Chapter 5 -- Coaches
5.1 Assignment of Coaches
The RVSC Board shall approve all RVSC team Head and rostered Assistant Coaches. New forming teams must identify their prospective head and assistant coaches and present their credentials to the Board for con-sideration. Coaching changes from season to season must also be approved by the Board in advance of the coaching change.
In July of each year, the RVSC Board will review coach assignments for all sanctioned RVSC teams and validate such assignments for another one-year period beginning August 1.
5.2 Licensing Requirements
RVSC Head Coaches are required to obtain at least a USSF “E” license (or equivalent) for coaching. Coaches of existing RVSC teams have two (2) years from the date this Handbook is approved to obtain such license. Coaches of newly formed teams, and coaches approved to fill a coaching vacancy on an existing team, must obtain a USSF “E” license (or equivalent) within two (2) years of receiving RVSC Board approval for their coaching assignment.
It is recommended that coaches of teams in age groups U-13 and above obtain at least a USSF “D” license (or equivalent). Assistant Coaches are encouraged to work toward obtaining at least a USSF “E” coaching license (or equivalent).
5.3 Conduct
5.3.1 Safety
1. A coach’s first responsibility is the health and safety of all participants. In this regard, all practices shall begin and end with appropriate warm-up and stretching exercises.
2. Be prepared to handle first aid situations as well as medical emergencies at all practices and games, both home and away.
3. Have and know how to use a properly supplied first aid kit.
4. Know and understand the Laws of the Game.
5. Inspect player equipment and field conditions for safety reasons.
6. Utilize proper teaching and instructing of players regard-ing safe techniques and methods of play.
7. Implement an appropriate training program to make sure players are fit for practice and competition.
8. Supervise and control players so as to avoid injury situations.
5.3.2 Player Development
1. Develop the child’s appreciation of the game.
2. Keep winning and losing in proper perspective.
3. Be sensitive to each child’s developmental needs.
4. Educate the players to the technical, tactical, physical and psychological demands of the game for their level.
5. Implement rules and equipment modifications according to the age group.
6. Allow players to experience different positions.
7. Recognize that players need to have fun and receive positive feedback.
8. Conduct practices in the spirit of enjoyment and learning.
9. Provide the appropriate number of training sessions and games according to the player’s stage of development.
10. Strive to help players reach their full potential and be prepared to move to the next stage of development.
5.3.3 Ethics
1. Strive to maintain integrity within our sport.
2. Know and follow all rules and policies set forth by the RVSC, WCSA, WVSA and USSF.
3. Work in the spirit of cooperation with officials, administrators, coaches and spectators to provide the participants with the maximum opportunity to develop.
4. Be a positive role model.
5. Set the standard for sportsmanship with opponents, referees, administrators and spectators.
6. Keep sport in proper perspective with education.
7. Encourage moral and social responsibility.
8. Continue your own education in the sport.
5.4 Removal of Coaches
If a Head Coach, or a rostered Assistant Coach, conducts himself or herself in a manner that violates the RVSC By-laws or the RVSC Handbook of Club Policies and Guidelines, whether intentionally or unintentionally, or otherwise brings embarrassment or discredit to the RVSC, the Board may impose any or all, but not limited to, the following sanctions:
1. Suspension from the team
2. Removal from a team roster
The events leading to the imposition of sanction(s) shall be determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the RVSC Board.
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