Summary of Club Guidelines

Dear Coaches, Team Managers, Parents and Players,

The Chesterfield United Football Club (CUFC) is very proud to be building a reputation as one of the most professionally operated and managed soccer clubs in the state. In order to promote, preserve and protect this reputation, it is the policy of CUFC that all teams abide by the following guidelines for practices, games and tournaments.

Uniform Requirements

 Blue Uniform - Blue jersey, Blue shorts and Blue socks

 White Uniform - White jersey, white shorts and white socks

Primary Uniform Color is Always Blue - Only use White Uniform When Required

• League Play - Home team wears Blue uniform, Away team wears White uniform
• Tournaments - always wear Blue uniform; change only when tournament rules require
• Sliders - must match color of shorts
• Under Armor - must be matching color or approved by coach

Training Uniform / Equipment – Strongly Recommended

• United Football Club practice t-shirt, black practice shorts, black socks
• United Football Club warm-ups worn for cold-weather practice and games - suggested

General Guidelines

Players

• Players will refrain from using profanity.
• Players will not engage in disparaging dialogue with referees, teammates, coaches, opponents or spectators.
• Players will not, under any circumstances, participate in physical violence or threats of physical violence before, during or after any game or practice.
• Players are prohibited from use of alcohol or illegal drugs while on the active roster of any Chesterfield United Football Club team.
• Players will obey the laws of the game and play within the spirit of the laws.

Parent and Spectators

• Parents agree to support their club and their team in requiring players to abide by the Players Code of Conduct.
• Parents will not use or possess alcohol, illegal drugs or weapons while attending any Club Event.
• Do not under any circumstances shout abusively at your child or any other child.  Abusive verbal behavior by parents will not be tolerated.  Violators may be asked to leave the venue and may be sanctioned by Chesterfield United Football Club.
• Verbal or physical abuse of any coach or referee will not be tolerated and violators may be sanctioned by VYSA and the Chesterfield United Football Club. 
• Do not coach your child or other children from the sideline during the game.  Please make only positive comments to the players and we ask that instructional input during games be provided by coaches and not parents.  Remember that soccer is a player's game and "the game" is the best teacher.
• The use of obscenities by spectators is strictly prohibited. The referee shall instruct any spectator guilty of using obscenity to leave the venue.
• Team parents are collectively responsible for the behavior of all of their team's spectators in accordance with the code outlined above.
• Both teams are required to take the same side of the field. The "home" team is responsible for choosing the side of the field the teams will occupy.  Members of each team will remain on opposite sides of the centerline.  Team officials and players are to remain between the centerline and the 18-yard line.  All are to be at least 3 feet behind the touchline.
• Spectator Area--All spectators are to take the side of the field opposite the teams.  Spectators should remain at least 3 feet behind the touchline.  If, during the match, the spectators' behavior is out of line then the referee will ask the coaches to speak to the spectators.  If the behavior continues, it is within the discretion of the referee to ask the offending spectator(s) to leave the venue.  The referee shall abandon the match if the spectators become unruly and out of control.
• Any player, coach or spectator who encourages a team or individual member of a team to intentionally injure or physically abuse a member of another team is guilty of a serious breach of the CUFC Code of Conduct and may be sanctioned. Chesterfield United reserves the right to dismiss any player or parent from the club that is a disruptive influence or behaves in such a way that is negative towards the club, team or coach.

 Practices

• Players should arrive at the field ten minutes prior to practice time.
• Players should practice in the Adidas United practice uniform (white shirt, black shorts, black socks, cold weather United warm-up).
• Players must come with a properly inflated soccer ball.
• Players must wear shin-guards.
• Players must bring plenty of water.
• If a player must arrive late or leave a practice early, the coach must be notified in advance.
• If player needs to miss a practice, notification must be made to the COACH and/or Team Manager. That practice may be made up with another team if deemed necessary by the coach and approved by a CUFC Player Development Director.
• Parents are not allowed to step on the field to talk to the coach or the players. In case of emergency, parent must talk to the manager to summon the coach to the sideline.
• If you would like a conference with the coach, an appointment must be made either before or after the practice or at some point during the coach’s free time.

 Games and Local Tournaments

• Players should arrive at the game field from 45 minutes to 1 hour before the game or a time specified by the coach.
• Players must arrive properly and uniformly dressed.
• Players must only warm up with their teammates and coaches.
• Players can only be instructed by the coach during the game. The parents’ role is strictly encouragement – no coaching.
• Any involvement of the parent with their player during the game has to be designated by the coach (injuries, water breaks, etc.)
• If a player will be late for the game or has to leave the game early, the coach must be notified in advance.
• During the games, parents should refrain from making any comments to the game officials. The referees and linesmen should always be dealt with in a professional and courteous manner.
• Parents are not allowed to approach the coach after the game for discussions about playing time, playing position etc. Conferences should be scheduled for another time.
• Every coach, player and parent must behave according to VYSA, league and tournament rules.

 Out-of-Town Tournaments

• Itinerary should be given to all the players by the Team Manager before departure to any out of town tournament.
• We strongly encourage players to travel together as a team.
• As long as the team is still playing in the tournament, players are required to meet at a designated area at a designated time as specified by the coach or manager to do any team related activities such as meals and walks etc.
• Teams are encouraged to travel from the hotel to the fields and back together.
• Players should be dressed uniformly when departing to the games.
• Using the swimming pool, Jacuzzi, exercise equipment, or the like must only be done with permission of the coach.
• Players should never leave the hotel or playing field without notifying the team manager, even if leaving with their parents. The manager and/or coach should know the whereabouts of all players at all times.
• If an itinerary is in place, players must follow the itinerary and must follow curfew precisely.
• Every person associated with the CUFC must follow the rules of the hotel in which they are staying.
• Players are not allowed to run around in the hotel, play soccer in the hotel hallways, or walk barefoot or shirtless.
• If the tournament has both male and female teams, casual association during free time will be allowed in public areas, but absolutely no player will enter the rooms of players of the opposite sex.
• If a conference is necessary between the coach and an individual player, it must be done in the lobby of the hotel or if a more private area is required, then it needs to be done in the presence of a manager or the parent of the player or another adult.

 The Chesterfield United Football Club is very proud to have a reputation of excellence and as one of the most professionally managed and operated soccer clubs in the state. In order to preserve and respect our professional reputation, it is the strict policy of the CUFC that no person challenge, protest or file any complaint (written or verbal) against any soccer officials (VYSA, coaches, the league, other soccer clubs, or referees) without express permission from the Technical Director or CUFC Board Member.

Please feel free to discuss any concerns or ideas with the Technical Director of the club or the board members. In doing so you are exercising your rights as a member of the Chesterfield United Football Club.

We appreciate your continued cooperation and look forward to another successful soccer year.