CLUB POLICIES
The focus is on development, not winning. We will play teams that are stronger than us because that is how we will get better. This is a developmental program. Nevertheless, it is also a competitive team. The competition begins at practice, where players are competing for positions and playing time. This approach is not easy, but ultimately it will serve the players and the team best. A competitive environment fosters a competitive spirit among the players.
The team is not solely the players...the team includes the coach, the manager and the parents.
We all must be on the same page. We must support not merely our son, but all of the boys...even when our son may not have a great day or receive limited playing time.
As parents you have put your son in our hands. You must have faith in our decisions, whether they are in regards to position, playing time, formation, substitutions, or anything else.
When parents give their sons instructions which are counter to the coach it only creates confusion and anxiety.
Similarly, negative sideline chatter among the parents and/or behind the scenes negative commentary quickly becomes cancerous. The first time we will address it. The second time we will ask you to leave the club. Player cards will not be released until financial obligations have been fulfilled, and it should be noted that our parent club, Miami Strike Force, has a $300 release fee (all clubs have this as it keeps parents from ‘shopping’ during the season).
Playing time. Practice is guaranteed, playing time is not. Playing time is not connected to paying the club...that payment is for fields, insurance, uniforms, coaches fees, practices and equipment. Playing time is earned. Regarding the argument, 'how can my son develop/improve if he doesn't get playing time?' We ask that you understand that he will get plenty of playing time at practice. If he cannot prove he has earned more playing time at practice then he simply needs to put forth greater effort.
Positions. Coaches determine these. Parents do not have a say in positions.
Behavior. Respect for teammates and coaches is an absolute. Anything less is cause for removal from the team.
Commitment. Every practice. Every game. From August 1st until May 31st.
Equipment. In addition to cleats, shin guards and water, boys must bring a pumped ball to every practice. Coaches do not bring balls-this is the responsibility of each player.
Orange/Maroon: There may be two teams playing in the same age group but at different levels. The levels are exactly the same as you will find at any other club, and are based on ability (ability is broken down to: touch, tactical awareness, speed of play, passing, shooting, dribbling, field vision, endurance, pace and presence). Quite simply, players on the Orange team are in need of more development.
Thus, the Orange team will play in what is considered division 2 or 3 depending upon the divisions available in each league and tournament. The Maroon team will play division 2 at the very beginning of the season, then division 1 during the latter half of the season.
There will be player movement similar to this past year, but the frequency will be far greater. Players who are in need of greater development will be moved to Orange, and players who have shown considerable development will be moved to Maroon. In other words, the 32 players who have been chosen are members of the club; however, no player is restricted to Orange or guaranteed to play with Maroon. Everyone competes for their position, playing time and slot at every practice. Please understand that all decisions will be made solely by the coaching staff. The possibility for movement will commence at the first practice in August. Thus, summer training is imperative.
Summer training: Summer training is particularly important. If a player cannot participate in a camp/group clinics/individual training sessions, then he should at the very least be touching the ball for 30-45 minutes a day in the form of juggling/dribbling/passing/shooting. Furthermore, conditioning focused on cardio and core is absolutely necessary (the beep test and the Cooper test are good barometers).
Testing: Boys should be able to achieve a '14' on the beep test (this is a baseline for August-our ultimate goal is '15.5'), run two consecutive miles in 17 minutes, complete 50 push ups in a minute, and jump rope for two minutes straight. In addition, they should be capable of doing 'touches on top' for two minutes straight, and juggling the ball a minimum of ten times without dropping it.
These tests will commence in August on day one and all players are expected to meet the minimums. Players will not be allowed to participate in a league or tournament game until they have proven they can meet these requirements.
Leagues:
1. early season Miami-Dade league Sept/Oct
2. regular season Orange Dade league Nov/Feb
Maroon SFUYSA league Nov/Feb
3. spring season Miami-Dade league April/May
Tournaments:
Adidas Super Cup Labor Day weekend
United Cup mid September
West Pines end of October
Weston/Disney President's Day weekend (coach and director make the final decision)
United Cup beginning of March
FYSA Commissioner's Cup April/May (occurs over multiple weekends)
Pinecrest Mega Cup end of April
Fiesta Cup end of May
Enigma Cup
*If your son does not attend a tournament you are still responsible for your share of the tournament fee. This is part of the commitment.
Manager: We will need a manager for each team. This must be a dedicated person who understands that this is a time consuming job. However, it should also be understood that every parent will be called upon to assist the team.
Practice schedule:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 4:30-5:45.
Attending practice is mandatory.
Practice begins August 5th.
Attendance, effort and attitude at practice are prerequisites for playing in games.
Pick up - Boys must be picked up on time. The second to last parent waits.
Sponsorship: There are many additional costs/needs of the club not covered by the registration fee. Much of this is covered by our sponsor donations. Any and all contributions would be greatly appreciated.
Registration fee: 4 equal payments of $475.00 (the first is divided between Strike Force and Mavericks), due June 4, August 1, October 1 and December 1. After the 10th of the month the player's card will be removed from the roster until payment has been made. The fee does not include tournament costs, referee fees or traveling costs for the coach beyond Dade and Broward counties (.50 per mile, hotel and meals).
Questions/Concerns:
Questions should be addressed to our Director of Coaching, Judd Shapiro, at mavsfc1@gmail.com
We are in this together - the boys, the parents, and the coaches...and if everyone puts forth a concerted effort then we will be successful.
Signature of parent_______________________________
Name of player___________________________________
Date_________________________________