The Prince William Parent Player Manual and Role of the Director of Player Development

Dear Parents and Players,

The Parent Player Manual is designed to guide players and parents through the Prince William club operation. The ‘club’ in this case pertains only to select teams. There is a necessity to produce this manual, as it is critical that each player and parent clearly understands the clubs philosophy.  With approximately 40 select teams it is absolutely essential that everyone knows their role in the club. Parents and players must know their role and the boundaries we have in place concerning parental involvement.

In my job as Director of Player Development, the most important task I face is to make sure every player in the club becomes a better player and enjoys the game. Enjoying the game will not only help players learn better, but it will enhance many other aspects of a healthy living environment, such as learning social skills and building character. There are many ways to impact the development of players, but the most important is to provide a coach that meets the credentials required to make an impact on the players. Finding a coach of this caliber is not easy. My standards are high. We have and currently identify a pool of young enthusiastic, capable and experienced coaches to work with our players each year. However, there is always room for improvement. All good coaches know this, or will understand very soon, because the game changes in numerous ways from season to season. Therefore, there is a need for continuous improvement from coaches. Prince William coaches are encouraged to learn new coaching methods by watching other Prince William and professional coaches. They are many resources available to help them including advanced courses and licensing that will further enhance their abilities. I am also continually on the lookout for quality coaches. When a new coach joins our staff, it is under the premise that they will coach for Prince William for many seasons to come.

Yours In Soccer,

Ken Krieger

PWSI TDOC

Parental Expectations

The most important part of this manual, and perhaps the reason behind taking the time to produce it, is this next section. It is vital that each parent have a clear indication of how the club views the role of the parent. Far be it from the club or Director of Coaching Development to ever tell a parent how to “be a parent.” However, we are asking that when a child is brought to Prince William Soccer Inc. that you trust us to make the child a better person as a direct result from PWSI coaching and the Prince William environment. We, as coaches and managers, are looking for your trust. We are the best-placed people to make decisions for your child in terms of playing soccer. This ‘unofficial rule’ is paramount in the operation of the club. If there is a lack of trust in this matter, then you should not be sending your child to play for PWSI. The boys and girls at training time and match play are ours, since we (the coaches) will be providing the information to best serve the player and team.

Within this framework there may be disagreement and confusion on behalf of players and parents. In these cases, players are asked to approach coaches in an attempt to resolve any issues. Although this may be hard for a player, we feel adopting this policy only serves to help individuals mature. The situation, of course, is different for the younger members of the club. In situations where the player is too young to deal with an issue and it is necessary for a parent to meet with a coach we ask that parents follow these guidelines. If a parent has questions for a coach, please:

• Call them or make an appointment to meet. Please remember that most coaches work for PWSI on a part-time basis, and therefore, spend most of their time on their individual careers. However they do realize that part of their job with PWSI is to communicate effectively with parents if situations arise, and they are prepared to do this.
• If you have something to say to the coach, please make sure your comments get to the coach. Do not voice your opinions on the sidelines. The club will not tolerate complaining and degrading on the sideline. Any parent who is persistent in these actions will be asked to leave the club.
• If you have a question regarding something that has happened during a game, please allow 24 hours after the game before you decide to approach the coach. This cooling off period will serve to ensure all sides are better able to look at the situation objectively.
• If, after meeting with a coach, an issue is not resolved, then the Director of Coaching should be involved in an attempt to assist to resolving the situation.

The club understands the underlying subjectivity of soccer, and therefore, differing opinions are sometimes expected. Players will be expected to follow the coaching expertise of the coach. The following are guidelines that parents are asked to follow and adhere to when watching their son or daughter in games or practice.

• Parents should not make degrading remarks to referees.
• Parents should not make any degrading remarks to players on a PWSI team or their opponent. Gracious cooperation with other clubs, guests and opponents is expected.
• Do not time the amount of time players are on the field. Rather, applaud good play, not just the play of your child. If you feel a player should have been more involved in the game, speak to the coach. After following the guidelines outlined earlier.
• Encourage players, especially older players, to approach the coach on their own to ask any questions that they may have.
• During practice times, keep your distance from the playing area, and do not interfere with the session. Parents should be a spectator from afar, leaving space to train and the coaches to get on with their job.
• Parents that like to coach from the sidelines are often coaches themselves. Naturally, they want to offer advice in ways to help the player or the team. However these parents must realize that, although they are coaches, they are not the coaches of the PWSI team. The PWSI coach may have different instructions or a system that only the players understand. So please, leave the coaching to the coaches.
• Parents need to remember playing time is vital for players’ development. Each coach pledges to use all of the players on his/her team in a way that gives players experience on the field and helps the team to successfully function.
• For a player to develop and the team to be successful, parents must understand that all practices and games are mandatory. Understandably, conflicts sometimes do arise; however, it is frustrating for coaches when a player is continuously absent. If absences are frequent, the PWSI coach has the right to remove that player from the roster.
• Any sort of verbal abuse made by a parent toward a coach, player or referee will not be tolerated under any circumstances. This type of action clearly shows a lack of responsibility from the parent, and a lack of respect for the club. If this instance occurs, the individuals will be asked to leave the club.

In closing this part of the manual, it must be said that PWSI considers itself very fortunate to be surrounded with talented players, and supportive parents in the organization. We are thankful for the many parents who have helped PWSI become the success it is. To date, the club has not experienced many circumstances that would lead to anyone being asked to leave. The club is continually praised in league and tournament play for the way in which parents conduct themselves. The club asks all of its parents to continue in their support, deal with issues in the correct manner, and feel comfortable that their son or daughter is receiving a valued experience in Prince William Soccer Inc.

Player Expectations

All coaches in Prince William Soccer Inc. are involved with the club quite simply because they have a passion for soccer, and we love to coach. Having an opportunity to coach the game and see it played properly is something that appeals to all coaches. All the coaches have played soccer to varying degrees. Most have played in college, some have won championships, some have All-American honors, and some have played professionally. All the coaches are required to have a coaching license either with the USSF or with the soccer federation from the country they originate or with the NSCAA coaching schools. Even though the coaches have all of this playing and coaching experience, each of us feels very fortunate that we have the opportunity to coach for Prince William Soccer Inc. We do not feel that we are above PWSI or too good for PWSI; we consider ourselves servants of the club. We are dedicated to making you a better player. There will be no other club in the country that cares about a player’s soccer development more than Prince William Soccer Inc. Here are some ideas in order to help you enjoy playing for PWSI and to get the most out of your experience.

• You should all remember and constantly remind yourself that you are fortunate to have parents that are prepared to do whatever it takes to let you play soccer. For instance, schedules at home have to be managed and changed, since often siblings require transportation to soccer and other events. There is much time and expense involved in getting you to games, practices and tournaments. So be sure to thank your parents often for giving you the opportunity to play.
• Practice is essential to your development. You must be prepared to work hard all of the time at each practice, and do your best to be on time. Take pride in your equipment; brush your boots off if they are covered in mud, rather than throwing them in your bag and leaving them until the next practice. Make sure your ball is adequately pumped up, and remember to have the correct practice gear, including jersey, shorts and socks for training.
• The coaches are there to help you. If you don’t understand something the coach does or says, don’t be afraid to ask the coach why he or she said or did that.
• Indoor practice time, when held, is perhaps the most important part of your development, simply because you are playing in a smaller environment with more touches and a consistent roll and bounce on the ball. Try to be at as many of these practices as possible. Use the time to work on your ball skills and control. Watch soccer on TV. There are many televised games from the U.S., South America, and Europe now. You should make the time to watch these games and see how the game is played at the highest level. Pick out a favorite player from the MLS and from abroad. Watch these players and try to emulate them.
• The most important item is that you should think about school and academics. No matter how talented, enthusiastic, dedicated, and passionate you are about soccer or any sport, your education must come first. Regardless of grade, you must all strive to do your very best at school. Success in the classroom is the stepping-stone to being successful in life. PWSI places huge emphasis on your education and players need to realize that an education ALWAYS comes before playing soccer for PWSI. Please make sure you apply yourself to your studies.
• Finally, remember that you represent yourself, your family and the club every time you play, practice or travel with Prince William Soccer. Behavior of our players throughout the history of PWSI has always been impeccable. This must continue for years to come. Whether you are playing for a U-09 team or a U-19 team, conduct yourself in a mature and responsible manner.

PWSI Player Code of Conduct

Players involved in any PWSI team play a vital role in creating the image of a Premier Soccer Organization such as Prince William Soccer Inc. Therefore, in order to create a positive image and set a good example, each player must adhere to the Prince William Athletic Code.

Please note the following:

• The use or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
• The use or possession of tobacco products is prohibited.
• The use or possession of illegal drugs (subject to penalty of law) is prohibited.
• In the interest of safety and fair competition, the misuse of any substance is prohibited as well as the use of any substance which is intended to alter performance.

Violators of any part of the Prince William Athletic Code will be asked to leave the club.

Uniforms and Equipment

Everything that the club offers is under the sponsorship of NIKE and Ewing Sports Center. The uniforms, both home and away are the responsibility of each player. This includes Goalkeeper jerseys. It is mandatory that each team in the club wear NIKE. If a jersey is lost during the season, it is the responsibility of the player to pay for the lost jersey and the cost of the number screening.

All coaches are requested and strongly urged to abide by our sponsorship agreement and dress accordingly and professionally.

“The team is much more important than the individual”. In other words, the teams in PWSI will dress and act professionally. All team players will dress alike with the proper equipment.

PRINCE WILLIAM SOCCER, INC.

Player/Parent Agreement Contract

The role of each parent is extremely important for all young athletes. At training, we ask that all parents respect that the players are training and to stay a good distance from the fields during all training sessions specified by the coach. A minimum 50-yard rule has been initiated beginning fall 2006.

If parents plan on attending games, we will be happy to have you at our games applauding good play. There is however, to be no coaching by parents from the sidelines during games or at training. Referees are not to be abused in any way. Please do not berate or shout at referees. We all make mistakes! Coaches are not to be approached by parents at training or games either before or afterwards concerning players. This time is for both the coach of the team and the players to be focused on the task at hand.

If you have a coaching concern please direct it to the coach after 24 hours has passed which the club considers appropriate. If it cannot be resolved at that level please contact Ken Krieger, Technical Director of Coaching, at either 703.868.9405 or kenxmen9@verizon.net, who in turn will talk with the coach about the perceived concern or problem. Likewise, if you have administrative questions please direct them to Mike Yeatts, General Manager, at either 703.586.7177 or myeatts@pwsi.org.

As parents, the coaching staff, administration and players need your support to make this a very positive endeavor.

I__________________ (player) and I__________________ (parent) have read the Prince William Player/Parent Manual. We understand all aspects of the P/P Manual and agree to abide by all facets of the P/P Manual. I_________________ (player) understand that only the highest expectations of myself as a person and player are acceptable. I also understand that any deviation from any aspect of the P/P Manual will be dealt with on case-by-case basis.

The Prince William Soccer Player/Parent Manual should be read by both the player and parent and then signed and dated by above on the above form. Once form is signed and dated please return your coach.  The coach is then responsible for providing the copies to the clubhouse to keep on record.