Spring 2021 Season - Wellesley United Soccer Club

Spring 2021 Season

Agenda
• BAYS Spring Season
   • Covid-19 Update
   • Website
   • TeamSnap App
• WUSC Coaching Staff and Curriculum
• Practices / Fields
• Game Day protocol
• WUSC Age Group Coordinators

Covid-19 Update Spring ‘21
                            Temporary Modifications to the game

In order for WUSC to play our league season, we are REQUIRED to make the following temporary changes to the
laws of the game.

•   Heading – All intentional heading of the soccer ball is suspended for all ages.
•   Shoulder to shoulder contact – suspended or any other intentional physical contact is to be considered a
    violation of Law 12 - playing in a dangerous manner. Indirect free kick restart or other applicable foul or
    misconduct based on the referee’s interpretation.
•   Slide tackling – suspended for all ages.
•   Throws in’s – replaced by kick in’s.
•    Corner kicks – replaced by a corner kick in. The ball may not be kicked directly into the opponent’s penalty
     box. Opponents must remain 10 yards (8 yards for small sided) from the corner until the ball is in play.
•    The use of defensive walls is currently suspended.
•    The use of a drop ball to restart a game is suspended. An indirect free kick will be awarded to the team the
     referee deemed in possession when the game was stopped.

Covid-19 Update Spring ‘21
              Assign a Covid manager to your team!
Wellesley United COVID officers are Sarah Byrne and Jason Block

•    Each team is now required, by MYSA, to have a ‘Covid manager’. This could be your regular team
     manager, assistant coach or even a head coach, but it should be someone who is available for
     most, if not all games and practices.
•    The Covid manager must be registered and cleared with MYSA like any other volunteer at WUSC.

The ROLE of a Covid manager is to:
•    Keep attendance record of every game and practice. This can be monitored through the TeamSnap
     app.
•    Ensure the Covid policies from the club are being adhered to by all. (masks, sanitizer, social
     distancing).
•    Ensure spectators are socially distanced and wearing masks at all games.

Covid-19 Update Spring ‘21
            Wellesley United Soccer Club Mask policy
WUSC is requiring all players, during practices and games, must wear a mask based on the
guidance provided to us by MYSA.
•    Players are required to wear face coverings before, during and after their games and
     practices, including engagement of active play. Mask’s should be the ear-looped style face
     covering. Gators or other around the neck/head coverings are not permitted.
•    Players are allowed to remove masks to “catch their breath” at points in the game when
     they are socially distanced away from other players – 6 feet. This could be after long runs
     down the field, close contact plays and during stoppages in the game/practice.
•    Coaches are encouraged to rotate players often to help ease the burden of mask wearing
     during physical play.
•    WUSC will provide extra face masks to all coaches incase players turn up without one.
•    The WUSC mask policy applies for both home and away games. However, we do not have
     control over opposing teams from other towns. Please be sure to communicate with the
     opposition coach before every game, be it home or away, to ensure awareness on policies.

Covid-19 Update Spring ‘21
                        Spectator Requirements
•   WUSC are required to stagger games to allow teams and spectators to exit and enter field
    space without encountering previous or subsequent teams. Participants are required to
    leave the field (including the parking areas) immediately after games. Spectators arriving
    early should wait in their car until the field is clear.
•   MYSA guidelines limit 1 spectator per player. If there are too many spectators at any given
    time, play will be halted until the numbers work.
•   All spectators must adhere to the current social distancing protocol – 6ft apart, face masks
    to be worn.
•   Areas will be marked out by WUSC for all spectators to view games. Please refer to the field
    maps for game day protocol, making sure that spectators know where they should go.
•   Spectators must park in the designated areas for the field of play. Each field is different so
    again, make sure you are aware of this when instructing parents.

Website

TeamSnap App
We will be using the TeamSnap app this season to organize all of
our teams practices and games. It’s a great way to keep updates
on who is going to be available for practice and games each week
and to send updates on anything game/practice related.

Please note that as part of our COVID protocols, parents will be
required (trace and track) to use TeamSnap to let the club know
which events (practices and games) your children will be
attending. If players do not respond via TeamSnap, they will not
be allowed to practice or play games.

BAYS League Information
•   10 game season- Potential Start Date April 10th
•   Mass Youth Soccer Lanyard Credential must be worn/brought to each BAYS game In
    order to be on the sideline as coach. All MYSA requirements must be completed.
•   Bring 2 copies of BAYS Roster to each game - signed by head coach, Sue’s signature
    not needed.
•   Bring Emergency Medical Report to each game/practice.
•   BAYS website www.bays.org
    Bookmark your Team Page, Section Page with schedule, standings and contact info for
    other teams.
•   Email game score to Section Captain by Sun night to have scores posted on site.
•   Login to BAYS site to make sure your contact info is correct and to see opposing coach
    email and phone info. Your USRID is usually first initial,last name (e.g. tsmith) and your initial
    password is the last 4 digits of your home phone. Contact Sue if you still need help.
•   Your BAYS Division Director is your first point of contact for questions/conflicts

MYSA Requirements
     • All Coaches should have completed:
          • Mass Youth Soccer Registration with photo upload if needed
          • SafeSport Abuse Training and Concussion Training
            These must be complete to get Lanyard ID. Sue will notify coaches that have any
            outstanding requirements.
For info and link to register: https://www.mayouthsoccer.org/adult-registration-process/
 Links to the required Safesport Abuse training and Concussion Training can be found on your account under the
word ‘Certificates’.
 Concussion Training Certification: You must have Concussion certificate dated within last 2 years. Keep your
login/password so you can go back in to upload your concussion certificate when you complete the course.

Abuse Prevention Training: If you took the training in 2019, you need to do the shorter Refresher course now. If
you took training in 2020, you are set. Once completed via this link it should upload your certificate
automatically.

Communication and Game Day
•   Communicate with your team during the week on specifics of game time / location,
    attendance. Make everyone aware of the WUSC policies in terms of games – masks to be
    worn, social distancing etc…
•   Contact opposing team ahead of time to confirm game time/location; don’t assume that an
    unanswered email equals confirmation. Explain our mask policy and what to do on our fields.
    For away games, check on their policies and pass on any information to your teams.
      • You must be logged into the BAYS web-site to see opposing coach contact info.
•   Equal playing time policy for all teams! Make sure you make frequent substitutions, players
    will be uncomfortable having to wear a mask at all times. Allow them time to adjust.
•   Coaches responsible for behavior of parents, communicate Zero Tolerance to parents. Make
    sure every parent knows what is expected.
•   Check on color conflicts, pinnies are not available. Make sure players know what color shirt to
    wear – Red home, Black training jersey can both be used.
•   Arrive at field 15 min before game to set up the field, game should start (opening kick-off –
    not pre-game pep talk) promptly. Assign players to their waiting areas (bases) before getting
    into a warm up. Ensure face coverings are worn.

Game Day continued
During the game
• Keep     substitutes in their waiting zone, socially distanced from others. Make sure you and your coaches
     are also socially distanced by using the marks on the sides of the field.
• No sharing of equipment between players including pinnies and goalkeeper gloves.
• Ensure NO sharing of drinks, snacks or other equipment.
• Ensure everyone is wearing face coverings – players and coaches!
• STAY     POSITIVE. The rules have changed, some players may not understand why. Help players work
     through the new rules, be a mentor and leader to your players.
• Do NOT engage the referee unless to: ask for a sub, alert them to injury or to clarify rules BEFORE kick off.
After the game
• Do    NOT engage in any handshakes/fist bumps. No team huddles or cheers. Give your team a quick,
     socially distanced debrief of the game and then depart using the exit points on the field maps.
• Monitor      players leaving, ensure they are wearing face masks and that they are picked up in the correct
     parking lot.
• Clean and disinfect any equipment used.
Ultimately, the game should still be fun whilst we take all of the necessary precautions. As long as we make sure
we adhere to the guidelines, mask worn, keep players distanced whenever possible, we can still enjoy the
game!

Game Day Cancellation
• Rules for game-day cancellation (weather/other)
   Home games:
    – WUSC will make decision on morning games by 7:00 am, afternoon games by 10:30 am
    – Please check WUSC website (www.wellesleysoccer.org- twitter feed)
    – If fields are open, the referee is the only one that can decide to postpone game (your
       team must go to game)
    – Call/email opposing coach as soon as you know game is cancelled
    – If the referee decides not to play notify Chris Howard
         • Email: wuscdoc@wellesleysoccer.org AND programs@wellesleysoccer.org
• Away games: check opposition’s town soccer website and be in contact
    with opposing coach
If you decide not to play your game due to a high rate of Covid, please
contact the opposition coach by Wednesday of that game week.

Postponement/Reschedule of
                  Games
Rules for postponements- contact opposing coach if you can’t field a team. Other team is
not required to reschedule.
• Notify Chris Howard as soon as you know your game is not being played so he can cancel
    referee
     –   Email: wuscdoc@wellesleysoccer.org AND programs@wellesleysoccer.org
•   Neither you or your opposing coach can unilaterally reschedule a match. Get BAYS
    division director in the loop if you have issues with scheduling! We pay BAYS $25 per
    forfeit for games not played.
     – Try to to schedule a pre-play but must play the game within 3 weeks of original date
       (before end-of-season)
     – Games will be played on Memorial weekend, if you are not attending any tournaments.
       Contact opposing coach ASAP to rearrange games.
     – Also note that games will be played either side of April vacation so please send an email
       to your team and opponents to get an idea of numbers and whether you can play
• To reschedule game
     – Agree on date & time for makeup game
     – Contact Chris to request field/ref
     – There will be no midweek make ups until Chris Howard can work the schedule

BAYS/US Soccer Changes Zero
              Tolerance
• Green cards have been given to referees for use when Zero
  Tolerance infractions occur
   • Infractions can be called on coaches and parents
   • Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their spectators; set
     expectations BEFORE the season starts
• Recommendation by BAYS to give the following punishment to
  coaches who infringe on Zero Tolerance:
   • 1 (minor) to 3 (severe) rating system
   • 2 rated issue – Coach must issue an apology from the coach to the referee
     through the assignor or club rep
   • 3 rated issue – Coach is suspended for one game or more
• Ball no longer has to be played forward at kick-offs
• Players can now receive passes in own penalty box

WUSC 3rd Grade Program
•   Games to begin on Saturday April 24th .
•   All games will be played at Perrin Park throughout the day.
    Girl’s games in the morning, Boys in the afternoon.
•   Please make sure you look over the field map for Perrin
    Park thoroughly and make sure that parents are aware of
    the changes for spectators.
•   Practice fields will open April 2nd , before season starts to
    allow for practices. Teams will be able to book and practice
    as soon as they can sign up
•   1 practice per team, per week. Practice fields for 3rd grade
    are Perrin Park, Hardy and Sprague 4.
•   All questions please contact Chris Howard –
    intown@wellesleysoccer.org

Spring Tryouts

All dates are confirmed and will be released to the parents
• We are aiming to hold the following
3rd/4th Grade – 1 tryout
5th/6th Grade – 2 tryouts
7th Grade – 1 tryout
GK tryouts will be held separately to this and an email will go out

• Team pick nights are confirmed and will be sent to each coach
  separately
• All meetings will be held via Zoom

Dates for each age group will be released shortly on the website
and via email’s to parents.

WUSC Concussion Policy
• Take the course at the CDC website
• Sit the player if you suspect a concussion
• Notify the parents
• Notify the age group coordinator in writing
• Players are not allowed to return without medical
  clearance
• Referees have discretion to require an injured player
  to leave the match and/or stay out for the duration

WUSC Coaching Team
Chris Howard - WUSC General Manager -
wuscdoc@wellesleysoccer.org
Intown Director-intown@wellesleysoccer.org

Dale Carr - WUSC Travel Director (BAYS)
Email address – programs@wellesleysoccer.org

Lewis Wright - WPL Director
Email address - premierleague@wellesleysoccer.org

Curriculum
We recommend that all practice sessions follow the S.C.O.R.E. method:

SIMPLE. Stick to one theme during your practice session. Choose 2 or 3 core
coaching points and reinforce them throughout the session.
CHALLENGING. Ensure that the players are posed problems that they need to
find solutions to. Provide guidance and help when they need it.
ORGANISED. Plan every detail of your session - how many players, space and
equipment. Ensure that your sessions have the appropriate pace and
progression to challenge all of your players.
RELEVANT. Ensure that the exercises in your session are relevant to the game.
ENJOYABLE. The players should walk away from every practice having
thoroughly enjoyed the session and learning at least one
new aspect of the game. Ask questions of your players throughout.

WUSC Curriculums, available online, are coach login and password protected

                        Password - WUSC2021

Curriculum Continued

          Curriculum is available on our website – wellesleysoccer.org,
          under coaches corner. We have archived sessions from
          previous years as well as this seasons curriculum.

          We will also give you the opportunity to work directly with
          Dale Carr to produce session plans for your team practices. If
          you have certain areas you would like to work on with the
          team, please contact programs@wellesleysoccer.org.

          Social distanced training sessions can be found on Mass
          Youth Soccer’s website – Physical Distancing Session Plans
          - Session Plans | Massachusetts (mayouthsoccer.org)

ACL PREVENTION ZOOM CALL

All WUSC coaches and parents are invited to attend
this rescheduled presentation.

ACL Injury and Prevention

Saturday, April 3rd at 2pm
Dr. Rikki Koehler Orthopaedic Surgery Resident
Boston University
https://bostonu.zoom.us/s/97272090523

Meeting ID: 972 7209 0523
Passcode: 051712

Training Certificates

WUSC has always looked to encourage our coaches to take their
coaching licenses. This year we are looking to hold more certification
classes. We are waiting final confirmation on these but here are the
dates and times that we are looking at:

4v4 - Classroom 3/30 7-9pm.
     On field 4/3 11.30-1.30pm

7v7 - Classroom 4/6 7-9pm.
     On field 4/10 3.30-5.30pm

9v9 - Classroom 4/7 7-9pm.
     On field 4/11 3.30-5.30pm

11v11 - Classroom 3/31 7-9pm.
       On field 4/3 2-4pm

Practice Requirements
                              Set up and guidance
Prior to practice
•   Ensure all of your equipment has been sanitized, pinnies and cones. Pinnies must be washed after
    each use and may NOT be shared between players. But if you could use both practice and game
    jerseys for your sessions that would be the preferred choice.
•   Pack hand sanitizer and PPE. WUSC will provide you with what you need.
•   Plan your session! Make sure you leave time to make sure our players are safe.

Upon arrival to practice
•   Set up your field in advance, if possible.
•   As players arrive, ask how they are feeling? Send anyone home who you feel is acting or shows
    signs of illness. WUSC will provide hand sanitizer for you to use with your teams.
•   Assign each player a designated waiting zone (marked on each field). Players should leave their
    belongings here, this will be their base for any breaks during the practice.
•   Remind players, no handshakes, fist bumps of other physical contact.

Practice Requirements
                         Set up and guidance cont…
During practice
• Only the coach to handle equipment.
• Ensure   all players have their individual equipment. By end of June/July WUSC will provide all
    players with their own Nike pinnie
• Ensure distancing when not in activity (return to their bases)
• Ensure mask wearing at all times.
• Stay positive! Have fun, players will respond to your energy and effort!
Conclusion of practice
• Monitor players exiting the field, reminding them to disinfect their personal equipment.
• Ensure social distancing and face covering is worn by every player.
• Make    sure every player is picked up. Advise parents on pick up points using the practice maps on
    our website.
Post practice
•    Clean and disinfect all equipment, especially pinnies
•    Reflect on the session, what went well, what can be improved. Please share anything with WUSC
     that you feel would benefit the club.

Practices
• Use WUSC curriculum with practice plans from WUSC website –
  Wellesley United Soccer Club | Curriculums (wellesleysoccer.org)
• WUSC staff available to help with practices
    • Contact Dale Carr with requests – programs@wellesleysoccer.org
    • Support WUSC staff will design a practice based on recommendations from coach.
      Be specific, concentrate on one topic.
    • Please refer to COVID field guideline maps and reiterate with your team to stick to
      the rules.
• Practices: 1 practice per week at the present time. This will be
  reviewed once the season starts. At the end of April we will look to
  open up a second slot but this will go through Dale. This will be
  based off reschedule games
• Choose day/time/location that works for coach and players
    – Please use Appointment Plus to schedule all practices, instructions in fields section
      of website
    – Those with practices scheduled will be notified if field is not available
    – Do NOT “turn up” to a field if not reserved

Practices cont..

Appointment plus will be opened 26th March for all BAYS teams
3rd grade will open April 2nd
To login to Appointment plus to schedule practice times:

• Coaches login has now changed. For BAYS it is now the head coaches
    initials followed by the team name. Eg - DCWarriors
•   3rd grade coaches will be their team name plus the grade. EG –
    NERevolution3B
•   Stick to the practice time booked on the system, do not book two slots.
    This means do not create your own time slot by bridging two slots.
•   Refer to the COVID field maps for how to set up your practice and what
    fields to set up on.
•   For Elm Bank please use fields 3 and 4
•   Please stick to the fields for your age group. We shouldn’t have a 4th
    Grade team training on a turf field.

Fields-General Points
• If you see major field or facilities damage like sprinkler heads notify
  DPW at Wellesley DPW 24 hour hotline - 781-235-7600
• Any game scheduling, including rescheduling, issues please send email
  to: programs@wellesleysoccer.org and wuscdoc@wellesleysoccer.org
• Fields will be closed due to weather:
    – Mid week by DPW typically before 3 PM
    – Saturday by 7 AM & 10:30 AM, Sunday 10 AM
    – By referees anytime time at their discretion
• Field closure will be posted on website and via twitter
• Stick to the times suggested by WUSC and use the parking lots
  associated to your field of play. Corner flags will be moved by a
  representative of WUSC
    – Meet your team before going to the field. Make sure players stick to the social distancing
      spots on each field
• Friday is most popular practice nights! If for any reason you have to
  cancel your team practice, please do so on appointment plus so
  others can make use of the field.
• Town Trash Initiative (Green School Campaign) – Reusable water bottles &
   Clean-Up

Fields - General Points (2)

• Please have your team pick up their own trash after practice
  and games (including orange peels) Players should not share
  anything.
   – Pay particular attention at Elm Bank, which is a carry in/carry out facility. No bins at all
     there.
• Please do not use goal mouths for practice on grass fields
   – Move goal off end lines, play in between fields if possible. Please make sure you sanitize
     your hands before and after movement
• Return goals to original location if moved for practice!!
• Be sure to socially distance players and their personal items
  from other players and your equipment.
• Sanitize each players hands on arrival to the field. Sanitizer
  stations will be available on fields and supplied to you by
  WUSC.

Goal & Net Safety
•   Always inspect goals before each match and/or practice.
•   Always ensure goals are secured with sand bags on back bar or sidebars. If they
    are not, let a WUSC staff member know
     – 9v9 min 1 sand bag on back bar
     – 11v11 2 sand bags on back bar
     – 7v7 grass field spiked goals do not need sand bags, wheeled ones need 1.
•   Never allow anyone to climb or play on the goal or net
•   Never allow anyone to hang on the goal crossbar (e.g. chin-ups)
•   Sanitize your hands before and after any goal movement
•   Instruct players on safe handling and potential dangers associated with movable
    goals.
     – Coaches can move goals; not parents or youth players. If you need help, ask a WUSC
       staff member
     – When moving wheels should be rotated to allow easy moving. When in place replace
       wheels so frame contacts ground.
     – Push when ever possible, do not pull goals
     – Do not move with sand bags on back bar however replace sand bags when moved

WUSC Age Group Coordinators
Travel Directors: Martin Zinny & Tory Moore
•   4G Girls: Jamie Gordon
•   5G Girls: Ariel Duddy
•   6G Girls: John Dyer
•   7G Girls: Ben Scirica ( Spring Only) Tory Moore ( Fall Season onwards)
•   8G Girls: Tara Ventura
•   4G Boys: Martin Zinny
•   5G Boys: Sarah Byrne
•   6G Boys: Katy Wallace
•   7G Boys: Peter Monsen
•   8G Boys: Jennifer Campanella

•   3rd Boys- Adrian Kwan ( Spring Only) Livia Madden ( Fall onwards)
•   3rd Girls- Maura Gerhart ( Spring Only) Jim Tuxbury ( Fall onwards)

THANK YOU FOR COACHING!