Girls Soccer

GIRLS SOCCER TEAM RULES

Philosophy:  Our philosophy is to provide a complete soccer education for players, with support from parents, while emphasizing the importance of technique, tactics, physical well-being, positive psychology, fair play, character, and self-training through the creation of a competitive soccer environment that places a premium on personal responsibility, integrity good sportsmanship and commitment to teamwork.

Membership: We welcome players 7-12th grade. All prospective players' skill level and ability will be evaluated at the start of the season and will continue to be evaluated throughout their participation in the soccer program. Currently, there are 3 levels of girl’s soccer teams. The Varsity team includes the top 16-20 players. Junior Varsity is made up of grades 10-12. C Level is made up of grades 7-9.

Dress Code: Players will be expected to adhere to school dress code while at school. They will observe MSHSL rules concerning dress and equipment during games and practices. Any player who fails to follow dress code will forfeit contests on that day. Players need to be prepared for the very unique weather we enjoy here in MN. Players may be asked to participate in special dress days (game days).

Conduct/Language/Respect: Players are expected to uphold the high standards this program sets. Any abusive language, or other forms of misconduct, may result in suspension of an event. A player using abusive language at/with players, coaches or officials will result in a suspension of the player until a full review of the situation can be made. Verbal/physical abuse on a coach will result in termination from the team. Coaches will be left the final decision.

Attendance: Players who would like to be considered for Varsity are expected to attend the tryouts. Players who miss these sessions due to family vacations, etc. will be placed on a team level appropriate of their grade until further assessment of their skills, conditioning, and development. Varsity players are required to attend all practiced and team events. Absences from 4 games/practices, disqualifies a player from lettering eligibility. All players are expected to be on time and attend practices and games. Absences must be brought to the attention of the head coach before they occur. An unexcused absence will result in a one game suspension. Excused absences result in missing the 1^st half of the next competition. Excused absences must be cleared with one of the coaches before it is considered an excused absence.

Players will not be excused from practice or games in order to meet employment obligations. The coaching staff recommends that student athletes refrain from holding part-time/full-time employment during the soccer season.

Uniforms/Equipment: All uniforms and equipment are property of Spring Lake Park Athletic Department and must be returned in the same condition they were received. All equipment must be cleaned, dried and returned within 1 week of the player’s final game.

Coaches Availability: Team members, parents and players with questions or concerns are encouraged to speak directly with their coaches. For questions or to schedule a meeting you should contact Mindy Daugherty at mdaugh@district16.org

We have read the above and understand compliance is required as a member of Spring Lake Park High School Soccer.

Athlete: __________________electronic signature____________________________________________

Parent/Guardian: _____________________electronic signature________________________________

Lettering Policy

1. General criteria for letter: Players must enter into three halves of a varsity soccer game or a player has 100% attendance as all varsity team functions beginning the first official day of the MSHSL season. Records are kept by coaches/managers.
   
   Alternate methods of lettering (seniors who don’t meet prime criteria and others): 
   Seniors who have been in the program for three consecutive years or more will receive a letter.
2. Consideration for injuries or illness (lost time): A determination will be made by the coaching staff on whether or not they would have normally lettered if not injured or ill. 
   Consideration for discipline problems and time for suspension (team and school):
   If player is suspended for a violation of school or MN State High School rules player will not be eligible to letter.
3. Consideration of unexcused/excused absences from practice/games: Unexcused absences will require a review by coaching staff to determine if lettering is still a possibility.
   4 total unexcused absences (games/practices) will disqualify you from lettering eligibility.
4. Consideration for drop-outs, terminations: Players must complete the season in order to letter.
5. Consideration for those not on the team as start of season will be based off of a discussion with coaching staff.

Q: Who does the shuttle bus transport?
A: The Spring Lake Park (SLP) shuttle brings athletes in grades 7-12 to Spring Lake Park High School and Westwood Middle School for practice. The shuttle bus transports athletes for Soccer, Nordic Skiing, Wrestling, and Track and Field.

Q: Where does the shuttle bus bring athletes?
A: It depends on the season. In the fall, the bus goes to SLPHS and the National Sports Center as necessary. For the winter and spring seasons the bus will go to SLPHS and Westwood MS as needed.

Q: Where does the bus pick up and drop off?
A: The shuttle bus picks athletes up in the lower parking lot by the gym doors and drops them off in the same location.

Q: What are the days and times of the bus?
A: The bus runs each day we have school (Monday – Friday). The shuttle loads at 2:40 pm every day with a departure for SLP at 2:50 pm. The return time will vary depending on the length of practice. The shuttle bus is usually home shortly before 6:00 pm.

Q: Is there a return bus on competition days?
A: No. Parents and athletes are responsible for their return trip home on competition days. This is for both middle school and high school sports. If your son or daughter has a game / match / meet, you are in charge of your athlete’s transportation home.

Q: Is there a bus when school is not in session?
A: There is no shuttle bus when St. Anthony does not have school. The shuttle bus does not transport athletes prior to the beginning of school, during winter or spring breaks or any other day school is not in session.

Q: What rules does the shuttle bus have for behavior?
A: All school rules (and consequences) apply for the shuttle bus.

Q: Does more than one team use the shuttle bus?
A: Depending on the day and season, yes. This means the shuttle bus must coordinate schedules among various teams to ensure every athlete has a ride home. If one team’s practice is done early, the bus will wait until the other teams also finish before transporting all athletes back to St. Anthony.

Q: Who supervises the shuttle bus?
A: The bus driver is the lone supervisor on the shuttle bus. In instances of behavioral disorder, the bus driver will report back to the Middle School/High School. If needed, video surveillance from the bus’ camera will be used to identify problem behaviors and their sources.

Q: Can athletes leave their belongings on the shuttle bus during practice?
A: No.  The shuttle bus may transport other people during practice and can not guarantee the security of belongings left on the bus.

Q: How do I get to practice during the summer, winter and spring breaks?
A: Since there is not a shuttle bus during these breaks, players are encouraged to car pool with other teammates.