Player / Parent Expectations

High River Minor Soccer is a Grassroots development program that develops Physical Literacy through Soccer skills.    We believe in building social skills through working as a team and development of soccer skills and a passion for the game long term.     Above all, High River Soccer stands for Respect; respect of ourselves, our teammates, our opponents, coaches and officials.   This respect should be exhibited both on and off the field by players, parents and spectators alike.

In all High River Soccer Programs, the following expectations exist for all Players, Parents and Spectators

• No Smoking, Drinking or Cannabis may be consumed on the soccer pitch, this includes spectators
• Players will be present for each Soccer Practice and Game. Should players not be able to attend, Parents shall inform the Coaches via Teamsnap, email, text or phone
• Foul language or derogatory comments towards any other person are strictly forbidden.
• All Spectators, Parents, Players and Coaches will respect the officials and accept the calls that they make.
• Players, Officials, Coaches, and Spectators shall adhere to the rules and policies outlined by FIFA, Canada Soccer, Alberta Soccer, Foothills Soccer and any local amendments issued by host clubs

U05/U07 Festival Format….

These age groups are often a child’s first foray into sport.      The emphasis is placed on learning how our body works and how to move with and without a soccer ball.      The format at our festival program removes teams and the players work in small groups to work through a variety of individual and small group skills and games.      Parents are heavily involved in this program.    A Technical Director will build a simple set of activities (5-8 per session) and we rely on parents to lead the players through this.    We need 10-12 parent volunteers per session.

Parent Expectations.

• To have your player dressed and ready at the pitch 5 min before game time.  This includes Shin Pads covered with Soccer Socks or pants, appropriate outdoor shoes, a water bottle and weather appropriate clothing.
• To volunteer for 3-5 sessions throughout the session (if everyone participates the load is light). No soccer experience or preparation is needed.
• To encourage all players to participate
• To realize that kids have different interests and skills and adapt the exercise as needed
• To role model appropriate behavior at Soccer events, no smoking, foul language, at the Pitch

Player Expectations

• To participate at every session
• To listen to coaches and leaders
• To respect fellow players,

U09 to U13 House Format….

Across these age groups players are divided into teams and play against other High River Teams each week.      There is a training (Practice) session held one weeknight.      The emphasis here is to build soccer skills and introduce the components of the game.       Coaches are parent volunteers and we need 2-3 Coaches per team.      The Coaching group is responsible for building and executing the training plan for their team.    With 2-3 coaches per team, it simplifies the schedule.   A basic understanding of soccer is an asset, but experience playing, or coaching is not necessary.

Parent Expectations.

• To have your player dressed and ready at the pitch 5 min before game time.  This includes Shin Pads covered with Soccer Socks or pants, appropriate outdoor shoes, a water bottle and weather appropriate clothing.
• To Volunteer as a Coach/Assistant even if you can’t dedicate 100% of the time. (many hands make coaching easy)
• To encourage all players to participate, Negative Criticism is not tolerated (even at your own child)
• To realize that kids have different interests and skills and adapt the exercise as needed
• To role model appropriate behavior at Soccer events, no smoking, foul language, at the Pitch

Player Expectations

• To participate at every session
• To listen to coaches and leaders
• To respect fellow players,
• To learn and follow the rules of the game as taught by the officials and coaches

U09 to U17 Travel Format….

The Travel program is for players who love soccer and want to push themselves.      These program practices 1-2 nights per week and plays 1-2 nights per week (3 times per week) and all activities are on weeknights.     Our games are against surrounding communities like Vulcan, Turner Valley, Strathmore, Nanton, Okotoks, Red Deer Lake.      Approximately half the games are home and half away.       The emphasis of this program is the continued development of Soccer Skills, but the psychology and strategy of the game is also taught.

Parent Expectations.

• To have your player dressed and ready at the pitch 15 min before game time.  This includes Shin Pads covered with Soccer Socks, Shorts (FIFA Law 4 requires shorts regardless of weather appropriate outdoor shoes (Soccer Cleats are recommended), a water bottle and weather appropriate clothing (for training and time on the bench).
• To reach out to the team or coach if transportation is an issue, our travel parents are all great at helping carpool.
• To be a fanatical fan on the side lines. Excitement and encouragement from the sidelines makes it more fun.
• To volunteer as a coach, lines person, or help where needed. Head coaches should have a Firm understanding of the Laws of the Game and Strategy, but previous coaching is not a requirement.   Assistant Coaches only require a love of the game.
• To encourage all players, Negative Criticism is not tolerated (even at your own child)
• To role model appropriate behavior at Soccer events, no smoking, foul language, at the Pitch

Player Expectations

• To participate at every session
• To listen to coaches and leaders
• To respect fellow players,
• To learn and follow the FIFA Laws of the game as taught by the officials and coaches

High River Minor Soccer has a documented Code of Conduct (section 14) complete with the Disciplinary Process (14.b.ii) and Consequence (14.a.vi) within our bylaws issued March 2020 and found on our website.

Contravention of our Code of Conduct can result in fines, suspension or expulsion from High River Minor Soccer.    If the severity of the incident is sufficient, the ruling can be extended to all clubs within Alberta Soccer and Canada Soccer.