All players, coaches, parents, and team officials are expected to review and comply with the Lakeshore Premier SC Code of Conduct.

 

Code of Conduct

Introduction

This Code of Conduct for Lakeshore Premier SC is intended to establish expectations for all players, coaches, parents and volunteers associated with the club.

It is the minimum standard to which those involved with the club are expected to comply.  These standards are intended to provide appropriate clarification, engender good sportsmanship and respect as key club values, and assist in the continued growth of the club.

Any disciplinary issues arising out of a violation of this Code of Conduct will be dealt with as noted below.

Serious disciplinary issues will be dealt with by a special committee of club leadership and may include the club Director of Coaching and select coaches.

Players, parents and coaches are encouraged to review this code in detail.  Questions should be forwarded to club leadership.

Registration for a Lakeshore Premier SC Tryout, training camp, other program or a Lakeshore Premier SC team constitutes an agreement to comply with the Code of Conduct for all players, parents, and coaches.

 

General Roles and Responsibilities

The purposes of Lakeshore Premier SC is to:

·      Provide a high quality, relatively low cost, convenient Premier-level soccer experience for our players and families.

·      To field teams competitive in the Michigan State Premier Soccer League and/or an appropriate competitive level.

·      To play a leadership role in the development and growth of youth soccer in West Michigan.

As a member of the Grand Valley Soccer Association (GVSA), Michigan State Premier Soccer League (MSPSL) and the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA), our club is expected to comply with the membership provisions of the GVSA, MSPSL and MSYSA.

When playing league or tournament games, and when utilizing our own or other facilities, we must all:

·      Comply with club bylaws, rules and regulations, this Code of Conduct and the Laws of the Game.

·      Set the example of fair play and good sportsmanship.

·      Show respect to each other, our opponents, all spectators, referees and sport officials.

·      Represent Lakeshore Premier SC and West Michigan in a responsible, positive manner.

·      Actively support our teams and club in positive and constructive ways.

·      Act as ambassadors and proponents of soccer wherever our teams compete.

 

Player Roles and Responsibilities

·      Be on time and prepared for all training and games. Make sure you plan to arrive before the time requested by your coach

·      Follow your coach’s guidelines and advice on game preparation, including eating, activity level and if necessary curfew.

·      Take responsibility for being at all games and training.

·      Unapproved absence from training or games may impact playing time.

·      Approved absences may also impact playing time at the discretion of the coach.

·      Take responsibility for communicating with your coach.

·      Be respectful of team-mates, your coaches, opponents, spectators, officials and your surroundings.

·      Take care of your equipment and the coach’s.

·      Leave training fields and game fields cleaner than when you arrived. Pick up all loose trash, bottles, paper and do not leave water bottles or equipment/clothing behind.

·      Abide by all rules and regulations of the facilities utilized for team activities.

·      Show total respect to referees and their assistants. Remember that dissent is a yellow card offense. The referee’s decision is final.

·      Work on fitness and techniques outside of training if necessary or if requested by your coach.

·      Playing for Lakeshore Premier SC is a privilege, not a right, so please read and periodically review the Code of Conduct.

 

Coach Roles and Responsibilities

·      Be on time and prepared for all training and games.

·      Show respect to players and parents by giving due warning, wherever possible, of training/game changes or cancellation.

·      Teach your players fair play, respect, fairness and integrity.

·      Achieve minimum coaching certification (reference club bylaws) and proactively seek to improve and develop coaching skills. Be in possession of Risk Management Card, and ensure that assistants and team officials are too.

·      Set the example for good sportsmanship.

·      Be responsible for behavior of yourself, your players, assistant coaches and team parents.

·      Be courteous and respectful to referees and assistants at all times. Do not question referee or assistants during games. Appropriate and occasional clarification of a call is acceptable. Repeated questioning is not.

·      Explain coaching and playing philosophy to team parents before start of season. This is best achieved at an all-parent meeting. This should include expectations of players and parents; training, game and tournament schedule; playing time; excused absence, etc.

·      Adhere to GVSA and MSPSL rules, and club Bylaws, Code of Conduct and related policies.  Ensure compliance of players, parents and assistant coaches to GVSA/MSPSL and club rules. Be respectful of all players and their playing ability. Ensure that adequate time is given to challenge and increase the ability of all players.

·      Recognize achievements and improvements of all players

·      Ensure all squad players receive appropriate playing time (if applicable and/or mandated by league rules), or as communicated before the start of the season.

·      Communicate early and clearly to players or parents if issues arise, and potential consequences.

·      Ensure that parents are aware of any injuries to players during training or games.

·      Minimize yelling, and do not ridicule players, parents, opponents or officials

·      Solicit support from team parents for team manager.

·      Report all yellow and red cards to Club leadership.

 

Parent Roles and Responsibilities

·      Ensure players are at training, games or tournaments as requested by the coach, and properly attired and equipped.

·      Inform the coach in advance of planned vacations or other requests for excused absences.

·      Support team efforts and cheer the whole team.

·      Respect and support coach’s efforts, time and excused absence/team discipline/playing philosophy.

·      Submit registration paperwork and payments on time.

·      Volunteer as appropriate for team and/or club support positions.

·      Support team and/or club fund-raising activities.

·      Set a positive example of good sportsmanship, and show respect to opponents, spectators, referees and assistants.

·      Read and periodically review the club Code of Conduct.

·      Follow outlined procedures for issue resolution.

·      Review the Laws of the Game.

·      Stay at least 6 feet back from the sideline while watching games.

·      Do not yell at or ridicule players, opponents, referees or assistants.

·      DO NOT COACH FROM THE TOUCHLINE.  Parents must never take it upon themselves to direct any player in a manner consistent with “coaching”.  This includes, but is not limited to:

Ø Telling a player where to stand on the pitch.

Ø Telling a player to “mark-up” or otherwise be in proximity to an opposing player

Ø Telling a player to pass, shoot, kick, “send-it” or otherwise place the ball on the pitch.

Ø Giving a player or players any direction/instruction to do anything that would be reasonably considered the prerogative of the coach.

 

Issue Resolution

Lakeshore Premier SC expects issue resolution to start with the player/parent and team coach.  Parents should make a good faith effort to communicate concerns to the coach in the expectation the coach will discuss those concerns with the player/parent directly, and in an appropriate and timely manner.

Players and parents are NOT to contact coaches with any concern (that does not impact the health and safety of the player) until at least 24 hours after a match or practice.

Talking among parents to obtain support for a certain position, or to share concerns not communicated to the coach contributes to a detrimental team experience and will not be tolerated.

 

Steps to Resolution

·      If resolution cannot be reached between player/parent and team coach, the issue should be communicated in writing to club leadership.

·      A special committee consisting of the Club President and/or Vice-President, Director of Coaching, and/or other member will review all cases (not involving the health and safety of the player), and render a response within 21 days of receiving the written communication.

·      Decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

·      Parents are encouraged to bring issues to the attention of the coach as soon as possible for discussion/resolution.

 

Important to Know

·      Lakeshore Premier SC retains discretion in the selection of coaches, their assistants and all team officials.

·      Coaches have wide latitude in the selection of Assistants Coaches, and in the competitive and administrative workings of their teams.

·      Coaches have the right to request Club approval to remove a player from the team roster if continued problems arise in violation of this Code of Conduct and/or due to player or parent disciplinary issues. This clause may not be invoked for issues relating to player ability.

·      Parents have the right to remove their player from a team roster if unresolved issues with team/coaching philosophy persist.

·      Coaches are expected to try to resolve issues at the team level.

·      Players with past due and/or unpaid fees may be suspended from participation in games and training.

·      No refunds for player fees will be given for any reason unless reviewed and approved by club leadership.

·      The Club will not consider issues, and/or invoke the Issue Resolution process, when no attempt has been made to resolve the issue with the team coach.

·      Lakeshore Premier SC retains the right to review and update this Code of Conduct as circumstances warrant.

 

 

1. How is youth soccer in Michigan organized?

Much of competitive youth soccer in Michigan is overseen by the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA). Organized soccer leagues such as the Grand Valley Soccer Association (GVSA) belong to and are obliged to take direction from the MSYSA.  Local clubs, including Lakeshore Premier SC are members of the GVSA which sponsor clubs like us in the Michigan State Premier Soccer League (MSPSL) and oversee all Select Level soccer in West Michigan. 

2. What are the different levels of organized Youth Soccer?

Recreational: This experience encompasses many of the youngest and some older players for whom the opportunity to play the game is more important than the competition or skill development offered at higher levels.

Select: Is a competitive soccer experience that can start as young as U8. Players find clubs, attend tryouts, and are typically placed on teams based on skills demonstrated in the tryouts. This level of soccer requires a greater commitment, and is often more expensive, than recreational soccer.

Premier: This experience comprises the “best” players from U12 and above who want to be on a development path to play technically superior soccer in high school and possibly beyond. It requires a greater dedication by players and parents because of the more extensive game, training and travel time. This level of soccer can be more expensive than Select, but encompasses greater player development opportunities that are not typically part of a Select experience.

3. What organization oversees Premier soccer and how are teams organized for league play?

Premier soccer teams play in the Michigan State Premier Soccer League (MSPSL) which is governed by the Michigan State Premier Soccer Program and begins at the U13 age group.

At U13, teams are assigned divisions for the fall season. When that season is complete, the team’s record determines placement for the following spring. At the conclusion of each successive season, teams are relegated or promoted to the various divisions based on their records.

Teams can be placed in the following divisions from highest to lowest competitiveness.

· Premier 1

· Premier 2

· Classic 1

· Classic 2

· Classic 3

4. What makes Premier-level soccer different than Select-level?

· Commitment – More time can be required for practice, training, number of games, tournaments and travel.

· Quality of Coaching – Higher level coaching credentials are required to coach Premier teams and these coaches typically have played the game at a higher level and have more experience in team tactics and player development.

· Competition – Teams comprise the best players at their respective age groups.

· Player Development – Because Premier teams play more soccer, have higher-quality coaching and play against more competitive teams, Premier-level players enjoy greater development opportunities.

· Cost – Because of all the above, the cost to participate in Premier soccer can be more than Select.

5. How does that benefit my child?

The items referenced above contribute to challenging players to become better at the game. Because they play and train in an environment more challenging that Select, they master technical skills with a faster “speed of play”. These attributes become very evident closer to high school when the player’s mental and physical development accelerates allowing for the mind and body to play the game at a very high level.

6. What is the Lakeshore Premier Soccer Club?

There are elite players along the lakeshore for whom the Michigan State Premier Soccer League (MSPSL) represents the “next step” in their soccer development journey.

LAKESHORE PREMIER SC was created to satisfy this demand where players from multiple clubs are “pooled” locally, allowing the placement of competitive teams in the MSPSL at a reasonable cost to families.

7. What does it cost to play for Lakeshore Premier SC and what does that include:

There are several levels of pricing for LAKESHORE PREMIER SC depending on the age group of the players. These packages include

· U12 - $695 (full year)

· U13/U14 and U15 Supplemental - $825 (full year)

· U15/U16/U18 - $520 (half-year)  

LAKESHORE PREMIER SC U12 Boys & Girls teams play in the GVSA for the 2017-18 Season. The fee for this age group includes:

· GVSA Team Fee

· League and Junior State Cup Referees

· Coaching

· Summer Team Training Camp (includes Lakeshore Premier SC technical shirt)

· 2 Tournaments (excludes personal travel and lodging)

· Junior State Cup tournament

· Practice& Game Fields

· Coach tournament lodging & travel  

· Club Window Decal 

LAKESHORE PREMIER SC U13/U14 and U15 Supplemental Boys & Girls teams play in the MSPSL. The fee for these age groups includes:

· MSPSL& GVSA Team Fee

· State Cup tournament (all GVSA Premier Club-sponsored teams are required to play State Cup)

· League& State Cup Referees

· Coaching

· Summer Team Training Camp (includes Lakeshore Premier SC technical shirt)

· Team Fees for 2 Tournaments (excludes personal travel and lodging)

· Practice& Game Fields

· Coach tournament lodging & travel

LAKESHORE PREMIER SC U15/U16/U17/U18/U19 Girls teams play in the MSPSL in the fall  and U15/U16/U17/U18/U19 Boys teams play in the MSPSL in the spring. The fee for this age groups includes:

· MSPSL& GVSA Team Fee

· State Cup Fee (all GVSA Premier Club-sponsored teams are required to play State Cup)

· Referees

· Coaching

· Summer Training Camp (includes Lakeshore Premier SC technical shirt)

· Team Fees for 1 Tournament (excludes personal travel and lodging)

· Practice& Game Fields

· Coach tournament lodging & travel  

8. What other costs are there?

At this point, all players will be required to purchase a basic uniform for a cost of approximately $150 which consists of:

· 2 Jerseys

· 2 Pair of Shorts

· 1 Pair of Socks

Lakeshore Premier SC will be announcing new uniforms for the 2017-18 season as our current uniforms are being discontinued.   There will be optional items to purchase as well including warm-ups, backpacks, etc.

Other costs might include Winter Training and personal travel to games.

9. How do these costs compare with other Premier clubs/teams?

One goal of the Lakeshore Premier SC is to offer Premier-level soccer at an affordable cost to families. We invite you to compare the cost of participating versus what it may cost to play at other clubs. With Lakeshore Premier SC being a local club, the costs to travel to weekly games and practices are reduced as well. Remember U13-U14 teams play in both the fall and spring. U15-U18 teams play in either the fall or spring.

Midwest United. $1,655* (2016-17 U12DA)

Midwest United. $2,060* (2016-17 U13-U14)

Midwest United. $1,525* (2016-17 U15-U18)

PASS $1,150* (2014-15 U13-U14) (Does not include Tournaments.)

PASS $850* (2014-15 U15-U18) (Does not include Tournaments.)

Michigan Fire Juniors $1,405* (2015-16 U12DA) (Does not include required $340 uniform kit) 

Michigan Fire Juniors $1,620* (2015-16 U13-U14) (does not include required $340 uniform kit)

Michigan Fire Juniors $930* (2015-16 U15-U18) (does not include required $340 uniform kit)

Alliance FC $1,645 - $2,100* (2014-15 U13-U14) (Basic fee of $1,645 does not include State Cup or  tournaments)

Alliance FC $1,295 - $1,970* (2014-15 U15-U18) (Basic fee of $1,645 does not include State Cup or  tournaments)

SCOR $1,650* (2015-16 U13-U14)

SCOR $875* (2015-16 U15-U18)

* Parents are encouraged to view the websites for these clubs to compare what is offered for the cost. In some instances, winter training is included in team fees. These fees represent fees as published on the website for the respective club. Unless otherwise noted fees are not available at time of publication.

10. How much travel is involved?

LAKESHORE PREMIER SC teams can be expected to play teams from the major metropolitan areas of the state. The team coach is involved in scheduling games, so teams could play several games in a weekend that are geographically close to help minimize travel.

11. Is there a league higher than the MSPSL?

Yes. Very successful Premier teams can be promoted to the Midwest Regional League (MRL) where they play against the very best teams in the Midwest and perhaps, the country!

12. Who will be coaching in Lakeshore Premier SC?

The roster of Coaches for LAKESHORE PREMIER SC is currently available by clicking here.

13. When are Tryouts and what do I need to know about them?

Tryouts for teams playing in the Michigan State Premier Soccer League will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Grand Haven High School, 17001 Ferris Street, Grand Haven, Michigan 49417.   Age/Gender Group Times are TBA

The stadium and practice field are located on the North end of campus.

The schedule will be available by June 4, 2017

Tryouts for U12 aged-teams playing in the Grand Valley Soccer Association are TBA and will be conducted at Grand Haven High School, 17001 Ferris Street, Grand Haven, Michigan.

Players should bring to tryouts an age-appropriate, properly inflated ball, shin pads and socks, soccer boots, plenty of water and the gotsoccer.com Tryout Registration Agreement.

Players should NOT wear any article of clothing that could be identified with any Select or Premier level team or club.

14. Do I need to register for tryouts?

Yes.  Online links are now active.  Go to the Tryouts Page to access.

15. Is there more to learn?

This FAQ will be updated regularly to reflect questions that parents have about  LAKESHORE PREMIER SC. Check back often!

No doubt many are aware that the United State Soccer Federation (USSF) has announced they will be abandoning the “school year” classification of players in favor of a “birth year” classification beginning in 2017-18. 

United States Youth Soccer, of which our state association the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA) is a member, has decided to mandate that change a year early, beginning with the 2016-17 season.  Of course, the Grand Valley Soccer Association (GVSA), our Affiliating League, and the Michigan State Premier Soccer Program (MSPSP), where our teams participate, will be following the directive of the state association beginning this fall.

Currently, players are placed into competitive groups depending on their age on August 1.   This year for example,  a player 14 years-old on August 1, 2015, with a birthday on July 11 2001;  would be classified in the U15 (Under 15) age group.

With this “school year” way of classifying players, there are players on the team from the example above who were born in 2000 and 2001.  Having players on teams, often born in different years, is currently the norm for all Lakeshore Premier SC teams and all soccer teams in Michigan, regardless of competitive level.

Beginning with the 2016-17 seasons, MSYSA has mandated the change to a birth year status where the year a player was born will determine the age group the player is part of.   For the 2016-17 season, this chart illustrates what age group the MSYSA, GVSA and the MSPSL will classify players as.

Birth Year                               Age Group

2005                                          U12

2004                                          U13

2003                                          U14

2002                                          U15

2001                                          U16

2000                                          U17

1999                                          U18

1998                                          U19

Of course, this raises all kinds of questions which is why we hope you’ll continue reading to see how Lakeshore Premier SC is handling this significant change.

We have been reviewing the documentation provided by MSYSA, as well as communicating with other clubs in the competitive soccer community.  We’re finding that not all clubs are doing the same thing, but rather, are tailoring their responses to circumstances unique to their club.

Please know that EVERY soccer club in the state is determining how to respond to this mandate.

The MSPSP is helping clubs manage this upcoming shift by amending several leagues rules that will provide clubs flexibility in organizing teams for the 2016-17 season and beyond.

When determining our response, we need to keep in perspective the smaller size of our club relative to many of those we compete against.  While we have fewer teams then most, we still maintain a significant competitive position within the MSPSP.  That’s a result of the outstanding players and coaches who participate in our program.

Given our geographic location and population base, we do not typically see the kind of turnout at tryouts that many of our larger competitors do.  Of course, we are not alone where that’s concerned.

Lakeshore Premier SC has seen significant competitive growth in the five years since the club began in the fall of 2010.  Our model of providing players along the lakeshore with an affordable, convenient club in which to participate in the higher level of MSPSP soccer continues to be an unparalleled opportunity to grow in the game.

Nearly all our teams are competing in the MSPSP P1 division this spring.

There simply is no precedent along the lakeshore for what this club, players and coaches have accomplished in terms of competitive circumstances and success.  That’s underscored this year with the U14 Boys who won their pool this spring in the Michigan State Cup with a 3-0-0 record that included a convincing victory over a State Cup semi-finalist from last year, and who will play this weekend in the Round of 16 to determine further advancement.

It’s also seen in the fact that seven players from last fall’s U18 Women’s team have committed to playing college soccer next season, and there are over a dozen players currently playing college soccer since our first U18 teams cycled out just two years ago.

Most do not remember a time when there was no such program.  Families had two choices; remain with their home Select clubs, or absorb the high cost and difficult logistics of driving to Grand Rapids to play premier soccer.

It’s why we all have much at stake as the club moves forward in complying with the age change, insuring a tremendously competitive experience for players at all age groups.

In talking with our coaches, comparing what other clubs are doing, and what amended league rules are going to allow, it is our intention to keep current players aligned with current teams to the extent that is possible.

While it’s not feasible in every age group, for different reasons, we think such a move will serve players and families well, providing predictability, consistency and most importantly, competitiveness.

Players registering for tryouts who were NOT rostered on a Lakeshore Premier SC team in 2015-16 should register for their age-appropriate tryout using the Birth Year classification.

In most instances, teams will be formed to compete at the age level of the older players on the team. 

For the upcoming season, we see teams developing consistent with this chart.

 

2015-16 Team                                       2016-17 Team                                                  Season

U18 Women & U17/16 Girls        U18/17/16 Girls with birth years 99/00/01                  Fall 2016

U18/17 Boys & U16 Boys           U19/18/17 Boys with birth years 98/99/00                  Spring 2017

U15 Boys                                        U17 Boys with birth years 00/01                             Spring 2017

U14 Boys                                        U16 Boys with birth year 01/02                               Spring 2017

U13 Boys                                        U15 Boys with birth year 02/03                               Fall 2016/Spring 2017

U13 Girls                                         U14 Girls with birth year 03                                    Fall 2016/Spring 2017

U12 Boys                                        U14 Boys with birth year 03/04                              Fall 2016/Spring 2017

No Previous Team                              U13 Boys with birth year 04                                Fall 2016/Spring 2017

No Previous Team                              U13 Girls with birth year 04                                 Fall 2016/Spring 2017

No Previous Team                              U12 Boys with birth year 05                                Fall 2016/Spring 2017

 

As you review these charts, please know there may be circumstances that could cause a realignment of some of the age group offerings, but at this time, this is how we see team formation occurring.

The MSPSP has amended two rules which will make this transition a bit easier.  The first is suspending the requirement that 51% of the roster be comprised of players who are of the age for the division the team will be participating in.   The other rule being suspended would have required that 51% of the roster be the same from the previous year to maintain a team’s divisional status.

The MSPSP will be hosting an unprecedented Directors of Coaching Divisional Assignment meeting later this summer to aid in putting teams where they rightfully belong.  As you might imagine, the MSPSP is expecting a great amount of movement in players and teams, so they are taking this steps to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Unfortunately, there are going to be challenges in implementing this new US Youth Soccer, USSF/MSYSA requirement, and while it may impact individual players differently, the club’s goal is to maintain the competitive success that our teams enjoy, providing a unique experience for elite players to grow in the game.

Out of necessity, the club will monitor tryout registrations, insuring that players are placed commensurate with their standing in the club during the 2015-16 season, and/or their individual competitive circumstance. 

The club retains the exclusive right to place participants consistent with our competitive goals.

With the distribution of this note, the club will now begin moving forward with the administrative functions necessary for a successful tryout. 

PLAYER FEES will remain the same for 2016-17. To review fees, please CLICK HERE.

ON-LINE Tryout Registration is now open.  You can CLICK HERE to be taken to the Easy Register option.

COACHING ANNOUNCEMENTS will begin on May, 21, 2016.  Be sure and follow us on FACEBOOK to get the latest.  We are excited to welcome a new coach to Lakeshore Premier SC, so be sure and stay tuned!

TRYOUTS SCHEDULE will be posted on May 22, 2016. The schedule will be available on the TRYOUTS page of the Lakeshore Premier SC website.   Tryouts this year for ALL MSPSL PREMIER TEAMS will be held on June 18, 2016 at White Pines Middle School in the morning.

Lakeshore Premier SC appreciates your understanding and patience as we implement this new directive from youth soccer’s governing bodies.  We’ll continue answering questions emailed to lakeshorepremier@gmail.com, and provide guidance to coaches and families as we seek to improve our efforts in offering a highly affordable, convenient and very competitive soccer experience.

Thank you,

Lakeshore Premier SC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grand Haven High School

17001 Ferris Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417

Fields are located on the North end of the campus, near the football stadium.  Users enter the campus from the south so they must drive north thru the parking lots to reach fields.

 

White Pines Middle School

1400 S. Griffin Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417

Field is located on the North end of the campus.  Parking is available immediately adjacent to the field.  PLEASE KEEP IN MIND there are no restrooms on the premises!

 

Fruitport Soccer Complex 

3310 Sheringer Rd, Muskegon, Mi 49444