1. What is expected of parents?
Parents are responsible for their daughter’s attendance at practice and games. Parents are expected to be supportive of the team and to demonstrate proper sportsmanship toward all players, coaches and referees. Parents should expect to help the coach with the volunteer positions he/she has for the team, and they are encouraged to become involved with the Cardinal Soccer Club committees. Finally, parents are expected to pay fees on time or make arrangements with the coach if there are issues preventing this.
2. What is expected of players?
The girls are expected to give their best effort at practice and in games to develop their individual skills. This means they must listen, learn, cooperate, be considerate of teammates, and work to support the team interests. Our players must show respect for their teammates, coaches, trainers, referees and opponents. In addition, the players should take responsibility for making sure they have the correct equipment and uniforms for practices and games.
3. What is the expectation on attendance at practice?
As a general rule, players should make every effort to be at practice unless they are ill or have a school, religious, or important family commitment. Repeated absence or tardiness will not only slow down your daughter’s soccer skill development, but it will also slow down the team’s development. It is important that you notify your coach ahead of time if your daughter can’t make a game or practice.
4. How will communications to parents be handled?
Your coach should explain his/her system of communications at your first team meeting. Most coaches rely on email to disseminate schedules and other items of business. Coaches typically hold parent or team meetings from time to time throughout the season. Concerns about your daughter or the team can be handled by email, telephone, or a face-to-face conversation. It is not good to approach the coach with a conflict or difficult issue right after a game.
5. What if a parent has a major disagreement with some aspect of the team or coach?
The first step to resolving any issue is a conversation with the coach. Our Cardinal trainers are also willing to discuss and help resolve training issues. If need be, parents can contact their Age Group Coordinator, who will assist in mediating difficult issues. For a list of Age Group Coordinators, click on “Contact Info” in the “Club Info” sidebar of this website.
6. What are practice logistics?
U8 and U9 teams practice once a week with a Cardinal trainer at the Amelia facility, and once a week at a coach-led practice at a field the coach will secure. U10 teams practice twice a week with a trainer and once a week at a coach-led practice. Winter training takes place in January and February, once a week at an indoor location. Most competitive soccer teams in the Cincinnati area train the same amount as the Cardinals. Players should wear shin guards, cleats, soccer shorts, and soccer t-shirts (or appropriate cold-weather athletic clothing.) They should always bring a #4 ball and a water bottle.
7. When do we play games and tournaments?
Select soccer league games are normally played on Sundays, starting in April in the spring and late August in the fall. Unlike recreational soccer, there is no end-of-season tournament to determine the league champion. There are many tournaments in and around Cincinnati, which teams attend for the purpose of honing game skills and experiencing a variety of competition. U8s play in one festival-style tournament over Memorial Day weekend. Our Director of Coaching chooses appropriate tournaments all Cardinal teams. To see the list of tournaments, click on the “Tournaments” sidebar on the homepage of this website.
8. What if I have further questions about the
topics above, or what if I want to know
about fundraising, uniforms, the Cardinal training philosophy,
or tryouts?
All of these topics, and more, are covered in the Cardinal Soccer Club Parent Manual in the Password Only section of the “Players Corner” side bar of this website. You are strongly encourage to print this document and refer to it often as you experience the fun and excitement of Cardinal soccer!
