RUSH-HENRIETTA

TRAVEL SOCCER

RHSC Travel Club Player Policy

 The Rush-Henrietta Soccer Club recognizes the potential for the following situations within the club which would enable Club player assignments.

1.       New Player Development – A player has interest in the travel program but is not currently ready for the level of competition that the team will offer. 

a.       E.g. This could be true of a player new to soccer. 

b.       E.g. This could be true for a division 4 caliber player whose age-group team is playing division 1.

2.       Players beyond game roster maximum – In older age brackets where you can carry more players on the roster than are game-eligible, Club player assignments are a way to manage expectations where skill levels are not equal.

 Eligibility & Considerations

 Characteristics of a player who could be considered

1.       Physical size must not endanger child at the age level

2.       Mental maturity must enable player to compete at the age level

3.       Player skill level is below expectations for the team

4.       Player’s family must approve

 Reasons that are NOT valid for justifying a Club player

1.       Club player assignments are NOT a tool for a coach to establish unequal playing time expectations between starters and backup players. 

How the process works

 Club player decisions are evaluated after tryouts are complete.  This allows the club to see the number of potential players at each age level.

 Single point of accountability for decision making

1.       Coaching Coordinators decide (1 person)

2.       Head coach must be involved in the review of the player.

3.       Coaching Coordinator informs parents to obtain approval.  This communication needs to include what position(s) the player can expect to play during the season.

Club Player expectations

The principle is that there are no expectations at the club level for a Club player to play in any league or tournament game.  However, Club player commitment level needs to match.

 1.       Club players pay a significantly reduced club fee.  This fee should match the in-house player fee.

2.       Club players do not receive a uniform.  They can opt to purchase one.

3.       Club players do not have to pay for tournaments unless they receive time equivalent to full players.

4.       Club players are not required to attend league or tournament games unless they have committed to the coach to do so.  It is considered inappropriate for a coach to require their attendance unless they can be expected to play a reasonable amount during that game.

5.       Club players are encouraged to participate in the Wagner program if they are age-eligible.  If they choose to participate, they need to pay to cover this program.

6.       Club players are encouraged to to participate in the RHSC in-house program.

All playing time guidelines are subject to the health and attitude of the player.  Additionally, the nature of substitution rules may create individual game circumstances that prevent a coach from meeting these guidelines, but over the course of the season, these guidelines must be fulfilled.

Is this a single-year or multi-year decision?

The decision to recommend someone as a Club player is a single year decision.  It is re-evaluated each year. 

Club Player Benefits

 Benefits for the Club Player

1.       Club player designation provides a player with the opportunity to participate in Travel practices and develop their skills at a fraction of the cost.

2.       Club player designation MAY offer the player the opportunity to play in some games and/or tournaments.

3.       Club player designation gives a new player an opportunity to see what Travel is like at a lower commitment level.

Benefits for the Team

1.       Club players may develop into full players in future seasons and either help the team grow or offset players who leave the team.

2.       Club players increase the number of players in practice sessions.

3.       Club players offer all involved the opportunity to grow in sportsmanship and the encouragement to work hard to improve.

Last modified: 9/12/09                 Rush Henrietta Travel Soccer Club,  P.O. Box 460, Henrietta, New York 14467