Travel Division
Goal:
The Leadership of SASA is committed to improving the technical ability of all players in SASA with a goal of:
- Player improvement (development)
- To be competitive in the State Cup
- SASA players to be competitive at the State ODP level
Travel soccer demands a lot of time and dedication from both players and parents. We understand and respect the fact that parents have a lot of factors to take into consideration before their children play travel soccer. We also understand that players have other commitments and reasons why they do not or cannot play travel soccer.
To move forward as a club, we need to work to place a framework in place enables us to position players at the appropriate level for their development. In Fall 2009, we moved towards this with the Blue/White/Gold system, and Travel-Wide Policies on move-ups.
While winning is important development, sportsmanship and Fair Play must prevail.
Policy and Procedures:
The following is a list of policies, procedures, and recommendations that are intended to improve the organization, as a whole, with focus on the travel division. The SASA leadership team believes these policies, if followed, will improve all players throughout the three SASA Divisions:
- Our goal for is to have two teams in each age group (U9-19) for boys and girls. At certain age groups there may be an opportunity to have more than two teams while other age groups may only have one.
Historically player development and on the field playing time have been an issue of concern to the club,We have introduced a system that will help ease the problems of playing time and help player development. Each team will now have the following number of players.
- U9/U10 10 Players
- U11/U12 11 Players
- U13/U19 15/16 Players
- All teams will work from the same structure to enable them to improve their game.
- Recommendations have been introduced to teach the fundamental skills to all players at a level that is appropriate to their age.
- We are looking for individual player development over the long term rather than compromise victories over the short term. This is particularly important at the U9 to U13 age groups.
- The coaches within each age group are working and interacting with each other so players can rotate where the system allows, thus creating an environment that fosters player development at a level appropriate to their ability. This is particularly true in WAGS in the U9-12 age brackets that allow a club pass system.
- The goal is for the U9 to U15 age group teams to be training on the same field at the same time once a week.
- Partnering teams in the U9 to U15 age groups are encouraged to have a small-sided competition once every two or three weeks so that coaches can monitor the progress of players.
- At the start of each season coaches must set targets, for their teams, and make those goals clear to parents. The Positive Coaching Alliance (PAC) booklet has good recommendations in this regard. References PAC booklet section (A8) (A9).
- As we move forward a goal is to introduce professional trainers into our program to help coaches maintain a high level of instruction and to further their knowledge.
- We hope to have a goalkeeper trainer in place to conduct a session once a week during each season.
- Stretching/cool downs are encouraged before and after practices and games.
- U9 and U10 practice time should be one hour.
- All other practices should be one hour and thirty minutes.
- Players need to arrive at the fields in flats/flip-flops.
- Players need to remove cleats and wet socks after training or games to allow their feet to dry. This will also causes less wear and tear on cleats.
• Playing time:
- 7 v 7: U9 to U10 players should play at least a half a game, with roughly equal playing time over a whole season being a goal.
- 8 v 8: U11 and 12 players should play at least a half a game, with roughly equal playing time over a whole season being a goal. Playing time and positioning should be determined by individual performance and player mentality during practice and games. Player positions should start to be recognized. Players are eligible for ODP, and State Cup at U12.
- 11 v 11: U13 and above. Players should play and practice to earn playing time. Players should ideally have one position (but they could have more) and they should understand their role in 11v11 games.
- Our goal is to have qualified coaches with all travel teams. Head coaches should obtain a USSF D license or higher. Assistant coaches should obtain USSF E or higher.
- We will conduct monthly coaching seminars for age related groups. We will conduct discussions after the seminar to ensure the program is as effective. A lot of our Coaches are volunteers and we are trying to provide them the best opportunity to succeed.
- The club has expressed to all coaches it is not acceptable for any player, coach or parent to argue with officials.
- From a kid’s safe and risk management point, coaches should not work by himself or herself. If you do not have an assistant coach then asks your manager or a parent to attend practice.
- If U9 through U16 coaches have any issues with players, talk to the player after practice. Assure that the team manager/asst coach and the parent is present at the discussion. Try not to discuss issues with parents on game days. Also email and cell phone are not recommended for problem solving. Please try for a face-to-face meeting.
- Coaches are to ensure that parents collect their children before they leave the practice or game field.
• If coaches decide to leave the club, please let us know. We want as much notice as possible at least one season is appreciated. This may be difficult to give that much notice, but do your best. Remember it’s the clubs decision if a team is going to fold not the coach or team manager.
• Players should wear cleats and shinguards when practicing and playing games.
We discourage coaches from playing in with the kids, however, if you must please ensure the following:
- Your technical skills are good enough to demonstrate
- Do not shoot on goal
- Do not challenge for the ball
Remember it’s easier to coach from the outside looking in!
Recommendations:
- Play two tournaments a season, one at the start and one at the end of the season. We plan to eventually recommend tournaments that are best for your players.
- Players need a break whether it is in the summer or the winter. Structured playing of soccer can have an adverse effect, players can lose their desire, and too much stress can be put on lower limbs at a younger age, especially on the hard grounds. I know that soccer is a great game however players, coaches and parents need a break sometimes.
- Coaches and parents are encouraged to look beyond wins or losses and not just think about your team or son/daughter. To move forward as a club we need to look at the whole picture and work as a collective group.
Concerns:
The Travel Division has two major areas of concern:
- Player injuries
- Player burn out
To help ease the problems of these concerns we recommend a 30 to 40 day break in the summer and the winter.
Thanks for your hard work and support,
Rick Thoroughgood
Travel Division Director
Tom Armstrong
Travel Technical Director
