BHS Girls Soccer

Athletic Philosophy

Athletics provide an ideal forum for a young adult to experience some of life’s greatest lessons.  Learning opportunities stem not  only from being part of a team but also from disappointment when the team’s needs are different from what had been hoped for by the individual.   Our team strives to win, but emphasis will   be placed on effort, improvement, respect for coaches and their decisions, teammates and their roles, learning to win graciously and losing  with dignity. We want our athletes to have a rewarding and  enjoyable experience while still maintaining the structure and dedication required by a varsity level  squad.

One of the most important aspects of participation on a team is commitment. As such, we respectfully request that all student- athletes who accept to participate on our team, along with their parents, be prepared to commit to the team for all practices and games for the duration of the  season.

It must be understood that any significant time missed by the student athlete can affect team performance and   chemistry.

Student athletes who miss practice or games can and likely will have their playing time  adjusted.

Coaches must be made aware in advance of any missed practice or game, and the reason for any athlete being absent or late. The coaching staff will determine team practice and game attendance policies and consequences for  infractions.

Participation in sports is a privilege that requires students to represent Burlington High School in a respectful and responsible manner. Unsportsmanlike behavior towards other athletes,  coaches or officials will not be  tolerated.

Playing Time

The coaching staff makes decisions regarding individual playing time with respect to the team’s needs and best interests. At the varsity level, winning is emphasized more strongly, and playing time is not guaranteed to every member of the squad. The individual’s ability, attitude, work ethic and the team’s specific needs or game situation will determine playing   time.

All players on the team are expected to be a positive influence on their teammates, whether they are on the field or off.  Players not  on the field can provide invaluable support to the field players by always having a supportive attitude, respecting everyone’s role on the team and demonstrating good sportsmanship to coaches, officials and other  players.

An initial role for each individual player will be determined and players will be made aware of their role during pre-season. Players who choose to commit to the team understand that this role is the coach’s initial assessment for the team’s needs and how a player   best fits in to those needs. In no way, will this determine an individual’s status for the entire season.   All players are expected    to continue to give 100% at practices, stay in good mental and physical health and keep a positive  attitude.

Any student athlete disappointed in her role or playing time, should speak directly to the coaching staff in order to express her concerns and garner feedback to try and achieve her goals. Before, during or after games is not the time to discuss individual issues   such as playing time and team role. Therefore, an athlete should make arrangements to speak privately with the coach at a mutually agreed upon time.

“Don’t visualize beating the keeper, visualize destroying the keeper.”
– Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Coaching Staff

The coaching staff puts a lot of time and effort into determining the right  procedures,drills, practice schedules,  player  roles  and playing time, in order for the team to succeed in a competitive league.  The coaches work hard on behalf of the athletes by trying   to provide each member of the team an environment where they can learn, improve  and prosper.  The athletes may not always agree with coaching practices or decisions but must respect that  these decisions are in the best interest of the team as a whole and   are based on factors that include much more, than just an individual  players needs.

Negative conversations on the sidelines, criticism of coaches and unsportsmanlike behavior can have a detrimental affect on all involved, and can negatively impact the success of the team and   the enjoyment of each team member. Being respectful of the coaching decisions and other player’s roles within the team is essential for providing the mental strength to compete and succeed in this league.   Every member of the squad regardless of   their role has a responsibility to put the team first before their individual needs.

“Give the opposition more than one reason to stare at your feet.”
– Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)

Physical Eligibility

Athletes are expected to maintain a certain physical standard while participating as part of the team. Pre-season conditioning is  expected to continue throughout the season, and athletes are expected to stay in good physical condition in order to be able to compete at the high-level Division 1 demands.  Coaches would be happy to help with any particular conditioning programs that will help an athlete to succeed. Nutrition also has a big impact on the performance of athletes throughout the season. **See end of manual  for  Nutrition information.

All injuries occurring while the athlete is participating in athletics must be reported to a coach and athletic trainer.  Permission must  be obtained from a trainer or physician before an athlete will be allowed to resume participation. REMEMBER: Ice and rest is essential after practices and games and is NOT reserved solely for injuries!

Academic Eligibility

All athletes participating in athletic programs MUST meet  academic requirements as outlined in the BHS Student  Handbook.

The Coaching staff takes academics very seriously and expects all athletes to take it seriously as well. Any student struggling with their grades will be expected to put extra effort into their   academics FIRST.  Sports are not an acceptable excuse for a  student not completing work or failing classes and practices and games should be missed if a student needs extra academic help or  is expected in call-back. BHS prides itself on the Student-Athlete concept.

Code of Ethics for Parents of Athletes

• Encourage your daughter – be enthusiastic – show school spirit.
• Maintain a positive attitude whether the team is winning  or losing and never criticize a player or a coach for a   loss.
• Parents as spectators are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship during a game. Please refrain from being insulting or combative with coaches, referees or   players.
• Respect the judgment, strategy and policies of the coach and support them to your daughter.  Criticizing coaches  and the way they run the team, does nothing for the moral of the team or the individual  players.
• Support the team with sponsored events, such as fundraising, homecoming etc. Team spirit is ALWAYS a good motivator!

“Only when you have a true feel for the ball can you truly make it do what you want.”
-“Kaka”  (AC Milan)

Parent/Coach Communication Guidelines

High school is a time for young adults to make decisions and to learn lessons that will help them to grow and develop into well- rounded adults ready for what the world has to offer.

Unfortunately not all decisions or lessons will have a positive  result and dealing with hurt feelings is part of dealing with life. While we hope that parents will support the students in our   program whatever the result, we understand that decisions made within the coaching staff will not always be supported or  understood by the athletes or their parents. In realization that there are times when a parent does need to communicate with the coach, the following is policy for this  medium:

Issues inappropriate to discuss with  coaches: 

1. Playing time
2. Team strategy
3. Play calling
4. Other  student athletes
5. Practice plans, training programs or drills

As parents, our first inclination is to make things better and take away a child’s pain. It often becomes very difficult to distance yourself when children do not play as much as they or you had hoped.  Coaches are professionals and make decisions based on  what they believe is in the best interest of the program and all students involved. Please keep in mind that coaches think beyond the current year as well and are always developing players and the program for the  future.

These issues must be left to the discretion of the coaches and only the coaches. Under no circumstances should a parent ever call a coach at home to discuss these issues. Also, under no  circumstances should a parent approach a coach before, during or after a practice/game.

Procedure for discussing concerns with a  coach:

1. The student-athlete should meet with the coach first to discuss and attempt to resolve the  issue.
2. If resolution is not reached, the parent should call the coach to set up an appointment between the coach, the athlete and the parent.
3. If a member of the coaching staff cannot be reached, call the Athletic Director and a meeting will be orchestrated  for you.

**All concerns will be met with an open and objective mind but results may not always  change.

School Transportation

Student athletes who travel to and from games on the bus are expected to act in a mature and responsible way. Nothing is to be thrown around the bus or from the windows. Yelling disrespectful remarks or profanities from the bus window will not be tolerated. Respect is to be given to both the driver and the supervising coach who is traveling with the athletes, whether that coach is varsity or  JV. Athletes are expected to represent Burlington High School in a respectful manner at ALL times. Athletes not conforming to transportation policies may have their playing time affected or may be required to fulfill “consequences” dictated by the   coaches.

Girls Soccer Program Policies

• At least 1 practice during the season will be captain developed and run practices. Practice formats will be pre- approved by the coaching  staff.
• Updating,  as  needed,  to  both  pre-season  and  current season team manuals, to keep student athletes and parents informed of any changes to team/school policies, protocols and what is expected.
• Scheduled, organized practices with expectations by the coaching staff explained up front and enforced with full and open dialogue. Consequences will be given to any student athlete who does not adhere to these   expectations.
• Fundraising events and team outings to help enforce school spirit and team  bonding.
• Regular captain/coaches meetings to discuss team moral, strategy, fundraising, team events, opponents, games and practices sessions etc. Chosen captains will be provided with a format for dealing with player issues and how and when to bring said issues to a member of the coaching staff.

Nutrition (eating the proper way for athletes)

What you eat can have a big effect on how you perform; eating right can certainly improve your game.   With good nutrition,   young players can discover a whole new level of performance. A good soccer diet can also help prevent injury, reduce recovery time between games, and create a lifetime of good eating   habits.

1. Make sure you eat a good healthy meal 2 to 3 hours prior  to playing.   The meal should be substantial but not  heavy.
2. Use the food pyramid to make your choices. Ensure that you have a heavy emphasis on carbohydrates (55 to 60 percent).
3. Refuel post game, nutritious foods speed muscle   recovery.
4. Choose carefully, fruits, whole grains and easy to digest foods (not fried) are the best. Stay away from   milk products close to game time. Candy, ice cream and fast food is better left for after a  game.
5. Proper hydration is the most crucial aspect of sports nutrition. Remember fluids!!! Sipping water is better than gulping it.  It is easier to absorb into the body for    hydration when delivered slowly. Hydration is optimal  when urine is clear.  Drink plenty of water the day before  the game and the day of, but stop 1.5 hours prior to game. Start hydration again, by taking a few sips 10-30 minutes before the game.
6. Be creative and organized. Pack non-perishables in your soccer bag, so that you have a constant supply of snacks such as pretzels, crackers or sports bars for games and practices.
7. Make sure you give your food enough time to digest before the game; this can help eliminate cramping and bloating.   Easy to digest foods are  recommended.