Mission Statement:
Our fundamental objective as Pioneer coaches is to create a championship level soccer program grounded on the foundation of integrity, discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. We will establish an environment that will challenge and inspire our student athletes to achieve their highest potential in academics and athletics.
Seasonal Goals:
- Create a cohesive team of dynamic individuals that play an attacking, fast-paced, hard-working brand of soccer.
- Establish a culture of winning by immediately challenging for the District, Regional and State Championships.
- Assist each graduating player to gain the opportunity of going to college and becoming a successful student-athlete
Ann Arbor Pioneer Athletic Policies and Guidelines
Sportsmanship Policy
"The ideals of good sportsmanship, ethical behavior and integrity should permeate all interscholastic athletics in our community. In perception and practice, good sportsmanship shall be defined as those qualities of behavior, which are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others. Our athletic field should be the laboratory to produce good citizens reflecting "fair play" in every area of life."
Expectations for Players, Parents, and Spectators:
- Game attendance is a privilege.
- Respect the entire playing ofthe National Anthem.
- Respect decisions ofthe officials.
- Be an exemplary role model by positively supporting teams in every manner possible including content of cheers and signs.
- Respect fans, coaches, and participants.
- Recognize outstanding performances on either side ofthe playing field.
Encourage Positive Behavior:
- Applaud during introduction of players, coaches, and officials.
- Accept all decisions by the officials.
- Handshakes between participants and coaches at the end of the contest, regardless of outcome.
- Applaud at the end of contest for performance of all participants.
- Demonstrate concern for injured player, regardless of team.
- Encourage supporting people to display only sportsmanlike conduct.
The Case for Sportsmanship (MIAA publication)
Please Note: Any person displaying unsportsmanlike behavior may be removed from the athletic contest and risks being barred from future contests.
Expectations
All Pioneer Soccer Players are expected to:
- Sign the Pioneer Code ofConduct and return it to their coach.
- Attend every practice and game unless excused in advance through direct contact with the coach. In the event ofan emergency, the athlete should notify the coach as soon as possible.
- Be at practices and games on time.
- Give their best effort (mental and physical) at practices and games.
- Be accountable for their actions at all times (school, practice, game and in the community).
- Support the varsity, junior varsity, and freshman teams. Attendance at other teams' events should be characterized by positive, mature and responsible behavior.
- Represent the highest ideals of citizenship, academic performance, and sportsmanship. Any behavior which, reflects negatively on their team, school or community, may result in suspension or removal from participation in the program.
All Pioneer Coaches are expected to:
- Communicate openly and honestly with players and their parents.
- Give their best effort.
- Act as role models for the athletes at all times.
- Distribute to all prospective participants before the season begins, written statements of team rules, which have been previously approved by the athletic director.
- Adhere to and exemplify at all times, the Pioneer Athletic Program's core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect, Team, and Commitment.
Parental Involvement
Parents are encouraged to become involved with and support their children in their participation in the soccer program. However, a parent's volunteering, on any level, does not entitle players any special consideration for playing time.
Chain of Command
In order to insure due process, if there are any questions by an athlete or his/her parent, the coach should be contacted first. If the parent or student is not satisfied, the athletic director should be contacted. The parent or student should then meet with the principal if the situation is still not resolved.
The coach will contact the parent about any behavior violation, which will cause loss of playing time.
Freshman
At the freshman level the importance of accountability, responsibility, hard work, and
respect for teammates, opponents, officials and school personnel are stressed. Typically, the number of players chosen to partake may be slightly higher than the other two teams. A major goal of the freshman program is for each participant to receive frequent competitive opportunities, unless limited by physical safety, lack of effort, or lack of practice commitment. Winning is important, but we try to have a balance between developing the players and winning. The freshman coach will ultimately determine who plays, where they play, and how long they are in the game. Playing time is earned. It is a privilege, not a right.
Junior Varsity
The junior varsity level will be a step up from the freshman team in intensity and approach. Any player competing at this level should view it as a step toward the varsity level. Added emphasis will be placed on team strategy and achievement of positive results. At the JV level, the size of the team will be smaller than the freshman team, and may include students from grades 9 through 11. Criteria for playing time are determined by the coaching staff, based on the player's ability, effort, work habits and attitude. There are no guarantees on playing time for any player. Playing time is earned. It is a privilege, not a right.
Varsity
The varsity level represents the highest level of skill and citizenship in the program. Students in grades 9-12 are eligible for varsity competition. The head coach will determine playing time. Practice habits, adherence to team and school rules, skill level, the ability to execute assignments in games, and attitude all determine an athlete's playing time. Age and/or grade level are not determinants of playing time. Playing time is earned and it is a privilege, not a right. This is a full-fledged merit-based system.
24 Hour Rule
Players and parents alike abide by the "24 hour rule." Wait until 24 hours after the practice or contest to discuss a situation with a coach. Playing time is not a discussable topic for parents. Encourage your student –athlete to discuss their playing time with their coach, and to take ownership of the situation. Coaches will not discuss playing time with parents, period.
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