Coaches CornerCW3 Coaching
Policy
Objective: The
purpose of this policy is to ensure that CW3 players
are provided quality coaching in order to learn the
game of soccer and reach their fullest potential and
to provide procedures for handling coaching complaints.
Behavior/Conduct:
All coaches are expected to comply with CW3 Rules and
By-Laws. Recreational Travel and Select Travel
Coaches are also expected to comply with the Rules
and By-Laws of WSSL and MSYSA.
Background Check:
All coaches must comply with MSYSA’s rule on risk
management, which involves a background check and culminates
in the issuance of a Risk Management Card.
Education/Training:
All coaches are encouraged to attend CW3 sponsored clinics
to ensure that the basic concepts of soccer are understood. CW3
also encourages its coaches to obtain certifications
and/or coaching licenses.
Coaches should also, through attending such coaching
clinics and/or reading the written coaching materials
provided by CW3 or outside resources, familiarize themselves
with how to run an effective practice appropriate for
their age group.
Handling
Complaints Regarding Coaches:
While recognizing
that volunteer coaches are the basis of CW3, CW3 nevertheless
will take seriously all complaints regarding coaches
and will respond appropriately based on the nature
of the specific circumstances.
Complaints
Regarding Abuse:
Any allegation of abuse (physical or emotional) will
be immediately investigated by the Division Director
and the Coaching Director.
Complaints
Regarding Incompetence/Rules Violations: Any allegation of incompetence
or of a rules violation, if made by a single source,
will first be reviewed by the Division Director in
order to determine if it has merit. This can
be done by speaking with other parents or coaches familiar
with the situation at issue. If
it is determined that the allegation has merit or if
the allegation is made by multiple sources, then the
allegation shall be investigated by the Division Director,
in consultation with the Coaching Director.
Coaches are expected to familiarize
themselves with all applicable rules and guidelines;
therefore, a coach shall not be excused from adhering
to such rules and guidelines by pleading ignorance
of their contents. Such
information will be taken into consideration; however,
in determining the appropriate means of corrective action.
Complaints Regarding Coaching
Methods:
CW3 recognizes that some coaching methods are more appropriate
for one age group than for another age group and that
certain children respond favorably to certain coaching
methods, while other children in the same age group
respond negatively to the same methods. Thus,
any complaint regarding a coaching method shall be
brought to the attention of the coach by the Division
Director so that the coach can be made aware of his/her
effect on the player(s) he/she is coaching. If
complaints persist, this may be taken into consideration
in deciding whether to select that particular coach
for a coaching assignment in the future.
Investigations referenced in this
policy will consist of gathering as many facts relevant
to the situation as is reasonably possible. The results of the
investigation shall be communicated to a Disciplinary
Committee appointed by the Board of Directors. The
Disciplinary Committee shall determine what, if any,
corrective action will be taken.
The results of all investigations and determinations
made, including the fact that a complaint has been lodged,
shall be communicated by the Division Director or the
Disciplinary Committee, as appropriate, to the Board
of Directors at the next regularly scheduled Board Meeting,
if not sooner.
Corrective Action for Coaches: Corrective
action is intended to provide improvement opportunities
and/or correct inappropriate behavior. Following
an investigation and communication to the Disciplinary
Committee, the Disciplinary Committee may, if the circumstances
warrant, decide to take one of the following courses
of action. Corrective action may include any
of these actions, in any sequence, depending upon CW3's
assessment of the gravity of the situation. In
some instances, immediate dismissal may be appropriate.
Informal Discussion
of Matters with a Coach: The Division Director or the Disciplinary Committee
may discuss corrective measures with the coach involved
in an effort to allow the coach an opportunity to explain
the circumstances and, if necessary, correct his/her
actions and/or behavior.
All matters informally discussed with a coach must be
documented and maintained by the Division Director or
the Disciplinary Committee for the duration of the season,
plus one additional season if the coach continues to
coach into the next season.
Formal Corrective
Action by the Disciplinary Committee: The Disciplinary Committee may take one of
three formal corrective measures, depending upon the
severity of the conduct.
- The coach may receive a verbal warning and be required
to provide a verbal commitment to improve.
- The coach may receive a written warning and be required
to provide a verbal commitment to improve.
- The coach may be temporarily
suspended from coaching. If
suspended, the coach must provide a written commitment
to improve prior to returning to his/her team.
As mentioned above,
CW3 must take care in the handling of coaches, since they
are volunteering their personal time to support the organization
and the game of soccer. However,
there may be situations that require the removal of a
coach, including consistent refusal to adhere to CW3’s
stated expectations.
All formal corrective measures
discussed with or actions taken with respect to a coach
must be done with more than one CW3 representative
present and must be documented and maintained by the
Disciplinary Committee for three years. The
affected coach may appeal any decision to the full
Board of Directors; however, CW3 reserves the right
to move forward with the corrective action pending
the appeals process. |