Codes of Conduct | Colonial Soccer Club

Number of Teams — Historically, the Club has been able to support one boys’ team and one girls’ team at each age level U-9 and up in the fall season.
Additional teams can and will be supported as determined by the interest level shown from year to year.
Any teams formed subsequent to the (A) team; (B), (C), (D) etc. will be classified as developmental teams.
Alternatively, the Director of Travel has the discretion to form two or more teams composed of mixed levels of talent, subject to approval from the Club President and Director of Coaching.
The method for team formation will be reviewed and determined on an annual basis in conjunction with spring tryouts.

It is Club policy to not allow players to play above their age group.
As of May 18, 2010 the Club does not allow players from U12 and down to play up.
Any “play up” player on a roster as of May 18, 2010 is grandfathered in to try out for that team the following year(s); however, they must meet the requirements of “B” (below).
In the event that no “age pure” team is available for a player, that player may try out to play up until an “age pure” team is available.
The intent of the resolution quoted above as discussed by the Board members was that this amendment will be applicable to players that would be otherwise eligible to play on U9 through U12 teams.
Should a player desire to play up, exceptions will be granted only if that player is dominant in his/her age group and would be capable of being a regular starter for the older team.
Players cannot play up on “developmental” teams.
The Director of Travel and Director of Coaching must approve any exceptions to the policies enumerated in Clauses A, B or C above.
If a player should try out for two teams, “age pure” and “play up”, the coach of the “play up” team has first selection.
For the avoidance of doubt, Clause D, above, does not apply in this situation. A member’s only appeal to a decision of the coach of the “play up” team is under the normally applicable appeals process under the by-laws of the Club.

Suggested Positions/Roles:

Club policy requires that all players on a roster be given adequate playing time.
U8-U10 players must be given equal playing time.
U11 & U12 must be given at least 50% playing time.
U13 and older is at the discretion of the coaching staff.
It is the coach’s responsibility to properly set expectations regarding playing time at tryouts.

Donations may be made directly to a team’s general fund, but the use of the Club tax ID is not permitted.
Any fundraiser is generally acceptable but the safety and welfare of our children should be kept first in mind.
Teams are asked to inform the Board of Directors of any fundraisers to minimize conflicts with activities, dates, Club activities, etc.
It is recommended that each team open a checking account with 2 required signatures to manage and maintain the team’s finances. The Club will not provide its tax ID number for individual team use. An accounting of the use of team funds should be shared with all parents at seasons end.

The Club provides uniforms for players on the active roster who are registered players with the Club for the even fall seasons (i.e. 2016, 2018, etc…).
Uniforms for the odd years will not change from the even years and players are allowed to use the prior’s year’s uniform.
If a player chooses to replace or repurchase any portion of the uniform kit, that player shall be responsible for the cost for the odd years (i.e. 2015, 2017, etc…).
The Club will pay for U9 uniforms for even and odd years.
If a coach chooses to bring in guest players for tournaments, etc. it is the team’s responsibility to order the necessary uniforms in advance and pay for same out of team funds.

The Club does not standardize or mandate any particular style or manufacturer. Individual teams are free to purchase jackets, warm-ups, etc. as their teams (and funding) decide appropriate.
Colors should be consistent with the Club colors of red and black with white or gray used as a neutral or outlining color.

Tournament participation is encouraged by the Club and is at the discretion of the coach and his/her team.
Tournaments are considered an excellent opportunity to expose teams and players to additional levels of competition and can provide additional positive publicity for the Club.
Coaches, beginning in the fall, should notify the Club of the tournaments they are participating in and the results. The purpose of this is to enable the travel program to publish information on team performance on the website. This can be shared with all travel players, coaches, parents, local high school coaches and ODP personnel.

Two new game balls per season in the appropriate size are provided.
Each coach will be given a set of corner flags and is responsible for setting up his/her field at the beginning of each home game.
Corner flags will be repaired or replaced as needed.
Club patches are available for tournaments through the Director of Equipment.

The Club provides referee fees to the individual coaches for one league in the fall season when the league schedules are published.
The Club may withhold referee fees when coaches/teams are in arrears for any funds or documentation due the Club such as, registration money, uniform costs, rosters, etc.
Referee fees for tournaments and other leagues are the responsibility of the team.

This is a standardized form issued by the Club that identifies insurance coverage for an individual player and provides authorization for a coach or team manager to seek emergency medical treatment for a player if required and a parent or guardian is not present.
The form is typically required for participation in any tournament. This form must be signed by at least one parent.

The majority of the Club’s travel teams participate in the Inter County Soccer League (ICSL).
Any team wishing to play in a different league will be responsible for all correspondence, attend all required meetings, complete all required paperwork, etc.
The coach must also communicate all necessary information back to the Club’s Director of Travel.
A team that joins additional leagues will be responsible for all financial considerations of that league including team registration, referee fees, etc.

Each year the league seeds the registered teams into divisions based on prior year records, tournament records, etc.
The Director of Travel is the contact for all communication regarding seeding with the leagues.
Each coach will make his/her preferences known in accordance with the timetable provided by the league.
Support for the requests in the form of standings, scores of games against common opponents in a requested division, tournament results, etc. should be included in the request.

Travel Policies & Procedures