Chapter 2-- Teams
2.1 Age Groups
Teams may be formed beginning at age group Under-8 as defined by the United States Soccer Federation. Board approval for newly formed teams shall not be granted more than six months prior to the initial registration of the team with the RVSC.
2.2 Age Policy
It is the desire of the RVSC to create and maintain teams comprised of players of a single birth year as defined by the United States Soccer Federation. Players are encouraged to play on teams at their own age group. When deciding whether a child should play on a team at an older age group, parents should consider all the ramifications and risks associated with that decision.
2.3 Tryouts
For newly formed teams, a tryout will be conducted not later than August 1 for fall teams, and not later than April 1 for spring teams, unless other-wise approved by the RVSC Board. For existing teams, an annual tryout will be held between spring and fall seasons. Additional tryouts may be conducted as required to fill roster vacancies.
Sufficient tryout sessions should be held to evaluate and differentiate among all players competing. Teams should enlist the assistance, advice and counsel of other coaches and the RVSC Director of Coaching when conducting tryouts. Prospective team members shall be notified of their status within 10 days following the final tryout session.
2.4 Rosters and Pass Cards
At the start of every season, Coaches must provide registration forms for each player to the RVSC Registrar. Registration forms, together with registration fees and any out-of-state player permits, must be provided for all players no later than the date established by the Registrar. A “late fee” or other assessment may be imposed at the discretion of the RVSC Board for past due registration forms or roster changes.
The Registrar will issue a roster for each team prior to the start of each season. Teams are responsible for obtaining rosters from the West Virginia Soccer Association that must be stamped for travel, Snickers Cup or State Cup play.
The Registrar will issue pass cards for players and coaches at the beginning of the fall season of every year. Only pass cards for new players or coaches added to a team’s roster will be issued for the spring season.
2.5 Practices
Team practices will be held at the discretion of the Head Coach. The length of practices should be adjusted for each age group, i.e., not more than about 1½ hours per practice for U-10 and younger teams, and not more than about 2 hour practices for older teams.
Teams may practice in inclement weather at the discretion of the Head Coach; however, in the event of severe weather (e.g. lightning or hail), practices should be terminated immediately and not resumed until the weather has cleared.
2.6 Games
RVSC teams usually play games as part of a sanctioned tournament. Other games, including scrimmages, may be arranged at the discretion of the team’s Head Coach.
RVSC teams at the appropriate age group are encouraged to participate in the West Virginia Travel League, which is organized by the WVSA for spring play.
When permitted, RVSC teams may also play as a team in an established recreational program or other soccer league.
Teams in age groups through U-10 are encouraged to play in at least two sanctioned tournaments or in an established recreational or select league each season. Active teams in age groups U-11 and above must play in at least two sanctioned tournaments each season or in a competitive league.
2.7 Travel Policy
RVSC encourages coaches of younger players (e.g., U-10 and below teams) to minimize the travel to out-of-state tournaments during the course of a season.
2.8 Playing Time
Playing time in tournaments, games, scrimmages or other activities is solely at the discretion of the Head Coach. While there is no established “minimum” playing time that a player must receive during games or tour-naments, coaches should remember that parents have a vested financial interest in any team and should consider this fact when determining playing time.
2.9 Uniforms
All RVSC teams shall wear a standard uniform prescribed by the Club. The Members shall determine the uniform style. The uniform shall consist of shirts, shorts and socks.
The standard colors for the RVSC are hunter green and white, with hunter green being the predominant color.
Teams may place the RVSC logo on uniform shirts. A player number may also be placed on the uniform shirt and shorts. The RVSC Board must approve sponsorship or other markings on the uniform.
Existing teams at the time this Handbook is adopted that have designed their own logo may continue to use that logo on uniforms.
Team jackets, warm-up suits, bags and related items are optional at the team’s expense. If purchased they should be of the standard RVSC colors whenever possible.
Each season, teams have the option of receiving a standard “recreational” T-shirt for each player as part of their paid registration fee. If a team chooses to not receive a T-shirt for each player, they may request reimbursement from the WCSA for that part of a player’s registration fee designated for purchase of a recreational T-shirt. Requests for such reimbursement should be made in writing to the WCSA Treasurer.
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