Community Soccer Club

Frequently Asked Questions

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FAQs

Got a question about our program that isn't answered elsewhere on this site? Take a look at some of the more common questions listed below and see if yours is there. If not, give us a call or send us an email.

Registration [Back to Top]

My child doesn't want to play any more. Can I get my money back?

Generally, no. Most of our expenses are fixed by the beginning of the season, so our policy is to not provide any refunds as of opening day. However, we understand that there may be circumstances that prevent a child from playing, like an injury or illness.

Contact any board member if you'd like to discuss your particular situation. If your child withdraws before the start of the season, see our refund policy.

Can I get my child's team assignment changed?

We try very hard to honor requests for players to be placed on a team with a friend or neighbor, as long as the request is written on the registration form and is received prior to the Registration Deadline. However, once the teams are set up we will only change a roster assignment if in the Board's judgment a change is necessary to ensure the success of the team or the club, such as an inadequate or excessive number of players on a team.

It's almost time for the season to start and I haven't heard from my child's coach yet. What should I do?

You may call the club and leave a message on the answering machine. We'll try get back to you right away. You may also try calling a friend or teammate. They may know the practice schedule.

You can also send an email.

My child wants to play on a friend's team. Can this be done?

It sure can! Just indicate your preference on the registration form (e.g., "I want to play on Mary Smith's team"). We almost always honor these types of requests (if received prior to the Registration Deadline) unless there are too many players on the team already or if there is a skill level imbalance that we need to correct.

Please note: we cannot honor requests to be placed on a particular coach's team because coaches occasionally resign or change teams at the last minute.

If my request is not honored, will I be notified?

CSC takes pride in our tradition of allowing for teammate requests. Many sports leagues refuse such requests altogether to avoid the hassle. Because there are hundreds of players in the club each season, we regret that we cannot notify you in the event that your request is not honored. We suggest when registering that you:
- make sure that the teammate you are requesting is also planning to register for that season
- make sure that the teammate you are requesting is in the same division
- make sure that you both register by the deadline
- make sure that they request you too!

Some people go so far as to register in person together or mail their registrations in the same envelope. Doing so certainly helps although is not necessary.
I have one child in the 4th grade and one in the 5th grade. Is there any way they can play on the same team?

Yes, but only by having the 4th grader "play up", which is to say that he must be placed on a 5 & 6 Grade team with his 5th grade sibling. Please indicate your request on the registration form.
How are teams put together?

Teams are generally put together based on teammate requests first. We try to keep teams together as much as possible but in many cases a team may be left with only a few players the next season so many teams will be completely new the next season.

Practice [Back to Top]

When and where are practices held?

Most teams practice on a week night at Diamond Community Park. Some, however practice at other facilities that have given permission for use by the club.

Practice times and days are solely the discretion of the coach, so there is no benefit to requesting to be assigned to a team that practices on a particular night. Club policy limits practices to two per week for one hour or one per week for 1 1/2 hours.

Kindergarten teams only practice on Saturdays. They do not have practices during the week.

My child can't make the practice days that have been scheduled. What do I do now?

As mentioned above, practice days and times are left to the discretion of the coach, so your only option in case of unavoidable conflict is to contact your coach and discuss the situation. Some players alternate soccer practice with the conflicting activity each week.

If all else fails, your child may play in the games even if they cannot make practice. Just make sure your coach knows.

What happens if it rains on practice night?

Most teams will have practice even if it is raining. Call your coach to make sure. However, in NO CASE IS PRACTICE TO BE HELD IF LIGHTNING IS PRESENT!

Another team is on our practice field or wants to take over our practice field. Aren't we entitled to the time and field we reserved?

Yes and no. If you are on your assigned field at the assigned time, no other team may bump you off for their practice.

However, if a team shows up for a game and it conflicts with your practice schedule, the CSC team must vacate the field promptly and either cancel the rest of practice or find another area on the complex to complete that practice. Game and practice schedules are posted on the doors of the Diamond Community Center. When in doubt, please check there.

Games [Back to Top]

What happens if it rains?

Games are played during inclement weather as long as lightning is not present. The best policy if in doubt is to come on out to the fields and find your coach. Storms generally pass quickly so it is best to wait and see what happens.

If lightning is sighted, ALL FIELDS ARE TO BE EVACUATED IMMEDIATELY. Coaches and referees are to come to the building for instructions.

However, please note that storm delays are taken with the clock running; no time is added beyond the regularly scheduled completion time. Also, games curtailed or cancelled due to weather are not made up.

I think the referee made an improper call. What should I do?

The first thing you should NOT do is yell at the referee and explain how the play should have been called. This kind of behavior is not productive and will not help the situation.

The best thing you can do is go to the coach at half time or after the game (don't bother him during the game) and ask about the call. If you both agree it was questionable, please come up to the building and discuss it with one of the board members.

We're ready to play but are shorthanded. Can we have another player fill in just for this one game?

You may have non-rostered players fill in for a game in which you find yourself shorthanded under the following conditions:

The player must be currently registered in the Community Soccer Club.

The player must be of the same or younger grade level.

The coach must be careful not to favor the fill-in player by giving him/her more playing time than his regular rostered players.

Coaches [Back to Top]

How are coaches selected?

The majority of our coaches are volunteer parents. If you are interested in helping to coach, we can almost always find a spot for you. No experience is necessary. Just indicate your interest on the registration form or call or email the club

Do you offer any coaches training?

We try to have a coaching clinic before the start of each season. Check the calendar page for schedule information.

We have a limited number of USYSA training DVDs entitled "The Novice Coach", designed for players from U-6 (Kindergarten) through U-8 (Grade 1/2), and U-10 (Grade 3/4) through U-12 (Grade 5/6). Coaches may borrow these for as long as they need them but we request they be returned at the end of the season.

Finally, we recommend an excellent web-based resource called "SoccerHelp.com", which offers advice and guidance on practice sessions, formations, game strategies, team management, and much more.

I don't like the way my child is being coached. What should I do?

Every coach has a different style or approach to coaching. It is almost always best to discuss your concerns with the coach first. Also, try offering your support by helping out at practice.
Finally, if your attempts to resolve the situation have not worked, please contact one of the board members. We'll do our best to find a workable solution.
I signed up to be a coach. Am I guaranteed a spot? Also, will I hear one way or another if I am to be assigned a team?

Head coaches are assigned by the club based on the number of teams in each division. Occasionally, all teams will have coaches already assigned so there are no open spots. In such a case we would attempt to make you an assistant coach.

The club will contact all those who have volunteered to coach to inform them of their team assignment or if there are no teams available.

Board [Back to Top]

What are the responsibilities of board members?

See the Board page for a list of the positions on the Board. In addition to the responsibilities implied by the position title, each board member is expected to attend one meeting per month for planning, plus participate as much as possible on Saturday morning game days.

Are Board members paid?

All Board members are unpaid volunteers. However, because the referee coordinator 's job takes more time during the week, this position is entitled to a small fee.

How do I get a question or issue to be addressed by the Board?

The best approach is to contact a board member on a Saturday game day. You may also submit comments in writing either by email or to our mailing address.

I am interested in serving on the board. What should I do?

We generally select board members from among interested parents and coaches. Commitment to youth soccer and a willingness to be part of a volunteer team are the only pre-requisites.

Indicate your interest on the registration form, or call or email us. If there is an opening we will talk to you about the position. All new board members are subject to approval by the current board.

Other [Back to Top]

I didn't get my pictures. Who should I call?

Spring pictures are distributed during your games 3 or 4 weeks after picture day. If you came to pick up your pictures and the club did not have them, or if there was a problem with the pictures, please call the photographer directly. The club does not take any responsibility for errors or omissions on team photographs.

My child wants to become a referee. Do you offer any training?

No. Referee training is available from the Akron Soccer Referee Association (ASRA). Information may be found on their website.

I think my child is ready for more competitive soccer. What are the alternatives?

Many children will progress in their soccer skills to the point where they want more than a recreational program. Travel soccer may be for you.

The Strikers Soccer Club (formerly the North Canton Soccer Club) sponsors travel teams for boys and girls in several age brackets from U-9 through U-14. Try-outs are required, and are held each Spring in early June. See the Strikers Soccer Club website for more information.

How do I go about getting a CSC jersey for my child?

Reversible blue and gold CSC jerseys are available for sale on game days on the mezzanine level of the Diamond Sports Center. Come 30 minutes before the start of your game to purchase your jersey. Price is $15.00 each.

Click here for a description and photograph of a properly-attired Community Soccer player.

How can I register for winter indoor soccer at the Diamond Community Center?

Winter indoor soccer is sponsored by the Plain Township Parks and Recreation department, not Community Soccer. Registration is normally held in early to mid October at the Diamond Community Center. Call 330-499-0000 for more information.