Policies & Procedures

Fort Wayne Sport Club Youth Soccer Inc. 

 

 

Mission Statement

 

Fort Wayne Sport Club Youth Soccer is a community based, non-profit organization that provides opportunities for Youth of all ages and abilities to train, play and compete at the highest level available in a family-focused environment that is rich in tradition and welcoming to all.

  

COACHES, MANAGERS, AND TRAINERS CODE OF CONDUCT

 

Coaches, Managers, and Trainers shall treat officials, players, coaches, parents, and all visitors to Fort Wayne Sport Club with kindness and integrity, and are expected to be a direct reflection of the Fort Wayne Sport Club Mission Statement.

 

 

• Coaches, managers and trainers shall treat officials with respect and dignity, and shall teach their players to do the same.

• Coaches, managers, and trainers will model respect for opponents and expect the same from their players.  They shall model grace, dignity and composure in both victory and defeat.

• Coaches, managers, and trainers, shall model inclusive behavior, actively supporting cultural diversity while opposing all types of discrimination, racism and sexism.   They shall refrain from, nor condone all forms of personal abuse and harassment of others, whether verbal, physical, emotional or sexual.

• Coaches, managers, and trainers shall respect the declared affiliations of all players, and shall adhere to all guidelines and regulations on recruiting established by the governing bodies having oversight of their teams and leagues.

• Coaches, managers, and trainers shall seek to honor those who uphold the highest standards and principles of soccer and shall use appropriate protocol to oppose and eliminate all behavior that brings disrepute to the sport - violence, abuse, dishonesty, disrespect and violations of the Laws of the Game and rules governing competition.

   

  Violation of this Code of Conduct could result in disciplinary proceedings up to and including verbal or written warning from the FWSC Youth Board for a first offense, and vote of the FWSC Youth Board on suspension or termination of duty for a second offense.   

 
 
Players Code of Conduct

• Understand the laws of the game and play by them.
• Be punctual and prepared for all training sessions and games. (Equipment on, dressed appropriately, stretched).
• Cooperate and be respectful to all coaches, teammates, opponents, and match officials.
• Support your teammates, Club members, teams and coaches.
• Be gracious in victory and dignified in defeat.
• Do not talk to fans during matches.
• Do not argue with officials.
• Talk to opposing players should be limited to congratulations and offers of assistance.
• Do not use abusive or profane language.
• Fighting or physical violence will result in a mandatory suspension; fighting after a suspension may result in dismissal from the Club.
• Follow all Indiana Youth Soccer rules regarding player contact and inducement.
• The FWSC Youth Board will review the status of any player who is ejected from two games in a 12-month period or accumulates excessive cautions.
• No consumption of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs.
•  

Parents Code of Conduct

• Provide only positive support during games.
• Refrain from attempting to coach your child from the sidelines.
• Do not criticize your child’s teammates or coaches in the presence of your child or his/her teammates.
• Do not talk to players or coaches for either team during matches, except to offer support, congratulations or assistance.
• No abusive or profane language.
• Do not argue with officials.
• Be gracious in victory and dignified in defeat.
• Parents will not knowingly participate in or knowingly permit violation or circumvention of FWSC, IYSA, or USYSA rules.
• Do not argue with opposing fans.
• Follow all Indiana Youth Soccer rules regarding player contact and inducement.
• Do not criticize opponents in the presence of them or their fans.
• Fighting or physical violence will result in automatic suspension from FWSC premises and activities.  Repeat violations will result in expulsion from the Club.  Ejection of a parent during a match including stepparents or legal guardian for inappropriate behavior will include a written warning and review of the parents Code of Conduct.  A second incident of ejection will result in suspension from FWSC premises and activities.

 

 

FACILTY STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, AND CONTRACTORS CODE OF CONDUCT

 

Facility staff, volunteers, and contractors shall at all times maintain a Code of Conduct that shall reflect the Mission of the Fort Wayne Sport Club and support the same Code of Conduct that is expected to be followed by all Coaches and Players within the Fort Wayne Sport Club organization.

To assure the best possible environment to promote youth soccer, Fort Wayne Sport Club expects facility staff, contractors, and volunteers to conduct themselves in a manner that will promote the security and safety of all players, coaches, parents, and visitors to Fort Wayne Sport Club. 

Facility staff and volunteers will at all times treat players, coaches, officials, parents, and visitors to Fort Wayne Sport Club with kindness and integrity, and are expected to be a direct reflection of the Fort Wayne Sport Club Youth Soccer Mission Statement.

Violation of this Code of Conduct will result in a verbal or written warning from the FWSC Youth Board for a first offense, and a vote of the FWSC Youth Board on suspension or termination of duty for a second offense.

CONCUSSION POLICY

  

FORT WAYNE SPORT CLUB POLICY FOR COACHES REGARDING POSSIBLE CONSUSSIONS OF FWSC PLAYERS

(The following rules are provided by the Center for Disease Control, HEADS UP program)

https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/concussion_respondingto.html

 

If you are concerned that a player has possibly suffered a concussion, remove the young athlete from play immediately. As the Center for Disease Control puts it, “When it doubt, sit them out!” At the soonest opportunity after the injury, suggest to the family that they should review concussion information available on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/headsup. 

Keep a young athlete with a possible concussion out of play the same day of the injury and until cleared by a health care provider. Do not try to judge the severity of the injury yourself. Only a health care provider should assess a young athlete for a possible concussion. After you remove a young athlete with a possible concussion from practice or play, the decision about return to practice or play is a medical decision that should be made by a health care provider. As a coach, recording the following information can help a health care provider in assessing the young athlete after the injury:

·         Cause of the injury and force of the hit or blow to the head or body

·         Any loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out) and if so, for how long

·         Any memory loss right after the injury

·         Any seizures right after the injury

·         Number of previous concussions (if any)

Before allowing the player to return to play, ask for written instructions from the young athlete’s health care provider on return to play. These instructions should include information about when they can return to play and what steps you should take to help them safely return to play. Before returning to play an athlete should:

·         Be back to doing their regular school activities.

·         Not have any symptoms from the injury when doing normal activities.

·         Have the green-light from their health care provider to begin the return to play process (no exceptions).

*this policy is designed to follow the recommendations and guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control. More information for parents and coaches can be found at:  www.cdc.gov/HEADSUP

GOAL SAFETY POLICY

 

It is the intention of the Youth Board of FWSC Youth Soccer that goal safety be a

priority. Therefore, the following policy is adopted.

FWSC Youth Soccer requires the following prior to all training and games:

1) FWSC Coaches or other responsible persons will make a physical inspection of each goal

prior to the game/activity to assure that goals are securely anchored per the

attached guidelines.

2) The FWSC coaches for the last game of the day will make sure the goals are secured

according to the attached guidelines.

3) That all parents and guardians of FWSC Youth Soccer participants are told of the

dangers of unsecured goals.

4) FWSC Youth Board members will conduct random site surveys.

To reach this end, all coaches will receive a copy of this policy and will be instructed to

inspect goals used during their practices and games.

FWSC Coaches will remind their players, and discuss with the children’s parents or guardians,

the necessity of not playing on, climbing on, or moving the goals.

5)   Parents and guardians are responsible to keep their children away from all soccer goals when the children are not participating in FWSC Youth Soccer sponsored practices and games. This includes siblings and friends of soccer players.

 

Guidelines for checking goals

·         Each goal should have at least two stakes, anchors, or sand bags securing the goal to

the ground.

 

·         Nets shall be secured to posts, crossbars, and backdrops with zip ties or placed in the pole eyelets at intervals of no less than one every four feet.

·         If a goal is moved for any reason, the same above described safety guidelines still apply  before the goal can be used.

 

LIGHTNING POLICY

 

 

The following steps are recommended by Fort Wayne Sport Club to mitigate the lightning hazard for all games, training, or any youth soccer related event:

 

 

1)     The FWSC Representative on duty will monitor threatening weather and make the decision to remove a team or individuals from an athletics site or event.

2)     Referees may also postpone play due to threatening weather such as lightning or thunder that is within a 20 mile range.

3)      Parents and players will be required to go to their cars during a lightning delay

4)     When considering resumption of play, FWSC policy requires that everyone should wait a MINIMUM of 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning or sound of thunder before returning to the field or activity.

5)     Decisions on cancellation of play for the day will be made by the FWSC Representative on duty or the referee.  

6)     People who have been struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge. Therefore, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is safe for the responder. If possible, an injured person should be moved to a safer location before starting CPR. Lightning-strike victims who show signs of cardiac or respiratory arrest need emergency help quickly. Prompt, aggressive CPR has been highly effective for the survival of victims of lightning strikes.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

Fort Wayne Sport Club Youth Soccer will ensure that proper safeguards are taken to protect our environment.

All  individuals will have responsibilities and will take the necessary action to see this occurs.     FWSC Youth Soccer will ensure that land and vegetation, water and fisheries, air, wildlife and wildlife habitat will be protected within its area of influence.

FWSC Youth Soccer will promote a culture of protecting the environment.   Trash will not be left on playing fields or anywhere on FWSC  grounds .  Post game/practice procedures will include pick up of trash on and around player’s benches and anywhere it exists .   Trash receptacles are provided for this purpose.

All personnel representing FWSC Youth Soccer will also have a good understanding of environmental practices and what measures are needed to control them.   In addition, they shall use, store, and dispose of products in such a manner that will provide appropriate protection to the environment.  The facilities and equipment manager will develop and enforce good environmental standards in accordance with all relevant legislation.   All environmental incidents will be reported to ensure compliance to statutory obligations.

Policy on School Sports

 

  

Fort Wayne Sport Club Youth Soccer respects and encourages school sports and activities.   School sports add variety, enhances their overall enjoyment of sports, and can make them more balanced athletes, and are supported and encouraged.  School sports and activities are very important and take precedent over FWSC team activities.    A healthy balance in the player’s activity level should always be the prime consideration. 

Policy on opportunities for high level at other clubs

Fort Wayne Sport Club Youth Soccer coaches and directors will develop relationships with other clubs for the purpose of providing opportunities for FWSC to play at levels higher than available at FWSC.

Should a FWSC player show the ability and desire to play and be evaluated by a higher level club, FWSC coaches and directors will help facilitate this relationship.

Fort Wayne Sport Club team will remain the primary team should there be a conflict and commitment to the FWSC team should be honored.

Travel Player Registration  /  Release Policy

Fort Wayne Sport Club Youth Soccer travel players commit to playing for their travel  team for the entire seasonal year.    It is expected that each player will honor that commitment and stay with their team for that seasonal year.  A signature on the registration form by the parent / guardian and the player, and payment of non-refundable fees is evidence of that commitment.   Any request for a release from that commitment, based on extenuating circumstances, whether to transfer to another club’s team or to another FWSC team,  will come under special review .    A player wishing to transfer from one FWSC travel  team to another  FWSC travel team can only be allowed if all of the following approve:

-the coach of the current team and the coach of the desired team agree to the transfer

-the player and parents approve

-approval by the FWSC Youth Board with input from the Director of Coaching

-the player is in good financial standing with their original team as verified by the team manager

A player wishing to transfer from a FWSC team to a team from another club can only be allowed if:

-the FWSC coach agrees

- the FWSC Director of Coaching agrees

-a majority vote of the FWSC Youth Board approves it

-the player is in good financial standing with their FWSC team as verified by the team manager

-the FWSC Board will hold the player card and drop form until the transfer decision is made

Note:   the minimum non-refundable fee is equal to the standard registration fee as per the FWSC registration form.

FORT WAYNE SPORT CLUB YOUTH SOCCER INC.

Conflict of Interest Policy

 

Article I
Purpose

The purpose of the conflict-of-interest policy is to protect this tax-exempt Organization’s (Fort Wayne Sport Club Youth Soccer Inc.) interest when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an officer or director of the Fort Wayne Sport Club Youth Soccer Inc. or might result in a possible excess benefit transaction. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to nonprofit and charitable organizations.

 

Article II
Definitions

1. Interested Person

Any director, principal officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, who has a direct or indirect financial interest, as defined below, is an interested person.

 

2. Financial Interest

A person has a financial interest if the person has, directly or indirectly, through business, investment, or family:

a. An ownership or investment interest in any entity with which the Fort Wayne Sport Club Youth Soccer Inc., has a transaction or arrangement,

b. A compensation arrangement with the Fort Wayne Sport Club Youth Soccer Inc., or with any entity or individual with which the Organization has a transaction or arrangement, or

c. A potential ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity or individual with which the Fort Wayne Sport Club Youth Soccer Inc., is negotiating a transaction or arrangement. Compensation includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are not insubstantial.

A financial interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest. Under Article III, Section 2, a person who has a financial interest may have a conflict of interest only if the appropriate governing board or committee decides that a conflict of interest exists.

 

Article III

Procedures

1. Duty to Disclose

In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the directors and members of committees with governing board delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement.

2. Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists

After disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall leave the governing board or committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon. The remaining board or committee members shall decide if a conflict of interest exists.

3. Procedures for Addressing the Conflict of Interest

a. An interested person may make a presentation at the governing board or committee meeting, but after the presentation, he/she shall leave the meeting during the discussion of, and the vote on, the transaction or arrangement involving the possible conflict of interest.

b. The chairperson of the governing board or committee shall, if appropriate, appoint a disinterested person or committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement.

c. After exercising due diligence, the governing board or committee shall determine whether the Fort Wayne Sport Club Youth Soccer Inc., can obtain with reasonable efforts a more advantageous transaction or arrangement from a person or entity that would not give rise to a conflict of interest.

d. If a more advantageous transaction or arrangement is not reasonably possible under circumstances not producing a conflict of interest, the governing board or committee shall determine by a majority vote of the disinterested directors whether the transaction or arrangement is in the Fort Wayne Sport Club Youth Soccer Inc.’, best interest, for its own benefit, and whether it is fair and reasonable. In conformity with the above determination, it shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the transaction or arrangement.

 4. Violations of the Conflicts of Interest Policy

a. If the governing board or committee has reasonable cause to believe a member has failed to disclose actual or possible conflicts of interest, it shall inform the member of the basis for such belief and afford the member an opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose.

b. If, after hearing the member’s response and after making further investigation as warranted by the circumstances, the governing board or committee determines the member has failed to disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, it shall take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action.

 

Article IV

Records of Proceedings

The minutes of the governing board and all committees with board delegated powers shall contain:

a. The names of the persons who disclosed or otherwise were found to have a financial interest in connection with an actual or possible conflict of interest, the nature of the financial interest, any action taken to determine whether a conflict of interest was present, and the governing board or committee’s decision as to whether a conflict of interest in fact existed.

b. The names of the persons who were present for discussions and votes relating to the transaction or arrangement, the content of the discussion, including any alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement, and a record of any votes taken in connection with the proceedings.

 

Article V

Compensation

a. A voting member of the governing board shall not receive any salary or compensation for reason of their office. either directly or indirectly, from the Fort Wayne Sport Club Youth Soccer Inc. Board members may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred for the benefit of the corporation. No expense shall be reimbursed unless written request for reimbursement, accompanied by a receipt, is present.

b. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent an officer or director from receiving any compensation from the corporation for contracted services and acting as an agent or independent contractor for the corporation. The maximum annual compensation for such director shall not exceed the stated amount listed in the corporation’s By-Laws under Article III, Section 6 per fiscal year.

c. To prevent any conflict of interest, a director contracted to serve as an agent or independent contractor shall abstain from any policy development, policy discussion, or vote pertaining to the directors’ duties as said agent or independent contractor.

 

Article VI

Annual Statements

Each director, principal officer, and member of a committee with governing board delegated powers shall annually sign a statement which affirms such person:

a. Has received a copy of the conflicts of interest policy,

b. Has read and understands the policy,

c. Has agreed to comply with the policy, and

d. Understands the Fort Wayne Sport Club Youth Soccer Inc., is charitable and to maintain its federal tax exemption it must engage primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of its tax-exempt purposes.

 

Article VII

Periodic Reviews

To ensure the Fort Wayne Sport Club Youth Soccer Inc., operates in a manner consistent with charitable purposes and does not engage in activities that could jeopardize its tax-exempt status, periodic reviews shall be conducted.  

 

Article VIII

Use of Outside Experts

When conducting the periodic reviews as provided for in Article VII, the Fort Wayne Sport Club Youth Soccer Inc., may, but need not, use outside advisors. If outside experts are used, their use shall not relieve the governing board of its responsibility for ensuring periodic reviews are conducted.