Home

General Information

Contacts

Sponsors

Schedule

Field Maps

Registration

Camps

Coaches

Referees

Player Information

 
JTAA Parents' Guide
Download
 
 

OUR MISSION
We want to introduce players and parents to the wonderful sport of soccer. The most popular sport in the world. Soccer is gaining momentum in the United States thanks to more and more children having the opportunity to learn and play it, along with the success of the men’s and women’s national teams in World Cup play. We also want our players to learn the importance of teamwork and good sportsmanship.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

This is a RECREATION league. We exist to teach the game of soccer to players of all skill levels while providing those players and parents with a fun, rewarding experience. Therefore, these are the goals that will guide all our actions:

  • To have fun
  • to learn the game
  • To exhibit good sportsmanship



 
  We want to thank all the players, parents and coaches for participating in the JTAA Recreational Soccer Program. JTAA Rec Soccer grows each year. More than 1,400 players on approximately 118 teams, over 120 referees and approximately 200 coaches. JTAA Rec Soccer is one of the largest sports programs in JTAA.  

 

JTAA REC SOCCER BOARD

Coaches and Division Directors are the key people once the season begins. Coaches handle their teams and Division Directors are in charge of monitoring activities within their division. If parents have any kind of question, concern or suggestion, their first communication should be with the coach. If the response is unsatisfactory or more information is required, the next step is the Division Director. After that, please address concerns to the League Director.



Please keep in mind that along with your coaches, the Board and Division Directors are VOLUNTEERS. For many of us, we have returned every year for the past few years. We do not get paid for the all the dedicated hours we put in to run the rec soccer league. Your patience and understanding of this is appreciated. If you are interested in volunteering just several hours this season, please let the League Director know. As you can see, we have several positions open.


SOME BASICS


PAYS: Parents Association for Youth Sports


This video tells parents how they are expected to behave. The JTAA Executive Board requires that one parent/guardian of every player in any JTAA sport take the PAYS class at least once. If you are new to JTAA and have not taken the class, you will need to do so before the first game of the season on September 9th. You can view the video on-line at jtaa.org then click on PAYS Program. This video is 20 mins long and there is $6.00 fee to view it on-line.


INSURANCE

JTAA has purchased secondary insurance for all registered players, coaches and referees. Remember, this is SECONDARY insurance. You must have primary insurance for your child.


EQUIPMENT/UNIFORMS

Each player will be provided with a uniform consisting of shorts, socks and jersey. Players much provide shin pads. Every player must wear shin pads for every practice and all games. Proper shoes (no metal cleats) are also required. No jewelry of any kind is permitted during games or practices. The player will be asked to remove the jewelry prior to the game starting. Glasses are permitted only with a lanyard. Players should also bring their own ball to practice.

  • U6-U8; size 3

  • U10; size 4

  • U12-U18; size 5


Always bring water to all practices and games!


PRACTICES


Practices are important, but not mandatory or essential. No player will be penalized for being tardy or missing a practice. We understand that homework, music lessons, religious services and other activities may take precedent over soccer practice. Please be on time to pick up your child after practice. Coaches will wait until all players are picked up, but please don’t keep them waiting long. They are volunteers and are already putting in a lot of time by directing your player’s team. Practices are held after 5:00 PM Monday-Thursday.


GAMES


All Divisions will have games on Saturdays. U10 and higher will begin midweek games (Wednesday or Thursday nights) beginning the week of October 18th. Referees will be provided for all games with the exception of U6Coed games.


PARTICIPATION IN GAMES


It is a league rule that every player plays at least half of every game. This is not a guideline. It’s a rule. Parents have every right to question a coach if this is not being followed. If the coach does not correct the situation, be sure and let the Division Director know. It is also not up to the parents to keep track of playing time. Coaches are supposed to monitor playing time and try to ensure equal time for all players.


PICTURES/TROPHIES/PARTICIPANT TEE SHIRTS


The registration fee includes a team picture, a picture of the player, trophy or soccer bag and participant tee shirt. Parents can purchase more pictures for additional fees. Pictures will be taken in September/October. Your coach and/or Division Director will inform you of the dates and times.


SNACKS


A designated parent (or parents, depending on how you decide to set it up) provides drinks and treats for each player after every game.


MEIER ORTHODONTICS FESTIVAL


For the past 4 years, Dr. Meier’s office has sponsored an “End of the Season Festival.” This year, the festival will be on November 18th at both Lighthouse Park and JCP. There will be donuts for the morning games and pizza and soda served at the later games for all players, their immediate families, coaches, referees and sponsors. Dr. Meier has also given frisbees and water bottles to each player. Be sure to thank Dr. Meier for this great time to be had by all. Without him, we would not be able to have this end of the season festival.


THE PARENT-COACH-PLAYER PARTNERSHIP


It is important to remember that we all are in this together. If we work together, we will ensure an enjoyable and meaningful season.


Here is what the league promises to do:


  • Create a positive, supportive atmosphere that emphasizes fun, learning and sportsmanship

  • Provide adequate training and support for coaches so they can teach players the game of soccer

  • Monitor practices and games to ensure proper guidelines are being followed


Here is what the volunteer coaches pledge to do:


  • Emphasize fund, learning and sportsmanship

  • Be a mode for the players by displaying proper behavior during practices and at games

  • Protect the health of players by ensuring the players are wearing proper equipment; by not allowing dangerous horseplay; and making sure they do not overextend themselves at practices or in games

  • Be sure players get equal playing time with a minimum of half a game


Here is what the Parents pledge to do:


  • Take the PAYS class

  • Support your player and his/her teammates and the players on the other teams. We are neighbors, as well as soccer parents, remember this as you watch games and offer encouragement. The players on all teams deserve credit for good play.

  • Support your coach by:

    • Communicating with him/her about any concerns you or your player may have

    • Pick up your child on time after practice

    • Help out at practice if you can, or volunteer to help out in other ways

    • Respect the Referees

  • During games, parents should be on the parents’ side of the playing field (opposite the players and coaches).


Here is what the Players pledge to do:


  • Listen to the coach

  • Avoid horseplay or other activities that disrupt practices or games

  • Respect the Referees

  • Remember that the goal is to learn the game and to have fun


The Board and all of the Division Directors are glad to have you with us and hope that you come back next season.


Have a GREAT 2006 Rec Soccer Season!

PARENTS’ GUIDE