Parent Resources
General Information
The greatest gift that you can give to your child throughout their soccer career is support. When asked what it is that they would most like from their parents in terms of support, most children suggest encouragement and acceptance of their choices.
How to Be Supportive Soccer Parent
Give consistent encouragement and support to your child regardless of the degree of success, the level of skill or time on the field.
Stress the importance of respect for coaches through discussions with your child, and highlight the critical nature of contributing to the team and its success.
Serve as role models, see the “big picture” and support all programs and all players.
Leave coaching to coaches and do not criticize coaching strategies or team performance (especially in front of your child)
Avoid putting pressure on your child about playing time and performance.
What to do if...
My child has to miss practice, a scrimmage, or a game?
Please contact the coach and let him know in advance. One week notice would be appropriate.
My child is having a problem with the coach?
Please make arrangements to meet with the coach. The best time to do so is at least 24 hrs after a game with an email requesting a meeting. Always keep in mind … it is in nobodies best interest to address any issues after a lost game or in the heat of the moment. Sleep on it and work towards a resolution of the issue in a calm and respectful manner.
My child is having a problem with one or more his teammates?
Please speak with your coach immediately and ask him to monitor the situation. We do acknowledge that kids will always be kids but we strive to recognize potentially serious issues at an early stage.
I think my child should be playing up?
General Rule of Thumb within the Florida West F.C. Organization – No playing up. However, there are exceptions to the rule like eligible players on a team or a player single handedly dominating an age group. Please speak to your coach and get his/her impression. The next step would be to speak with the Director of Coaching.
My child is asked to be a guest player for another club
Generally speaking, we do not permit guest playing unless it benefits the player (College Combine, Showcase etc…). Our team calendars are usually packed and the downtime our players get, we want them to utilize to rest. During the soccer season (August 1st to the end of State Cup) if your player is asked to guest on a team from another club, the coach from the other club MUST contact our Director of Coaching. After the approval of the Director of Coaching, the player will be allowed to guest play for another team/club.
Coaches Expenses
“It is the responsibility of each team to pay for their Head Coach's expenses for League travel outside of Collier and Lee Counties as well as all tournament play. This includes, hotel expense (if applicable), mileage and $ 50 per full day ($25 half day) for food or any combination thereof.
In detail ….
Mileage for away games and tournaments (Event related miles only) - $ .60 per mile
Accommodations/Hotel
Per Diem for Meals - $ 50 per full day ($ 25 half day)
If coach has two or three teams playing in the same tournament/event, team managers will work together and each team will pay one-half/third of the expenses.
The coach should receive his expenses either before or after the tournament but at latest within 10 days of submitting the respective reimbursement request with detailed breakdown of costs to the team.
Dispute Resolution
When should you use this Process?
The dispute resolution process has been established to allow for an objective and transparent means to address parent/player concerns or issues. Examples of situations which might arise include concerns over playing time, position assignments, coaching style, disciplinary actions, etc. The process is not intended to be used for simple communication and information sharing, which may continue to be handled through email or in-person to the extent it does not interfere with practices, games or tournaments.
Process:
1) Member/parent to approach coach first with issue. Appointment for a face to face meeting to be requested by e-mail, also Cc: the Director of Coaching (DOC).
2) If issue remains unresolved after parent/coach face to face meeting, member/parent to schedule meeting in person with their DOC by e-mail.
3) If unresolved, DOC will schedule meeting with CEO for final review.
Absolutely NO approaching Coaches with issues/concerns within 24hrs of a game or tournament. A 48hr "cooling off period" required before requesting a meeting by e-mail with the coach after any game or tournament.
As you know, one of the primary missions of our club is player development. For this to occur optimally and on pace, we need our coaches and technical staff to be dedicating as much time as possible to player facing activities. Still, disagreements and misunderstandings will occur. With these two givens in mind. The Club committed to a new, structured process that will allow coaches to remain focused on technical development while at the same time allowing for our members to have their concerns addressed in a fair and timely manner. Your understanding and adherence to the process is mission critical for the Club.
Policy of Player Pick-Up from Practices and Games
This policy aims to establish clear expectations and responsibilities for parents and coaches to ensure the safety, well-being, and effective management of all players within our soccer club.
Don’t Let Your Child End Up Like This !!!
Responsibilities of Coaches
Child Safety:
Coaches are responsible for ensuring no child is left unattended
If a child’s parent or guardian has not arrived for pickup and the coach is aware of the parent's absence, the coach will:
Stay with the child and another adult until the parent or a designated guardian arrives.
Attempt to contact the parent/guardian.
If the coach is unaware that the parent is absent, they cannot be held responsible !!!
Responsibilities of Parents
Attendance and Supervision:
Parents are generally required to be present during their child’s practice sessions. This ensures immediate support if needed and helps create a safe and encouraging environment for your child.
Especially during the rainy season, practice cancellations may occur frequently due to weather conditions. Parents must therefore …..
Stay updated on practice schedules and cancellations through official club communication channels.
Be prepared to pick up their child promptly if practice is canceled or concludes early due to weather.
Leaving the Premises:
If a parent must leave the practice venue, they are required to:
Inform their child and the coach of their absence (preferably in writing in advance of the session)
Ensure they are reachable by phone or other agreed-upon means in case of an emergency.
Pickup Responsibility:
Parents must ensure their child is picked up promptly at the end of practice or games. If there is a delay, parents must inform the coach immediately and provide an estimated time of arrival.
General Guidelines
The club expects parents and coaches to work collaboratively to ensure the safety and well-being of all players.
Both parents and coaches should communicate openly and respectfully regarding any issues or concerns that arise.
Failure to adhere to these policies may result in a review by the club administration and possible further action.
