BRING ON THE SEASON
Q: Why does it cost so much to play in the Classic Division?
A: The substantial difference between the Classic Division and the Recreation Division is Classic’s use of professional trainers to train coaches and players. If one were to take the average difference in price between the Recreation Division cost and the Classic Division costs, and then multiplied that average difference by the amount of Classic Division players, one would arrive at a figure VERY close to the amount of money that Classic pays its professional trainers. Classic uniforms comprise shirts that are slightly more expensive than the Recreation Division shirts. That is a second difference in out-of-pocket costs. Finally, the Division requires a higher level of coach certification than does the Recreation Division. Thus the Classic Division generally spends more money per player providing coaching certification classes to its coaches.
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Q: Is play more "serious" in the Classic Division?
A: A number of parents have expressed thoughts that the Classic Division is too serious or may cause a player to give up the game. We respectfully note that a core principle of USSF coach training is to teach the kids in a fun, challenging environment and to make the kids want to come back for more. Our coaches should be avoiding "laps, lines and lectures" and should instead be focusing on soccer activities, from fundamental technical learning to a full blown soccer game at the end of practice. It is absolutely true that the Division hopes for a greater parent and player commitment, but that has nothing to do with the level of intensity or fun that players experience. We invite all parents to see the practices of some of the experienced coaches. You will see that the players are challenged, but are having fun. A player that has some skills and enjoys the game is far likely to stay playing the game longer. THAT is a Classic goal.
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Q: What can I expect for league games / events this season?
A: The Classic season starts with a jamboree. The season comprises games scheduled for Saturdays and usually, one or more teams will play two games on a Saturday. The Classic schedule generally includes one or more small-sided events as well. The Conklin Scramble is an annual event as is the Classic SLAM that has taken place over the last two years. In each of these events, the Division encourages the coaches to let the players solve the problems faced on the pitch during the day’s events. The fall season does not have a season-ending team tournament, but the fall does conclude an informal "bragging-rights" championship. The spring season concludes with the Classic tournament and it is an event that prepares players for the next level because of its increased intensity.
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Q: Why does Classic have tryouts?
A: All newcomers to the Classic Division must tryout. The Classic Division is of limited size and comprises roughly 60 boys and 60 girls in each age group (U08, U10, U12 & U14). Because of its limited size and ability to provide professional training to its players, entry into the Division at all ages greater than U08 is competitive. At U08, all tryout attendees are usually accepted, however, as the U08 Division reaches capacity, this may not be the case in the future. Currently, the Division (through a coach or the Director at tryouts) will occasionally recommend that a U08 (or younger) player seek another season of Recreation Division play, but we generally leave that decision with the parent(s). Entry into the U10 & U12 Divisions is highly competitive. Entry into the U14 Division is competitive. The tryouts take place just after the end of each season as the Division immediately seeks to realign itself for the next season.
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Q: I cannot attend the tryout sessions. What should I do?
A: The Classic Division usually holds make-up tryout sessions and has also provided a supplemental tryout session. On rare occasion, players moving into the area are accepted for play without a tryout, dependent upon their soccer experience elsewhere. Former Travel Division players from SASA are often accepted into Classic Division play without a tryout. Everyone is strongly encouraged to tryout as it helps the league balance teams.
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Q: What about professional training?
A: It is planned to continue our professional training relationship and format with the Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA). Professional training with VYSA began with Classic coach training last season with over 50 coaches participating. Player training continued weekly thereafter. The training format should be somewhat similar to last season, with a single team, or a pair of teams working with an instructor. Your coach simply requests to be put on the schedule. U8 and U10 teams are a priority as a higher percentage of their fees go toward paying for these instructors. The training is typically at either GEMS or Pratt Park. Players need a size 1 ball for the training in addition to an age-appropriate ball (size 3, 4 or 5, as applicable). Coaches are responsible for having their team ready at the scheduled time.
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Q: Just who are these VYSA trainers?
A: The VYSA trainers are coming to SASA as part of a program between the State Association and the Classic Division of SASA. Overseeing the professional trainers is Matt Badiee and Matt is working closely with the State Technical Director, Gordon Miller, to ensure that the program is effective. Matt is not only a great soccer mind, but a great trainer and personality. The kids love him. Matt is bringing in top-licensed trainers to provide access to the best environment possible. These trainers are experienced and are working toward becoming part of the State coaching education staff, if not already on the staff.
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Q: What is the "Classic gentlemen’s agreement"?
A: One of the features of the Classic Division is the effort taken to balance teams. The Division seeks to have equally competitive teams so that players remain focused and are less likely to be frustrated. Team formation, especially by the Director, is not an exact science and the Director also tries to honor most parents’ requests. Disparities exist and the tryouts are one mechanism that allows the Division to direct the best players to the struggling teams. The Classic gentlemen’s agreement is a simple arrangement between Classic coaches that, in its simplest form, means that a coach of a team that is winning by 3 goals or more will take steps to slow his team down. This is an agreement between coaches and should not be a concern of the parents.
Coaches are given the freedom to be creative. A U8 Coach might be able to add a goalie after talking to the other coach. Older age-group coaches might implement a two-touch-maximinum rule for their team, pull a player or require four possession passes before going to goal. The Division hopes that the coaches can implement the stategy changes quietly so that no one knows it is being done.
It is also important to understand that a goal scored about every 10 minutes might result in a 4 - 0 final score. That is not a "pretty" score, but it is also indicative of a game where changes were probably not needed. Sometimes changes are not necessary even though the game appears lopsided. We encourage our coaches to communicate to avoid misunderstandings. We encourage parents to talk to their coaches if they believe there was a problem. The coach can raise the issue to the Director.
In the end, competitive games are the most exciting and are the best for the kids. That is the Division’s goal.
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Contact the Classic Director with more questions and comments.
