Fall 2019
Dear Student-Athletes and Parents,
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Spencerport Central School District Boys Soccer Program. It is my belief that you will find this a very educational and rewarding experience. You will learn lessons and make friendships that will last a lifetime.
Spencerport has a long and illustrious history in Boys Soccer. It is our objective to respect and honor the traditions of yesterday as well as create new and enduring successes from today.
This objective can only be met through hard work and dedication from everyone involved in the program. This will also require personal sacrifice and self-discipline. I have set up guidelines, which will be followed by everyone involved in the program. This handbook contains those guidelines, along with the consequences for not following the guidelines.
Discipline will be the foundation from which we will build our program. Without discipline our student - athletes will not realize their full potential on or off the playing field. Academics will be high on our list of priorities. Our student athletes will realize without academic success, they will not be properly prepared in today's competitive society.
We will also teach the participants, as well as the spectators, the value of good sportsmanship and respect. Our student athletes will address their coach as, Mr., or coach at all times. They will also show the proper respect to teammates, officials, ballboys, fellow competitors, spectators, teachers, administrators, bus drivers and custodians, at all times.
I look forward to working with students as well as parents in the years to come. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact your son's coach or me. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jody Wyant
Jody Wyant
Boys Varsity Soccer Coach
Office: 349-5273
[email protected]
Program Assistant- Pending
Varsity Assistant- Chris Somers
J.V - Head Coach Tony Guzzetta, Assistant- Mike Marcone
Mod A- Mike Petitti
Mod B1- Brett Shufelt
Mod B 2- Dan Brust
Program Guidelines
Priorities of Program
While we want dedicated student - athletes in the Spencerport Soccer program, we also realize there are more important things in their lives than soccer. During our season there are only three things that take priority over soccer. These are family, education and religion, not in any particular order.
After these, soccer will be the next highest priority. This means soccer comes before things such as working and girlfriends. If we are to have a successful program we need to be focused and free of any distractions which are not on our list of priorities. If you feel your priorities are different, then our program most likely is not for you.
Eligibility
A prospective student - athlete must register on www.familyid.com.
Each student - athlete must have a physical examination before they will be allowed to participate in any practice or contest.
Academic Eligibility
Academics will be stressed each and every day throughout the season. Academics are the reason we attend school, not athletics. The Spencerport Central School District has set minimum academic standards, which must be met in order to participate. It will be each individual student’s responsibility to meet these standards. A copy of these standards is located in this program handbook. As a coach it is very difficult to justify taking a chance on a student who is considered to be an academic risk. If you can not be counted on in the classroom, then you can not be counted on, on the field. We will assist you in any way possible to help you succeed academically. Each student - athlete will also be required to hand in an academic progress report at the end of each week signed by each of their teachers, indicating the student - athlete’s academic standing in each class. This way, if there is a problem we can make sure the student gets the necessary academic help. If any student athlete fails to hand this in they will not be allowed to play or practice, until this report is handed into their coach.
Training Rules
In order to live safe and healthy lives, it is very important to practice a chemical free lifestyle. If you want to be a member of this program you will not use or abuse chemicals. This includes tobacco, alcohol and any other controlled or illegal substance. This applies to both the off season, as well as during the season. The Spencerport Central School District has adopted a set of training rules which will be signed by each student - athlete, as well as their parent or guardian. Each student - athlete must hand in a signed copy of these rules before they will be allowed to compete. A copy of these rules is included in this handbook. Your participation in this program demands personal sacrifice and a dedication, breaking these training rules will show a total lack of commitment on your part.
Sportsmanship
We believe that sportsmanship is an integral and very important part of athletic participation. Our program will pride itself on sportsmanship in victory as well as in defeat. All Spencerport soccer players are expected to display the highest degree of sportsmanship at all times. There will be no arguing with teammates, officials, opponents or coaches during the game. A violation will result in removal from the game for a period of time to be determined by the coach.
Discipline
In order for our student athletes to be successful in athletics, academics and other endeavors they choose, there must be very firm, yet fair rules which are consistent and apply to everyone. The following are guidelines, along with consequences, which we feel are very important to the success of our program.
• Any player who is late to practice, without a legitimate excuse, will have reduced playing time, to be determined by the coach.
• Any player who is late for a game will have a reduction in playing time.
• Any player who misses practice, unexcused, will not play in the next game and the parents will be notified.A second violation and that player will miss the next two games, and have a conference with the coach and that player’s parent or guardian. A third violation and that player will have dismissed himself from the team.
• Any player who does not participate in physical education class will not practice or play in the game that day.
• Players will wear appropriate attire to practice, which includes, soccer shorts or sweat pants, cleats, t - shirt or sweatshirt, shin guards and socks. Any player not properly dressed will not practice. This will count as an unexcused miss of a practice session.
Any inappropriate behavior will result in the "three strike" procedure. This applies to social media as well. All players are expected to follow district social media expectations.
First incident: warning
Second incident: reduction of playing time and parent notification.
Third incident: Student athlete will have dismissed himself from the team.
* Coaching staff reserves the right to bypass a level depending on the severity of the violation.
Care of Facilities and Equipment
Here at Spencerport we have some of the finest facilities and equipment in the country. We all take great pride in these and must each do their part to help care for them. The following guidelines will help to maintain the level of excellence we are accustomed to.
• Be very careful when moving portable goals. Do not drop them.
• Make sure the portable goals are locked at the end of practice each afternoon.
• Never hang from the crossbar of any goal or climb on the nets.
• Always clean your cleats off before entering the lockeroom. Do not bang them off on the school building itself.
• Never wear your cleats in the school.
• Keep your locker room clean, and free of papers or other garbage which may accumulate on the floor. It 's our job not someone else's
• You are not to wear your uniform or warm - ups unless it is for a team function, and do not under any circumstances lend out any part of your uniform.
Practice & Game expectations
As stated previously each player is to attend each practice and game. You will be on the field and ready to start practice each day at the designated time. This means on the field with your cleats tied, otherwise you will be considered late! Each player will be ready to work hard and concentrate each practice. For you to be a good player, and us to be a successful team, you must push your teammates each day in practice. If you can make practice difficult for your teammates, we will be very well prepared for games. Practice does not make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.
Each player will be in the locker room on game days at the designated time. For home games you will be in the locker room one hour before game time. Players on the bench during games will offer positive encouragement only. On days of home games, we will wear our home jerseys to school. If you do not follow this dress code you will not play! We will meet before and after each game as a team.
Absences due to a school sponsored activity will be subject to a reintegration process at the discretion of the coach dependent on the length of the absence .
Transportation
The school will provide transportation to and from each game. All students will ride the bus to games and will be expected to ride back with the team after games. I know this may cause minor inconvenience for some people, but it is important for the team to be together after games. A player may ride home with his parent or guardian only in very special circumstances. If this is to occur, the student will need pre approval from the coach, including a written note from a parent or guardian, 24 hours in advance. A student, may not under any circumstances, ride home with anyone except his own parent or guardian.
Team Selection Process
Each potential student - athlete will be given a three-day try out period. After three days the coach will begin to reduce the squad. Reductions will be made after careful evaluation of the following:
• Academics
• Attitude
• Technical ability
• Tactical knowledge
• Ability to accept role
• Level of fitness / conditioning
• Work ethic
• Ability to get along with teammates / coaches
We will take players who are willing to make the sacrifices that are necessary to part of the program. You will not make the team on talent alone, no matter how gifted you are!
If you plan to use the pre - season as a time to get yourself in shape, you will be behind and hurt your chances to make the final roster.
Playing time
Nobody will be guaranteed playing time! This means you may be a member of the team and not play in games. This includes senior night. You must earn your playing time, regardless of what you have achieved in the past. Playing time will be based on many factors, including:
• Academic progress
• Ability to follow all team rules
• Attitude
• Practice habits / Effort
• Technical ability
• Unselfishness / team play
• Tactical understanding
• Game habits
If players have questions about their playing time they are encouraged to approach the coach. The coach will talk to the player in private. Players and parents will not ask questions about playing time during, or immediately following a game. If you need to speak to the coach call him at school the following day. Your cooperation on this matter is appreciated.
Please refer to the communication guide in the enclosed brochure.
Team Functions
During the season the Varsity Team may have team parties on either Friday or Saturday nights. We may ask families to donate their house for the purpose of these parties. These parties will be drug, alcohol and tobacco free. Parents and girlfriends will be invited, with the permission of the hosts.
Off - Season / Other School Sports
Team members are very strongly encouraged to participate in at least one other sport sponsored by the School District. This will not only help you athletically, but will reinforce the structure and discipline we need year round. We firmly believe soccer players are some of the best athletes in the school, and your participation in another sport will only enhance our schools athletic program.
I believe playing a second sport will not take away from your development as a soccer player, but in fact enhance that development. Too many athletes talk about off season, year round training, and do nothing about it except talk. Being involved in another sport will make you a better athlete, thus making you a better soccer player. It will also develop a positive, winning attitude around school.
Players are still expected to play summer soccer, and train indoors when possible. We also expect each athlete to weight train. The coach will set up a weight training program for each individual. We must follow this training schedule in order for results to be noticeable.
Injuries
Any injury, no matter how slight, will be reported to your coach immediately. If you are injured, you are not doing your team, or yourself, any good by staying in the game. We are fortunate to have a trainer here at Spencerport. The trainer will help you with the care, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries. We must use this very valuable resource whenever possible. The coach or trainer will not take the place of a medical doctor. If you, or your parent or guardian feel your injury needs further attention, you must see a doctor. You will come back only with written notice from your doctor.
You may contact the athletic trainer at: [email protected]
Banquet
Each player (Varsity, JV, Mod A)will be expected to attend the team banquet at the conclusion of the season. This will be a night of celebration and a look into the past, as well as the future, and should not be missed by anyone.
The Varsity coach requests parent volunteers to help with the organization and planning of the banquet. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact the coach. Your efforts will be greatly appreciated!
All team members are also strongly encouraged to attend the end of the year athletic banquet. This also promises to be an exciting evening.
These are first class affairs and students should wear pants, shirt and tie. The Modified B1 and B2 teams will have a pizza party sponsored by the Spencerport sports Boosters.
Goal setting
At the beginning of each season, each player will sit down and make a list of goals they wish to accomplish that season. These goals will include team, as well as individual goals. The team, with input from the coach, will then, develops a list of team goals. We need to set our goals high and work together to achieve those goals. Team goals will always take priority over individual goals.
P.R.I.D.E.
All athletes are very strongly encouraged to join P. R. I. D. E. This is a group if students - athletes who pledge to chemically free, during the entire sports season. See your coach for further information. There is also information about P. R. I. D. E., located in this handbook.
Schedules
There is a game schedule located in this handbook for your convenience. The coach will hand out a monthly calendar, listing all team events, at the beginning of each month.
Colleges / Recruiting
The coach encourages all seniors who wish to continue their academic and athletic careers in college, to notify the coach before the season begins. The coach will then sit down with each individual student - athlete and develop a list of colleges which are of interest . The coach will send a letter, and schedule to the head coach of each institution. This way the college coaches will have the opportunity to schedule recruiting visits. Many college coaches will not recruit players who they have not seen play in person. This will give or athletes the best opportunity to go where they wish, provided they have the academic record needed for admission to the college of their choice. The coach will also sit down with any student, along with their parent or guardian, at the end of the season to help in any way possible. You must ask for help, or we will not know you need it.
Who Plays on What Team
In order for or program to be successful we believe that athletes should play with and against, athletes of their own age and grade. The following is a general breakdown of who will play on each respective team in the program:
• Modified B1 and B2 teams: 7th and 8th graders
• Modified A team: 9th graders
• Junior Varsity team: 10th graders
• Varsity team: 11th and 12th graders
If there are special circumstances, where the program will benefit from a student - athlete playing on a team different than stated above, the Varsity coach would contact that student and invite them to the tryout. Student - athletes must be invited to tryout for a team, if that tryout differs from the above listing of teams and grades!
Ballboys
Section V rules dictate that the home team must provide ballboys. We feel that ballboys play a very important role in home contests. We will ask the Modified teams to act as ballboys for home games. We will require a minimum of four per game. The Varsity coach will pass out a sign up sheet for the modified players to sign up for a minimum of one home game. Each ballboy is expected to at the Stadium at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the game.
Your cooperation on this matter is greatly appreciated.
* All parents and other spectators are encouraged to wear navy blue and gold to all games. Let’s show our school spirit!