The Higher Level SSA philosophy is to provide our players with the correct level of training to grow soccer skill sets, soccer IQ, physical performance and life experience.

Our goal is to strike the right balance between having fun, working hard, and learning key life lessons through the sport we love.

The Higher Level SSA philosophy is geared towards the best players with the best mindset and best approach. Our core values are built on a foundation of hard work, team spirit, persistence, and integrity.

An objective for all players will be for them to achieve their personal goals of getting to play at the college of their choice. The club will ensure each player is properly coached, trained and educated in order to reach their desired goal(s).

HIGHER LEVEL SSA PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT:

• No player shall put “winning” over player safety or welfare.
• All players will demonstrate 100% effort during all games, practices and training.
• When possible, always give advance notice of any absences.
• Arrive at all training sessions and games at or before the time designated by your coach.
• Wear approved Higher Level SSA training kit at all training sessions and games
• Always play with pride and play by the rules.
• Bring your gear, including cleats and/or flats, shin guards, an appropriately sized and inflated soccer ball, water, and snacks to all games and training sessions.
• Be accountable to your team and teammates by eating and sleeping properly to achieve “match ready” status.
• Show respect at all times for club policy, coaches, teammates, clubmates, opponents and referees
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times, applaud all good plays whether they are
• made by your team or the opposition.
• Work hard for yourself &/or your team. Your team performance will benefit so will you.
• Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor. Treat all participants in your sport as you like to be treated.
• Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted behaviors.
• Cooperate with your coach, team-mates & opponents. Without them there would be no competition and always show good sportsmanship at all times.
• Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
• Do not interfere with the progress and/or conduct of the game.
• Do not attend other clubs training sessions during the year until the approved tampering dates. Failure to comply can lead to suspension/removal from the club immediately.

Non-compliance with any of the above may result in appropriate disciplinary action up to and including reassignment or removal from the team.

ROLE OF A HIGHER LEVEL SSA PARENT & THE PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT:

The role of the PARENT is extremely important for all young athletes. Whether it is training, during a game, or on the ride home, it is essential that there is positive feedback. At training and games, players should feel that they can perform what the coach is asking them to do and not what their mother or father is asking them to do. The youth soccer club is much like a school system in that there are many developmental aspects that must be covered in order to get the eventual final product.

• Attendance and effort at practice affects playing time.
• Playing time during most games and tournaments should be shared with all players.
• Higher Level SSA coaches and leaders will sometimes make decisions, and players may be instructed to do things that parents may not understand. Parents and players may not always agree with coaching decisions, but in order to maintain a healthy team environment for all players and coaches, Higher Level SSA expects all parties to be respectful at all times.
• Playing only to win without taking into consideration other factors that are important to the health of the team and each of its players will not result in a solid foundation for either the team or the player and can have negative effects on team dynamics. More importantly, if the results are most important at the younger ages, then a player’s technical development will suffer.
• Please respect the space and privacy necessary for your coach and team to carry out their game responsibilities. No one other than those listed on official game rosters may sit on or near the team bench during games.
• No one on the sideline should complain to officials or instruct players during or after a game.
• These instructions can be contrary to what the coach is teaching or has instructed the team to do. Instructions by parents can also be a distraction to young kids and may cause a player to “tighten-up” with stress. Higher Level SSA insists members of the coaching staff be the only instructive voice at all games and practices.
• Positive vocal support and encouragement are welcome during the game.

HIGHER LEVEL SSA TERMINOLOGY GUIDE FOR PARENTS & SUPPORTERS:

PARENTS and SUPPORTERS are encouraged to cheer and support the players and team through praise and, most importantly, in a positive manner. Research shows that when parents and teachers work together a child tends to do better in school. The same applies in a soccer-learning environment and we want this to be true with your child’s experience at Higher Level SSA.

Please recognize the commitment the coach has made to your child and their team. Negative comments or body language directed towards the play, player, or team are unacceptable. Please refrain from making these comments directed toward the opponent and/or referees. Please allow for ALL the coaching towards the Higher Level SSA players to come only from the Higher Level SSA coaching staff. Do not give your child and/or their teammates instructions. This will only serve as a distraction and will not help the player succeed.

Questions or Comments for Home or the Car ride:

It is more helpful to ask your child what their experience was like rather than offering your opinion. These comments should never be seen as coaching or done around a game or practice. Please allow the coach to perform their duties in an undeterred environment.

• Did you have fun?
• What did you learn that would help you improve?
• What did you find difficult?
• What worked well?
• What didn’t work out so well?
• Can anything you are learning on the field help you in school or life?
• I’m proud of you!

Additional Comments

• “Be confident”
• “Have fun”
• “Good/great move”
• “Good/great pass”
• “Good/great shot”
• “Good/great tackle”
• “Good/great header”
• “Great/great attack”
• “Stay positive!

HIGHER LEVEL SSA PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT:

Higher Level SSA will not tolerate behavior which brings the Club, team, or game into disrepute. Higher Level SSA believes that the attitude shown by General Members (Players & Parents) toward the coach, the referees, the opposing players & the importance of winning vs. losing are of paramount importance. Inappropriate comments or actions by adults undermines the essence of competition and introduces stresses, which are inappropriate for children.

THE PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

• Parents will treat any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee with respect regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or ability.
• Parents will encourage their child to treat any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee with respect regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or ability.
• Parents will not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct with any coach, parent, player,
• participant, official or any other attendee.
• Parents will not encourage their child, or any other person, to engage in unsportsmanlike conduct with any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee.
• Parents should not criticize their child on any part of the players game, leave this to the coaches since it may cause confusion & erode the players confidence
• Parents must applaud good play by all players. Opponents are friends, for without them
• your child could not play.
• Parents must educate & know the rules and abide by them.
• Parents must not coach from the spectator’s side during matches and training. This type of behavior only confuses the players and can have a detrimental effect on the game
• Parents will not question an official’s call – You may not agree with a call, but it is not your job (or the players or coaches either) to officiate the game. Never should an official’s call be argued by any Higher Level SSA member.
• Parents must accept the decisions of referees and coaches with style and dignity. Never criticize a referee’s integrity, honesty or judgment. They are there to do an honest job, which few others are willing to undertake.
• Parents will not approach a coach, referee or opposing team player before, during, or immediately following a game to voice a complaint. This is strictly forbidden!

(See Higher Level SSA Communication Policy)

• Parents will wait 24 hours following the end of any game or training session before approaching a Coach, Team Manager, Club Official or volunteer to discuss a complaint or concern arising from the game or training session.

(Refer to Player-Parent-Coach Communication Policy)

• Parents will pay players fees on time and in full.
• Parents will not engage in the use of profanity.
• Parents Keep your household information with the club up to date including current
• address, phone numbers and email addresses.
• To the extent that your player relies on you for transportation, ensure that they arrive on time for all training sessions and games.
• Parents will support your son/daughter’s play in a positive manner and that of their teammates.
• Parents will remain clear of the field during training sessions and games.
• Parents will Avoid direct communication – verbal or non-verbal – with Higher Level SSA players and coaches during training sessions and games.
• Parents will not encourage my child, or any other person, to engage in the use of profanity.
• Parents will not use drugs or alcohol while at any Higher Level SSA sports event & will not attend, coach, officiate or participate in a youth sports event while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Parents will not permit my child, or encourage any other person, to use drugs or alcohol at any Higher Level SSA sports event & will not permit my child, or encourage any other person, to attend, coach, officiate or participate in a youth sports event while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Parents will not encourage their child, or any other person, to engage in verbal or physical threats or abuse aimed at any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee.
• Parents will not engage in any behavior, which would endanger the health, safety or well-being of any coach, parent, player, participant, official, or any other attendee.
• Parents will not engage in verbal or physical threats or abuse aimed at any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee.
• Parents will not initiate a fight or scuffle with any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee.
• Parents will not encourage their child, or any other person, to engage in any behavior which would endanger the health, safety or well-being of any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee.
• Parents will not encourage their child, or any other person, to initiate a fight or scuffle with any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

• Pay full financial obligation to the club including player fees, required fundraising, and travel expenses.
• Failure to meet financial commitments may lead to player suspension from training and/or games.
• When registering, will read and accept financial responsibility policies in accordance with club registrations.

NOTE: Parents who do not abide by these expectations may be required to leave the field by the referee, the coach, or any Board Member of Higher Level SSA and the Higher Level SSA board may apply additional sanctions in the aftermath.

HIGHER LEVEL SSA COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT:

As a Higher Level SSA coach you will be a role model for the teams and need to uphold all values of Higher Level SSA, the Team and themselves at all times. The coaches are also expected to familiarize themselves with the Player and Parent Code of Conduct and enforce the expectations set forth therein.

Higher Level SSA coaches are expected to perform all duties and responsibilities included but not limited to:

General Expectations

• Care and welfare for all players in the Club, to be a role model that helps develop positive self-esteem/confidence, develop character, promote excellence & enhance the players enjoyment of the game.
• As a coach I am a role model to all of my players, and I will act as such. Soccer is a great opportunity to teach players positive values in life. Conduct yourself in a similar manner, have a positive attitude, do not use profanity, spit, make obscene or crude gestures, use racial slurs, exhibit abusive or threatening gestures, engage in or encourage inappropriate behavior or conduct at any point.
• Implementation of training plans, scheduling, training/game feedback that Follows the Higher Level SSA Curriculum
• Display/Conduct control, respect & professionalism at all times to all involved with the sport. This includes, opposing coaches, officials, administrators, the media, parents & spectators. Encourage players to do the same
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
• Treat each player as an individual. Respect the talent, developmental stage and goals of each player, and help each player reach their full potential.
• Communicate openly, honestly, & professionally with players & parents & in a timely manner.
• Attend all practices, games and coaches’ meetings. If a conflict arises, ensure that a suitable substitute has been arranged for and properly briefed.
• Wear Higher Level SSA gear at all Higher Level SSA activities, practices, games, Events, & tournaments etc. whenever possible; Failure to do so will result in sanctions.
• Use common sense in dealing with team situations, player personnel issues, and parents.
• Create a challenging positive training environment within the team that develops players to the fullest of their abilities.
• Set schedules and inform directors, parents and players of all activities.

On/Off Field Expectations

• Practice spaces and times will normally be assigned by the DOC, and coaches are expected to cooperate on the use of field facilities, setting up and leaving within your allotted time and in your space.
• All teams are responsible for cleaning up after practices or games, and for returning all equipment to its proper place.
• All coaches are asked to help in monitoring the activities that take place at the fields, and to assist in keeping our fields clean, safe and secure.
• When traveling with the team, remain aware of your players’ whereabouts and behavior.
• No foul language or abusive conduct.
• No smoking in the presence of players.
• No alcoholic beverages in the presence of players.
• Higher Level SSA reserves the right to terminate the coach for any unprofessional behavior.
• Coaches first responsibility is the health and safety of all participants.
• Supervise and control your players to avoid injury situations.
• Show concern and caution towards sick and injured players. Follow the advice of a physician when determining whether an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition. If they get injured follow up with a parent/guardian within 24 hours to follow up on all injuries.
• Know and understand the Laws of the Game.
• Utilize proper teaching & instructing of players regarding safe techniques & methods of play.
• Coaches will be required to do seasonal (winter, spring, and summer) individual player evaluations and one evaluation with a parent after the spring season.
• Coaches are forbidden from following &/or Interacting with current club players on their own personal social media accounts. Failure to abide to this may lead to termination.