All Scorpions Soccer administration, coaches, players, and parents should familiarize themselves with the following club policies.  Please click on the links to learn more.

Financial

Fee Agreement – Maximum Fee (2.5 rule for families)
Yearly Fee Reduction or Waiver - Refunds

 Players

Dual Rostering – Attendance (the 75% rule) – Playing Time – Playing Up
High School

 Parents/Spectators

Sideline Behavior of Spectators – Approaching Coaches on Gameday

Coaches

Assistant Coach’s Role on Gameday

Tournaments

Tournament Fees – Traveling to Tournaments

 Safety

Lightning - Goal Safety

Fee Agreement

Once a player has signed with Scorpions they are responsible to pay the entire yearly fee.

Rationale - Scorpions has bills that must be paid.  Players that leave mid year without paying their fees leave the club in financial difficulty. We still have to pay the bills.  Since we budget by basically adding up all the expenses and then dividing by the average number of players on a team the club is left short. Rather than increase the fees for everyone we have adopted this policy. Both the player and the club commit to each other for the year.

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Maximum Fee (2.5 rule for families)

Scorpions will only ask for 2.5 player fees from a given family no matter how many players from that family belong to the club.

Rationale - Families with lots of active kids have lots of expenses.

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Yearly Fee Reduction or Waiver

The Scorpions Soccer Executive Board, upon written request, will consider whether to restructure, reduce or waive a players fee for the playing year.  The written request must include adequate information from which the Scorpions Soccer Executive Board may make an informed decision from.  Additional information may be requested if necessary.  No waivers will be considered for any reason other than financial.

Rationale - It would be cruel to not allow a player to play because their family could not afford to pay the player fee.

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Refund Policy

Scorpions Soccer player fees are non refundable unless special circumstances exist and the Scorpions Soccer Executive Board makes an exception.

Rationale - Scorpions Soccer's budget is basically a division of costs divided by the number of players with a small percentage included to cover unexpected expenses. For this reason we must collect all player fees in total. Refunds would cause us to lose money, driving the yearly fee for other players to be higher. We commit to the player for the year, the player must commit to the club for a year as well. All parents are required to sign an Scorpions Soccer fee agreement when registering for play with Scorpions Soccer. Once a player agrees to play for Scorpions Soccer the players family is obligated to pay the entire player fee even if the fee is split into two payments, one payment due later than the other.

In the case of most injuries, if a player moves or if the player simply doesn't want to continue to play no refunds can be made. In some cases, when circumstances have dictated, refunds have been made when the clubs Executive Board has made exceptions

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Dual Rostering policy

It will be against Scorpions Soccer policy for any Scorpions Soccer player to be a member of another club or to play regularly with another club while simultaneously a member of Scorpions Soccer.

Rationale

• Scheduling conflicts.
• 'Single voice' development compromised.
• Exposure to tampering.
• Blurred loyalties.
• Unavailability for Scorpions Soccer games and practices Negative affect on team morale.
• Exhaustion/Injuries.
• Burnout
• Possibility of both clubs playing each other

Youth soccer, town travel soccer, school soccer and ODP are specifically permitted. They are not 'clubs'.

Scorpions Soccer does not prohibit play with the above organizations. We do expect that Scorpions Soccer players will make Scorpions Soccer their first priority.

Permission will be given to attend ODP events except if they were to cause an Scorpions Soccer player to miss a game.

Violation of the section that prohibits a player from joining a second soccer club will be cause for release from Scorpions Soccer.

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Attendance (the 75% Rule)

Scorpions Soccer players are expected to attend a minimum of 75% of their teams training sessions.  If they fall below that level they will see a reduction in playing time until they reach the 75% level again.  Coaches are expected to keep attendance and enforce this policy for the good of the team and club.  

Rationale - Playing club soccer at Scorpions is a commitment.  The players and coaches are a team, relying on each other.  The players who regularly attend practice must be rewarded for that.

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Playing Time

Players on Scorpions Soccer 'Elite' teams and 'Premier' or 'Club' teams will have somewhat different policies apply to them.  Different age groups will also have somewhat different policies.

'Elite' team players playing time will depend more heavily on the importance and the difficulty of the particular game.  See the guidelines below.

Players on Scorpions Soccer 'Premier' and 'Club' teams can expect, in normal circumstances, to play at least 50% of each game in league play and should approach that in tournament play as well.

Rationale for Elite teams

Scorpions Soccer Elite teams seek to play opponents at the highest premier level.  Players, coaches, parents, administrators, college recruiters and alumni all want the Elite teams to be successful on the field. To achieve that goal teams must compete to win while also trying to develop all players and maintain a team . 

Factors that should be used to determine playing time are attendance, effort, attitude, skill and effectiveness.

Scorpions Soccer teams older than 14 will be playing the best teams of Region 1 and beyond.  The highest levels of youth soccer demand that a teams core players play large sections of the game.

Scorpions Soccer Elite team playing time guidelines:

1. Playing time during league season, averaged over the course of the season, will be no less than 45% for U14 and younger players.  Players U15 and older will be more subject to coaches decisions, but will play at least 25% of games in normal circumstances.

2. Playing time during second tier (local) tournaments will be no less than 50% if possible for all Elite teams.

3. Playing time during major tournaments such as State Cup, Jefferson Cup, PDA, or WAGS will be at the discretion of the coach, whose main objective in these tournaments is to win. 25% playing time will be the minimum goal for these games as well.

*** Scorpions Soccer has a parallel policy that requires that players attend 75% of a teams practices or be subject to 'significantly reduced' playing time.

Rationale for Premier or Club teams

Premier and Club teams are more developmental in nature but still competitive.  Players who are attending practice and giving effort should expect to play no less than 50% of any game.  Some Premier teams can be very competitive and can sometimes be competing at levels almost the same as an Elite team.  If so then the coach can tilt his playing time a bit toward that of the Elite team policy. If a team is determined by the Director of Coaching to be a highly competitive Premier team then a meeting will be scheduled by the Director of Coaching and the team coach prior to the season to discuss the amended playing time policy.

Scorpions Soccer Premier and Club team playing time guidelines:

1. Playing time during league season, averaged over the course of the season, will be no less than 50% for all players.

2. Playing time during second tier (local) tournaments will be no less than 50% if possible for all teams.

3. Playing time during major tournaments such as State Cup, Jefferson Cup, PDA, or WAGS will be at the discretion of the coach, whose main objective in these tournaments is to win. 25% playing time will be the minimum goal for these games as well.

*** SCSSC has a parallel policy that requires that players attend 75% of a teams practices or be subject to 'significantly reduced' playing time.

Notes....

The younger the team the more likely that the coach will need to keep in mind that the players need to play to develop.

Out of State travel - Players who are traveling out of New England for a tournament will play significant time in that tournament, minimum 33% of any tournament.  If the coach believes that this may not happen he/she should inform the players’ parents in advance. 

All Scorpions Soccer coaches are asked to use their best judgment and not forget that children’s feelings and self esteem are at stake.  An Elite team player who is likely to play less than his/her teammates will be far more likely to understand and accept that role if it is explained ahead of time and the player shown that they are indeed important to the team’s success.

Scorpions Soccer recommends that coaches take advantage of games which present appropriate times to 'even out' inequities which may be the result of games played under extreme competition.

All Scorpions Soccer players should be developed equally at training. All players should be given great opportunity to earn playing time by competing during training.

Players on Scorpions Soccer Elite teams may request to play on the team at the next level down if they are dissatisfied with their playing time.

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Playing Up

Players aged U11 and older must play in their age appropriate groups. Players may request a waiver from this policy based on either special or unusual circumstances or very superior playing ability (top 1-2%). The Scorpions Soccer Executive Board will decide such requests by majority vote.

Rationale - Widespread instances of players 'playing up' would create instability in several fashions. Due to precocious physical maturity players frequently will be able to successfully 'play up' at U11 or 12 but will cease to be effective after 1-2 years. Those player will be 'forced' down.  That will cause the losing team to have to replace a player and the gaining team may not have been as successful as they otherwise would have been had they not 'lost' the players in the first place. The loss of those players may have made the age appropriate team less attractive to other players and that team may well have a less than attractive roster.

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Sideline Behavior of Spectators

Scorpions Soccer asks that all parents and other fans act appropriately.  Commenting negatively on teammates, loudly criticizing referees, engaging opposing parents in unfriendly discussion, addressing coaches or players from other teams is all inappropriate. Lastly there should be no coaching by parents from the sidelines. Encouraging, cheering and congratulating are of course appropriate and acceptable. 

Rationale - Parents represent our club every bit as much as coaches and players do.  Scorpions Soccer would like our players, coaches and parents to all be respected.

Without getting into a whole list of do's and don'ts we would just ask that you use your best judgement and remember during the contests that it is the players who matter. It is usually best to just cheer positively, and with dignity, for your team and children. Even though Scorpions Soccer has had remarkably few negative spectator incidents we would make it a point to ask that you not do these things:

1. Comment negatively about any player(s)
2. Abuse the referees
3. Coach the kids tactically or position them, it is very distracting for them.
4. Draw any type of negative attention to yourself or the club
5. Make the atmosphere uncomfortable for anyone else
6. Approach a coach with a complaint after a game. Wait at least a day.

We want to congratulate you for the many years of exemplary behavior you have given us so far. Thank you. 

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Approaching Coaches on Gameday

Never approach a coach in anger.  Use common sense and wait until the appropriate time where rational discussion is more possible and lashing out less likely.

Rationale - Rational dialogue is more useful than lashing out.  Immediately after a game or any other time when emotions are high are times that will tend to make less useful the discussion and heighten the possibility of an ugly incident (which Scorpions Soccer will not tolerate).

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Assistant Coach’s Role on Gameday

Some teams have assistant coaches. Assistant coaches generally help head coaches during training and prior to games. In some cases assistant coaches may stand in the place of a head coach who can’t be at the game.

During games it is important for only one coach to be making the tactical instructions to players on the field. Assistant coaches should refrain from participating in the tactical and individual coaching of players during games. Head coaches must have the full attention of the team during games and the possibility of conflicting or confusing information must be eliminated.

Assistant coaches should also avoid addressing the refereeing crews.

If assistant coaches have input they should relay that input through the coach. Assistant coaches are welcome to speak with players who are on the sidelines.

Each team will have their own dynamic between coach and assistant coach(es) concerning team warmups, GK preparation etc... but the head coach should be the only person making tactical instructions to on field players during games.

All coaches should dress appropriately during practice and games. If Scorpions Soccer gear is available it should be worn at games.

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Tournament Fees

The club will pay the application fee for a team applying to a tournament.

If the tournament is not included in the budget, the team must reimburse the club for the total amount in one check.

This check is due on the Tuesday, immediately following the tournament.  There will be a one week "grace" period for any players who may not have paid for the tournament during the weekend.

The total amount would then be due no later than the following Tuesday.  Any player who has not paid their portion by that date will not be allowed to practice and/or play in any league games.

The families of the players attending a tournament will pay the expenses of a coach who attends a tournament that requires travel and overnight stays. Those costs are limited to flights, hotel stays and rental cars, only when necessary (other costs such as mileage, gas, or team communication costs may be a required reimbursement if dictated by the Club's Executive Board).

If a coach has a child on the team they will pay an equal share of the cost(s). If they do not have a child on the team they do not pay a share. Only players attending the tournament share in the cost.

If a coach has two teams attending the same tournament they will split the costs.

Rationale - When teams are younger local tournaments are fine.  As teams get older and the level of competition at tournament requires the stronger teams in the club to travel many states away for a competitive tournament 2-4 times a year the costs can be cumbersome.

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Traveling to Tournaments

There is a right way and a wrong way to travel to tournaments. We would like our club to know how to 'travel well' and we would like to be recognized as a club that does travel well. Here are some of the things that it is important to do the 'right' way.

All your teams players should stay in the same hotel if its an away tournament. If possible all Scorpions teams should stay in the same hotel if more than one team attends. Communicate with the other teams attending about this in advance. Staying together makes it easier to communicate with people about changes. Tournaments are notorious for last minute and frustrating changes. Now that people have cell phones it is easier. Staying in the same place also increases the team building aspect of the experience, an important factor.

Get the rest that you need.  There is a temptation to stay up late because you are on 'vacation'. Remember that to play well your body needs sleep. You also cannot think, act or react as well when you are tired, all important aspects of how well you will play. Remember that your teammates have spent a lot of time, money and effort to get to the tournament and that they are counting on you.  Your playing time could well suffer if you aren't prepared to play, devaluing your tournament experience. Your team coach may give a curfew time. If your coach does that you are expected to honor it. If your coach doesn't choose to give a curfew time use your best judgment. Eight hours of sleep is best. If a player shows up unprepared to play the club will support a coach that does not use that player. Keep in mind that the players are being asked to play 3-5 games, sometimes more in a few days.

Get the nutrition that you need.  Players absolutely need to eat and hydrate properly. Their bodies use a lot of energy during tournaments considering all the travel and play. Eating fast food will be a negative, eating appropriate foods will be a positive. We would suggest that players start eating and drinking properly days in advance. This is something that the parents really need to make sure about.

Don't bring negative attention to yourself, your team or the club. Running around the hotel noisily is annoying to the other people in the hotel. Wearing a club game shirt or warm-up suit while doing so brings negative attention to your team and the entire club. Remember that people will see what you do. Act appropriately.

Arrive to games between 45 mins and 1 hour early depending on what your coach tells you. Warm up together and in earnest. Look sharp. Look like a team.

Teams should consider supporting the other club teams. When that happens it is a tremendous positive for the team that is playing and it creates a very favorable impression of the club...your club.

Good luck at your tournaments.  They can be one of the most enjoyable experiences you will have during your club career. They can also be very disappointing when things don't go well. Awareness of pitfalls, preparation and common sense can help you increase the chances that your tournament experience will be great.

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High School Soccer

Scorpions Soccer recognizes HS soccer as an important aspect of a students life. In the absence of playing oportunities in Massachusetts for U15 and older players we support participation in HS soccer by Scorpion players.

At times U14 players will have conflict between U14 club play and HS practice and games. Recognizing that Massachusetts public schools make practice and game attendance mandatory (ineligibility being the consequence) Scorpions makes this the policy for players who are playing with Scorpions and their HS team. In some school districts this is applicable to U13s as well.

During HS season HS players who are practicing or playing with their HS teams are discouraged from attending their Scorpion team practices. Players who attempt to do both seriously risk overuse injuries, exhaustion and poor grades. HS players are encouraged and expected to attend games on Sundays as a means to stay connected to the team through the season. The Scorpion team coach should use good judgement as to how much a HS player should participate if they appear tired/injured. If the player is fit they should be treated as any other player with strong attendance is treated.

As far as attendance goes, during HS season no attendance information should be kept for players participating with their High Schools. Attendance records should begin when the HS season ends.

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Lightning

This policy is intended for the safety of the players and any other young people that may be around. Any and all Scorpion coaches present are responsible for its implementation. Parents are free to make decisions for themselves but while a player (even a player with a parent present) is at a club practice or game, even with a parent, they are expected to respect the policy. Do your best to keep everyone safe.

All individuals have the right to head for cover in order to seek a safe structure if the person feels in danger of impending lightning activity, without fear of repercussions or penalty from anyone.

1. When thunder is heard or lightning is seen, clear the field(s).

2. Every coach is responsible for their team if alone. Any Scorpions staff coach member or Executive Board member may make the decision to clear fields for any club group present at any time. All coaches and players must immediately respect that decision.

3. Since we have no certain access to buildings, use vehicles. If a safe building is available, use it.

4. Wait until weather clears before returning to fields. If in question err on the side of caution. 

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Soccer Goalpost Safety

Soccer goals tip over on windy days when they are not anchored properly. They kill and seriously injure soccer players when they strike them. At every practice you supervise check the goals. If they are not anchored anchor them. If you cant anchor them do not use them and stay away from them.

At any game home or away or tournament check the goals. If they are not anchored properly notify the referee and the home team if the goals arent ours. Do not participate in any game that is unsafe for the players.

In every incident of death caused by goal posts if just one person had thought to anchor the goals all those little players would be alive.

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