Nelson REP

PURPOSE

This policy provides guidance to the Nelson Soccer Association (NSA) in the administration of the NSA REP Program.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

• To allow players to develop skills at a higher level of competition
• To provide players the opportunity to experience personal growth both mentally and physically.
• To include as many players as possible while remaining competitive at Provincial Cup play.
• To develop coaches by ensuring they have the opportunity to attend workshops and clinics
• To improve the overall level of soccer in the community by supporting and developing players and coaches for future years.
• To promote good sportsmanship and emphasize fair play at all times.

LEGISLATION

As a charter member, NSA adheres to the constitution, bylaws and rules/regulations that govern the British Columbia Soccer Association (BCSA).

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REP DIRECTOR

The NSA membership will elect, (or the elected board will designate) a director responsible for the REP program at the NSA annual general meeting each October. This director will work with a volunteer committee that oversees the administration of the REP program. The REP director is responsible for recruiting committee members, developing policy recommendations for board approval, establishing an annual budget, monitoring the REP program, and providing an overall assessment of the program at the close of the season. The Executive Director will also maintain financial records in such format as to allow regular reporting of financial status of the REP program to the board. The REP director can be reached at rep@nelsonsoccer.ca The Executive Director can be reached at nsa@nelsonsoccer.ca.

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EVALUATIONS AND PLACEMENT

Evaluations will be open to all players. Depending on age category, participation in the Rep program and/or certain tournaments will be selective based on evaluation results and team needs.

Evaluations will be conducted systematically to assess players’ technical skills, tactical understanding, physical abilities, character, and psychological readiness.

Players will be placed in teams based on the results of the evaluations. These placements will provide the player with the most appropriate development opportunities, such as playing with and against peers of similar levels.

Evaluations will be done by the TD and a selected team of trained coaches in consultation with the head/assistant coaches.

Evaluations will be ongoing throughout the season.

REP Players must adhere to NSA Fair Play codes and BCSA Competition Rules and Regulations (found attached to the end of this policy). If a player does not abide by these codes, rules or regulations it could result in loss of games or his or her future in the rep program.

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AGE GROUP SPECIFICS

Minimum age for participating in REP soccer is children turning 10 years of age in the calendar year.

The NSA Rep Committee in partnership with the Player Development Committee will decide the age groupings for REP play. Every effort is made to ensure players have a fair and equitable opportunity to play on a year-to-year basis. The NSA Rep Committee reserves the right to alter age groupings based on interest and registration numbers. Age groupings of two years may be combined if necessary, to field a team.

Age groupings for the REP program season are reviewed each year.

U10-U13 will be classified as “Development”

Every player will have the opportunity to develop their skills, and no players will be excluded within these age groups.

Player placement will be based on ongoing evaluations throughout the year, ensuring they are placed on teams or in tournaments where they can best develop.

In certain cases, players may be grouped into teams based on similar ability, which is monitored throughout the season to support their development. If participation numbers permit, at the discretion of the Technical Director, players may be placed on teams with other players of similar ability, based on the evaluation process. These teams will play additional tournaments beyond the two included in the REP fees.

U14-U18 Will be the only ages able to compete for Provincials

Player placement and team formation will occur prior to the start of the Rep season and will be based on player evaluations.

Teams must carry a minimum on 14 players and a maximum of 18 players per team. This structure ensures optimal training and playing opportunities, fostering better individual player development.

Playdown/provincial Roster submission prior to playdowns will follow BC Soccer Provincial Guidelines to date. NSA will not permit teams to pick-up extra players if they carry a roster of 18 or more. If a team requires more players due to injury or illness, a coach may submit a request to pick up additional players to the TD and Rep Director for approval. Interclub players will be considered first. If this is not possible other players within our district will be considered.

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PLAYING UP

A Play-Up is defined as a player from a younger age category playing in an older age category for the entire season:

Considerations for Play-Ups will be player evaluations and specific team needs.

Play-ups will be determined in line with BC Soccer and Canada Soccer player profiles.

Final approval and decisions will be made by the TD. The TD may confer with the Rep Committee and Player and Coach Development committee in certain cases.

Parents are strictly prohibited from requesting a play-up for their child.

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PLAYER CALL-UP POLICY

A Call-Up is defined as a player from a younger age category playing in an older age category for a specific match or tournament. The player will return to their relevant age category team afterwards.

Call Up (Temporary Reassignment) Procedure:

Need Identification: The Head Coach of the higher age group identifies the need to the TD for additional player(s) for an upcoming match or tournament

Consultation: The TD discusses with the Head Coach of the lower age team and agrees to appropriate player(s) to be called up.

Technical Lead Approval: The Technical Director provides final approval for the call-ups based on the agreement between the Head Coaches.

Parental and Player Permission: Secure parental permission for the identified player(s).

Roster Addition: The manager of the higher-age team adds the player’s name to their game sheet roster.

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PRACTICE TIMES

REP coaches will be given 1.5 hour practice times twice a week. (U10-U11 one practice per week). Coaches are expected to be reasonable in their demands on the players’ time, energy and enthusiasm. Coaches are also expected to respect the commitment of REP players to the house program and avoid conflicts where possible.

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TOURNAMENTS

U10-U18 (ALL REP TEAMS) will compete in 2 mandatory tournaments each season, these are included in the rep fees. Extra Tournaments will be determined by the coaches of each team in consultation with the REP committee. Additional tournaments will be an extra fee collected by team managers.

**SEE ADDITIONAL TRAVELING TO TOURNAMENTS INFO**

All teams must have at minimum one team official of the same gender as the players on the bench during all games as per BC Soccer rules.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PLAYING TIME:

There is no minimum playing-time rule in REP team play. Keeping in mind that injuries or illness may occur at any tournament, coaches should avoid taking players to out-of-town competitions if they are unlikely in any circumstance to get a reasonable amount of playing time. Likewise, coaches are expected to avoid over-playing of players.

When determining playing time, coaches should balance the short-term objectives of winning the current game, with the longer-term objectives of developing skilled players for the future games, future tournaments, and future years.

HOUSE PLAY:

It is required for Rep Development U10-12 players to play Rec/House league soccer. Unreasonable failure to honor house team obligations without permission from their house coach could result in a player being suspended from the REP program.

The house coach should contact the player’s parent to discuss the reason for missing the house game. If it is determined that house obligations are due to a conflict, then:

The house coach contacts the House Coordinator and the Rep Director.

The Rep Director will contact the Rep coach to resolve the issue. Should the situation continue, rep game playing time will be affected.

BC PROVINCIALS (U14-U18):

One of the expectations for Rep players is to go to Provincials regardless of where they are being played in the Province. Therefore, a signed form will be required by all players allowing NSA to charge the visa on file $400.00 to cover BC soccers penalty fee.

That fee will only be charged should the player not attend Provincials for any reason other than an injury, which will require a doctor’s note.

A player may be excused from the Provincial tournament provided they submit a request in writing to the team coach and REP Director prior to April 1st.

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EQUIPMENT

The team manager is responsible for distribution of jerseys, shorts and socks. Game jerseys are expected to be returned at the end of the Rep season.

Responsibility for equipment (balls, cones, pinnies, first aid supplies, etc.) lies with the head coach for each team.

It is recommended that each team selects an “equipment manager” to oversee the transportation of the team tent, bench, cooler, etc. The equipment manager (or team manager) is responsible for ensuring the complete return of all equipment in good condition and within the fall deadlines set by the rep committee.

FEES:

The cost of the REP program is covered entirely by the players participating in the program. All fees must be paid prior to the first REP tournament. Uniforms are not to be distributed to any player who has not paid their REP fees.

Note that the cost is subsidized by profits from the Lakeside Concession.

REFUNDS:

See Refund policy at the end of document.

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REP ATTIRE

Game jerseys: are to be kept in clean reusable condition. Players are to keep their jersey at the end of the Rep season. If players choose to return to Rep in the spring they can A) reuse their current jersey. B) If it’s in good condition, trade it in for a bigger size. C) purchase a new set of game jerseys for the season.

Practice jersey: will need to be purchased if a new one is required.

Track suits and jackets: these are official rep, anything other than the official rep jacket and track pants should not be worn on the bench at tournaments.

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TRAVELING TO TOURNAMENTS

All teams must follow BC soccer Rules and Regulations around traveling to tournaments.

When traveling out of province, players must obtain travel insurance, especially when traveling to the USA. Emergency TMI is NOT covered under BC soccer insurance.

If a player/coach (under the age of 19) is traveling without their parent/guardian they must fill out a Minor Traveling Consent Form prior to leaving, and the team managers must keep this on file.

It is strongly discouraged to allow rep players to drive themselves to tournaments unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Under no circumstance shall a coach under the age of 19 give players rides to tournaments or during tournaments (unless it is a sibling and parental permission was given).

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VOLUNTEER HOURS

All parents of players participating in the REP program are expected to volunteer throughout the season. Volunteer hours include coaching, team manager, equipment manager, concession shifts, duties associated with away tournaments such as transportation of team tent, bench, or the team cooler. Additionally, all teams are expected to volunteer during the home tournament in May.

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SPONSORSHIP

Nelson REP soccer teams are currently sponsored by Nelson Auto Wreckers for the 2023/2024 season.

FUNDRAISING

We hope these guidelines will be helpful in your planning. Any questions regarding team fundraising should go through the Rep Director.

No team, coach, parent, or individual, may fundraise for a specific Nelson Selects team or use the Nelson Selects name or logo without permission and approval from the Rep Coordinator. No fundraising effort may duplicate or infringe upon the fundraising of another Nelson Selects team.

A written request to fundraise for a specific item(s) must be presented to the Rep Director. The request must detail the item(s) needed and the specific manner(s) in which funds are to be raised. Teams may raise money to support their individual team’s expenses and normally these expenses are minor in nature and cover things such as t-shirts, transportation, and award or end of season functions.

All team fundraising financial transactions MUST be done through the Nelson Soccer Association account system. NO separate chequing or savings accounts may be held for a team in the name of a parent, individual, or group. Any surpluses in the Team Fundraising line items at the end of the season will be “rolled into” general Nelson Rep Soccer finances (i.e. team balances will not be carried over year to year).

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COACHES

The NSA Board, on recommendation of the REP committee, selects coaches on the basis of their technical qualifications, coaching experience, leadership qualities, availability, commitment and willingness to travel to tournaments and play down games, including provincial cup tournaments regardless of location.

Coaches are required to have completed Soccer For Life, rule of 2, making ethical decisions, safe sport. They must also be fully aware of FIFA Laws of the Game, B.C Soccer Association Rules, Regulations and Policies, the NSA Handbook, and the Rep policy. Coaches must also complete a current risk management form prior to commencing duties.

Coaches are expected to be generous with their praise and encouragement, and set an example of fair play at all times. Ridiculing or yelling at players for making mistakes or losing a competition will not be tolerated. Reports of inappropriate behavior by coaches will be forwarded to the NSA Board for possible further disciplinary action.

Coaches are responsible for Parents and Players, and must adhere to the Coaches Code of Conduct and BCSA Competition Rules and Regulations found attached to the end of this policy.

NSA teams have established a reputation for fair play. Coaches are expected to develop team respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgment of officials. Players are expected to play within the rules and parents must not publicly question the judgment of the officials or ridicule opponents.

Coaches who are not a parent of a player will be paid a stipend to be set by the NSA Board, for each tournament attended, to defray their travel and accommodation costs. Stipends will be paid after each tournament and are funded through player fees.

Advertising for REP coaches takes place in November for the following season. The NSA Board selects coaches. Directors applying for a coaching position are not eligible to participate in the selection process.

The coach and manager of each team are responsible for submitting all required forms related to team registration and tournament entry, within deadlines set by BC Soccer and various tournament organizers. The REP Director will inform coaches and managers of form requirements and deadlines.

Participation in house play by all REP players ages 12 and under is a fundamental part of Nelson Soccer, coaches must respect house practice and game schedules when setting extra practices, exhibition games and any tournaments.

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MANAGERS

Coaches will appoint their team managers. Suitable individuals will have administrative skills, a good working relationship with the coach, and a willingness to work with the REP committee and the overall REP program.

Managers are expected to help arrange parent volunteers for soccer saturday concession, as well as TWT. Dates and times will be provided by the Rep director at the beginning of the season.

Managers must collect from each player whose team qualifies for provincials a signed form allowing NSA to charge their visa $400.00 to cover the BC soccer penalty fee

Managers are expected to maintain accurate records (team finances, jersey numbers, player info, etc.)

Managers need to have Medical Release Forms for all players on file and available for all tournaments.

Managers follow direction from the team coach, and Rep Director. Managers will register for tournaments that the coach has selected and collect payment from the parents. (except for the two tournaments which will be paid for from player Rep fees)

The team manager is responsible for distribution of jerseys, shorts and socks. Responsibility for equipment (balls, cones, pinnies, first aid supplies, etc.) lies with the head coach for each team.

It is recommended that each team manager selects an “equipment manager” to oversee the transportation of the team tent, bench, cooler, etc. The equipment manager (or team manager) is responsible for ensuring the complete return of all equipment in good condition and within the fall deadlines set by the rep committee.

ALL VOLUNTEER TEAM OFFICIALS MUST HAVE A CURRENT CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK ON FILE

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SOCCER PARENT/PLAYER EXPECTATIONS FOR NSA REP PLAYERS

Practice is the most important element in soccer development. Parents/guardians and players are expected to ensure players:

• Notify the coach of an anticipated absence well in advanced of the practice, whenever possible;
• Are at the field ready for practice no less than 10 minutes before the start time;
• Are prepared (this includes proper training gear including shorts, t-shirt, soccer socks, shin pads, soccer shoes and appropriate apparel for colder weather, as well as a water bottle).

Whether for a legitimate reason or not, if a player misses practice, they may have reduced playing time in games and tournaments. To stay sharp and at the top of their game and to be aware of their team’s playing style requires practice.

Games and Tournaments

The focus of the season is the team’s performance in games. It is crucial for the team to be properly warmed up and briefed by the coach prior to the kick-off of the game. As such parents/guardians and players are expected to:

• Notify the coach of absence well in advanced of the game in order that the proper adjustments to strategy and player roster can be made.
• Be at the field no less than 45 minutes, ready to play, and prior to kick-off. Note that the coach may ask you to be there earlier.
• Be prepared (this includes proper game gear including shorts, t-shirt, soccer socks, shin pads, soccer shoes and Appropriate apparel for colder weather, as well as a water bottle);
• Arrive fresh and ready to play (sleep overs, outdoor activities and camps should be tempered on game days)

Parents/guardians be accountable for players’ actions* in restaurants, stores, hotels/motels/campgrounds in town and out of town.

We Represent “ALL OF NELSON”; our actions speak for “ALL OF NELSON”

A player’s playing time will depend on the factors listed below and is up to the complete discretion of the coach:

• Effort;
• Practice attendance;
• Practice performance;
• Player’s physical state;
• Discipline; and
• Ability.

Team Meetings

Parents/guardians and players are expected to attend every team meeting as requested by the coaching staff and/or REP committee.

Sideline Behaviour

In particular, parents/guardians are expected to adhere to the following rules when attending a game or practice. This includes before, during and after the session.

• DO encourage your child.
• DO encourage the team.
• DO treat the other team, the referee and other parents with respect.
• DO set a good example for the players. Refrain from smoking or other inappropriate activities in the vicinity of the field.
• DO NOT instruct the players.
• DO NOT speak to or question the referee.
• DO NOT use foul or abusive language.
• DO NOT question the player choice or tactics of the coach.
• DO NOT criticize the coach or the players.

On Field Behaviour

Players are expected to:

1. Treat their coaches, teammates, referees and parents/guardians with respect;
2. Come prepared to work hard and learn;
3. Refrain from using foul and abusive language; and
4. Play as a team.

Consequences

If parents/guardians or players cannot follow these guidelines, the coach or the Club may take any one or all of the following steps:

1. Warn the parent/guardian/player about their behaviour; have them re- read the expectations and Fair Play Code;
2. Ask the parent/guardian to no longer attend games and practices;
3. Reduce the playing time of the player; and/or
4. Remove the child from the team.

Concerns/Incidents

NSA REP Soccer has an open-door policy for concerns. Problems should be identified and dealt with at the earliest possible time. Concerns should be voiced to the following:

1. Manager
2. NSA Rep Committee (coaching issues)**

**Incident report forms can be found on the NSA website and submitted to the manager and/or REP committee. Any concern may then be brought to the NSA board and incident committee for further review**

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FAIR PLAY CODES

Fair Play Code for Players

• I will participate because I want to, not just because my parents or coaches want me to.
• I will play by the rules and in the spirit of the game.
• 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 try and be a true team player
• I will remember that winning isn’t everything – that having fun, improving my skills, making friends and doing my best are also important.
• I will acknowledge all good plays/performances -those of my team and 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 Code for Coaches

• I will be reasonable when scheduling games and practices, remembering that young players have other interest and obligations.
• I will teach my players to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials and opponents.
• I will ensure that all players get equal instruction, and support.
• I will not ridicule or yell at the 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 ensure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the player’s 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.

Fair Play Code for Parents

• I will not force my child to participate in sports.
• I will remember that my child plays sport for his or her enjoyment, not mine.
• 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 ones’ best is as important as winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of the game/event.
• I will make my child feel like 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 competitions.
• 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 official’s judgment or honesty.
• I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting events.
• I will respect and show appreciation for the volunteer coaches who give their time to provide sport activities for my child.

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REP REFUND POLICY

All refund requests must be sent in writing to admin@nelsonsoccer.ca

Please note that the mandatory BC soccer insurance fee will not be refunded after the first scheduled session.

After the registration deadline, all refunds will be subject to a $35.00 administration fee.

Refund schedule:

• Two weeks before until two weeks after indoor Rep practice starts: 90% refund minus the $35 admin fee.
• Before the first outdoor practice*: 85% refund minus the $35 admin fee.
• Before the third week of outdoor practice: 75% refund minus the $35 admin fee
• Until June 1st: 50% refund minus the $35 admin fee.

Rep clothing refund or exchange policy:

• Game Jersey (white and blue) may be exchanged for a bigger size at the beginning of the season if in clean re- usable condition.
• Newly purchased Clothing** can only be refunded or exchanged with the tag still on and the item unworn.
• Rep jackets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

* Please note that the season start date does not refer to your first soccer session but to the official season start date as per our website.

No refund will be given after June 1st: The Board will only consider refunds after this date in exceptional circumstances..