What is the NHPSA Bedford Recreational Soccer Program?

NHPSA has recently taken over all operations and logistics of the Bedford Recreational Soccer Program. NHPSA staff consists of a body of its own full time staff dedicated primarily to working on the logistics of the recreational program, who work alongside many dedicated Bedford soccer volunteers. This move will result in minimal change to the on field workings of Bedford Recreational Soccer ________________________________________________________________ NHPSA in cooperation with Bedford Soccer League (BSL) is now responsible for running the town's Soccer developmental and competitive programs. Our program includes children from Pre-K/ Kindergarten through Grade 12. This program is not affiliated with school athletics or the town of Bedford Recreation Department. The town of Bedford Recreation Department and the School Department provide the playing fields for the league to use. The NHPSA BSL is not a travel league and games are played in the town of Bedford from Labor Day through the first week of November in the fall, and early May through end of school year in the spring. Games formats, field dimensions and rules of play are based on US Youth Soccer guidelines (USYS) and FIFA Laws of the Game. What is the NHPSA Bedford Soccer League's philosophy? BSL will implement the philosophy of NHPSA, whose mission statement involves helping young players pursue excellence on and off the field, and have a goal of helping young soccer players reach their full potential. NHPSA want to see our players playing at the highest possible level of soccer in the world. At the club we try to develop certain characteristics in our players and teams that reflect the vision that NHPSA has for the future. NHPSA has introduced a player model for use when looking at qualities desired in all of our soccer players. Using the acronym P.A.C.E, this model reflects the key player qualities that NHPSA looks for in all its players regardless of their age: Personality We are looking for players who can lead and show initiative when things are tough. We want players who are prepared to take chances in order to excel on the field. Attitude We want players who have a committed approach to training and games and who only know how to give 100%. We expect maximum effort at all times and we want players who will always exhibit an outstanding work ethic and demonstrate good character even at times of adversity. Creativity We want our players to be technically excellent and have the confidence to want to take risks in difficult situations. In order to compete at the very highest levels our players must be able to solve problems in pressure situations. Confidence (For Goalkeepers) We want our Goalkeepers to develop a positive presence on the field that is conveyed to the entire team. We are looking for Goalkeepers who believe in themselves and who are not afraid to make mistakes. Excellence

The underlying motivation for the NHPSA model is that all our players will push themselves to excel in everything that they do on and off the field. We want to create an environment where players are constantly challenged and are pushed to reach their full potential.

Our Code of Conduct is applicable to all participants of the NHPSA BSL including players, coaches, parents, sponsors and league officials: Respect your teammates Respect the league Respect the coaches Respect your opponents Respect the game

How do I register my child to play? Registration is completed via the Bedford Recreation section within the NHPSA website (http://www.nhpsa.net/Rec/index_E.html) or by clicking here. If you are having any issues with signing up then please email bedfordrecsoccer@nhpsa.net. Pre K Soccer Stars Basic Program Information The Pre K division is a 'clinic' style program emphasizing skill development, fun athletic activities then progressing to small-sided games. The goal is to engage parents to be hands-on coaches thereby enabling the BSL instructors to focus on activity creation while the kids have fun and learn the basics of soccer. This is NOT a day care program - the children will be learning soccer techniques and then be put into game playing activities that will be engaging to all players. 3v3 small-sided will be a focal point in the sessions. Our goal is to get the young children acclimated to the game through a series of progressive activities that enables them to learn the basics of the game and team bonding whilst having fun

Does the NHPSA BSL provide equipment and uniforms to the players? Yes, the registration fee covers the cost of a team jersey, field usage, equipment (goals, nets etc.), insurance and coaching costs. Players are expected to have their own soccer ball, pair of soccer cleats, and shin guards. The NHPSA BSL will supply head coaches with practice equipment if needed (such as cones and pinnies if required). The following ball sizes are required: PreK, K and 1st Grade: Size 3 2/3rd grade, 4/5th grade: Size 4 Middle school to High School: Size 5 Adaptive: program dependant All players are required to wear their assigned team jerseys at all games. When the weather gets cooler, it is permissible to wear sweatshirts or jackets under the jersey. Also, it is permissible to

wear sweatpants or running pants in the event of cold or inclement weather. All teams will have a NHPSA BSL jersey with team color based on sponsorship. When are practices, games and "special events"? Practices for all teams are conducted during weekdays at specified times and days according to field availability and coaching schedules. Most if not all league games are played on Saturdays. OPTIONAL Sunday game dates will also be offered to teams and division who would like to play 2 games per weekend. Sundays are also allotted for weather-related make-up games. Special Events such as the Autumn Skills Challenge, Kohl's America Cup, All Star Games, and "Halloween Jamboree" will be conducted on specified dates based on field availability. Night games may be offered to select divisional games during the regular season based on field availability. Where are the practices and games played? All BSL Recreational Division games are played on town fields such as : Joppa Fields Little League Complex (LLC) Preston Field (McKelvie) Legacy (Chubbuck Rd and Upper Softball field) Sportsman (next to Riley Field) McAfee Field (N.Amherst Rd) Swenson Fields BHS (High School group)

All field addresses can be found on the nhpsa.net website. Field assignment is based on division and scheduled availability. Most games are played on Saturdays during daylight. Can I request that my child be placed with a specific coach or team? Players in the Instructional divisions (Pre-K through 2/3rd grade) can be placed on special requested teams AFTER equal age and gender assignments are accounted for. Coaches (both Head and Assistant) and their children will always be placed together, along with Sponsor's children being placed on their parent's sponsored teams. We will endeavor to meet every placement request but sometimes all requests cannot be met. Special requests for team placement for the Competitive divisions (Grade groups 4th/5th grade to High School) cannot be honored due to the overwhelming desire of coaches and parents to create equally skilled teams and to avoid "team stacking". Will there be playoffs and competitive standings? The BSL Recreational Division provides a playoff format for the "older" age groups starting at the 4th Grade level on up to High School. The "Competitive" divisions, which include league playoffs, are for school age groups 4th/5th grade, Middle School (grades 6 through 8th) and High School. Playoffs usually include all teams regardless of final standings and are conducted in 2 weekends. Teams in the Competitive division compete for a "Coach's Trophy" (championship). In the Competitive bracket, a referee governs divisions games. In the "Instructional" divisions (PreK/K through 3rd grade) games are governed by the Head Coaches who act as field referees.

How are teams determined? Volunteer Division Representatives place children on teams according to players' grades and skills. The teams are placed in Divisions with other teams of roughly equal ability. Group Managers assign children to teams by grade, gender, and age. Bedford Soccer has learned that kids enjoy the program much more when playing with their grade level peers. Team assignments are made with the best interests of players and teams in mind. Player assessment is obviously subjective, but will be conducted as fairly as possible. A player's individual success and development will come in large part from how the player interacts with the team to which he/she is assigned, not on which team. Is it possible that my child will not be assigned to a team? Generally we have spots for any player who registers. Rarely do we turn away registrants. While Bedford Soccer would like to place everyone who wants to play, there are infrequent occasions when this isn't possible. The Group Manager will notify parents if there is a problem in assigning your child to a team. In addition, certain age groups may not be placed on a team. Pre-school children, or children who have not reached the age of 5 before the start of the season, may register for the Pre K Soccer Stars program. How are coaches selected? NHPSA and BSL depends upon parents and other local residents (such as High School students etc.) to volunteer as head and assistant coaches. Coaches are selected based on flexibility of schedules and desire to help out our town program and work within the basic principles of our philosophy. What are a coach's responsibilities? The coach conducts practices to promote development in a fun environment, while instilling a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. At games, the coach assigns players to positions, manages substitutions, and provides sideline instruction and encouragement. Coaches should meet with players and their parents once before the season begins to discuss expectations and procedures. Coaches should set an example of on-field decorum and good sportsmanship at all times. Coaches should not have to waste their time (or that of other players) disciplining unruly or uncooperative children. Coaches must speak to parents immediately in order to remedy the problem. If the situation persists, coaches have the right to reduce playing time or require a misbehaving child to sit out a game. Coaches must address parents that display inappropriate behavior. Coaches are responsible for the children's safety. Coaches must bring their medical release forms to practices and games. A coach or an assigned adult must remain at the field after practices and games until their parents pick up all children. Coaches should ensure that all children on the team are learning soccer, developing a sense of contributing to a team effort, and having a positive experience. In all aspects of the team dynamic, the Head Coach has the ultimate authority to make decisions on how to best manage the team's chemistry and overall effectiveness of his/her role.

What does a team parent do? A team parent (also known as Team Manager) assists the Head Coach where required in regards to intra-team communications, uniform pick-up, schedule hand-outs, and anything related to the successful operation of the team. The Team Manager is NOT responsible for any coaching duties, and is NOT responsible for communications to the league (Coordinators, Directors) on behalf of the head coach. Only the Head Coach is responsible for league communications such as schedule changes, player issues, etc. What are a player's responsibilities? Players should attend practices on time and come properly equipped with shin-guards, and appropriate clothing and footwear. Players should wear standard Bedford uniforms (shirt, shorts, and socks) to all games. Players must exhibit positive behavior, to both their teammates and opposing teams, at both practices and games. Players who disrupt practices and/or games due to lack of respect for the team will be asked to sit out activities until they are able and willing to participate. Repetitive disruptive behavior may result in a coach suspending the player indefinitely. What are the parents' responsibilities? Parents should get players to practices and games on time, pick them up on time, make sure they are properly equipped before they show up at the field, and foster appropriate behavior on the field. Of equal importance, Parents are responsible for effectively and proactive communication with the Coaching staff in regards to their child's schedules and ability to participate in games and practices. Parents may NOT interfere with the coaching of their child during games. How do I know if a game or practice is cancelled? Referees do NOT decide if a game is played or cancelled due to weather conditions. The ultimate decision to play a game during inclement weather rests with the Head Coaches of both teams. In some cases, the League may proactively decide to close down fields and cancel games in order to protect the safety of the players and conditions of the fields even though the Town has not officially closed them. This decision to close a field rests with the town of Bedford and will be posted on the Bedford Recreation Department web site at www.bedfordreconline.com. It will also be posted on the NHPSA website at nhpsa.net. Each team's coaching staff is expected to check the website prior to games and practices in order to make the final decision as to if a game is to be played. If you have any questions, please contact us at bedfordrecsoccer@nhpsa.net.