Texas Titans F.C. is created to provide an environment dedicated to the continuing development of youth players who demonstrate the commitment, sportsmanship, talent and desire to excel in soccer. With the support of the ownership, management team, and professional staff, Texas Titans FC is serious about developing and implementing a comprehensive system for training and development for all members. The Club is committed to provide an environment to maximize players individual talent within a team concept and at the same time provide additional professionally organized programs that concentrate on enhancing player development, coaching education and parent education, so that all can participate at various levels of competition and have the opportunities to consistently grow and develop within the sport of soccer.

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The Texas Titans FC is committed to being one of the best in Texas, the region and the country. The Competitive soccer program is the highest level of competition within the club.  These players on these teams typically compete in Dallas, in one of the toughest youth soccer leagues in the country.  This competitive level is intended for the most committed players and parents. With this in mind, Texas Titans FC, asks you to consider this section as your family joins.

Player and parent commitment to the rules and high standards of the program is the number one priority in the selection process, along with the players willingness to improve, overall player talent and the sportsmanship of player and parents.  In order for this program to be successful, it is imperative that we have the proper coaches, players and parents uphold the high standards of this program. The players and parents are the visible ambassadors of the club in the Dallas leagues, tournaments and games in and outside of Texas. For this reason, the club has set forth the rules and standards for all coaches, players and parents in this program.  It is important that all members of the program abide the rules and standards in order to have a successful and positive experience.  These rules support the club values of self-responsibility, punctuality, preparation, cohesion, communication, commitment and leadership.

PLAYERS ROLES, RESPONSIBILITES, AND EXPECATIONS 

• General Rules for players:
• Maintain and uphold the standards set forth by Texas Titans FC on and off the field of play. Respect the coach, DOCs, Team Manager, all other Texas Titans FC players and staff, the game day opposing team, and referees. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, or drugs. Do not use profanity. Do not act in a way that will negatively impact you, your family or TEXAS TITANS FC. Players are to be on their best behavior while representing Texas Titans FC during training sessions, games, and tournaments.
• Players will be disciplined for poor conduct at any Texas Titans FC  event

Understanding of the game. I understand the amount of playing time I receive in games will be based on my practice and game performance, mental attitude, sportsmanship, punctuality and execution. I know that I may receive more or less playing time than my team members and playing time is not guaranteed.

Be responsible for cleaning up the field or bench area (both home and away) after practices or games, and for returning all equipment to its proper place.

Give encouragement to my fellow teammates Abide by my coach’s decision regarding playing time and positioningPractice individual soccer skills on my own time at least 1-2 times per week, outside of team scheduled practice or game.Approach the Coach with any personal soccer related problems Practice:Without regular and proper practice, soccer skills and tactics cannot be mastered. It is impossible to expect that players master their skills only during their prescribed training sessions. Therefore, it is imperative that players set aside time at home to work on their individual technique and conditioning. We know that many of our players have other interests and demands on their time, but we believe it very important that you make every effort to have them attend each practice session and allot time at home to further refine their skills. They will need those refined skills if their team is to be competitive and if they are to continue their individual development. So please make every effort to arrange their schedules to allow time for soccer practice.  

• All players will be required to attend all practice sessions, to arrive on time and be properly attired. Notify their respective coach if they will miss or be late for training session or game. Be prepared for all training sessions and games.
• Proper uniform for training and gamesProper shoes and shin guards Bring an inflated soccer ball of the correct size and a water bottle
• Once a player steps on the practice field, they must have their shirts tucked in and be prepared to begin practice.
• Leave your rings, watches, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, other jewelry and hairpins (except for rubber bands or other elastic bands) at home or in your equipment bags.
• Put bags carefully in a row on the sidelines at all games. Keep bags in a proper team location at practice.
• Players have the opportunity to practice with other teams in the club as long as there are no direct conflicts between the two teams; however, they must get permission from both coaches prior to doing so.You cannot miss training sessions or practice poorly and expect to improve or perform well in games.Players arrive at practice early are to start warming up on their own or in a small group on a predetermined skill activity by the head coach.Goalkeepers must attend goalkeeping training at least once a week with the designated or approved Texas Titans FC goalkeeper trainer
• Every team will have a backup or secondary player that can play goalkeeper for their team and that player must attend at least one goalkeeping training session at least once a month

Rules for making up missed training:

• Players are required to make up any unexcused  absence from a team or Texas  Titans YSS pool training session subject to the following penalties:
• Miss one practice and no attempt to make up –
• ½ game suspension
• Miss second practice and no attempt to make up –
• 1 game suspension; must attend game in street clothes
• Miss third practice and no attempt to make up –
• Suspension from team upon parent/player meeting with head coach and DOC
• Player must make up session that week or the following week, at either Texas Titans FC YSS Pool training or coach approved makeup session.  Excused absences for missed sessions/game will include:
• Family emergencies, player medical illnesses or injury, or accidents.

Games:

• Players must arrive at the game field at least 45 minutes prior to the game’s scheduled start time. If a player will be late for the game or has to leave the game early, the coach must be notified in advance. Notify their respective coach if they will miss a game in advance of the game day.Excused absences for missed games; See “Rules for making up missed training.”
• Players must arrive dressed properly and in uniform. Players should also have all necessary equipment (extra game uniforms, warm-up, soccer balls, water etc.)

Jerseys must always be tucked into shorts whenever you are wearing the uniform (not just during the game). Sliding pants should be the same color as the shorts, not extend below the uniform shorts and not be visible. Players should be dressed alike during team warm-ups before games. Uniform socks will be pulled up whenever you have them on. Shin guards must always be covered by socks. Arrive at games looking professional (i.e. Team Warm-Up Suit, Team Warm-Up Shirt).  No Baseball Caps!!! Have your equipment bag with you at all practices and games. Put bags carefully in a row on the sidelines at all games. Keep bags in a proper team location at practice.

Bring your water bottle with you to all practices and games. At games, place your water bottle behind your bag when not in use. To prevent passing on illnesses to teammates, do not share water bottles!!!

Use saddle soap or leather protector on your shoes before every game; in other words, shine and take care of your shoes.   They are your tools of the trade!! Leave your rings, watches, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, other jewelry and hairpins (except for rubber bands or other elastic bands) at home or in your equipment bags.

• Players must only warm-up with their teammates and coaches unless otherwise directed by the coach.
• There is NO GUARANTEED playing time in Competitive Soccer. Amount of playing time is based on practice performance, attitude, sportsmanship, game performance and execution.All players are to act in a manner that steers away from yellow and red cards during games.  Red cards will be enforced by the respective DOCs. Every coach, player and parent must behave according to North Texas, league and tournament rules.
• Any infraction of practice or game guidelines set forth by Texas Titans FC could result in the player not starting in a game or reduced playing time, without any previous arrangement or communication from the player to the coach.

 Out of Town Tournaments:

Pre-Trip Activities

• A Tournament itinerary should be prepared by the coach and given to all the players by the manager before departure to any out of town tournament.Players must follow the itinerary precisely.To promote a cohesive team environment we strongly encourage players to travel together as a team. Special accommodations may be made to take advantage things such as Frequent Flier Miles. If five or more players are flying to the tournament together, they must wear the Texas Titans FC Warm-up or khaki pants/shorts with the Texas Titans FC Soccer Club polo shirt (all players’ that are traveling together should be dressed the same).For all Texas Titans FC Teams the rooming arrangements will be determined by the coach.
• TEXAS TITANS FC requires all players to stay at the same hotel as their team for away tournaments.  Please consult coach if there is an issue.

The coach should outline the minimum requirement needed for transportation and lodging keeping in mind that cost is an integral factor in the decision making process.

Team Behavior Rules  

• Coach, players, and parents should review and agree on general travel behavior requirements and consequences if violations are committed.
• At the coach's discretion, players may be sent home at parent's additional expense if they violate serioius behavior rules related to drugs, drinking, illegal activities, tobacco products or having members of the opposite sex in rooms at any time

Player Responsibilies

• Because of the importance of tournament play to the development of a team, all Texas Titans FC players are expected to participate in every event unless injured. The Club insists on making player safety the top priority when players are traveling. Players are encouraged to remember the “Buddy System” when traveling to tournaments and away games for safety reasons.  Players are to act like gentlemen at all times in any public places. Each Player is required to be where the Coach wants you to be at the time the Coach sets. No one goes anywhere alone or leaves the hotel without the expressed permission of the Head Coach Hotel rooms must be kept neat and organized.  A player should be designated just prior to check-out to inspect the room for any items (clothes, uniforms, money etc.) left behind. We are guests of the hotel.  Footwear and proper attire should be worn in the public areas of the hotel.  Our reputation for future stays by Club teams is on the line. Players are to be punctual and strictly follow all curfews.
• Any problems must be communicated to the Coach immediately.

Team Activities

• The Coach will determine all soccer and non-soccer activities during the trip. When players are required to meet at designated areas they will be on time, and uniformly dressed as specified by the coach or manager to do team related activities. Parents and players should remember that team activities take priority over any personal agendas you may have.
• Soccer trips are not vacations.  Obviously having fun is a part of all trips but we must remember that soccer must remain the top priority at all time.

 Travel Dress

• Players must be dressed properly and uniformly when departing to the games, and the must have packed all necessary equipment (shin guards, extra game uniforms, warm-up, soccer balls, water etc.).
• Players should wear a standard outfit such as team polo shirt, warm up top or some other appropriate team attire at any team activity such as flights and opening ceremonies.
• As we are a premier soccer club, baseball hats and caps should be left at home!!!

 Guest Players

• Guest players are invited to play at the discretion of the Team Coach.
• They will be expected to pay their share of team expenses unless other arrangements have been directed by the Team Coach.

Hotels

• If more than one TEXAS TITANS FC team is going to a particular event, it is desirable that teams try to arrange to stay at the same hotel to promote camaraderie amongst teams Hotels that include continental or full breakfasts are preferred. If players are sharing rooms, and someone leaves early, they are still responsible for their share of the total cost of the room. If a meeting is necessary between the coach and an individual player, it must be done in a common area of the hotel or if a more private area is required, then it needs to be done in the presence of a manager, the parent of the player, or another adult.
• Team meetings should be in the common area of the hotel.

 Transportation

• Teams must travel together from the hotel to the fields and back to the hotel after practices or scheduled games.
• Teams must travel together from the hotel to the fields and back to the hotel after practices or scheduled games.
• Players must be dressed properly and uniformly when departing to the games, and the must have packed all necessary equipment (shin guards, extra game uniforms, warm-up, soccer balls, water etc.).
• Once at the tournament, all players will travel to and from games in the transportation mode provided for the Team.
• Players are not to drive any rented vans.

 Meals

• Teams should strive to eat together at team meals if possible.
• Obviously, all players should be strictly following their own team’s prescribed nutrition and hydration policies.
• The team should purchase healthy snack type foods and drink for in between meal eating and the cost will be shared equally.

PARENTS RULES, ROLES, AND EXPECTATIONS

General rules and roles:

• The role of the parent is very simple.  Be a parent, not a coach or referee. Do not use alcohol or tobacco during training sessions or games. Do not coach from the sideline during games or trainings. Once your son has joined the team’s training session, do not interfere until the coach dismisses the team from the training or game. Support your son in a positive manner. Be on time. Do not use foul or abusive language. Stay off the fields while the teams train or play.
• Be responsible for your child at all Texas Titans FC games and functions including tournaments.
• It is the strict policy of the Texas Titans FC that no person challenge protest or file any complaint (written or verbal) against any soccer officials (NTSSA, coaches, the league, other soccer clubs, or referees) without express permission from the Texas Titans FC Director of Coaching or Management Team. Any violation of this policy will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.
• Please make note that Texas Titans FC will be very firm with our parent’s policy.  If a parent is found in violation of the above “Parents Rules, Roles, and Expectation,” a written warning or suspensions may be incurred by TEXAS TITANS FC.

Keep winning and losing in perspective Be supportive of your son Be a role model for him to emulate Players have more need for good examples than for criticism. Attempt to relieve the pressure of the competitions, not increase it.Accept the results of each game. Encourage your child to be gracious in victory, and to see defeat as a learning experience by working towards improvement. Losing is part of a player’s development and can be useful for players to learn about character and discipline among other things.SUPPORT THE COACHES.  A player develops best when he or she trusts and respects the coach.  The coach’s job is to motivate, teach, and constructively criticize each player’s performance.  Please recognize that our coaches use their extensive experience to best develop each player.  Your child will probably try many different positions throughout his or her career.  The club’s first concern is for the long term development of your child’s soccer skills under pressure, and there will be times players are instructed to do things parents do not understand.UPHOLD YOUR COMMITMENTSFoster an environment for academic excellence and good sportsmanship. Fulfill your financial commitments Support and maintain Texas Titans FC  philosophy on youth development             

Games:

• Do not interfere with the center referee or assistant referees, the opposing team’s players/parent or staff, or any field marshal. Parents sit on the opposite sideline/half from the team during games unless directed otherwise by the coach, team manager, referee or field marshal.
• No taunting of opposing team’s players, parent, coaches or spectators.

Let the coach (soccer professional) run the team.  Attempting to coach or instruct your child from the sideline is distracting and counterproductive for the player.

• Your vocal support and positive encouragement are welcome throughout good soccer play

 Tournaments:              See Tournament Rules for players

Obviously, success is important, but through our experiences we have found that it is more important to focus on the process of how to be successful.  Therefore the club places an emphasis, in training and in games, on player performance, individual and team execution, mental attitude and sportsmanship.  These are the key ingredients for our teams to be successful and will be the premise for overall player development.  

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

This Code of Conduct has been developed to clarify and distinguish approved and accepted professional, ethical and moral behavior from that which is detrimental to the development of the sport of soccer. The term “coach” shall include, but is not limited to Head Coach, Pool Coach (s), Manager/Trainers, Team representative.

The coach must never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players. Winning should be the result of preparation and discipline with the emphasis placed on the highest ideal and character traits.The coach has a duty to objectively and honestly assist players and parents by suggesting the proper developmental level, program, and/or team the player should be a participant in order to maximize the players playing opportunity, enjoyment, and player development.Coaches shall instruct players to play within the written laws of the game and within the sprit of the game at all times.Coaches shall not seek unfair advantage by teaching deliberate unsportsmanlike behavior to players.Coaches are responsible for their player’s actions on the field and must not permit them to perform with the intent of causing injury to opposing players.If coaches permit, encourage, or condone performance that is not in the letter or spirit of the laws, they are derelict in their responsibilities to players, Member Associations, NTSSA and the sport worldwide. The coach must strive constantly to teach good sporting behavior.Demands on players’ time should never be extensive as to interfere with academic goals and progress. Motivation for excellence should include academics as well as athletics.Coaches must never encourage players to violate NTSSA recruitment eligibility or guest player rules and policies.Under no circumstances should coaches authorize or encourage the use of medical or performance enhancing drugs. Player should be directed to see proper medical attention for injuries and to follow physician’s instructions regarding treatments and recovery. At no time should a player be put at risk by returning from injury prematurely or being forced to play while injured.Criticism of officials undermines their purpose in the game. Coaches must always refrain from criticizing officials in the presence of their players.Coaches should know and understand the laws of the game and instruct players to play within the laws and the spirit of the game at all times.Coaches should continue their own education in the sport in order to be able to educate the player in technical, tactical, physical, social and psychological demands of the game for their level.Coaches should be sensitive to each child’s developmental needs, strive to have each player reach his/her full potential and be prepared to move to the next stage of development.It is mandatory  that the coach and recommended that the manager become certified in basic first aid and be prepared to handle medical emergencies at all practices and games.Coaches and team representatives shall strictly adhere to NTSSA and league rules pertaining to recruitment.It is illegal recruitment to promise any kind of compensation or inducement to a player. It is unethical for a coach or team representative to provide compensation or inducement to a player. It is unethical for any coach to make a statement to a prospective athlete, which cannot be fulfilled.The coach has an ethical obligation to be forthright and refrain from making derogatory remarks regarding other coaches, teams, players or organizations when discussing the advantages of his/her organization.

To have a successful program, there must be understanding and cooperation among parents, players, and coaches.  Your child’s progress will depend, to a great extent, on this intertwined relationship. Please feel free to discuss any concerns or ideas with the directors of the club or Management team, within the proper guidelines. In doing so you are exercising your rights as a member of the Texas Titans FC.

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