United Soccer Training Academy's Expectations & Policies

This area outlines important information, guidelines and policies for our Academy.

USTA Player Commitments and Expectations

I will:

Do my best to respect the game and play beautifully at all times
Promise to work hard at practice and games to improve my soccer skills and my understanding of the game. I understand the amount of playing time I receive in games will be based on my skills, determination in practice, punctuality, and attitude. I know that I may receive more or less playing time than my team members and playing time is not guaranteed and should not be expected
Have a positive and never quit attitude
Exemplify and demonstrate sportsmanship at all times
Win without boasting: Be generous when you win; graceful when you lose
Conduct myself with class and dignity
Be professional at all times
Respect all officials and coaches and accept their decisions without question
Give encouragement to my fellow teammates
Attend & be prompt to all games & practices
Immediately report any injury to my coach
Respect my coach & my opponents
Abide by my coach’s decision regarding playing time and positioning
Learn and obey the laws of the game
Practice my individual techniques at home each day that I do not have training
Notify the coach or team manager if I will be late for or unable to attend a game, training session, or team meeting
Learn the rules, policies & procedures of the Team & Academy
Approach the Coach with any personal soccer related problems
Be the BEST that I can be at all times; for myself, my team, my Academy and my family

I will never :

Engage in dissent toward an official or coach nor use profane or vulgar language
Leave a game field or training session without the permission of my coach or without shaking my coaches hand
Use a controlled substance (drugs), tobacco products, or drink alcoholic beverages. It is the firm commitment of USTA to take an active role in the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse. Our policy is no drugs, no alcohol, and no destructive behavior. We will involve ourselves with the player and parents any time that a situation has an impact on our Academy or its members. It is important that we be able to trust players to obey Academy rules, because of the responsibilities that we assume when we travel. Violation of this policy may be the basis for suspension or dismissal from the Academy, or for requiring that a player return home early from an out-of -town tournament at the parent’s expense.
Forget that I represent the United Soccer Training Academy

United Soccer Training Academy Coaches Commitments and Expectations

The examples set by USTA coaches and trainers are one of the most influential examples our children will encounter in their young lives. Recognizing the critical role that we play, it is imperative that we serve as the proper role models for our players.

I will:

Develop my players to the best of their abilities.
Conduct myself as a responsible adult when dealing with the Players; both legally and ethically.
Plan and supervise practice sessions that are instructive as well as fun.
To motivate and teach with positive reinforcement.
Notify the Board of incidents which may compromise the integrity of the Team or Academy
Abide by the rules, policies, and procedures of the Team and Academy
Strive to attract the best caliber of athletes to the Academy
Ensure that players wear their uniforms in a proper and complete fashion. Socks should be pulled up and jerseys tucked in whenever in uniform, not just during the game.
Work to place as many players as possible on state, regional, and national teams
Strive to maintain the highest level of professionalism
Strive to place all players of potential in situations where they will be exposed to professional Clubs and Academies
To treat players and parents with respect and conduct myself in a professional manner
Develop positive "life" qualities (i.e. discipline, teamwork, etc.) in Players
Respect the game officials and their decisions
Protect my players at all times
Take total responsibility for the actions of players on the field
When traveling with the team: • Remain aware of my players’ whereabouts and behavior. Set schedules and inform players of all activities.
Provide genuine cooperation to coaches within my team’s age group;
Not discriminate against anyone;
Provide honest and truthful evaluations of the Player’s skill.
Be responsible for cleaning up the field or bench area (both home and away) after practices or games, and for returning all equipment to its proper place. • All coaches are asked to help in monitoring the activities that take place at the practice fields, and to assist in keeping fields clean, safe and secure.
Not Forget that I represent the United Soccer Training Academy

Travel Expectations

United Soccer Training Academy recognizes the value and special significance in participating in Tournaments outside of our immediate area. There are many benefits to this type of travel including:

• Gaining experience in playing higher level of competition

Playing in a high pressure atmosphere
Building team camaraderie
Seeing and playing against different styles of play
Participating in a professional soccer environment
Showcase our Teams and Players to the outside soccer community
In order to present ourselves in the best possible light as players, teams and as United Soccer Training Academy we have adopted some guidelines that all players and teams should follow.

Pre-Trip Activities

It is highly suggested that all Players travel and lodge together in the same hotel. Special accommodations may be made to take advantage things such as Frequent Flier Miles
The coach should outline the minimum requirement needed for transportation and lodging keeping in mind that cost is an integral factor in the decision making process.
The coach has final say on all travel plans and will communicate his decisions through the team’s manager.

Team Behavior Rules

Coach, players, and parents should review and agree on general travel behavior requirements and consequences if violations are committed.
At the coach's discretion, players may be sent home at parent's additional expense if they violate serious behavior rules related to drugs, drinking, illegal activities, violent conduct, tobacco products or having members of the opposite sex in rooms at any time.

Player Responsibilities

Because of the importance of tournament play to the development of a team, all United Soccer Training Academy players are expected to participate in every event unless injured.
The Academy insists on making player safety the top priority when players are traveling.
Each Player is required to be where the Coach wants you to be at the time the Coach sets.
No one goes anywhere alone or leaves the hotel without the express permission of the Head Coach
Hotel rooms must be kept neat and organized. Also, players should tip housekeeping at the end of their stay. A player should be designated just prior to check-out to inspect the room for any items (clothes, uniforms, money etc.) left behind.
We are guests of the hotel. Footware and proper attire should be worn in the public areas of the hotel. Our reputation for future stays by Academy players and teams is on the line.
Players are to be punctual and strictly follow all curfews.
Any problems must be communicated to the Coach immediately.
REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE A MEMBER OF UNITED SOCCER TRAINING ACADEMY

Team Activities

The Coach will determine all soccer and non-soccer activities during the trip.
Parents and players should remember that team activities take priority over any personal agendas you may have.
Soccer trips are not vacations. Obviously having fun is a part of all trips but we must remember that soccer must remain the top priority at all time.
On overnight trips, players are not to swim in the hotel pool, at the local beach or enter a hot tub.

Travel Dress

Players should wear a standard outfit such as team polo shirt, warm up top or some other appropriate team attire at any team activity such as flights and opening ceremonies.
As we are a Premier Academy, baseball hats and caps should be left at home

Guest Players

Guest players are invited to play at the discretion of the Team Coach.

Hotels

If more than one USTA team is going to a particular event, it is desirable that teams try to arrange to stay at the same hotel to promote camaraderie amongst teams
Hotels that include continental or full breakfasts are preferred.
If players are sharing rooms, and someone leaves early, they are still responsible for their share of the total cost of the room.
Team meetings should be in the common area of the hotel.

Transportation

Once at the tournament, all players will travel to and from games in the transportation mode provided for the Team.
Players are not to drive any rented vans.

Meals

Teams should strive to eat together at team meals if possible.
Obviously, all players should be strictly following their own team’s prescribed nutrition and hydration policies.
The team should purchase healthy snack type foods and drink for in between meal eating and the cost will be shared equally.

The United Soccer Training Academy Uniform

Whenever a United Soccer Training Academy Player is in uniform, she/he is representing the Academy and should wear their uniform properly and with pride. Please read and abide by the following guidelines:

Bring all uniform equipment to every game including all uniform shirts, shorts, socks, shoes (cleats and turf depending on conditions), warm-up shirts, warm-up suits and tape.
Jerseys must always be tucked into shorts whenever you are wearing the uniform (not just during the game). Sliding pants should be the same color as the shorts, not extend below the uniform shorts and not be visible.
Polos must always be tucked into the players shorts/pants.
Players should be dressed alike during team warm-ups before games.
Uniform socks will be pulled up whenever you have them on. Shin guards must always be covered by socks.
Arrive at games looking professional (i.e. Team Warm-Up Suit, Team Warm-Up Shirt). No Baseball Caps.
Have your equipment bag with you at all practices and games. Put bags carefully in a row on the sidelines at all games. Keep bags in a proper team location at practice.
Bring your water bottle with you to all practices and games. At games, place your water bottle behind your bag when not in use. To prevent passing on illnesses to teammates, do not share water bottles.
Use saddle soap or leather protector on your shoes before every game; in other words, shine and take care of your shoes. They are your tools of the trade.
Players that do not attend to their footwear may not be permitted to play.
Bring your properly inflated soccer ball to every practice and game.
Leave your rings, watches, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, other jewelry and hairpins (except for rubber bands or other elastic bands) at home or in your equipment bags.

Training Routines

Without regular and proper practice, soccer skills and tactics cannot be mastered. It is impossible to expect that players master their skills only during their prescribed training sessions. Therefore, it is imperative that players set aside time at home to work on their individual technique and conditioning. We demand a tremendous time commitment from the USTA trainers and coaches, and we expect our players to be willing to make the same commitment. We know that many of our players have other interests and demands on their time, but we believe it very important that you make every effort to have them attend each practice session and allot time at home to further refine their technical abilities.

Important Training Session Tips

It is imperative to come to practice sessions regularly. You cannot miss training sessions or practice poorly and expect to improve. If you have a problem attending a practice, give your coach a call, in advance, if possible
Pay attention to the coaches in practice
Do not distract others at practice (e.g., conversing with teammates while attempting a drill is distracting to others)
Practice at game speed (learning to do a skill in slow motion will not help in a game)
Bring water or sports drinks to replace lost fluids during the training session
Every player should bring a fully inflated ball to each training session.
Shinguards are mandatory at all training sessions.

Game Day Preparation - Preparing to do Your Best

Soccer is a very demanding sport. You must be prepared to do your best at every game. Here are a few basic guidelines:

Come to each game mentally and physically prepared to do your best.
Do not ingest ANY fried foods, soda, candy or other unhealthy snacks 48 hours prior to a game.
Be sure to arrive prior to the prescribed time to allow for all warm-up activities.
Arrive at the game well rested. Avoid late nights or spend-the-night parties on the night before a game. More than a few soccer games have been knowingly "forfeited" the night before the soccer match. Fatigue, as a result of too little sleep, raises the risk of injury.
Build up body fluids before the game. Start drinking water and or sports drinks as much as 24-48 hours before the game, and try to take in as much proper fluid as possible right up to game time.
East sensibly, especially on the day of a game. For instance, milk, peanuts or carbonated drinks before a game will shorten a player's wind.
A pre-game warm-up to get an abundant flow of blood to the muscles, followed by sensible, slow stretching activities designed to increase flexibility and minimize the possibility of muscle pulls or injury, are of vital importance.
Bring a properly inflated ball to each game and practice !!!
Make certain that you have proper equipment, and bring them to each practice and game.
Proper fitting shoes and regulation shin guards are essential.
Watches, jewelry, and hair pins should be left at home !!!
NO baseball caps or hats !! Leave them home !!
Treat minor injuries promptly and properly. For muscle strains and bruises, remember the principle of "R-I-C-E" -- Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Your team should arrange to have ice available at every game for quick application to twisted ankles or knees.
Let your coach know before practice or a game of any condition that might affect your ability to play. Seek early medical help for physical problems that persist.
Call or email in advance to tell your Coach or team manager if you will miss a practice or game