Practice Guidelines

Sometimes it takes new players a while to adjust to our practice philosophy and rules.

We treat our practice sessions vastly different to the more casual approach of most recreational teams and the social element associated with many high school freshman teams.

It's great to have fun.... But .... Practice is where we learn the game..... The old addage "You play as you practice" has held true throughout the years, no matter what sport you play.

The better you practice the better you will play AND the more you will enjoy the game.

We take practice seriously.

We have limited training time and we must make the most of each session.

We assemble the best skills trainers/coaches available to work with our players and take them to the next level and make best use of your talents.

This season we are lucky to have Danny McGaw and MLS goalkeeper Eric Kronberg working with our team.

These guys are here to help make you the best you can be.... And... They take the practice sessions very seriously.

Players Note: You are expected to arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before we take to the field so you have time to warm-up and stretch. ..... Make sure you wear your practice t-shirts and bring a ball.

Guidelines & Rules for Practice (And Games).

1. Attend all the sessions you can. Attendance at practice will effect your playing time. If you do not know what was covered at practice or the set plays we worked on you cannot expect to be in the starting line-up or play a major role in games.

2. Be early. If practice starts at 6:30pm be there at least 30 minutes early to warm-up and work on your ball handling skills.

3. Be Prepared: Make sure you wear appropriate clothing, have your shin guards and a soccer ball. Make sure you bring your water bottle or a sports drink to hydrate during breaks.

4. Use common sense. Before practice focus on juggling or dribbling while warming up rather than blasting shots at unsuspecting teammates and possibly causing injuries.

5. If you are late: (Sometimes it's unavoidable as we try to work with parents schedules....)

(a) Make sure you arrive at the field ready to go to work. If you are not driving, put your socks, shin guards and cleats on in the car on the way to the field.

(b) When you get out of the car RUN to the field and check in with the coach. Look like you want to play. Don't dawdle over and waste 5-10 minutes on the sideline getting ready. You are missing valuable time and instruction that your parents and the team have paid for. And, perhaps more importantly, you are telling your teammates you don't really want to be there.

6. Pay Attention: Don't talk when the coach/trainer is talking. Not only is it rude, but you are creating a distraction for other players who want and need to hear what the coach has to say.

7. Follow instructions. Do whatever the coach asks to the very best of your ability.

8. Practice with enthusiasm. Don't insult your coaches and teammates by not putting appropriate effort into the sessions. You are telling them you really don't care or want to be there. If that is the case you can expect to be sitting on the sidelines during practice and during games too.

9. If you have a job... Do the responsible thing for yourself, your teammates, and your employer.... Give your boss a copy of your practice schedule and your game schedule now so they can work with you to adjust your work schedule wherever possible.

Warnings:

1. If you are on a college or high school team and your grades do not meet requirements you will be suspended from the team until your grades are at an acceptable level. The same applies to playing time on our team.

2. If you are ejected from practice by a coach for disrespect, lack of effort, or any inappropriate behavior, you may not practice with the team again until you apologize to the coach and the team. You will also be suspended for a number of games. (the number of games to be determined by captains and coaches)

3. If you receive a Red Card during a game our team is penalized one point and you are disqualified for one game by the league. If the Red Card resulted from action considered to disrespectful to officials, other players, shows lack of emotional control, or lack of respect for your teammates and the game... you may be suspended by the team for additional games or for the remainder of the season.