Super Sports
Parent’s Pack
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, June 27th
Registration Begins for Members
Friday, July 30th
Registration Begins for Public
Thursday, July 21st
Registration Deadline
Thursday, August 4th
Coaches’ Meeting @ 7pm
Week of August 8th
Practices will begin this week
Friday, August 19th
Season Begins
Saturday September 3rd
Fall Soccer Pictures
Saturday, October 9th
Last Regular Season Games
PARENT INFORMATION
YMCA MISSION STATEMENT
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
YOUTH FIRST, SPORTS SECOND
These words are the essence of the YMCA sports program. The emphasis is on the individual and personal
concern for each child, rather than merely teaching the sport. In attempting to meet the individual needs for
the youth, the rules of the particular sport are molded and sometimes modified from the actual rules of the
sport.
LEARNING BY WINNING AND LOSING
One of the major goals of the YMCA sports program is learning rather than a polished performance. Part of
the learning experience involved in a sport and also in life itself, is the experience of both winning and losing.
We feel that it is important for a team to have the benefit of experiencing both victory and defeat.
With the competitive emphasis in sports being as strong as it is, the YMCA feels that it is not necessary to
emphasize the need to win in the Super Sports program. The competitive desire to win is necessary and good
in an appropriate amount in all sports, but studies show that an over emphasis is often more harmful than
none. Thus, the Super Sports program does not emphasize the need to win because we assume it is present.
Instead we choose to place the emphasis upon learning and sportsmanship, rather than on winning itself.
THE CHILD AND THE SPORT
1. We are building attitudes, character and leadership through the use of sports.
2. The child is the most important part of our program, not the sport or the teaching of the sport.
3. We are not using the sport for recreation’s sake only. The YMCA uses the sports program as a tool,
under the guidance of mature leaders, to help a child become a better person who:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Respects others for whom and what they are.
Gets along with others.
Has a sense of self-worth and self-confidence.
Has these attitudes embodied within them, which makes their lives and the lives of others
more worthwhile.
YMCA PHILOSOPHY
The YMCA Youth Sports philosophy is unique. We emphasize good sportsmanship, teamwork, values, and
fellowship with others in addition to teaching fundamental skills. We are not concerned with wins or losses,
keeping score or league standings. The two important goals as a parent and a coach are to make sure each
child has fun and learns the fundamentals of each sport. The YMCA enforces certain rules to help ensure
that this philosophy is fostered:
***
***
***
NO TRY-OUTS OR CUTS
EACH PARTICIPANT PLAYS AT LEAST HALF THE GAME
EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON PARTICIPATION, NOT WINNING
Please feel free to ask your coach for copies of the “YMCA Rules.” Site Coordinators and Officials have the
authority to ask parents, coaches or spectators who do not display conduct in keeping with the YMCA
philosophy to leave the practice or game area.
THE ROLE OF THE PARENT
Family involvement is a key part of the YMCA Youth Sports philosophy. For the program to be successful,
parents need to understand their role, which includes these components:
 Being aware of the YMCA Youth Sports philosophy and supporting it by their own behavior
(showing respect for the officials, coaches, opposing team and modeling the behavior they
expect of their children).
 Attending games, practices and special events whenever possible.
 Spending time with their child practicing skills and attitudes developed during practices and
games.
 Being supportive of their child by praising the things well done and the improvements made.
 Spending time with their child listening and talking about his or her accomplishments and
feelings.
 Reading and using the printed material provided by the YMCA.
 Volunteering to help the team and the sports program.
POLICIES
Refund policy for Youth Sports Programs:
***Letters of credit/refunds for the youth sports program must be requested no later than the refund
deadline, (August 13th ) and a $10.00 processing fee is deducted from your amount paid.
Team Assignments
U6 – U18:
The YMCA makes every effort to honor as many special requests as possible. We understand the need to
carpool and the desire to play with friends or a former coach. However, these requests will not be honored
at the expense of the balance and fairness of teams. No special requests are ever guaranteed.
Practice and Game Information
U6-U18:
Teams will have the opportunity to practice 1 time per week at the YMCA. Practices will be 1 hour in length.
Teams may practice Monday through Thursday from 4:30 – 7:30pm. The day of the week and time is at the
coach’s discretion. Games will be played on Friday evenings and/or Saturdays.
**We try to meet special requests for practice days or times, but they are NOT guaranteed**
YMCA Sports Program Prayer
Win or lose, I pledge before God to do my best, to be a team player, to respect my teammates,
opponents and officials, and to improve myself in Spirit, Mind, and body Amen.
The YMCA asks that prior to the beginning of each game, this prayer be led by a coach, player or
referee. Thank you for helping teach all players the character values of CARING, RESPECT,
RESPONSIBILITY and HONESTY.
Team Uniforms and Equipment:
Participants will receive a YMCA soccer jersey, shorts and socks and an end of season award. Uniforms must
be worn for all games. All players must have shin guards; cleats are optional. The YMCA will provide
practice/game balls, however, if your child wishes to bring their own ball, please make sure your child’s name
is on their ball with a permanent marker.
Coaches:
All team coaches are YMCA volunteers. They are individuals who take their personal time to instruct and
coach your child. Without their efforts, this program would not be possible. Coaches are STILL NEEDED!
Please contact the YMCA as soon as possible if you are interested in coaching. There will be a coaches’
meeting if you are interested in getting more information. Coaches and assistant coaches are thoroughly
screened (YMCA Volunteer Application & Local Background Check) by the YMCA. Your child will not be
allowed to have any contact or physical interaction with their coach until all paperwork and background check
is complete.
Consider volunteering your services to assist your coach, even if you are not “experienced.” It is imperative
to have at least two adults participating with each team. Inform the coach if your child is unable to make a
game. If the coach cannot be at a game, he/she should ask his assistant coach or a parent to take his place in
his absence. Please notify the YMCA if this occurs.
Team Parents:
Team parents assist the coach by:
***
Helping with phone calls to team members.
***
Helping organize the end of the season team party and post game refreshments. Snacks are
not required however we encourage healthy snacks and drinks.
If your team does not have a team parent, please volunteer!
Officials:
Coaches and parents may NOT verbally abuse the officials. This will not be tolerated. Please try to respect
their calls. Remember your child is seeing your attitude when you are acting negatively towards the official.
The YMCA staff will gladly accept any suggestions (done in the proper manner, remember that nobody is
perfect and officials are going to miss calls). Please notify the Baker County YMCA Sports Coordinator at
904-710-3797 if you have any problems with an official.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I move my child to another team?
The YMCA registers players on a first come, first served basis. If there are openings on a team you
want to move to, we will make every effort to honor your request within the guidelines previously
discussed. THIS IS NOT GUARANTEED. No roster changes will be made after the first
game.
2. When will the season end?
The last regular season game is scheduled for Saturday, October 9th.
3. Does the YMCA provide awards/trophies for my child?
Yes. There will be an end of season participation award for all players.
4. Do I have to purchase pictures for my child?
No. The opportunity to purchase pictures is a service the YMCA provides to you. The photographer
is in no way part of the YMCA. However, we expect the best service from them. Even if you do not
plan on buying a picture packet, please have your child at pictures.
5. What does my child need to play?
Shin guards are a must and cleats are optional. Below are the soccer ball sizes used for each age
group.
Soccer Ball Sizes
U6 (4-5)
U8 (6-7)
U10 (8-9)
U12 (10-11)
U14 (12-13)
U16 (14-15)
U18 (16-17)
Size 3
Size 4
Size 4
Size 5
Size 5
Size 5
Size 5
6. Can my child play up or down a division?
If there are special circumstances, a player may move up 1 division if they are within a year of the
minimum age of that division. Parents must clear this with the YMCA before your child will be moved
up. Players may NOT play down a division for any reason!