Academy Training Program Player Guidelines

1. Please do your best to have all players arrive before the actual start of their session.  This will allow coaches to begin at the start time and not be forced to change activities based on numbers.  If you know you are going to be late or unable to attend, please inform the trainer beforehand so activities can be best planned for the number of players who will be attending.

2. All players are to bring AT LEAST 2 quarts of water to the field for each session.  Without an ample supply of water, the kids will become dehydrated and we will not be able to get the most from the training sessions.  Dehydration is a serious safety concern, especially during the hot months.

3. All players are to wear their training shirts, athletic shorts, shin guards UNDER the socks, and have their shirt tails tucked in at the beginning of training. 

4. Parents and players not participating in the training sessions are asked to stay on the sidelines nearest the parking lot.  We recognize that parents want to watch and support their children, but at this point in their development, parent’s voices are still the first ones the children hear.  Your nearby presence is a distraction towards their concentration on what the trainers are teaching.  Only trainers, players, and team officials are allowed on the field during training sessions.

5. In the event of inclement weather, check the ABYSA-Challenge web page on the afternoon of your training to see if sessions will be held.  If you are not able to connect to the internet, please call the weather hotline at 299-7277.  Updates will be made by 3:30.  Trainers reserve the right to cancel training at the park due to lightning.  In the event of dangerous weather, players will be asked to leave the field and wait IN an automobile.  Please do not wait in the parking lot, on the field, or under the metal shelters as these are still prone to lightning strikes.

6. All coaches will instruct players on the proper procedure for moving goals.  Sadly, kids are seriously hurt and even killed EVERY year from injuries caused by incorrectly moving or climbing on soccer goals.  Coaches observing children putting themselves and/or others in harm’s way by disrespecting equipment at the fields will be subject to discipline from the coach.  ABYSA will support actions taken by coaches that emphasize the importance of safely using and moving goals.

7. Upon being released from sessions, players in the earlier time slots are to depart the field around the outside, taking care not to disrupt other training sessions.  To that end, players awaiting the start of their sessions scheduled for the later slot should stay out of the training area until the coach calls them to order for the beginning of the training.  Please do not create a “pickup lane” as you wait for your child to complete the session.