CAYA's Start to Champions League Season

CAYA Families,

Please read the full post as there are important items included…

I hope you all had an enjoyable Labor Day weekend.   With our games approaching this coming weekend, I will try to accomplish two things in this post.  First off, some general reminders about what to expect for game days and a couple of videos which will make you think twice about your actions on the sidelines.   

Game Reminders:

·         Double check field location and game time. All CAYA team schedules are now posted at  http://www.ncchampionsleague.com/ (please check schedules as they may have change since first posted)

·         Always check weather hotlines to make sure game has not been cancelled

·         Make sure your son/daughter has both uniforms with them - start to make them accountable for their own soccer bags even if you have to double check

·         Always be early... Rather than rushing to get to the field... it just makes life a great deal easier on your child

·         Wish your child good luck, tell them to compete and have fun

·         Once the game kicks-off, there is very little you can do... so sit back in your comfy chair and enjoy watching your child compete

Game Day Attire 

·         Players should have two jerseys- grey and orange.   Try to stay with the colors below when playing home/away.  We understand at times you may need to deviate from the options below. Please bring both sets of uniforms to all games.  So we are all on the same page: 

·         Orange Shirt- Can be used as a warm-up jersey

·         Orange Jersey- Home

·         Grey Jersey- Away

·         Black Shorts and Socks for all games.

Please remember we are not focused on the outcome or the score of the game.  Of course, we want the players to show a strong desire to compete and of course we want each player to want to win each game they play.  Our focus is more on the process.  The process is how the players apply themselves during the game.   The players will be excited about playing their first game of the season.

Sideline Reminders:

 We expect parents to set a good example on the sideline for other parents, players and of course our club as whole. So with that said some friendly reminders below:

· Please refrain from coaching your child or anyone else's child during the game.  Your intentions may be positive but please don't do it.  This includes hand signals.  The players must be allowed to make decisions independently

· Please do not question the officials.  Show them the respect they deserve at all times.  We use some younger officials for our CAYA games as they can gain very valuable experience.  Please be supportive.  I see parents every week trying to make every call for the referee.  Like the players officials must be able to make their own decisions.  Sometimes they may miss an offside call.  Trust me it is not the end of the world.  Especially seen as though we do not keep standings in CAYA.

· Simple rule of thumb... "If you don't have anything positive to say please don't bother saying it." especially around the players

· Per a previous point, do all you can to enjoy watching your child compete in every game.

· Use a 24 hour rule with CAYA staff. If you have an issue about the game, please do not address your son or daughter’s coach or staff directly after the game. Give it 24 hours before you contact them and set up a time to have a conversation or meeting. 

· For any concerns or issues you can contact:

• Andy Truex CAYA Girls   andy.truex@caslnc.com
• Mark Jonas CAYA Boys mark.jonas@caslnc.com

Now for the fun part, below are two video's to make you think about being a soccer parent.  

The first video shows an overbearing parent on the sideline communicating with the official! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0qGeADPzAs

The second video is another overbearing parent on sideline communicating with his son!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=ZRcv-ZRMCXI&feature=endscreen

Both videos are short please take the time to watch them as they will make you think about your role as a parent on the sideline. 

Orange Training Shirt:

A lot of CAYA families have requested more training shirt for the year. We received the new shipment of orange training tees for the CAYA division.

The orange shirts are $10 each. They may be purchased by individual families or someone from the team may come by and purchase the additional shirts for the team. If one person is coming to get the shirts for an entire team it would be helpful if we got that order emailed to us so that we can get the order filled and have it ready. Shirts may be purchased during regular office hours and the CASL main office at 3300 Women’s Club Drive from 12-5 M/T/TH/F.

Thank you and have a great 1^st weekend of games.