United Sports Academy
Homeschool Warriors
Handbook
Vision, Guidelines, and Code of Conduct
Vision
USA Homeschool Warriors are set-up to be a competitive Varsity sports program. USA
Homeschool is also to be an organization that people admire for their character, and skills
development.
USA Homeschool is dedicated to giving athletes the training they need to compete at a high
level. USA Homeschool will strive to give our athletes the tools they need to succeed both on
the court and in life.
To be a competitive Varsity sports program, USA Homeschool, as an organization, realizes
that we must build from the ground up. Therefore we will do everything we can to have
Middle School/JJV, Junior Varsity and Varsity teams.
Consistency as a program is important to USA Homeschools’ overall goal.
There must be consistency in the organizational leadership, consistency in coaches, and
consistency in players.
Consistency in organizational leadership means:
1. The leadership of USA Homeschool will ensure that coaches and athletes have the
equipment needed to complete. (Equipment includes but not limited to uniforms,
sports specific equipment, practice locations…)
2. The leadership will work to build a program that encourages returning players.
Players who will be with USA Homeschool from Middle School/JJV through Varsity,
and work their way up the ranks. We will do that by working to have a program built
on excellence of character, training and competition.
3. The leadership will work to help the coaches grow in their wisdom and knowledge of
the game. We will endeavor to provide the coaches opportunities to improve so that
they will be able to help the players improve.
Consistency in coaches means:
1. Having the right coach in the right place. Coaches who have the same desires as USA
Homeschool. Coaches who have the skills to help all the USA Homeschool athletes
succeed.
2. Having coaches who are not just looking to win today but are dedicated to
development of athletes for their future and the future of USA Homeschool, as an
organization.
3. Having coaches who are willing/able to work within what being part of a homeschool
sports league brings.
Consistency in players means:
1. Players who return because their skills are being developed, and they believe they are
better players then they were when they came to us.
2. Players who return because they are treated fairly and always have a chance to
compete for a starting position on the team.
3. Players who return because they have become a part of a team and have built solid
friendships.
Each level of play is important to the USA Homeschool organization. To have a strong
varsity program you must start building at the MS/JJV level. USA Homeschool believes that
fundamentals are the foundation you build upon and never abandon. MS/JJV should be
dedicating 80% to 90% of their practice to developing fundamentals in each and every player
on the team. JV should still be dedicating 75% of their time on teach fundamentals. Once an
athlete has joined the varsity team, they should still expect their practices to be fundamentally
based, comprised of roughly 50% fundamentals.
Although MS/JJV and JV teams are competing against other teams, winning should not be
the primary goal of the coach. The primary goal of the coach should be seeing further
development of skills within each of the players on the team both individually and as
teammates.
Guidelines
Parents
Parents of course have ultimate authority over their children. However, due to the
seriousness of the commitment, to the entire team, and the community of schools we play, if
a player is not living up to the parents' expectations in academics, attitude, or assigned duties,
at home, the parents are asked to discuss problems with the coach and not use participation in
practices or games as a reward or punishment. If a parent chooses to hold their child out then
we will respect that as an organization. However, please understand, holding a child out from
practices or games can have an adverse effect on their position on the team.
Coaches Eligibility
All coaches must be 19 years of age or older, and must be approved by the USA Homeschool
Athletic Director.
Players Eligibility
No more than 50% of a student's schooling may come from a public or private secondary
school.
Varsity will be limited to 8th grade (13 before August 1st) and above.
Students in grades 8-12 are eligible for varsity competition.
Students in grades 6-11 are eligible for junior varsity competition.
Students in grades 5-8 are eligible for MS competition.
For us, as an organization of homeschoolers, a 5th grader will be considered no younger than
nine years of age.
6th Grade is no younger than 10 but the preference is 11. A 10- year-old will be an exception
and will be decided by the AD, after discussion with the coach and parents, based on skills,
size and maturity.
8th grade is no younger than 12.
12th graders who turn 19 on or before August 1st are ineligible.
Players who turn 17 on or before August 1st are ineligible for JV.
Players who turn 14 on or before August 1st are ineligible for MS.
1st String Varsity cannot play down to JV even if they are age eligible.
1st String JV cannot play down to MS even if they are age eligible.
In other words, a player is only able to move up, but not down.
1st String players can play up according to their ability.
Players will be required to make practices, to play. No practice, No play!
In order for USA Homeschool to accomplish its goal of developing athletes, an athlete must
be at practices. In order to accomplish our goal of players wanting to return, because they are
being treated fairly; then we must ensure that athletes are at practices to play. Otherwise it is
not fair for someone to come to all the practices to sit the bench while someone who does not
come to practices, plays. Extenuating circumstances will be taken into consideration.
It is USA Homeschools’ policy to try to field Varsity teams first for two reasons:
(1) Consistency – we are first a varsity conference.
(2) Seniors – it is our desire for that our seniors have the opportunity to complete their high
school sports experience.
Team Development
The first thing to consider when it comes to team development is the player. They are the
primary concern to USA Homeschool Warriors.
The coach is responsible for the conditioning, training, assignment, safety and discipline of
the players. Our goal is to have the best team we can have.
We are not a rec league (Where you pay, you play). The coach is not required to play every
player on the team evenly.
Each coach will communicate with their respective players. The athletes will have a good
assessment of what their role will be on their team. Starter, bench relief, or maybe just a
player in training. No matter what their role this should be communicated to the player and
the parents.
USA Homeschool will look to field MS/JJV, JV, and Varsity. Each of those teams should be
distinctly different teams. Some athletes may be asked to double up on teams out of
necessity for growth of USA Homeschool Warriors program. We will always keep in mind
what is best for the athlete. A coach will always consider what will be best for the athlete,
developmentally; and what will allow each player to shine.
Each players should know what they need to accomplish to have a starting spot on the team.
Coaches will encourage each player to work hard to earn a starting spot.
Each team is to be a distinct team. Our JV 1st String starting team should be distinctly
different from our Varsity 1st String starting team. The only time it might not be distinctly
different is if we are short players and a player has to play on two teams, either because we
don't have the numbers overall or we don't have position-specific players. For instance, a
pitcher for baseball - not everyone can pitch.
USA Homeschool is building for the long haul, not just today. Players should want to make
the varsity team, it should be their goal to improve each year so they earn a spot on the
varsity squad. No athlete should ever think that varsity is simply a rite of passage.
Knowing our desire is to field all three teams MS/JJV, JV and Varsity, and knowing that
USA Homeschool expects players to build their skills to one day make the varsity team, the
Varsity Coach will set the standard for what is needed for the teams. In other words, they
chose their team first, after evaluation/tryouts, then JV, and finally middle school will take
the remaining players. (All of this is the ideal, but the fielding of all three teams needs to be
taken into consideration when picking the teams. This means age and number of players
available has to be taken into account. First and foremost, we will take into account what is
best for the athletes we are dealing with. Therefore, the AD will review the final roster and
discuss needed changes with the coaches. The AD and the varsity coach will have the final
say on each roster.)
The Varsity Coach will also set the standard as to what the athletes should be learning so they
are ready for varsity play when they reach that level.
A player playing on more than one team will ideally be a starter on one team, and bench on
the other team. However, there are times that a player may be playing on a second team out
of necessity for the growth of USA Homeschool. This player will simply be enabling USA
Homeschool to field a team in an older age group. When this occurs, a player should not be
penalized and not allowed to start on the team that would most benefit them as an athlete and
allow them to shine. This exception has to be out of necessity to keep a team a float, not just
because a player or coach thinks they would be a good player for them, or so they can win
and be more competitive. The athlete has to be the primary consideration.
There are times that a player playing on two teams may have a conflict in scheduling. If so,
then the primary team will be the team they play for during scheduling conflicts.
We will follow all conference rules. We will take the steps necessary to follow VHSL rules.
(Due to our size, and the number of players, who are available for the season, there may be
times that we will not be able to meet VHSL requirements, but we will always need to meet
all conference requirements.)
Playing Time
(This is the ideal, providing we have the number of players to implement each of these. If we
don't have the numbers, then we will do our best to comply with each of the below. If we
don't have the numbers, then we refer to the section team development for clarification. As
we consider these, although they may not be easy, remember, as our conference grows they
may become mandatory to follow and added to the conference bylaws. We do not want to get
caught unprepared.)
A. General
(1) Maximum of four swing players may play both ways (JV/Varsity)
(2) No swing players may start at the higher level.
(3) No varsity starter may play a JV game.
B. Basketball
(1) Players can play 4 quarters for their primary starting team and only 2 quarters for the team
they are moving up to. But they cannot play in the 1st quarter of the Varsity game.
(2) JV and MS/JJV players should be noted in both books.
(3) Overtime is considered a quarter.
C. Soccer
(1) Players are limited to playing in only the first or second half of the soccer game for the
team they are moving up to. (In an Overtime period: A player who plays in one half of a
soccer game will be ineligible to play in an overtime period).
D. Volleyball
(1) Players may not play in the 1st game of the match they are moving up to play in or start
any game thereafter.
(2) Players moving up are limited to 3 games of the match they are moving up to play in.
E. Baseball/Softball
(1) Pitchers in the Varsity team may not pitch down.
(2) Baseball pitchers are limited to 10 innings pitched on consecutive days.
(3) Players moving up are limited in games they move up to play in. (i.e. three innings for a
five-inning game, four innings for a seven inning game.)
General Coaching
Varsity Coaches will run all tryouts with the help and input of the MS/JJV & JV Coaches.
The Varsity Coach will set team rosters considering the needs to field 3 distinct teams at their
appropriate levels.
Coaches should use wisdom and discernment when putting together their teams, considering
each athlete as unique individuals.
Off-season conditioning, clinics, and tournaments are encouraged; however, players who are
either preparing for, in the middle of, or are finishing up a regular season - their commitment
is to that sport first. It is up to the family to decide if they want to participate in another USA
Homeschool activity as well.
However, if the coach sees that a player is declining in their energy level or skills for their
primary sport, the coach should give warning that the player's participation could be affected.
There must be a female adult at every practice and game when the coach is a male and the
team is female. This also goes for a female coach having a male covering when the players
are males; however, male adult coverings are not always available because of work, so there
will be a parent in place.
An Adult Covering has to be at all practices and games in case someone needs medical
attention. The rule of thumb for injuries is R-I-C-E: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
The Adult Covering is responsible for getting an injured player to his/her parents, clinic, or
emergency room, not a coach.
No coach or assistant coach should ever be alone with a player. This is for your protection as
well as the player.
Our rule books come from the National Federation of State High School Association
(NFHS.org) and all of our equipment must meet their safety standards.
The coach will make sure that the following items are at all practices and games:
1. A signed Adult Covering form and the notarized contract for each player.
2. Injury/Incident forms.
3. Cell phone (for an emergency or if team or officials don't show up)
4. First aid kit
5. Water and plenty of it.
The Head Coach will show solid character and refrain from displays of temper. They will not
use, or tolerate from team members, cursing and other types of inflammatory speech, and will
be responsible for maintaining team discipline and enforcement of rules.
Any problems between coaches and players should be dealt with at the lowest possible level.
The coach should initiate discussion with the parents and athlete. If this is unsuccessful in
remedying the problem, then the AD should be involved.
The coach is the only one who invites someone to sit on the bench.
Winning Varsity Coach calls in the score, stats, and highlights to the Virginia Pilot Sports
Dept., after every home game (see Va. Pilot sheet.)
Coaches are responsible for returning sports equipment to the AD at the end of the season,
reporting any damage, and expressing desires for the following year.
Code of Conduct
This portion of the handbook is for the players and parents. Up to this point, we have
discussed what you should expect from USA Homeschool Warriors. Now, we need to make
sure that all players and parents are aware of what is expected of them.
Players Code of Conduct
All players must know that it is a privilege to play and that all players will abide by the
following:
1. Play the game for the game’s sake, and not just to please parents or coaches.
2. Players will be modest and generous when they win, and gracious when they lose.
3. Players will respect the game and its laws/rules. They will learn these laws/rules and
try to follow them.
4. Players will work for the good of the team and give their best effort at all times.
5. Players will show respect for the authority of the officials, even though they will
sometimes disagree with the officials calls.
6. Players will show good sportsmanship before, during and after all games. They will
understand that the game and the players of the other team are the opponent not the
enemy.
7. Players will conduct themselves with honor and dignity and treat other players as they
would like to be treated.
8. Players will helps parents and fans understand the laws/rules of the game so that they
can watch and enjoy the game better.
9. Players will control their tempers and not retaliate, even if they believe that they have
been wronged.
10. Players will not use or possess tobacco, alcohol, or illegal or performance enhancing
drugs.
11. Players will study and work hard in school in order to become a better athlete on the
team.
Parent’s Code of Conduct
In order for parents to provide positive support, care and encouragement to the players of
USA Homeschool Warriors. We ask that all parents:
1. Encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players,
coaches, and officials at every game or practice. Therefore, as a parent or fan, you
will not harass abuse, disrespect or cause a disturbance against any coaches, players,
or officials.
2. Demand a healthy sports environment for all athletes free from drugs, tobacco, and
alcohol and likewise will refrain from their use at all practices and/or games.
3. Remember that it is a game.
4. Treat all players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect regardless of race, sex,
creed or ability.
5. Assure transportation and support the attendance and prompt arrival of players to all
practices and games.
6. Communicate, in advance, if my player will be unable to attend a practice or game.
7. Guarantee payment of all fees, understanding that these fees must stay current in order
for player to participate in practices and games.
8. Will not approach coaches directly before, during or directly after a game. Parents
will wait 24 hours before addressing any concerns. Parents understand that the coach
will only discuss concerns involving the parents’ player and not another player on the
team.
9. Will not be a distraction in any way before, during, or after a game. Parents
understand that all team members will be expected to stay focused on the game plan
and must listen to the coach’s instruction before, during, and after the game.
If we fail to abide and comply with the given code of conduct, we understand that the
consequences may or may not include, or be limited to:
1. Verbal warning by official, coach, and/or athletic director.
2. Written warning by coach and/or athletic director.
3. Game suspension with written documentation of incident to be kept on file with
USA.
4. Dismissal of my player from United Sports Academy.
In Closing
USA Homeschool is about developing athletes for their future. Sports opens up an incredible
door for life’s lessons. If the development is done correctly, USA Homeschool athletes will
not only develop to be solid athletes but they will develop to be young men and women of
solid character, who are learning how work as a team, how to keep cool under stress, how to
play fair, how to treat others in a respectful manner, and how hard work can pay off and win
you a starting spot on the team.
8/3/2015
USA Homeschool Warriors
Acknowledgement of Handbook
The purpose of this document is to ensure that all parents/guardians and players participating
in the USA Homeschool Warrior program have received, read and will comply with all
information contained in the handbook. By signing this document all agree that failure to
observe any information in this handbook can and may result in a dismissal of the player or
players from participating in any further games, teams or seasons with the USA Homeschool
Warriors.
We have read, understand, and will abide by the guidelines and code of conduct with in
the USA Homeschool Warriors Handbook.
Signature: _________________________________________ Date: __________________
(Player)
Signature: _________________________________________ Date: __________________
(Parent/Guardian)