
Special Team Assistant Referees
Technical Director
Team Sportsmanship Liaison
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APPENDIX C
WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION ABOUT TRAVEL SOCCER ON
THE ASA WEBSITE
The ASA Club website can be found at www.arlingtonsoccer.com. Travel Soccer Information is located under the
“Travel Soccer” menu item.
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