ALITHSA Arsenal Travel FAQ

Q: What is the time commitment for Travel soccer?

Travel soccer requires a significant commitment from August to mid-November and March to mid-June. In addition, Travel teams usually play one indoor soccer session in the winter. Players should not enter a Travel soccer program without the expectation of attending at least 75% of practices and 90% of games. Travel soccer does not usually interfere with after school activities. Most leagues play games on Sunday afternoons.
Our Club supports the US Youth Soccer Association's caution against the over-scheduling of youth athletes.

Q: Is Travel soccer expensive?

We feel our pricing, ranging from $760 - $950 per year is reasonable and offers an excellent level of training and competition that matches, and even exceeds, other clubs in our area that charge more. Our fees include a new uniform consisting of two jerseys, 2 pairs of socks and one pair of shorts. This uniform will be used for the next 2 years.
To help offset costs, many teams solicit sponsorships from area businesses or do fund-raising. The Club supports team's efforts with brochures and other materials.
Additionally, the Club now offers a payment plan that breaks down the fees into two installments. You can expect to pay 50% of the fees upon acceptance to a team and the remainder will be due on September 1, 2008.

What exactly is included in the fees?

Travel fees consist of Club fees, league fees and training.
Club fees cover such things as administrative costs (accountant/audits, meeting room rental - board meetings, referee training, coach meetings etc.), equipment purchases, upkeep and use of fields, IYSA membership, salaries for assistant referees and the Director of Coaching as well as field striping.
League fees are set by each league and are paid directly to either the NISL or IWSL. These fees can vary on a per player basis based on league, age group and roster size. To simplify payment, the Club charges a set league fee. If additional monies are collected due to these variables, it will be rebated back to the player's family each season.
The majority of travel fees though go to the use of licensed trainers for each team. The ALITHSA Arsenal is committed to seeing each of its players reach their potential as individual soccer players as well as successful participants in a team. Trainers will conduct two practices a week and be present at all games.
Teams may also participate in tournaments or indoor soccer sessions at an additional cost. The Club does not mandate but highly recommends at least one season of indoor soocer.

Q: How are Travel teams formed?

At tryouts, independent and certified evaluators along with our Director of Coaching will rate players on a variety of criteria including ball skills, passing, defensive abilities (on & off ball abilities), finishing, speed, agility & stamina. The final decision on team composition is made by an executive committee of the Director of Coaching and the independent evaluators. They will use the tryout ratings as well as the coaches input to fill positions. The goal is to provide each team with the number of players required on the field plus four or five additional players.
On occasion, a player may be asked to play up one age level. This is done only when a roster cannot be completely filled with comparably rated age appropriate players, and with the parents permission. Parents may NOT request their child play up a level, it is the Director of Coaching's decision.
Previous placement in the Travel program does not guarantee future placement. Your child will be graded against all players trying out, both new to the program and returning.
ALITHSA Travel conducts tryouts annually in early June.

Q: When will I find out if my child has made a team?

Players are notified via phone on or about June 10 as to whether they have been placed on a team. Players are asked to commit to playing for a full year, which includes the Fall and Spring seasons. Committment must occur within 48 hours of receiving a phone call by registering and paying with our online registration system.

Q: What if my child only plays goalkeeper?

Players who choose only to play goalkeeper have the option to be identified during the tryout process.

Q: Who trains the teams?

ALITHSA uses the services of professional trainers and coaches. Each trainer is chosen according to the specific needs of that team.

Q: Is it true that Travel soccer teams have to travel great distances for away games?

No. Beginning with the Spring 2005 season, the NISL created North and South divisions for all its age levels. This cuts the distance teams have to travel dramatically - in most cases the furthest game is forty-five minutes away. Also, there are only five/six away games per season.

Q: Is ALITHSA Arsenal Travel part of ALITHSA?

Yes, ALITHSA Arsenal Travel is part of the ALITHSA recreational soccer program, for the more committed youth player.

Q: Is equal playing time for all players a Travel Program requirement?

Due to the competitive nature of the Travel Program, equal playing time is not a requirement. Your child will play in every game, but his total playing time will be based on ability and growth in the program.

Q: If I have a complaint, where do I go?

If a complaint pertains to a team and/or coach, it is recommended you first try and talk to the coach to reach a mutual solution. If this cannot be achieved, then you may contact the Director of Coaching. If you are still not satisifed, contact the Travel Director. Issues that cannot be resolved in that fashion can be directed to the Club President. All emails can be found at www.alithsa.org/contact.html.

Q: What happens if a parent or coach gets "out of hand"?

Please remind the parent or coach of the "code of conduct form" they read and acknowledged at registration. All comments directed towards the field should be words of encouragement and praise, not criticism. If the parent or coach continues to be a problem, any board member, group coordinator, coach and/or referee has the authority to ask that person to leave immediately and the offending person shall be immediately found to be in violation of ALITHSA's "ZERO-TOLERANCE" policy. If the offending person refuses to leave, the referee has the authority to end play immediately and the offending team will forfeit the game.

Q: What is ALITHSA's "ZERO-TOLERANCE" policy?

ALITHSA maintains a ZERO-TOLERANCE policy for abusive parents and coaches on the sidelines. Any form of abusive language, gesture or behavior directed towards any player, parent, coach, coordinator or referee is UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR, and will be dealt with accordingly. ALITHSA reserves the right to suspend and/or expel any person found to be in violation of the zero-tolerance policy.
Starting with the Fall 2004 season, The IYSA, NISL and IWSA (we are members of all) have implemented the same ZERO-TOLERANCE policy that we have always had in ALITHSA. The difference is that if any parent, coach, player, etc. is found in violation of this policy there will be a $200 fine for the adult, and a $1000 fine assessed to the club. Any fines paid by ALITHSA on behalf of any coach or parent will be considered monies due ALITHSA by that individual. The family members of that particular adult will NOT be allowed to participate in any ALITHSA activity until the club is reimbursed in full.

Q: What are the safety rules?

Suspend playing/practicing IMMEDIATELY if there is ANY LIGHTNING.
Shin guards are mandatory (under socks) for games and practices.
No jewelry may be worn for games or practices.
Regular eye glasses without other forms of protection are not allowed - you must shield them in some way with goggles or something similar.
Hoods may not be worn during play - they must be tucked inside the jersey.
Jerseys must be tucked into shorts.
If there is an injury on the field, we always err on the side of caution, and play will stop at change of possession while the injury is assessed. We will call an ambulance ANYTIME A HEAD INJURY IS SUSPECTED!

Q: I still have questions, who should I contact?

Send an email to Mike Milanovich at mike@alithsa.org or Dean Smith at deanosmith@comcast.net. Please be patient while awaiting a response, we are all volunteers with full-time jobs and/or other family responsibilities.

Back to the ALITHSA Arsenal Travel home page

Home Page Recreational Program Travel Program Registration Parent Participation Rec Schedules NRSL Schedules Travel Schedules FAQ Medical Waiver Form Maps to Parks Incident Report Form Volunteer Recognition Referee Information The Laws of the Game ALITHSA Constitution Board Meeting Minutes Contact Us		ALITHSA Arsenal Travel FAQ Q: What is the time commitment for Travel soccer? Travel soccer requires a significant commitment from August to mid-November and March to mid-June. In addition, Travel teams usually play one indoor soccer session in the winter. Players should not enter a Travel soccer program without the expectation of attending at least 75% of practices and 90% of games. Travel soccer does not usually interfere with after school activities. Most leagues play games on Sunday afternoons. Our Club supports the US Youth Soccer Association's caution against the over-scheduling of youth athletes. Q: Is Travel soccer expensive? We feel our pricing, ranging from $760 - $950 per year is reasonable and offers an excellent level of training and competition that matches, and even exceeds, other clubs in our area that charge more. Our fees include a new uniform consisting of two jerseys, 2 pairs of socks and one pair of shorts. This uniform will be used for the next 2 years. To help offset costs, many teams solicit sponsorships from area businesses or do fund-raising. The Club supports team's efforts with brochures and other materials. Additionally, the Club now offers a payment plan that breaks down the fees into two installments. You can expect to pay 50% of the fees upon acceptance to a team and the remainder will be due on September 1, 2008. What exactly is included in the fees? Travel fees consist of Club fees, league fees and training. Club fees cover such things as administrative costs (accountant/audits, meeting room rental - board meetings, referee training, coach meetings etc.), equipment purchases, upkeep and use of fields, IYSA membership, salaries for assistant referees and the Director of Coaching as well as field striping. League fees are set by each league and are paid directly to either the NISL or IWSL. These fees can vary on a per player basis based on league, age group and roster size. To simplify payment, the Club charges a set league fee. If additional monies are collected due to these variables, it will be rebated back to the player's family each season. The majority of travel fees though go to the use of licensed trainers for each team. The ALITHSA Arsenal is committed to seeing each of its players reach their potential as individual soccer players as well as successful participants in a team. Trainers will conduct two practices a week and be present at all games. Teams may also participate in tournaments or indoor soccer sessions at an additional cost. The Club does not mandate but highly recommends at least one season of indoor soocer. Q: How are Travel teams formed? At tryouts, independent and certified evaluators along with our Director of Coaching will rate players on a variety of criteria including ball skills, passing, defensive abilities (on & off ball abilities), finishing, speed, agility & stamina. The final decision on team composition is made by an executive committee of the Director of Coaching and the independent evaluators. They will use the tryout ratings as well as the coaches input to fill positions. The goal is to provide each team with the number of players required on the field plus four or five additional players. On occasion, a player may be asked to play up one age level. This is done only when a roster cannot be completely filled with comparably rated age appropriate players, and with the parents permission. Parents may NOT request their child play up a level, it is the Director of Coaching's decision. Previous placement in the Travel program does not guarantee future placement. Your child will be graded against all players trying out, both new to the program and returning. ALITHSA Travel conducts tryouts annually in early June. Q: When will I find out if my child has made a team? Players are notified via phone on or about June 10 as to whether they have been placed on a team. Players are asked to commit to playing for a full year, which includes the Fall and Spring seasons. Committment must occur within 48 hours of receiving a phone call by registering and paying with our online registration system. Q: What if my child only plays goalkeeper? Players who choose only to play goalkeeper have the option to be identified during the tryout process. Q: Who trains the teams? ALITHSA uses the services of professional trainers and coaches. Each trainer is chosen according to the specific needs of that team. Q: Is it true that Travel soccer teams have to travel great distances for away games? No. Beginning with the Spring 2005 season, the NISL created North and South divisions for all its age levels. This cuts the distance teams have to travel dramatically - in most cases the furthest game is forty-five minutes away. Also, there are only five/six away games per season. Q: Is ALITHSA Arsenal Travel part of ALITHSA? Yes, ALITHSA Arsenal Travel is part of the ALITHSA recreational soccer program, for the more committed youth player. Q: Is equal playing time for all players a Travel Program requirement? Due to the competitive nature of the Travel Program, equal playing time is not a requirement. Your child will play in every game, but his total playing time will be based on ability and growth in the program. Q: If I have a complaint, where do I go? If a complaint pertains to a team and/or coach, it is recommended you first try and talk to the coach to reach a mutual solution. If this cannot be achieved, then you may contact the Director of Coaching. If you are still not satisifed, contact the Travel Director. Issues that cannot be resolved in that fashion can be directed to the Club President. All emails can be found at www.alithsa.org/contact.html. Q: What happens if a parent or coach gets "out of hand"? Please remind the parent or coach of the "code of conduct form" they read and acknowledged at registration. All comments directed towards the field should be words of encouragement and praise, not criticism. If the parent or coach continues to be a problem, any board member, group coordinator, coach and/or referee has the authority to ask that person to leave immediately and the offending person shall be immediately found to be in violation of ALITHSA's "ZERO-TOLERANCE" policy. If the offending person refuses to leave, the referee has the authority to end play immediately and the offending team will forfeit the game. Q: What is ALITHSA's "ZERO-TOLERANCE" policy? ALITHSA maintains a ZERO-TOLERANCE policy for abusive parents and coaches on the sidelines. Any form of abusive language, gesture or behavior directed towards any player, parent, coach, coordinator or referee is UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR, and will be dealt with accordingly. ALITHSA reserves the right to suspend and/or expel any person found to be in violation of the zero-tolerance policy. Starting with the Fall 2004 season, The IYSA, NISL and IWSA (we are members of all) have implemented the same ZERO-TOLERANCE policy that we have always had in ALITHSA. The difference is that if any parent, coach, player, etc. is found in violation of this policy there will be a $200 fine for the adult, and a $1000 fine assessed to the club. Any fines paid by ALITHSA on behalf of any coach or parent will be considered monies due ALITHSA by that individual. The family members of that particular adult will NOT be allowed to participate in any ALITHSA activity until the club is reimbursed in full. Q: What are the safety rules? Suspend playing/practicing IMMEDIATELY if there is ANY LIGHTNING. Shin guards are mandatory (under socks) for games and practices. No jewelry may be worn for games or practices. Regular eye glasses without other forms of protection are not allowed - you must shield them in some way with goggles or something similar. Hoods may not be worn during play - they must be tucked inside the jersey. Jerseys must be tucked into shorts. If there is an injury on the field, we always err on the side of caution, and play will stop at change of possession while the injury is assessed. We will call an ambulance ANYTIME A HEAD INJURY IS SUSPECTED! Q: I still have questions, who should I contact? Send an email to Mike Milanovich at mike@alithsa.org or Dean Smith at deanosmith@comcast.net. Please be patient while awaiting a response, we are all volunteers with full-time jobs and/or other family responsibilities. Back to the ALITHSA Arsenal Travel home page