I.        Anti-Bullying Policy

The Arsenal Football Club (Arsenal F.C.) is committed to providing players a fun, positive, and secure environment in which to learn and enjoy the game of soccer.  We do not tolerate bullying at any practice, game or other Arsenal F.C. sanctioned event.  We will promote a TELLING atmosphere.  This means that anyone who knows that bullying is taking place is expected to report the incident.  Players and parents should be assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported.

Definition of Bullying

Bullying is defined as conduct, gestures or comments which are insulting, intimidating, humiliating, hurtful, malicious, degrading or otherwise offensive to a player, group of players and/or teammates, and which create a hostile or intimidating environment, or which negatively affects a player’s physical and/or emotional well-being.  Bullying is any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether it is a single incident or a series of incidents that results in intentional pain and distress to the victim.

Signs and Symptoms

A child may indicate he or she is being bullied through various signs and symptoms.  While some children are prone to report bullying to their parents, coaches or adults, others will not, due to fear, intimidation or other factors.  Coaches and parents should be aware of possible signs indicating that bullying may be taking place. These signs and behaviors could indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated.

For a list of potential signs of bullying please consult this list (https://www.stopbullying.gov/at-risk/warning-signs/).

Procedures for Parents, Coaches, and the Board Members

1. Parents should report bullying incidents to the team coach or manager.  If the problem persists, reach out to the Arsenal F.C. Director of Coaching or Arsenal F.C. Board of Directors.  If necessary and appropriate, police may be consulted.
2. In all cases of reported bullying, parents of the player who was bullied shall be informed immediately and may be asked to meet with the respective team coach and/or coaching director to discuss the incident.  In all cases, strict confidentiality shall be maintained. It is not our goal to make a public example of reported incidents.
3. The negative behavior must be investigated, and the bullying stopped immediately.  The parents of any player who is reported to be bullying will be contacted immediately by the respective team coach, Director of Coaching, or Arsenal F.C. Board of Directors and asked to meet to discuss the incident to help the bully or bullies change their behavior.

 Consequences of Bullying

1. In a first offense situation involving bullying, an attempt will be made to encourage the bully (or bullies) to modify their behavior for their benefit, for the benefit of the person bullied, and for the team. An attempt will be made by the coach, manager, or parent(s) to reconcile the situation between players (age and level of maturity and or severity of offense must be considered).
2. If the bullying persists, disciplinary action against a player may be taken by the Director of Coaching and/or Arsenal F.C. Board of Directors which may include, but is not limited to, immediate suspension from participation in practices or game(s) for a period of time.
3. After the incident/incidents have been investigated and addressed, the situation will continue to be monitored by the respective team coach, team manager, and players’ parents to ensure the problem is resolved.

II.        Coach Expectations Policy

All members of Arsenal F.C. coaching staff are to see themselves as role models and ambassadors for the Club.  We ask that our coaches be aware of how they represent themselves, their team, and Arsenal F.C.  It is imperative that our coaches are respectful to all around them including parents, opposing teams, and referees.  We always expect our coaches to exhibit professional behavior, both on and off the field.  Disciplinary action will be taken against any member of the coaching staff whose actions bring the Club into disrepute.

Arsenal F.C. coaches should aspire to be experts in player development and seek feedback and education, both formal and informal, that will help them down that path. We provide a variety of educational opportunities and resources for our coaches, including the coaching portal, to help our coaches be the best they can be. We ask that our coaches prepare for trainings by reviewing the session and curriculum materials provided.

Arsenal F.C. coaches must embrace the Club philosophy, The Arsenal Way, and take pride in the development of each individual player assigned to them. We are committed to building a consistent style of play across our programming with the help of our dedicated coaches.

III.        Coach Right to Refuse Policy

Arsenal F.C. reserves the right to refuse any coaches for any reason, except for reasons of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or if all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance programs. Most importantly, majority of reasons include perpetual negative or abusive sideline behavior.

IV.        Coach Right to Terminate Policy

Arsenal F.C. reserves the right to remove any volunteer coach or paid coach for any reason at any time.  Additional action may be required if necessary, including banning coaches from attending games as spectators and removing any future coaching rights.  If coaches refuse to cooperate, they and their children may be banned from the club immediately and possibly permanently.  Any further refusal to cooperate can result in police interaction.

V.        Coach Sideline Behavior Policy

Arsenal F.C. has a zero-tolerance policy regarding aggressive coach sideline behavior. Excessive coaching is strongly discouraged and only positive reinforcement should be provided to our players by coaches and sideline spectators. Coaches will be removed from the program for consistent violations of this philosophy. There should be no negative interactions between coaches and referees, coaches and opposing coach/players, or coaches and visiting parents.

VI.        Commitment Policy

Players will ONLY be allowed to participate with Arsenal F.C.’s organized leagues if one of the requirements below have been met:

1. Player commitment fees have been paid in full prior to the first scheduled practice.
2. Commitment fees have been partially paid prior to the first scheduled practice with a written commitment to pay the remainder of the fees before the fourth scheduled game.
3. A scholarship form has been received by the Arsenal F.C. staff before the deadline and communication has been made with the scholarship applicant about commitment fee, volunteer hours and payment plans.

Unless otherwise communicated, all commitment fees must be paid in full by the first scheduled practice, unless on a payment plan.

Arsenal F.C. will make an effort to collect past due fees as appropriate with potential for removal of current and future playing privileges. Please remember that Arsenal F.C. is a nonprofit organization that survives off registration fees. Not paying fees as indicated could result in increased playing costs for all players.

Academy & Select Programs

After a player commits to a competitive team and completes the registration, the player is considered registered to the Club. Each player is bound to the Club for the entire seasonal soccer year. Families have the option of paying in full at the time of registration, or choosing a payment plan which allows the total to be divided equally into four or eight installments. The first payment must be made by the registration deadline. Each family is obligated to the full financial commitment, regardless of the choice made.

VII.        Concussion & Header Policy

Arsenal F.C. recognizes the potential danger and long-term health consequences of this often difficult to diagnose form of traumatic brain injury.  The policy is intended to provide easy-to-understand guidelines related to players who have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having a concussion.  The policy is for coaches, parents, and players, but is to be shared with any other adults or participants in Arsenal F.C.  At Arsenal F.C., we want to ensure our players are provided the safest environment possible.  As such, Arsenal F.C. is incorporating a Concussion Policy to educate Arsenal F.C. members about concussions, help prevent concussions from occurring, and identify when a concussion may have taken place.

Per US Youth Soccer and US Club Soccer, youth coaches need to be educated about concussions. It is mandatory for all recreational and competitive coaches to have completed a concussion training module and have a certificate of completion on file to be updated every two years.

Here are the guidelines Arsenal F.C. encourages coaches, players, and families to follow:

1. Learn about concussions! The athlete, family, and coach should be familiar with the signs and symptoms of a concussion.
2. Identify the signs and symptoms of a concussion. As a member of the sports community; we must recognize the signs of a concussion and check to see if the player is experiencing symptoms of a concussion.
3. 'When in doubt, take the player out.’ It is best practice to remove the player from competition if there are signs and/or symptoms a concussion has occurred.
4. A player that is suspected of sustaining a concussion or other head injury in any training session or game (“athletic activity”) shall immediately be removed from the athletic activity and shall not be permitted to return to any athletic activity until he or she is evaluated by a licensed health care provider and receives written clearance to return to athletic activity from the health care provider (“Written Clearance”).
5. If the licensed health care provider determines that the player sustained a concussion or other head injury, the player shall also complete a graduated return-to-play protocol of no less than seven days in duration under the supervision of a licensed health care provider.
6. Monitor player recovery. Players who have experienced a concussion should be allowed to return to participate on a gradual basis. Players should continue to be monitored with the goal that the player will eventually return to full participation at an individual pace. Not all concussions are the same.

U11 NO HEADING RULE

To ensure that Arsenal F.C. is in line with the latest recommendation, we will be implementing a no heading rule for all U11 and younger players.  ARSENAL F.C. will also recommend that all coaches to follow the US Soccer guidelines on heading in younger age groups.

Heading Recommendations:

For all players 10 and younger there should be no heading in training or games.  For players 11-13 years of age heading training should be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes per week with no more than 15-20 headers per player, per week.

Heading Game Rule:

When a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick (IFK) should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense.  If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area (6 yard box), the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. If a player does not deliberately head the ball, then play should continue.

U12 AND U13 HEADING RULE

Teams shall be allowed to head the ball during games. Heading the ball in practices, for U12 and U13 players, shall be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes per week with no more than 15-20 headers per player, per week.

U14 AND OLDER PLAYERS

There shall be no restrictions on heading the ball.

VIII.        Conflict Resolution Policy

Arsenal F.C. encourages our members to take a 24-hour “cool down” period before addressing a conflict that may have occurred. Complaints and concerns regarding your soccer experience should be directed according to the following guidelines.

1. Complaints regarding ARSENAL F.C. trainers, assistant coaches and/or team managers should be addressed with the head coach. If resolution is not satisfactory, document your concerns in writing to the attention of the appropriate program director.
2. Concerns regarding your child’s team should be addressed directly with your child’s head coach at a proper time and place. If resolution is not satisfactory, document your concerns in writing to the attention of the appropriate program director.

If, after following the appropriate measures as listed above, and resolution is not satisfactory, document your concerns in writing to the attention of the Arsenal F.C. Board Directors.

Complaints and concerns regarding Arsenal F.C.’s player development policies, programs and coaching staff should be documented in writing and sent to the attention of the Arsenal F.C. Board of Directors and proper Program Director.

Complaints and concerns regarding Arsenal F.C.’s administrative policies should be documented in writing and sent to the attention of the Arsenal F.C. Board of Directors.

IX.        Delinquency in Club Fees

Arsenal F.C. is committed to the success of its teams and players.  Financial stability by all those committing to an Arsenal F.C. team resides in timely and complete payment of club fees.  Delinquency occurs for a variety of reasons such as mistakes, lost payments or timing problems etc.  Delinquency can also be the precursor to larger problems and can destabilize team operations and thus deny the potential for success of all team members.

In order that delinquency does not get out of hand and become a serious problem before it can be addressed, and so that participants can clearly understand their financial position, Arsenal F.C. has established ‘Zones of Delinquency’ as described below.  Based upon a team’s budget and payment schedule, players, families, team volunteers, and club officials can readily identify what zone a player is in and thereby what measures are required.  Players enter zones of delinquency automatically based upon the team payments schedule and whether or not payment has been received accordingly.

1.     ZONE 1 – SINGLE MISSED PAYMENT

A player enters zone 1 when a payment is not received in full by the payment’s due date. A partial payment is not sufficient.
The player may or may not be notified of the delinquency. A reminder from team volunteers should be issued.
The player is allowed to continue training and playing in games.

2.     ZONE 2 -  SECOND MISSED PAYMENT

A player enters zone 2 when more than the full amount of one required payment is not received in full by the latest payment’s due date.
The player and club treasurer are to be notified by the team volunteers within 5 working days of a player entering Zone 2.
The player is allowed to continue training but may not play in games or organized scrimmages outside of trainings.

3.     ZONE 3 – THIRD MISSED PAYMENT

A player enters zone 3 when more than the full amount of two required payments has not been received by the latest payment’s due date.
The player and club treasurer are to be notified by the team volunteers within 5 working days of a player entering Zone 3.
The player is not allowed to continue training and may not play in games or organized scrimmages outside of trainings.

4.     ZONE 4 – FOURTH MISSED PAYMENT

A player enters zone 4 when more than the full amount of three required payments has not been received by the latest payment’s due date.
The player and club treasurer are to be notified by the team volunteers within 5 working days of a player entering Zone 4.
The player is not allowed to continue training and may not play in games or organized scrimmages outside of trainings and any player in zone 4 is subject to expulsion from the team and club based upon the review and judgement of appropriate club officials.

X.        Drug Policy

Arsenal F.C. has a zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco products at any youth-related ARSENAL F.C. event. A youth-related event is described as any event with youth present under 21 years of age. We are a drug free organization at all times if youth under the age of 21 are present. For clarity, read the following guidelines:

1. Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and drugs (including marijuana and misuse of prescription medication) are not permitted at any youth-related Arsenal F.C. event, including practices and league games;
2. No coach or volunteer shall participate in any youth-related Arsenal F.C. activity while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; and
3. Smoking or use of tobacco products is not permitted in or around youth sports practices or games.

XI.        Financial Assistance Program

Arsenal F.C. is committed to ensuring that no child shall be denied a roster spot based upon financial needs. To that end, Arsenal F.C. has established a financial assistance program to support needy families. The program allows for those families to perform additional volunteer duties over the course of the soccer year, in lieu of paying the club fees. Applications for financial assistance must be received before or at the time of registration. Applications are kept confidential.

All applicants for financial assistance will be required to provide proof of need. Funds are limited and the amount of an individual award will be determined by the number of qualified applicants and the total amount of funds available. Financial assistance is only awarded on the fees and do not include commitment fees, uniforms or any other team specific additional expenses. The program is monitored to ensure that participating families perform the expected duties. Those families who sign up for the financial aid program but do not perform their required duties will lose their right to participate with the club and lose the opportunity to participate in the program going forward.

XII.        Fundraising

The purpose of this Fundraising Policy is to ensure that GRAYSA/Arsenal F.C. players, team managers, coaches, and parents understand the Club’s fundraising policies and authorized activities.  GRAYSA/Arsenal F.C. is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and it is vital for the Club to protect this nonprofit status.  Any unauthorized fundraising activities could put the Club’s nonprofit status in jeopardy.

 The Club recognizes two main “categories” of fundraising activities: individual fundraising activities and team fundraising activities.  Due to tax regulations, there are important differences in how these activities must be undertaken.

1.     INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

Individual Fundraising Activities provide an opportunity for Club Members to raise funds to meet specific financial obligations such as individual player fees.  All Arsenal F.C. Members who wish to engage in Individual Fundraising Activities must coordinate with the Fundraising Committee prior to doing so.  The following process must be followed for all Individual Fundraising Activities: 

a.     The Club Member should determine if the Individual Fundraising Activity approved by the Arsenal F.C. Fundraising Committee;

b.     The Club Member must fill out a 1099 Form prior to any fundraising activities;

c.      The Club Member will engage in the Individual Fundraising Activity;

d.     The concessionaire or other third-party will pay Arsenal F.C. for any funds raised by the Arsenal F.C. Member during the Individual Fundraising Activities;

e.     Arsenal F.C. will remit payment to the Member’s account, less applicable taxes;

f.       And the funds raised may be used to reduce a player’s financial obligation to ARSENAL F.C.

2.     TEAM FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

Team Fundraising Activities provide an opportunity for teams to raise funds to help offset team costs such as team-specific equipment, travel costs, or tournament fees not paid for by the Club.  The critical distinction with Team Fundraising Activities is that any funds raised must be distributed equally to all players, and may not benefit any specific player or subset of players. The following process must be followed for all Team Fundraising Activities:

a.     The Team should determine if the Team Fundraising Activity is approved by the Fundraising Committee;

b.     The Team will engage in the Team Fundraising Activity; 

c.      The Team Manager or Coordinator will collect any funds raised and will distribute them equally to all team members, or will use them to pay for something that will benefit all team members equally; and 

d.     The Team Manager or Coordinator will keep records of all funds raised and funds disbursed.

3.     APPROVAL OF FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

All team fundraising activities must be pre approved by the ARSENAL F.C. Fundraising Committee.  The Committee will endeavor to respond to such requests quickly, but please allow for at least five (5) days before the fundraising activity will commence for approval.  In making the request, a team should include the following:

a.     A short description of the requested fundraising activity;

b.     The purpose or need for the fundraising activity (what will the funds be used for);

c.      Whether the GRAYSA 501c3 or Arsenal F.C. logo will be used in any way;

d.     And contact information for the team’s fundraising coordinator.

4.     USAGE OF FUNDS RAISED

Proceeds of fundraising activities must be used to pay soccer related expenses such as tournament costs and travel.  Teams may also use fundraising proceeds to plan team bonding activities such as pizza parties or team outings.  In no event should any funds raised through Team Fundraising Activities be allocated to the benefit of a single player or a subset of players on the team.  All proceeds of Team Fundraising Activities must be distributed equally to all members of the team.  The Club is not responsible to manage the collection and disbursement of funds raised.

5.     EXCLUSIVITY OF FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

An Arsenal F.C. team may not claim “exclusivity” to any particular fundraising activity.  For example, if one team is selling travel coffee mugs, a different Arsenal F.C. team is not prohibited from also selling the mugs. 

Arsenal F.C. will seek additional ways to raise funds to help defray the cost of the program, and is open to suggestions. Suggestions should be forwarded to the Fundraising Committee for review. No individual team shall fundraise without the approval of the Fundraising Committee. In addition, no teams are allowed to seek donations from current Club vendors and marketing partners.

XIII.        Guest Playing Outside the Club

Players in the Arsenal F.C., must ask for permission from the appropriate program director to participate in outside events with other clubs.  The coaching staff wants to make sure players are getting enough rest and are fulfilling the training to game ratio that has been set forth in the beginning of each year.  To manage the player’s development and time on the field, the directors will approve or not approve the request.  If the request is approved, the director will need to fill out guest player paperwork and provide the player pass.

XIV.        KidSafe Coaches Background Checks

The KidSafe program is a risk management program designed to ensure safe circumstances for every person, and especially every child, who participates in a US Youth Soccer affiliated activity. Criminal background checks are performed as part of this program. The KidSafe Program is intended to ensure that all Youth Soccer volunteers and paid employees are screened for any past or present behavior that may pose a threat to any player participants in US Youth Soccer.

All GRAYSA/Arsenal F.C. members, coaches, and all other volunteers are screened for initial or continued suitability in the Arsenal F.C. program. All USSF-certified referees officiating at Schertz Soccer Complex (SSC) games are screened as well, under a separate program administered by the South Texas Soccer Referees (STSR). This program is expected to further reduce the potential for any type of abuse against youth participants in US Youth Soccer caused by Youth Soccer volunteers and paid employees.

Background clearances are valid for a period of two years. Volunteers disqualified due to their background check will be notified.

If you have questions about this, please email our Registrar Coordinator at [email protected].

XV.        Make Up Practice and Game Policy

Sessions/games/practices may be required to be played on non-traditional days, including Sundays, weekdays, and doubleheaders. Game and practice schedules may be changed throughout the season due to, but not limited to, teams folding, bye weeks, quality of fields, lack of fields, flighting issues, weather problems, and other instances that may be out of our control.  Arsenal F.C. aims to provide a safe and positive environment for all our teams.

XVI.        Media Release Policy

Arsenal F.C. reserves the right to use photographs, video, voice, and likeness of players, parents, coaches, and referees participating in our programming without compensation. The media obtained by ARSENAL F.C. may be used on our website, social media, publications, and etc.  By participating in Arsenal F.C., members agree to the following statement:

I grant Arsenal F.C. and their respective successors and assign the perpetual worldwide and royalty-free rights to use my child’s voice, photograph, and likeness in any media related to my performance in or observation of the club including, without limitation, a videotape recording of such programming without compensation to me, or my personal representatives, assigns, heirs, children, dependents, spouse and relatives.

XVII.        Medical Release Policy

In considerations of Arsenal F.C. allowing my child to participate in the Arsenal F.C. programming, I agree not to sue and forever release, waive and discharge Greater Randolph Area Youth Soccer Association (GRAYSA), Arsenal F.C. and their respective employees, governors, affiliates, agents, partners, owners, members, parents, subsidiaries, representatives, officers, attorneys and players (hereinafter referred to collectively as “Releasees” from any and all liability to me, my child and his or her personal representatives, assigns, heirs, children, dependents, spouse and relatives for any and all claims, causes of action, losses, judgments, liens, costs, demands or damages that are caused by or arise from any injury (including death) to his/her person or property regardless of the cause(s) of such injury. I assume all risks associated with my child’s participation in and observation of the Arsenal F.C.

I certify that my child is in good mental and physical condition. My child and I understand the inherent risks associated with participation in the club, and we also understand the inherent risks of participating in the sport of soccer at this level. I recognize the possibility of physical injury associated with soccer, and in consideration of above organizations discharge and otherwise indemnify the organizations, the affiliates and sponsors, their employees and associated personnel (whether paid or volunteer) as well as the owners of the fields and facilities utilized for the programs, against any claim by or on behalf of the registrant as a result of the registrant’s participation in the programs.

I, the parent/legal guardian of the registrant, authorize Arsenal F.C. and the Arsenal F.C. staff to seek medical treatment for the Participant as they deem necessary at local medical facilities. I understand that this authorization is given in advance of any specific diagnosis, treatment or hospital care, and that it is given to provide the Arsenal F.C. and Arsenal F.C. staff authority to seek medical treatment as he/she judge’s necessary to the above-named Participant. I accept responsibility for payment of all services rendered; I authorize any medical facility that renders services to release medical information necessary for the processing of insurance claims; and I authorize the payment of insurance claims directly to the medical facility. I understand that whenever possible, Arsenal F.C. will make a good faith effort to contact me or the above named person(s) before seeking treatment. If this is not possible, I understand that the Arsenal F.C. and Arsenal F.C. staff will notify me, or my designee, as soon as possible of any and all diagnoses and treatments.  I also hereby give consent for emergency medical care prescribed by a duly licensed Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Dentistry.  This care may be given under whatever conditions are necessary to preserve the life, limb, or well-being of my dependent.

XVIII.        Movement Between Teams

Arsenal F.C. finds it very important to make sure all players are playing at the correct level and being challenged just enough to help their development.  Sometimes the coaching staff will find the best option to be moving a player to a new environment.  If a player is moved this can result in an increase or decrease of fees for the remainder of the season or year.  As soon as this move is approved by the appropriate program director your player will be moved in the system and the fees will be updated according to the amount of games and events left for the new team.

XIX.        No Pet Policy

For the safety of Arsenal F.C. players and families, dogs are not are permitted on the premises of any Arsenal F.C. practice, game or event, even if dogs are permitted at that facility, park or field.

XX.        Non-Discrimination Policy

Arsenal F.C. does not discriminate against its members, players, coaches, parents, referees on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or if all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance programs.

XXI.        Parents Code of Conduct

Youth soccer is for the players. All parents associated with Arsenal F.C. are invited to share in the pleasure of watching their children participate in the world’s most popular sport, so long as their behavior does not distract the players and officials from the free flow of play which is the trademark of the sport.  Arsenal F.C. prides ourselves on having respectful and engaged families, and we ask that parents and guardians continue to adhere to these guidelines.

A parent or guardian should:

1. Foster an environment of respect for referees, players, coaches, and spectators of the opposing team through words of encouragement and support.
2. Applaud superior play, effort, and sportsmanship by players on both teams.
3. Support your coaches and managers consistently regardless of the results on the field. Coaches contribute many hours of their time to your children. They deserve your congratulations when the team wins and your encouragement when the team doesn’t.
4. Communicate any concerns to the coach at the appropriate time (recommended 24 hour cool off period) away from the playing location and players.
5. Always remain at least two yards from the playing field so our young players have room to play and enjoy the game.
6. Your cooperation with these standards before, during, and after each game or practice will make Arsenal F.C. more enjoyable for everyone.

A parent or guardian must:

1. Never use foul language or obscene gestures at a game or practice site.
2. Avoid comments and gestures that express disagreement with referee decisions.
3. Cooperate with any request by the game officials.
4. Never consume alcoholic beverages on the field location at practices or games.

A parent or guardian understands that:

1. Any parent or spectator who fails to adhere to these standards will be required to leave the playing area, and play will be suspended until he or she does so.
2. The Arsenal F.C. reserves the right to suspend or terminate a player’s enrollment for his or her parent’s persistent or extreme sideline misbehavior, and there will be no refunds of player fees in such cases.
3. Parents or guardians are responsible for their guests’ behavior and must inform their guests of the applicable rules of conduct.

Any breaches of this Code of Conduct can result in your child’s suspension and a member’s removal from the Arsenal F.C. Comments and behavior of any member which contradict the mission statement or disrupt the functioning of a team can result in the suspension and/or removal from the Arsenal F.C.

XXII.        Personal Training Cancellation

Families and players are to provide at least a notice of cancellation 48 hours prior to the scheduled session.  Cancellations made after this 48 period may be subject to a fee of half the price of the full session. 

A no-show fee of the full price of the training session will be charged if:

1. Our trainer waits at least 20 minutes for you and your player to arrive, and
2. Our trainer attempts to contact you via phone or through text message with no response.

XXIII.        Player Failure to Place Policy

Registration of your child with Arsenal F.C.’s observations and/or tryouts does not guarantee a place in the Club’s Programs. As we do our best to give as many players the ability to play as possible, there may be instances where your child will be turned away. Such instances include, but are not limited to, the inability to create enough teams due to lack of players, inability to find a coach, late registrations, unsuccessful payments, and missing payment deadlines.

XXIV.        Player Pick Up Policy

Arsenal F.C. coaches are required to stay at the field until the last player is picked up.  This policy applies to players from age 4 through age 18 and is designed to ensure your child’s safety.  Additionally, all coaches are requested to have a “two deep” player policy, meaning, coaches should never find themselves in a position being alone with a child.  As a result, it is important that parents and guardians must be present for all practices and games.

While we understand that many parents have hectic schedules and getting to and from practices can present challenges, it is important to note that we rely on professional coaches who similarly have demanding schedules and often need to leave immediately following your child’s practice.  Should a coach need to leave the field area while children are still present, children may only be left with an adult (this includes parents) that has completed a KidSafe background check.

XXV.        Player Release Policy

After a player commits to a team and completes registration with Arsenal F.C., the player is considered registered to the Club.  Each player is bound to the Club for the entire soccer season.  Each family is obligated to the full financial commitment.

Arsenal F.C. will not consider a request for a release from the program during the soccer year until that player has paid his/her entire financial obligations to the Club and team for the soccer year.  If approved, all fees for the entire seasonal year must be paid in full before the release can be authorized.  This will include a reasonable estimate for coach travel expenses, any other fees that might be due after the player has transferred from the team as well as a $50 club-processing fee.  Players receiving financial assistance will not be released during the seasonal year unless they pay the full expenses associated with the year, including any portion of granted assistance.

XXVI.        Player Right to Refuse Policy

Arsenal F.C. reserves the right to refuse participation for any reason, except for reasons of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or if all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance programs.  Most importantly, majority of reasons include perpetual negative or abusive parent/guardian or player behavior or repeated non-payment of registration fees without resolve to cure.

Reasons for refusal may include negative or abusive parent/guardian behavior, negative or abusive player behavior, or repeated non-payment of fees.

XXVII.            Practice Field/Time Allocation Policy

Teams are assigned to a specific practice field day, time, and location by Arsenal F.C.  These logistics are determined based on each team’s age and/or division, as well as available field space allocated by the Schertz Soccer Complex field commissioner.

During winter season, lighted grass fields are in high-demand, as there are few accessible, thus reduction of field and field sharing might be necessary.

Coaches are expected to practice at the day, time, and location assigned to their team.

You are not permitted to assume ownership of a vacant field or portion of a field if you do not have a reserved time.  Often, these fields are vacant for a reason or reserved at a slightly different time by another group.  You can always email [email protected] with questions about open fields.

If movable goals or rebounders are available on your practice site, please be mindful of the other teams sharing that space.

XXVIII.            Refund Policy

It is the policy of Arsenal F.C. to refund registration fees only if your player moves more than 50 miles from his/her primary residence prior to the start of the season or if the player is unable to participate due to a season ending injury or illness as documented by a physician.

No refund, credits or fee transfers will be allowed for any other reasons.  If Arsenal F.C. is unable to place your child on a team, a full refund will be issued. Conflicts with practice schedules are not grounds for refunds. Refund requests due to injury must be made within 2 weeks of injury or illness and must have a physician’s note included. There will be no reimbursements granted for any programming cancelled due to weather, acts of God, or forfeits.

XXIX.        Release of Information Policy

It is Arsenal F.C.’s policy to not release any information regarding any participant’s participation within Club structured programming, including, but not limited to team name, practice date, practice time, practice location, game date, game time, game location, coach name, coach contact information, or any other information pertaining to the player’s participation in Arsenal F.C. Information will only be released to the contact person on the Arsenal F.C. player’s account. If you’d like information to be released to additional guardians or individuals, please have the main contact person on the account add those individuals to the account or call Arsenal F.C. to add them.

XXX.        Solicitations, Promotions and Distribution of Materials Policy 

Any solicitations, promotions, distributions of written or other materials or any other advertisement not previously approved by Arsenal F.C. is strictly prohibited at practices, games, or other activities sponsored by the club.

XXXI.        Use Of Golf Cart Policy

Arsenal F.C. is committed to providing its staff with a safe work environment. Where golf carts are used to transport persons and/or equipment on the complex, they must be operated in safe manner and regularly maintained to ensure they are roadworthy.

Operation of golf carts will only be permitted for staff who have been trained and authorized to use by Arsenal F.C.

The following guidelines have been developed for your safety and the safety of others while operating golf carts:

1. The number of passengers allowed on the cart should be restricted to the number of seats available on the cart. Most carts are designed for a driver and one passenger.
2. Golf Carts may NOT be parked on or near soccer fields.  All golf carts need to be parked away from games and walking traffic.
3. The keys should always be removed, brakes set, and cart secured when it is unattended. Parking on inclines should be avoided whenever possible.
4. The carts should not be operated by anyone while drinking an alcoholic beverage, and should never be operated by an intoxicated or medicated driver.
5. The cart operator/owner releases Arsenal F.C. from any and all legal liability in any accidents resulting from Golf Carts.
6. The operator should always operate the cart in a defensive manner. The operator should never assume that he/she has the right of way. Pedestrians should be approached with caution and should be made aware of the operator’s presence – a horn or bell may be appropriate. The operator should be aware of and react properly to bicyclists and motor vehicles.
7. The cart should not be operated on public roads. In the event that the golf cart must be operated on a public road for a short distance, all traffic signals and right of way rules should be obeyed.
8. Equipment or supplies should not be carried unless secured properly to prevent objects from falling from the cart.
9. Caution should be used when reversing.  Operators should make sure that there are not persons or obstructions behind the golf cart.

XXXII.        Use Of Schertz Soccer Complex Policy

As members of the GRAYSA / Arsenal F.C. community who enjoy the privilege of using Schertz Soccer Complex for our games and practices, it is essential that we always be respectful of the property rights and privileges. Accordingly, it is essential that Arsenal F.C. members observe the following code of conduct for all the fields used by our members.

1. Use legal parking. Do not park in “no parking” areas.
2. Leave fields free of all trash, even if something was there when you arrived, please be helpful and clean it up before you leave. This includes bottles, caps, athletic tape, food wrappers, etc.
3. NO PETS!!!! Pets are not allowed on any of fields or facility. Please ask pet owners to remove their animals and clean up any remains from their visit.
4. Amplified sound is not permitted.
5. No alcoholic beverages.
6. No portable grills using charcoal, briquettes or similar heat source.
7. No climbing over walls or gates to access closed areas.
8. No play on fields that have been closed due to weather.

We need to establish a high standard of respect for the environment, the neighbors and the other users of the Schertz Soccer Fields. All of these codes of conduct will help educate our children to be responsible adults and enhance our relationship with the neighbors who share our fields.

XXXIII.        Uniform Policy

Arsenal F.C.’s official apparel and equipment sponsor is Score Pro. This relationship is critical to the success of both on and off-site programming. As such, all uniforms, training gear, cold weather gear, bags and training should be Score Pro branded.

Players registered to Arsenal F.C. Academy or Select teams must purchase a uniform and training gear package at the beginning of the season from our retail partner, Soccer Factory. Players are required to wear appropriate Arsenal F.C. issued gear to each training session and game. There are no exceptions to this policy. Players are responsible for upkeep of this gear. Continuing players will have the opportunity to reuse last year’s uniform if it is in the current style.

New uniforms must be purchased on a 2-year cycle regardless of need. Uniform numbers will be assigned by the Club for Academy and Select programs.

XXXIV.        Weather Policy

Cold Weather

The following will be followed by all members of Arsenal F.C. Cold weather is defined as any temperature that can negatively affect the body’s regulatory system. It is important to remember that temperatures do not have to be freezing to have this effect. Individuals engaged in sports activities in cold, wet or windy conditions are at risk for environmental cold injuries.

Hot Weather

The risk of heat related illness from vigorous sports activity increases with the temperature. The body generates heat which cannot be dissipated readily when the ambient temperature exceeds 85 degrees F, depending upon the humidity. Hot weather is considered at any point where the Heat Index reaches or exceeds 90. Coaches should follow the following procedures based on conditions:

1. Heat Index up to 89°: Normal Play. Regular hydration patterns
2. Heat index of 90°- 95°: Mandatory water breaks every 25 minutes.
3. Heat index of 96°-102°: Mandatory water breaks every 15 minutes.
4. Heat index over 103° (at start of training): All outside activity cancelled

Lighting

In the event of lightning, the Arsenal F.C. operate on 15/30 rule.  This means if a lightning strike occurs within 15 miles of the soccer fields, then fields are cleared for a minimum of 30 minutes.

In the event of the soccer fields being clear due to a lightning strike, it is vital the players, parents, coaches and volunteers get into their cars immediately.  If the delay is prolonged a minimum of 30 minutes into the practice session, then practice will be cancelled.  For example, training begins at 6:00 PM and the last lightning strike occurred at 6:05 PM.  Then the earliest the players could return to training would be 6:35 PM.  In this example practice would be cancelled for the evening.  Do not allow players/parents to stand in the parking lots, under trees, pavilions, or in puddles of water. Get into your vehicles with the windows rolled up.

All coaches are recommended to download the Weather Bug App on their smartphones.  Arsenal F.C. highly recommends all members to follow suit.  The overall priority is to provide a safe environment for the kids and adults, so the more tracking weather updates the safer.

The decision to clear Schertz Soccer Complex will be made by the SSC Field Commissioner or the Director of Coaching.

Sign up for last minute weather notifications:

• Go to www.Rainedout.com,
• Under search: ArsenalFCSA
• Enter 10-digit PHONE or EMAIL
• Or go directly to:

https://www.rainedout.net/team_page.php?a=907353a000b082f714b4