With the Fall 2015 In-Town season nearly upon us, the LYSA Board of Directors wanted to remind parents of the goal of our program as well as our expectations of parents.
Our In-Town Soccer program is designed for our young players to have fun, learn the sport and start to develop life skills including a lifelong love of the game. While the U8 program does have separate practices and refereed scrimmages, the U4, U5 and U6 programs are only about the young players gaining as many "touches" of the soccer ball as possible by means of a variety of fun games, one of which is the scrimmage. Coach's have been instructed to modify the format or length of the practice when necessary to ensure that our young players remain engaged or to take into account extreme weather conditions. The only way that LYSA can be successful with this endeavor is for everyone to cooperatively work together to provide support to our players, coaches and referees.
Some items to keep in mind:
-Coaches are volunteers. Any concern with the way the team/player is coached, that is not related to an immediate safety concern, should be addressed off the field in a respectful, courteous and non-threatening manner and under no circumstances during the game or when other players and parents are present. Remember that parents and coaches are important role models for our children who must not be exposed to undesirable behavior. We request that these concerns should be addressed directly through the LYSA In-Town Director ([email protected]).
-Good sportsmanship! This is not optional and must be encouraged!. It is not about winning or losing but having fun.
-Remember - our young referees are also learning too, and should be encouraged, supported and treated as you would want your own child to be treated - no berating or verbal assault of the referees. Any concerns must be addressed through the LYSA In-Town Director and under no circumstances directly with the Referee.
-Applaud and cheer for good plays by either team. Please leave the coaching to the coach's to avoid confusing the players. NO COACHING FROM THE SIDELINES!
LYSA is a zero tolerance organization. We expect parents, coaches, and players to be respectful of their team, opponents, referees and coaches at all times. Any parents, coaches or players failing to comply may result in their removal from the game, game suspensions or indefinite removal from the In-Town program. Safety always comes first and coaches and referees have been instructed to call for assistance from local law enforcement if needed.
Thank you,
Lunenburg Youth Soccer Board of Directors