REDLANDS AYSO REGION 50
SPRING SELECT REGIONAL GUIDELINES
Introduction
Spring Select is a separate, competitive season from the Fall Primary Program and Spring Development League Program, for teams comprised of players selected by a region’s designated coach. Spring Select is an opportunity for a player to improve his/her skills in a competitive environment of Area 1N Spring Select League and large AYSO sanctioned tournaments. A limited number of teams are formed in divisions 10U-19U depending on coach availability, qualification and interest, as well as available volunteer support. Spring Select teams are typically formed in November/December preceding the Spring Select season, which normally runs from March through early June. In some cases, the region’s designated coach will hold an open try-out in order to identify potential players for his/her roster. Alternately, a coach may select players based on his/her personal criteria from a list of pre-nominated players.
The core philosophies of AYSO and the overall goal of maintaining a child-friendly environment are maintained during the Spring Select Season; however, Spring Select differs from the regular fall season program in the following ways:
• The number of players able to participate is limited by available coaches and support staff (i.e. Referees, Team Managers, Program Administrators, etc.)
• Spring Select is a program in which players are invited by coaches to participate on his/her team.
• Applicants are not guaranteed placement and may be disqualified for multiple reasons, including but not limited to skill level, attitude, and prior behavior(s).
• A greater commitment by the players and parents is required as play includes regular and sometimes extensive travel.
• The cost of participation in Spring Select is significantly higher as travel and lodging costs are often incurred in addition to custom uniforms, and various registration, referee and tournament entry fees. Player fees for Spring Select vary each season.
• Unlike Fall Primary season, a coach is able to drop a player that does not fulfill his/her commitment to the team. Missing too many practices or games, being disruptive or disrespectful, etc., can be grounds for removal from a team (no player shall be removed solely based upon his/her performance or lack thereof). Refunds are not given after the season has started and/or due to a player drop.
Parents should be cautioned that a player’s participation in another sport during the Spring Select season is highly discouraged and many coaches will not select a player if he/she is playing multiple sports at the same time. Additionally, parents should understand that Spring Select soccer is essentially All-Star level play and to be selected is a privilege, an honor; and not a right. Participants should recognize that they are making a commitment to a team and the commitment should not be entered into casually.
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I. Coach Selection
A. Prerequisites for applying to coach Spring Select are as follows:
• Head coaches and assistant coaches must (1) Have coached in the Fall Primary season in the division for which he/she is applying, CET, or AYSO United. (2) Be an AYSO registered volunteer; (3) Be Safe Haven Certified; and (4) Be a certified coach at level required for his/her division. Any applicant that has not met these requirements shall be disqualified prior to further discussion of candidate qualification and at the Regional Commissioner’s discretion.
B. Spring Select Coaches will be selected from a pool of candidates meeting the prerequisites by the Spring Select Committee, which shall consist of, at a minimum, the Regional Commissioner, Spring Select Coordinator, and Regional Coach Administrator. The RC may appoint another committee member if any of the 3 are missing. Coaches are selected based upon but not limited to the following criteria:
• Field Reputation and Disciplinary History;
• Participation as volunteer in other positions in Redlands AYSO Region 50;
• Whether the coach is a first or second year coach in his or her respective division;
• New versus returning Spring Select coach;
• Significant Contribution to AYSO and in particular Redlands AYSO Region 50 in other volunteer positions; • Additional AYSO Certification and/or training;
• Respective Division Coordinator endorsement;
• Participation as a Referee in Redlands AYSO Region 50;
• Adherence to Good Sportsmanship and Positive Coaching Philosophies in word and deed; • Whether the coach’s associated player is a first or second year player in his or her respective division.
C. A coach’s regular season record shall not be the focus of the Spring Select Committee.
D. Coaching selections made by the Spring Select Committee are final and are not open to lobbying, debate, and/or rebuttal. The Regional Commissioner shall reserve the ultimate right of approval or disqualification of a Spring Select coaching candidate.
E. When equally qualified persons have applied, the Spring Select Committee may choose to alternate appointments to allow players to be exposed to different coaches and coaching styles.
F. When no qualified candidate has applied or in cases where all candidates have been disqualified, the Spring Select Committee may at their discretion do the following: • Contact a candidate in the interest of fielding a team in the division; • Decide for no team participation in the affected division. Final determination will be made by the Regional Commissioner.
G. Approved Spring Select coaches shall be notified of selection in writing (including via email, but NOT via text message.) Likewise, all eliminated candidates shall be notified in writing (including via email, but NOT via text message) when disqualified.
SELECTION FOR PARTICIPATION IN SPRING SELECT IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT.
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II. Team Formation
A. Teams will be formed by Spring Select coaches from players who played in the current Fall season or are current members of the CET team, within his/her respective division in the following manner: • Coach selects players based upon his/her criteria and notes from try-outs (if held) a list of alternates is included in case there are declines of invitation;
• Coach forwards list of players to the Spring Select Committee for review and approval or questions; • If there are questions by the Spring Select Committee on the make-up of the roster, the coach will respond to the Committee as appropriate. If there are no questions the Regional Commissioner will give the last review and issue final approval;
• The Regional Commissioner either approves the roster or sends back to the Spring Select Coordinator for adjustments;
• When all adjustments are made and final approval is given, the coach may notify his/her players in writing (including via email, but NOT via text message);
• If there are declines of invitations, the coach shall notify the Spring Select Coordinator of the decline and shall proceed to contact an approved alternate in the appropriate manner upon approval. • Coaches who communicate roster selections prior to completing the above process shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including removal as coach.
B. Only one Spring Select team per boy/girl division will be formed each year.
C. No player shall be issued an invitation to play prior to completion of their team’s fall season (including the team’s Winter Tournament play). Coaching candidates that prematurely recruit or contact players and their families prior to try-outs and/or the official selection process shall be considered tampering with or distracting players on opposing teams moving into or participating in Winter Tournament. Such activities shall be subject to disciplinary action by the Spring Select committee up to and including disqualification as a coaching candidate.
D. Team approval will be subject not only to players, but also to the quantity and quality of team volunteers, including the following Positions: a. Head coach (refer to section I. above.) b. Assistant coach and certification. c. Team manager and certifications. d. Team treasurer and certification. e. Team referees. A minimum of 3 certified, qualified and approved referees.
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III. Player Eligibility
A. All players must have played at least fifty percent (50%) of all regularly scheduled current Fall season games (players must play in at least 2 quarters of each game), excluding those games missed for injury or illness. Any exception to this rule may be approved exclusively by the Regional Commissioner. B. A player from a neighboring AYSO regions may be eligible after (1) All eligible players in the region have been contacted and participation declined, and; (2) An exception is made in writing by the Spring Select Coordinator to allow player to play, and; (3) Full release in writing is given by the player home region’s Regional Commissioner, and; (4) Full release in writing is given by Redlands AYSO’s Regional Commissioner, and; (5) Full Release in writing is given by the Area 1/N Spring Select Coordinator, and;(6) Full release in writing is given by the Area 1/N Area Director.
C. Cultural Exchange Team (CET) players and teams are eligible to play in Spring Select and represent Region 50 in the appropriate division. If the team is under the max roster size, players from Fall Core may be selected to the team.
D. All players wishing to participate in Spring Select are required to have a parent or guardian attend the MANDATORY Spring Select parents’ informational meeting and orientation. Such requirement might be waived solely by the Regional Commissioner and once it has been deemed satisfactory that the player’s
parent or guardian has properly read and understood the Spring Select Regional Guidelines and league commitments.
E. The Regional Commissioner of Redlands AYSO Region 50 retains the right to review all team rosters and disqualify any participant from Spring Select participation due to recurring behavioral problems or major negative incidents associated with the player and/or his/her family. It should be noted that the following shall be considered behavioral problems and major negative incidents:
• Historic undermining of head coaches by parents, guardians and/or associated family members; • Continual criticism and/or berating of volunteer referees;
• Sideline or match-day coaching;
• Ejections by referees or Regional Staff;
• Violations of Kids Zone Policies and AYSO Parents’ Pledge, including non-adherence to the NO PETS guideline at AYSO activities.
• Previous suspensions or warnings issued by the region.
Invitations to players shall be issued in writing (including via email, but NOT via text message) and presented to the potential player’s parent or guardian. The name(s) of any player(s) declining an invitation will be presented to the Spring Select Coordinator before their roster can be finalized. The Spring Select Coordinator will note all players declining invitation and shall inform all interested parties (coaches, Spring Select Committee, etc.; NOT curious parents) of a player’s ineligibility.
SELECTION FOR PARTICIPATION IN SPRING SELECT IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT.
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IV. Finances
A. The Spring Select league fee varies each year, and shall be charged for every player to cover the costs of the program, including uniform (see section XIII below.) Fees shall be collected by the team treasurer and remitted to the Redlands AYSO Region 50’s Treasurer no later than January 7th.
B. There are no refunds of any kind after January 31st. There is never any refund of sponsorship or fundraising proceeds.
C. Each team shall appoint a team treasurer to monitor team finances. The team treasurer must be a properly registered and approved volunteer.
D. Only the team treasurer will make team deposits to the Regional Treasurer who will then deposit those funds into the Redlands AYSO Spring Select Account. All team finances must be channeled through this account. NO exceptions.
E. Spring Select teams may charge a maximum additional amount of $160.00 per player fee over and above the required league fee (which does not include personal travel expenses for teams choosing to enter tournaments outside the local area.)
F. No players may be given a scholarship (fee waived by the team) without the advance consent of the Spring Select Coordinator and must be in full disclosure to the other team parents. G. No sponsorship or donation can go towards the player’s registration fee. However, these can go towards the individual expenses of a player for additional incurred team expenses (See IV.E), such as tournament fees, team gear, team parties, etc. Tracking and allocation of funds per player must be done by the team treasurer and shared among all team parents and subject to verification by the Regional Treasurer.
H. Deposits and check requests will be made by the team treasurer only and in accordance with the rules set out by the Regional Treasurer.
I. Checks will not be issued by the Regional Treasurer if sufficient funds are not available in the team account. No exceptions.
J. Each team will be advanced one tournament fee (not including referee deposit) to be paid back by March 31st. and at the discretion of the Regional Commissioner.
K. The Regional Treasurer will make accessible to each team treasurer and coach an overall accounting of the team’s account for reconciliation on at least a monthly basis.
L. A full accounting of all team finances must be presented to each family and to the select coordinator within two weeks following the final tournament of the season and must be presented to any parent requesting such information within forty-eight (48) hours of request during the season. All unused personal funds deposited will be refunded to the original depositor by check at the end of the season.
M. All unused funds deposited in the form of sponsor donation requiring a regional receipt will not be refunded to the team at the end of the season, or by July 31st.
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V. Sponsorships
A. No team shall solicit donation of funds and/or goods and services from a Fall Season sponsor. It is the responsibility of the Head Coach to get approval from the Spring Select Coordinator prior to contacting a sponsor.
B. No team shall solicit the donation funds and /or goods and services from an AYSO National Sponsor or a Redlands AYSO Region 50 regional sponsor, vendor or service provider. It is the responsibility of the Head Coach to get approval from the Spring Select Coordinator prior to contacting a sponsor or service provider.
C. No team shall solicit the donation of funds and/or goods and services from a sponsor that has donated to another team. It is the responsibility of the Head Coach to get approval from the Spring Select Coordinator prior to contacting a sponsor.
D. No single team shall create a conflict of interest by soliciting the donation of funds and/or goods and services from competing businesses. It is the responsibility of the Head Coach to get approval from the Spring Select Coordinator prior to contacting a sponsor.
E. The Spring Select coach and Team Manager are responsible to ensure that sponsors are appropriately recognized by the team.
VI. Fundraising
A. All fundraisers must be approved by the Spring Select Coordinator and the Regional Commissioner; and may not start until the roster and budget are approved.
B. All funds generated must be processed through the Redlands AYSO Region 50 Treasurer to comply with National AYSO guidelines.
C. No team may raise more than $4,000.00 no matter the source (i.e. family donation, sponsorship, and fundraising) without the express written consent of the Regional Commissioner.
D. All funds belong to Redlands AYSO Region 50 until disbursed to the Spring Select Team. E. If decided by the region to generate discount cards, each player will receive 14 cards, valued at $10 each, free of charge. These cards are for players to sell and aid with the cost of their registration fees. Additional cards per player or per team will be made available as a fundraiser tool at a cost of $2 per card. Additional cards’ fees are non-refundable.
VII. Scope of Play
A. Spring Select teams are required to play in the Area 1/N Spring Select league, but may also play in tournaments as long as the tournaments do not conflict with their Area 1/N Spring Select schedule, no exceptions. Area 1/ N may or may not allow requested off dates during league play. Game forfeiture during league play will result in sanctions being placed on the team, up to and including team disbandment.
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VIII. Tournament Play
A. Tentative tournament schedules must be turned into the Spring Select Coordinator by January 31st. It is strongly suggested that teams within the same division discuss their schedules to avoid conflicts associated with drawing on the limited pool of volunteers.
B. The Regional Commissioner or his designee is the only person who may sign rosters, ID cards, and forms requiring his/her signature. No blank rosters will be signed. Any forgery of signatures will result in sanctions being placed on the team, up to and including disbandment.
C. Only regional checks requested from the Regional Treasurer may be used to enter tournaments. No personal checks may be used.
D. Referee deposits must be returned to the Regional Treasurer for credit.
E. Lost or stolen checks will result in a $35.00 stop payment fee to be charged against that team’s account. IX. Coaches
A. Coaching will be conducted in accordance with the AYSO national philosophy and Positive, Instruction, Encouraging (PIE) coaching and conduct themselves and the team in accordance with all AYSO national and regional rules.
B. Coaches will have in their possession at all AYSO functions, “wet signature” signed copies of each player’s registration forms with picture ID’s, medical release forms, player ID, Coach ID, and official roster laminated.
C. Coaches will conduct themselves in a manner representative of the Cities of Redlands, Highland, and Redlands AYSO Region 50. Any Coach being ejected or receiving complaints from league or tournament officials for his/her sideline conduct, the inability to controls his/her teams sideline conduct, or failure to follow Redlands AYSO Region 50 conduct standards is subject to immediate removal from his/her coaching position and including up to team disbandment.
D. In the event of a coach’s removal from his/her position, the Spring Select Coordinator at his/her discretion and with the approval of the Regional Commissioner can assign a qualified coach or disband the team if a qualified replacement cannot be located.
E. All Spring Select coaches must abide by the guidelines set forth by Area 1/N and any additional guidelines set forth by Redlands AYSO Region 50.
F. Spring Select teams must have and maintain a properly certified head coach and assistant coach. The assistant coach will handle coaching duties if the head coach cannot be present.
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X. Spectators
A. Spectators will conduct themselves in accordance with the AYSO national philosophy and Positive, Instructional, and Encouraging (PIE) and conduct themselves in accordance with all AYSO National and Regional rules and guidelines.
B. Disruptive, violent or unruly behavior may result in a parent or spectator being banned from all future matches involving that team. Any parent or spectator that refuses to respect any such ban associated with his/her behavior and/or engages in violent, threatening and/or intimidating behavior towards players, parents, other spectators or AYSO Volunteers shall result in Law Enforcement being contacted for his/her removal. Any behavior that meets the above criteria shall be grounds for the removal from the program any player associated with the parent or spectator in question.
XI. Players
A. Players will conduct themselves in a manner representative of the Redlands, Highland, and Redlands AYSO Region 50.
B. Red cards will result in suspension of that player for at least the next scheduled, played game. If the player is sent off in the last match of a tournament, the suspension will be served at the next tournament or scheduled Spring Select match. Additional game(s) suspension may be added at the discretion of the Redlands Spring Select Coordinator, Regional Commissioner and/or Area 1/N Staff.
C. Excessive or continual yellow and red cards issued a player will not be tolerated. Players may be suspended or removed from the program for excessive and/or continual cautions (yellow cards) or sendoffs (red cards.) D. Any player being ejected for violent conduct is subject to suspension for the remainder of the season and is subject to permanent removal from the program where registration fees will not be refunded.
XII. Player Drops, Refunds and Recruitment
A. Any player who drops from the Spring Select Program prior to January 31st shall be entitled to a complete refund of any paid Spring Select League Fees.
B. Any player who drops from the Spring Select Program after January 31st shall not be entitled to any refund of any paid Spring Select League Fees.
C. Any player/family who participates in fundraising or sponsorship activities associated with his/her Spring Select team or Redlands Region 50, agrees that all funds collected through these activities belong to Redlands AYSO Region 50 and are not subject to refund.
D. The regional deadline to recruit players is April 15th and/or solely at the discretion of the Regional Commissioner.
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XIII. Uniforms
A. Included with the registration fee, each player will receive two (2) sets of full uniforms consisting of a jersey, shorts and socks.
B. Additional uniforms (full or partial) can be purchased from the region plus applicable incurred shipping costs.
XIV. REDLANDS AYSO Region 50 Spring Select Code of Conduct
A. It shall be the duty of each player, coach, team manager, referee, official, other volunteer, parent/guardians, relatives and visiting friends; and any other spectator to:
• Conduct himself/herself in a manner becoming a member of AYSO and consistent with the AYSO Six Philosophies and highest standards of conduct.
• Work together as a team in support of all participants involved in alignment with the Stewards of the Game program to promote a FUN, FAIR, and SAFE environment.
• Comply with and promote compliance with all AYSO Rules & Regulations and policies including those related to registration, facilities, certification and training.
• Encourage clean competition and good sportsmanship.
• Prohibit and abstain from use of profane or negative comments or actions involving officiating, opponents, staff, other spectators, or any volunteers.
• Present a healthy and safe athletic environment for all, including but not limited to consumption of alcohol, use of drugs, tobacco products or smoking or simulating smoking or use of such products during practices or matches or in the immediate vicinity of the soccer fields.
B. It shall also be the duty of each coach or team manager to:
• Present themselves as a trained coach, knowledgeable in AYSO Philosophies, IFAB/FIFA Laws of the Game, and training techniques and practices. Train and coach the team to the best of his/her ability.
• Remain within the coaches’ technical area (Article I.G.2.) during the match. A maximum of two coaches and one team manager is permitted for each team.
• Limit his/her sideline participation during matches to comments that are positive, instructional, and or encouraging (PIE) with limited supportive direction.
C. All players, coaches, team managers, referees, officials, other volunteers, parent/guardians, relatives and visiting friends; and any other spectator understand and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with all AYSO’s National and Regional Rules and Guidelines.
D. Redlands Region 50, at its sole discretion, can suspend – temporarily, for the entirety of the season or permanently - any player, coach, team manager, referee, official, other volunteer, parent/guardians, relatives and visiting friends; and any other spectator, that violates any rule or regulation set forth, including violations under AYSO’s National Policy Section 2.12 AYSO Code of Conduct Policy Against Harassment, Abuse or Violence, subsection Acts of Violence:
E. An intentional act of physical violence directed at or upon an individual, for purposes of this policy, includes an act intended to cause the individual targeted to be fearful of injury to himself or herself, to a member of his or her family or to said individual’s property or the property of said individual’s family members. Unintended consequences of the act are irrelevant.
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F. Acts of violence also include, but are not limited to, the following acts committed upon an individual: hitting, kicking, tripping, punching, choking, spitting on, grabbing or bodily running into an individual; head butting; the act of kicking or throwing any object at an individual that could inflict injury; damaging the individual’s clothing or personal property, e.g., car, equipment, etc. Acts of violence also include what is considered to be any type of criminal assault or battery by law enforcement authorities with jurisdiction over the location of the incident.
XV. Miscellaneous
A. Violation of any of these Spring Guidelines may result in sanctions being placed on the team, player, coach, team manager, referee, official, other volunteer, parent/guardians, relatives, visiting friends and any other spectator. These include but are not limited to permanent suspension or removal from the program.
B. The Region 50 Spring Select guidelines may be changed, amended, or suspended at the discretion of the Regional Commissioner at any time and without notice.
C. Registration fees are not refundable due to suspensions.
D. Guidelines are subject to change.
E. SPRING SELECT teams must officiate games for the Core program weekly. The number of points required will be determined by the Spring Select Coordinator. Teams must also referee Spring Select game assignments each week.
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