CLUB CONSTITUTION

Ontario Soccer Policies Link

Refund Policy

Club Refund Policy – The Club’s Registration Policies and Guidelines and specifically to the Attendance and Withdrawal Policy and the Refund Policy.  A full refund will apply for any house league soccer program if withdrawal from spring, summer, fall and winter session is prior to the end of the first week of any soccer program. A refund less $75 administration fee will apply if withdrawal is after the first week but before end of the second week of any house league program. All competitive programs including select, academy, rep and technical withdrawal refund will only apply after one week from a player commencing in one of these competitive streamed programs less $100 and less $200 if player kit is not returned. (If a player has a medical problem that prevents such player from participating and a medical certificate confirming same is provided to The Club a full refund will apply if all soccer kits are returned within the first two weeks) There will be no refunds after the second week of any house league or competitive program has commenced. (If a player has a medical problem that prevents such player from participating and a medical certificate confirming the same is provided to The Club, there will be $100 administration fee after refund deadlines) Any sponsorship or financial support by any person and or parent/ corporation given to the Armour Heights Soccer Club is not refundable after the second week from date of payment as all monies will be allocated to the targeted program requested prior to the targeted soccer program start as all club/ team equipment, supplies and uniforms are ordered at least two months in advance of any soccer program start date.

Screening Policy

The Armour Heights Soccer Club accepts its responsibility to children, young adults, parents, volunteers and staff involved in its programs and is committed to ensuring adherence to the following policy to support the provision of sound safe, and healthy soccer experience in our community.

Armour Heights Soccer Club’s board has approved the club screening policy.

Due to the positions of trust that are inherent in the provision of active, high quality sport activities, volunteers and employees shall be required to undergo a screening process based on the duties assigned by the club. This screening process will be comprised of a variety of measures such as those listed in Policy 1.3. All volunteers/employees will be required to participate in an orientation that will introduce duty assignments as well as relevant Club policies and expectations. The Club’s Screening Program is accessible to our Membership via our website https://ahsc.ca.

The Membership of Armour Heights Soccer Club should be aware that if anyone believes they have had an experience that contravenes any club policy our designated representative should be contacted.

HARASSMENT POLICY

The Soccer Club will abide by the Harassment Policy of The OSA.

In the event someone in the Club wishes to lodge harassment complaint such shall be submitted in writing to the District’s Harassment Officer(s).

The Harassment policy is available through the Club.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

PLAYING/COACHING WHILE UNDER SUSPENSION

1. Any player who participates in any games or practices involving the Soccer Club teams while under suspension will be subject to further discipline.
2. A team will forfeit any points accumulated during games in which a suspended player participated in any fashion
3. A coach who allows a suspended player to participate in any games or practices while under suspension will be subject to further discipline.

COACH’S RESPONSIBILITIES

4. The Coach or Team official in charge at the game in which an ejection occurs must notify the League Convener or Discipline Chairman or designate within 24 hours.

LEAGUE CONVENOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Upon being notified of an ejection, the League Convener will notify the Discipline Chairman and League Coaches of the player or coach who is subject to an automatic suspension
2. Notification to the Coaches need not be given until the night before the next regularly scheduled game.

DISCIPLINE BOARD – CHAIRMAN

The Club shall appoint a Discipline Chairman who shall reside over discipline matters referred to him by the Club.  The Discipline Chairman shall appoint two other persons to assist with discipline matters.

Volunteers not adhering to the Terms of Reference set out for their position shall be referred to the Discipline Board.

All discipline matters shall be handled in writing.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

The Soccer Club is a strong supporter of making sport safe for our youth.  Over the last couple of years, verbal abuse directed toward referees has been a particular problem.  Accordingly, the Soccer Club has set up the following program to help ensure the safety and enjoyment of all.

Policy

Any coach, parent, grandparent or guardian judged by the Discipline Board to be guilty of abusive conduct toward a game official during a Club’s House League game will be reprimanded in writing. A second conviction, during the same season will result in the member being restricted from all services rendered by the Club including attendance at all soccer activities within the Club.  In extreme cases, as determined by the Discipline Board, a member may be reinstated subject to a review hearing.

Policy Procedures

When a game official feels that they are being abused, as per the scope of this policy, by either a coach or fan, the official will be allowed to suspend the playing of the game.  If the abuse is physical, the game official is advised to inform the coaches that the game has been abandoned and then proceed with step 1).

The official will then verbally advise both coaches that the game has been stopped due to the abuse and inform both coaches as to the source of the abuse.  If the source is one of the coaches, the official will advise the coach that the next occurrence of a similar nature will result in an abandonment of the game and that a report to the Club’s Discipline Board will be sent in for review.  If the source is a fan, the appropriate coach will provide the official with the name of the fan and the coach must advise the fan that the next occurrence of a similar nature will result in an abandonment of the game.  Further, a report to the Club’s Discipline Board will be sent in for review.  If the fan is not associated with either team, both coaches are asked to speak to the fan and as the individual to leave.

Once the prescribed action in step two has been completed, the game will restart with a dropped ball between the two teams at the location where the play was stopped.

If the abuse continues, the official will be allowed to stop any further playing of the game and advise the coaches that the game has been abandoned and that a special incidence report will be forwarded to the Club’s Discipline Board. The official must clearly indicate on the game sheet that the game was abandoned due to abuse.

1. The game official must contact either their Referee Coordinator or a member of the Executive to verbally report the incident within 24 hours.

2. A Special Incident Report, with the assistance of the Referee Coordinator or a member of the Executive, if required, must then be forwarded to the Club within 72 hours.

3. The Club’s Discipline Board will then reviews and deal with the report as per their guidelines.

4. If the game was abandoned due to the conduct of a fan not associated with either team, the Executive will determine the status of the game.

If the game continues without any further incident, the game official is advised to inform their Referee Coordinator that the game was temporarily suspended due to abuse toward a game official. Further, a note should be made on the game sheet.

Club Dress Code:

All club officials, staff, coaches and conveners should have the proper attire to conduct their duties accordingly by wearing a club shirt or a team jersey appropriate to their role. All coaches should have whistles with lanyards around their neck to indicate their role and give a sense of readiness to lead their respective players.

All players are required to wear shin guards and soccer shoes with studs for outdoor to maintain a safe environment for playing soccer on a grass surface to prevent accidents of slipping. Players should not wear caps of any type as to prevent any eye injuries in game situations.

No jewelry is allowed for any players while practicing or playing games.

Players with lower arm casts must have them wrapped with a soft covering to prevent any unintentional swing hits to opponents during games or practices.

Club Travel Code:

Armour Heights Soccer Club policy in regards to travel pertains only to the rep program where travel is required when playing league games and tournaments. Players usually travel by local transit or get rides from parents to games away from our home field location. If the team must travel longer distances the parents and coaches help by organizing rides for the team members. The players are required to inform their parents and a consent/ release form will be provided to inform parents if their child is placed in the trust of another parent or coach while travelling to and from games or practices or special club events.

Players are required to conduct themselves in a safe manner while travelling with any parent or coach so as to not endanger anyone in the car or themselves.

All players should refrain from any distracting activity in the moving vehicle to avoid the driver from focusing away from their driving duties.

As per the mandate of Armour Heights Soccer Club, the club officials try to assist players in difficult financial situations where even a lack of transit fare poses a restriction to travel or where family support for a player is lacking in their goal of being dedicated to their team and club.

POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

POSITION:                   COMPETITIVE/ALL STAR/SELECT TEAM OFFICIALS

RISK LEVEL:                                           HIGH RISK POSITION

RESPONSIBLE TO:                       COMPETITIVE TEAM CO-ORDINATOR

GOALS:                     – Instruction in advanced soccer skills

– Positional play and individual roles on a team

– Competition at a high level of play

– Building and maintaining team chemistry while fostering individual excellence

– Encouraging commitment and self-discipline

– Playing for the ‘love of the game’

ACTIVITIES:                         – Weekly practice & game(s) for players (maximum number of players as set by

the league)

– Tournament play – travelling and overnight stays

– Upgrading qualifications through coaching certification clinics as mandated by the Club and the League

RESPONSIBILITIES:

– Establishment of a Coaching staff: Assistant(s), Manager, Trainer in

accordance with Club policy

– Team Committees with assigned responsibilities as determined by Coach and facilitated through the Team Manager

– Establish behaviour expectations on part of players

– Extensive knowledge of the Game

– Attendance at Competitive Coaches’ meetings

– Participation in all related coaching clinics as established by the Club

– Familiarity with Club policies pertaining to Competitive teams

– Familiarity with the Club’s Competitive Coaches’ Code of Conduct

– Background in injury prevention and management

– Adherence to coaching standards as set by the Head Coach

BOUNDARIES/ LIMITATIONS:

v         Shall never be alone with a player

v         Shall not be responsible for transportation to/from practices/games/tournaments

v         Shall not be responsible for water or snacks

v         Shall be a role model – no drugs/alcohol/smoking or abusive language at practices/games/tournaments

v         Shall comply with the Dress Code as defined by the Club

v         Shall adhere to OSA and Club policies

v         Shall embrace Club values, principles, and policy as per Club Constitution

v         Shall demonstrate the ability to set and maintain standards for players (i.e. respect, self-discipline, fair play)

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

– As set by the Club and the League in the team plays

– Knowledge of all aspects of the Game

– Experience as a player with ability to instruct through demonstration

– Ability to relate to the ‘age’ of the player

– Minimum age requirement – 18

PERSONAL TRAITS/QUALITIES:

– Interest

– Positive role model

– Fair-minded, sportsmanlike approach

– Ability to communicate with players, parents, and officials

– Patience, understanding and a sense of humour

– Ability to exercise good judgement and to discipline in accordance with Club

General Policy and Competitive Coaches’ Code of Conduct

ORIENTATION TRAINING:

– Maintaining coaching levels as established by the OSA/ Club/ League

– Awareness of personal health issues and safety practices

– Clear understanding of Club policy regarding Competitive team matters

SUPPORT/SUPERVISION & EVALUATION:

– Club Head Coach will be in attendance at random practices and/or games

– Respond to directives from Competitive Team Co-ordinator

– Player/ Parent evaluation forms as per Club policy

MANDATORY ACTIVITIES:

– Clinics as mandated by the Club

– Weekly practice(s) and game(s)/tournaments

– Player evaluation and selection- Communication with parents

WORKING CONDITIONS:

– Indoors/Outdoors – variety of practice conditions

– Times for practices

– Commitment from approval by Selection Committee to end of season

BENEFITS (VOLUNTEER):

– Working with young people

– Imparting the values of active participation, team work, and fair play

– Overseeing the development of players to their potential

– Assisting athletes in trying to be the best that they can be

– Community contribution

SCREENING MEASURES:

– Competitive team application form with personal references to be checked

– Interview(s) with Competitive Team Selection Committee

– Mandatory Police Records Check

– Documented monitoring by Club Representative(s) such as Club Head Coach.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION:                                 RECREATIONAL TEAM OFFICIALS

(HOUSE LEAGUE U16 – U19)

RISK LEVEL:                                        MEDIUM RISK POSITION

RESPONSIBLE TO:                             AGE GROUP CONVENOR

GOALS:                     – Instruction in soccer skills as set out by the Club

– Positional play and individual roles on a team

– Competition at an appropriate level of play

– Encouraging self-confidence and individual skill development through positive

reinforcement

– Building and maintaining team chemistry

– Establish codes of ‘fair play’ and reinforce values of ‘good sport’

ACTIVITIES:             – Weekly practice & game(s) for players as mandated by the Club

RESPONSIBILITIES:

– Communication with players, parents (i.e. practice/game schedules; half time

snacks;) and Club

– Player information forms (team roster; medical concerns; injury authorization)

on hand for all practices & games

– Familiarity with guidelines for reporting Child Abuse

– Ability to set and maintain standards for players relating to respect, discipline,

and fair play

– Prepared to referee(or designate) if necessary

– Attendance at meetings and clinics as organized by the Club

– Awareness of Club policies relating to player safety (i.e., weather advisories,

heat policies, field conditions)

– Familiarity with Recreational Coaches’ Code of Conduct

– Distribution of player equipment as issued by Club

BOUNDARIES/ LIMITATIONS:

v         Shall never be alone with a player

v         Shall not be responsible for transportation to/from practices/games/tournaments

v         Shall not be responsible for water or snacks

v         Shall be a role model – no drugs/alcohol/smoking or abusive language at practices/games/tournaments

v         Shall comply with the Dress Code as defined by the Club

v         Shall adhere to OSA and Club policies

v         Shall embrace Club values, principles, and policy as per Club Constitution

Shall demonstrate the ability to set and maintain standards for players (i.e., respect, self-discipline, fair play respect, self-discipline, fair play)

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

– As required by the Club

– Knowledge of games and playing experience an asset

– Ability to relate to the players based on age, gender, and ability

– Minimum age as set by Club (with coaches under 18 requiring written

permission per Club policy)

PERSONAL TRAITS/QUALITIES:

– Interest

– Positive role model

– Fair-minded, sportsmanlike approach

– Ability to communicate with players and parents

– Awareness of personal limitations and a willingness to seek assistance when

necessary

– Patience, understanding and a sense of humour

– Ability to exercise good judgement

ORIENTATION TRAINING:

– Attending mandatory clinics as set by the Club

– Awareness of personal health issues and safety practices

– Clear understanding of Club policy regarding Recreational Team matters

SUPPORT/SUPERVISION & EVALUATION:

– Convener responsibility

– Random calls to parents to monitor coaching

– Convener attendance (optional) at practice(s)/game(s)

MANDATORY ACTIVITIES:

– Clinics/Orientation sessions

– Weekly practice and game

– Events as scheduled by Club

– Administrative work as set down by Club (i.e., game sheets, player grading)

WORKING CONDITIONS:

– Outdoors according to Club policy re: weather & field conditions

BENEFITS (VOLUNTEER):

– Working with young people

– Imparting the values of active participation, team work, and fair play

– Developing individual soccer skills and introducing game skills and rules

– Community contribution

SCREENING MEASURES:

– Completion of Recreational Coaching Application Form including

personal references

– Other policies referenced in the Club’s Support/Supervision/Evaluation

Section

A Police Records Check is required

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION:                                        RECREATIONAL TEAM OFFICIALS

MINI-SOCCER TEAM OFFICIALS

RISK LEVEL:                                          LOW RISK POSITION

RESPONSIBLE TO:                              LEAGUE CONVENOR

GOALS:                     – Instruction in basic soccer skills

– Active participation

– Introduction of team skills

– Enjoyment

– Establish codes of ‘fair play’ and reinforce values of ‘good sport’

ACTIVITIES:                         – Weekly practice & game(s) for players

– Coaching in game situations with equal participation

– As mandated by the Club

RESPONSIBILITIES:

– Communication with parents (i.e., practice/ game

schedules; half-time snacks;) and Club

– Record-keeping – player information (team rosters; medical concerns; injury

authorization) on hand for practices and games

– Knowledge of Club policies re: player safety – heat/weather conditions during

practice/ games; field conditions

– Familiarity with guidelines for reporting Child Abuse

– Distribution of player equipment as issued by Club

– Ensure players are properly outfitted relative to personal safety, and, as

required by the Rules of the Games

– Familiarity with Mini-Soccer rules as issued by the Club

– Participation in all related orientation and coaching clinics sponsored by the

Club

– Refereeing commitment for ½ of each game

– Playing background and/or work with children an asset

BOUNDARIES/ LIMITATIONS:

v         Shall never be alone with a player

v         Shall not be responsible for transportation to/from practices/games/tournaments

v         Shall not be responsible for water or snacks

v         Shall be a role model – no drugs/alcohol/smoking or abusive language at practices/games/tournaments

v         Shall comply with the Dress Code as defined by the Club

v         Shall adhere to OSA and Club policies

v         Shall embrace Club values, principles, and policy as per Club Constitution

v                  Shall demonstrate the ability to set and maintain standards for players (i.e., respect, self-discipline, fair play)

Continued: Recreational/Mini-Soccer Coach

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

– As required by the Club

– Minimum age as set by Club (with coaches under 18 requiring written

permission per Club policy)

PERSONAL TRAITS/QUALITIES:

– Interest

– Positive role model

– Fair-minded, sportsmanlike approach

– Ability to communicate with players and parents

– Patience, understanding and a sense of humour

ORIENTATION TRAINING:

– Attending mandatory clinics as established by the Club

– Awareness of personal health issues and safety practices

– Working in best interests of players and the game of soccer

SUPPORT/ SUPERVISION & EVALUATION:

– Convener responsibility

– Random calls to parents to monitor coaching

MANDATORY ACTIVITIES:

– Clinics/Orientation sessions

– Weekly practice and game

– Player evaluation (U-8’s only)

– Communication with parents

WORKING CONDITIONS:

– Indoors/ Outdoors – variety of practice conditions

– Appropriateness of weather/ field conditions for practices/games

– Times for practices

BENEFITS (VOLUNTEER):

– Working with young people

– Imparting the values of active participation, team work, and fair play

– Introducing games skills and rules

– Community contribution

SCREENING MEASURES:

– Completion of a simplified application form

– Initial group meeting outlining safe practices

– As per Support/Supervision & Evaluation guidelines

COACHING CODE OF CONDUCT

Commitment:

A coach’s commitment is to improve the performance of the players and the team physically and mentally.

A player needs to participate in a high quality soccer program in a positive atmosphere. (Suggest: A coach         needs to provide a high quality soccer program for players within a positive environment/atmosphere.)

Know Your Subject:

A Coach must be thoroughly acquainted with FIFA Laws of the Game and they must keep attuned to the sound principles of Coaching.

Respect:

Coaches must respect all human beings ie, players, and officials. Opponents and officials must be treated with respect.

Players must be coached to win within the laws of the Game.

Enthusiasm:

Coaches must be enthusiastic and positive. They must ensure that they are generous with their praise when deserved.

Personal Conduct:

A Coach must maintain the high standards of personal conduct and fair play. Coaches should never be involved in any circumstance which is offensive or suggests sexual connotations.

REFEREE CODE OF CONDUCT

To ensure a safe environment for all Soccer participants, referees have been given special responsibilities and

are therefore expected to act with professionalism and courtesy at all times. There is an OSA Board approved “Code of Conduct” for Ontario Referees contained in the following document

Game officials having certain privileges through and by The Association, with respect to the game, shall realize and respect their responsibilities and duties to The Association and the game. The Association endorses the Canadian Soccer Association’s “Code of Ethics” for Game Officials Specifically Game Officials shall:

1. a) Conduct themselves with dignity both on and off the field of play and shall, by example, endeavour to inspire the true principles of fair play and earn the respect of those whom they serve;
2. b) Not cause The Association to become involved in any controversial matters and shall abide by the rules and regulations of the jurisdiction in which they officiate;

1. c) Adhere to all standards and directives;
2. d) Always be neat in appearance and maintain a high level of physical and mental fitness;
3. e) Study the Laws of the game and be aware of all changes, and shall enforce all said Laws and changes;
4. f)    Perform their designated responsibilities, including attending organized clinics and lectures, etc., and shall assist their colleagues in upgrading and improving their standards of officiating, instructing and assessing;
5. g) Honour any appointments made for and accepted by them unless unable to do so by virtue of illness or personal emergency;
6. h) Not publicly criticize other officials or any soccer association nor shall they make any statements to the media related to any game in which they were involved;
7. I) Be subject to disciplinary action for not complying with this Code of Conduct.

Fair Play Code For Coaches

I will teach my players to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials and opponents.

I will be reasonable when scheduling games and practices remembering that young players have other interest and obligations.

I will ensure that all players get equal instruction, support and playing time.

I will not ridicule or yell at my players for making mistakes or for performing poorly. I will remember that children play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.

I will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the players ages and abilities.

I will remember that children need a coach they can respect. I will be generous with praise and set a good example.

I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.

I will play by the rules, and in the spirit of the game.

Fair Play – Please! Fair Play: For the good of the game!

Fair Play Codes

Fair Play Code For Players

Canadian Soccer Association

I will participate because I want to, not just because my parents or coaches want me to.

I will control my temper – fighting and “mouthing off” can spoil the activity for everybody.

I will respect my opponents.

I will do my best to be a true team player.

I will remember that winning isn’t everything – that having fun, improving skills, making friends and doing my best are also important.

I will acknowledge all good plays/performances – those of my team and of my opponents.

I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and show them respect.

Fair Play Codes

Fair Play – Please Fair Play: For the good of the game!

Fair Play Code For Parents

Canadian Soccer Association

I will remember that my child plays sport for his or her enjoyment, not for mine.

I will not force my child to participate in sports.

I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

I will teach my child that doing one’s best is as important as winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game/event.

I will make my child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly and trying hard.

I will never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing a competition.

I will remember that children learn best by example. I will applaud good plays/performances by both my child’s team and their opponents.

I will never question the officials’ judgment or honesty in public.

I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting activities.

I will respect and show appreciation for the volunteer coaches who give their time to provide sport activities for my child.

Download Screening Policy

=========================================

Weather Policy

Club status:

We are a North York based community soccer club with a spring, summer, fall/ winter house league programs.
We have a tradition of strong rep teams in our competitive program playing throughout the year from child to adult level of play. We support many children and youth in our surrounding neighbourhoods.

Weather Policy:

As a rule we do play in rain and only cancel at the field if we get thunderstorms during practice/game time. Our convener will call off any activity if we get really bad weather on site.

Footwear Policy:

NOTE TO ALL PARENTS! All children must come prepared with proper outdoor soccer shoes and shin guards to prevent unnecessary injuries.  All registered children receive full uniform: jersey, shorts and socks.

Parent supervision policy for house league:
Parents must stay with their children during the house league soccer programs as this is required by OSA for safety reasons. No child may be left in their programs without proper supervision by parent or guardian during the scheduled practice/game times. All medical decisions are the parents responsibilty in case of an accident and not the club’s.