Policies

Member Code of Conduct Policy

Purpose: Richfield Soccer Association (RSA) is committed to providing a positive soccer experience through practice, play, and teamwork. Our goal is to be inclusive to the entire RSA community (including Richfield, Bloomington, Minneapolis, and any other Twin Cities community that is home to one of our families) and to provide each child with an opportunity to play the game at an appropriate level and develop technical and tactical skills. To achieve these goals, RSA has established a Code of Conduct for all members.

Player Code of Conduct – The following agreement is made between each player and RSA.

RSA players will:

• Conduct themselves in a manner which respectfully represents RSA and does not bring discredit upon the organization.
• Show respect toward teammates, club staff, referees, opposing players, coaches, and parents.
• Arrive on time and be prepared for all training sessions and games.
• Attend training sessions, games, and team related functions.
• Honor all commitments to the team and club.
• Be respectful of the facilities RSA uses, both at home and away.
• When traveling with an RSA team, follow all club & team rules established by the club or coach (this includes – but is not limited to – curfews, behavior in a hotel, behavior at a restaurant, etc.).
• Maintain the highest standard of conduct and good sportsmanship on and off the field.
• Use good judgment when using any social media outlet. Negative and derogatory comments will not be tolerated. This includes the posting of any inappropriate photographs and/or videos and can result in disciplinary action.

RSA players will not:

• Use profanity or derogatory comments based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion.
• Harass, abuse, yell at, or berate match officials, coaches, players, or fans for any reason at any time.
• Participate in physical violence on or off the field.
• Use or possess any illegal substance including alcohol, drugs including but not limited to e-cigarettes, Vapor products or E-liquid or participation in illegal activity of any kind. It is your responsibility to prevent illicit situations from occurring and to avoid such situations that occur.

Agreement to this Code of Conduct Policy also constitutes agreement to RSA’s Drug & Alcohol Policy.

Parent & Guardians Code of Conduct – Parents/Guardians play a special role in the development of their child and their teammates. Their encouragement and good example will do more to ensure good sportsmanship and self-discipline in their child than any other influence. The following agreement is made between each parent and RSA.

Parents/Guardians will:

• Always support their child with positive encouragement.
• Respect and adhere to ideals, policies, rules determined by RSA, tournaments, local leagues, and their child’s team.
• Always maintain self-control.
• Respect the facilities, either home or away, in which their child is privileged to play.
• Show respect for all decisions, judgment, and authority of all officials.
• Show respect for the feelings and accept the capabilities of their child, their child’s teammates, and players on the other team.
• Respect the 24-hour cool-down rule when dealing with issues and or concerns they have with respect to their child when communicating with a coach, program director or staff member.
• Commit to paying club fees on time.

Parents/Guardians will not:

• Coach from the sidelines during training and or games.
• Express a negative or derogatory opinion of the coaches or players in front of their own child or in a public setting.
• Participate in or create a negative team/parent culture that displays criticism of the team, coach, staff, or club.
• Use profanity or derogatory comments based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion.
• Harass, abuse, yell at, or berate match officials, coaches, players, or fans for any reason at any time.
• Use social media to express any negativity toward anyone associated with RSA or opposing clubs.
• Physically or verbally abuse any other person.
• Bring alcohol, drugs or firearms to any RSA event, training, team, or club function/activity.

Agreement to this Code of Conduct Policy also constitutes agreement to RSA’s Drug & Alcohol Policy.

Incident Reporting & Process

After receiving a written report of a member violating our policies, the club will move forward with the following steps:

1. All parties/witnesses will be questioned regarding the event by the President, with the help of the Board. A written report from all individuals will be required.
2. The President, and Board will review the reports to determine the severity and legitimacy of the allegations and assign an appropriate disciplinary action according to their judgment.
3. The accused party will receive an email stating the disciplinary steps required by the club if any.

Possible Disciplinary Actions

• Warning – Member is given a warning, with the expectation of any ill behavior to cease immediately.
• Game Suspensions – Member is suspended from a specified amount of matches.
• Member Removal – Member is immediately removed as a member of RSA, with no refunds allowed.

Additional Notes

• Members may be asked to serve a temporary suspension from practices/games during an ongoing investigation until all reports are received and a decision is finalized.
• Depending on the severity of the member’s actions, RSA holds the right to move to immediate removal from the club.

Richfield Soccer Association (RSA) will follow the severe weather policy set by Twin Cities Soccer League as available on https://www.tcslsoccer.com/resources/league-rules/ and copied below. All language in the TCSL policy that applies to games and tournaments will also apply to all outdoor RSA events including practices, scrimmages, and other club events.

Policy content copied on 28-May-2024.

5.1. Lightning Policy

The safety of the players, coaches, management and spectators are of primary concern during any weather event that occurs during a match. The Referee has final say over delaying a game due to weather (with the exception of TCSL-sponsored tournament events, where tournament administrators own this responsibility). Waiting to stop play and clearing the area may result in a serious injury or loss of life. Act responsibly when dealing with such events during all games.

For all TCSL league matches that are scheduled by the home club, who is also responsible for assigning referees to the match, any visible lightning should result in an immediate suspension of the match with all players, coaches, spectators, and referees seeking shelter immediately. The match may not resume until 30 minutes has elapsed since the last lightning strike.

For all TCSL-administered tournaments, any lightning that is tracked via an approved application within eight (8) miles of the facility will result in an immediate suspension of the match with all players, coaches, spectators, and referees seeking shelter immediately. The match(es) may not resume until 30 minutes has elapsed since the last lightning strike.

5.2. Hot Weather/Heat Index

Teams and Referees should reference the heat index as reported by OSHA.

• Up to 89 degrees: normal play.
• 90-99 degrees: two-minute water breaks (running time); each half shortened by five minutes.
• 100-105 degrees: two-minute water breaks (running time); each half shortened by 10 minutes.
• 106 degrees and above: play suspended

5.3. Cold Weather

• “Feels like” temperatures of 40 degrees and higher: normal play.
• “Feels like” temperatures of between 33 degrees and 39 degrees: each half shortened by 5 minutes.
• “Feel like” temperatures of 32 degrees or below: play suspended

5.4. Air Quality

Air quality is rated by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) with an air quality index (AQI) ranging from 0-500 that reflects the five major air pollutants: ground-level ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The EPA has established national air quality standards for each pollutant to protect our health.

Any athlete or team personnel who develops cough, chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath should not exercise outside when the air quality is bad.

TCSL matches are to be postponed if the AQI reaches greater than 200.

Drug & Alcohol Policy

Richfield Soccer Association (RSA) has a zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco products at any youth-related RSA event. A youth-related event is described as any event with youth present under 21 years of age. We are always a drug-free organization if youth under the age of 21 are present.

For clarity, read the following guidelines:

• Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and drugs (including marijuana and misuse of prescription medication) are not permitted at any youth-related RSA event, including practices and league games.
• No coach or volunteer shall participate in any youth-related RSA activity while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Smoking or use of tobacco products is not permitted in or around youth sports practices or games.
• Any player or attendee of any RSA event will be asked to leave immediately if they are suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and further disciplinary action will be considered by coaching staff and the RSA board, which may include suspension from future games and practices.

The Richfield Soccer Association (RSA) is committed to providing players a fun, positive, and secure environment in which to learn and enjoy the game of soccer. We do not tolerate bullying or harassment at any practice, game or other RSA sanctioned event. We will promote an atmosphere that encourages reporting. This means that anyone who knows that bullying/harassment is taking place is expected to report the incident as soon as possible. Players and parents should be assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported.

Definition of Harassment & Bullying

Harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information (including family medical history).

Bullying is defined as conduct, gestures or comments which are insulting, intimidating, humiliating, hurtful, malicious, degrading or otherwise offensive to a player, group of players and/or teammates, and which create a hostile or intimidating environment, or which negatively affects a player’s physical and/or emotional well-being. Bullying is any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether it is a single incident or a series of incidents that results in intentional pain and distress to the victim.

For the purposes of this document, the term “Bullying” includes harassment.

Signs and Symptoms

A child may indicate he or she is being bullied through various signs and symptoms. While some children are prone to report bullying to their parents, coaches or adults, others will not, due to fear, intimidation or other factors. Coaches and parents should be aware of possible signs indicating that bullying may be taking place. These signs and behaviors could indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated. For a list of potential signs of bullying please consult this list.

1. Mood Changes
2. Frequent illness and injury
3. Declining grades and attitude
4. Changes in eating habits
5. Disappears possessions
6. Trouble sleeping
7. Aggression
8. Low self esteem
9. Changes in computer usage
10. Changes in socialization

Procedures for Parents, Coaches, and the Director of Coaching

1. Parents should first report bullying incidents to the team coach. If the problem persists, reach out to the RSA President. If necessary and appropriate, police may be consulted.
2. In all cases of reported bullying, the parents of the player who was bullied will be informed immediately and may be asked to meet with the respective team coach and/or coaching director to discuss the incident. In all cases, confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible. It is not our goal to make a public example of reported incidents.
3. The negative behavior must be investigated, and the bullying stopped immediately. The parents of any player who is reported to be bullying will be contacted immediately by the respective team coach, coaching director, or RSA President and asked to meet to discuss the incident to help the bully or bullies change their behavior.

Consequences of Bullying

1. In a first offense situation involving bullying, an attempt will be made to encourage the bully (or bullies) to modify their behavior for their benefit, for the benefit of the person bullied, and for the team. An attempt will be made by the coach, manager, or parent(s) to reconcile the situation between players (age and level of maturity and or severity of offense must be considered).
2. If the bullying persists, disciplinary action against a player may be taken by the team coach and/or RSA President which may include, but is not limited to, immediate suspension from participation in practices or game(s) for a period of time.
3. After the incident/incidents have been investigated and addressed, the situation will continue to be monitored by the respective team coach, team manager, and players’ parents to ensure the problem is resolved.
4. A player’s inability to change their behavior after a reasonable effort made by all parties can result in removal from their designated RSA team/program.

The following details the financial commitment a family is making when signing up for a competitive/traveling team at Richfield Soccer Association (RSA), and expectations for rostering and player transfers.

Club Fees

These are the club registration fees that are paid in full or periodic installment once you register for a playing season or training program with Richfield Soccer Association.

All Club Fees must be paid up-to-date or per an agreed payment plan, or players risk having their playing privileges removed. Any player’s Club Fees that are overdue by one calendar month or more will be considered ineligible to participate if they do not have a written plan for payment submitted and approved by the President or Treasurer.

If you are struggling to pay, we want to work with you so your player is not affected. Please contact president@richfieldsoccer.org or treasurer@richfieldsoccer.org to make arrangements.

Tournament Fees

Competitive season registration fees will include a number of tournament registrations. Any additional tournaments must be agreed by team participants and paid directly by the team, divided equally among all players. Once tournament registration is submitted, these fees are not refundable.

Team Travel

Players are responsible for all costs associated with travel including requested coach expenses. If a player is struggling with travel expenses for showcase events they should let the team manager know and every effort will be made to help the player attend if at all possible. Players who elect not to travel will still pay their share of team costs for travel events. Only in the case of a serious long-term injury will players be removed from the team costs. In this case the coach should seek guest players to fill in the void.

Guest Players

Guest players on loan to RSA will NOT pay team travel expenses but will pay for their own personal travel such as flight or gas costs or hotel. Guest players traveling to replace a non-paying member, such as a long-term injury case, will pay all team fees associated with the event they are attending.

If a RSA player is guest-playing for another club, their fees will need to be up-to-date in order to have their player release form and player pass given to the other club.

Club Pass Players

The club pass concept is when a club uses a player from within their own club to play for another team in a league match. It is not the same as secondary rostering or guest players. In this situation it’s up to the coaches which player that will be club passed, based on the skill set.

Uniforms and Extra Clothing Items

Players are responsible for purchasing all club assigned uniform items as mandated by Richfield Soccer Association.

Financial Aid

Financial support may be available on an as-needed basis. Contact president@richfieldsoccer.org or treasurer@richfieldsoccer.org to request.

Transferring Clubs

If a player wants to transfer to a different club, all their fees owed to Richfield Soccer Association must be paid in-full in order to be released.

Cancelation Policy

A registration for a season may be canceled until the registration close date for that season. A registration may not be canceled after the registration close date. See the refund policy below.

Refund Policy

Richfield Soccer Association has fixed costs for each individual player and for each team that are incurred from the moment teams are formed. To protect the club and its players from financial losses due to “drops” after registration and team formation, we have the following policy in place:

• Players not assigned to a team by RSA (typically due to low registration numbers for a particular level) will receive a full refund of all fees.
• Players who drop from teams after they have registered may not receive any refund. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity of the teams. If a player changes his/her mind, transfers to another club, does not care for his/her team placement, coach or teammates, or wants to drop for any other reason, no refund will be given.
• All tryout fees are non-refundable.

The following are the circumstances/conditions where refunds will be processed:

• No Available Team: In the event Richfield Soccer Association cannot place a player on a team, a full refund of deposit, travel fee, uniform fee and late fees paid will be issued.
• Player Moving Away: In the event a player moves out of the area, beyond a reasonable commuting distance (reasonable to be determined by Richfield Soccer Association), a partial refund can be issued. No refund will be issued for registration deposit or late fees in this case.

Injury/Illness: In the event a player cannot participate and will miss the season due to injury or illness that makes them unable to play, a refund may be issued. Richfield Soccer Association will determine the amount of refund on a case-by-case basis depending on the amount of season remaining at the time. The player is required to provide verification from a medical practitioner regarding the player’s inability to play soccer. No refunds will be issued for registration deposit, late fees, or uniform fees in this case.

Richfield Soccer Association’s (RSA’s) In-House Recreational soccer program is a non-competitive environment where children get basic, introductory soccer training and play scrimmages against other RSA Rec teams. Rec teams and leagues are administered by RSA for the members of our community.

RSA Rec soccer is available for children from pre-kindergarten through 6th grade. Practices and games are scheduled twice per week at a local Richfield park. All teams are coached and managed by volunteers. If you sign up your child for rec soccer, please be open to coaching as the program relies on parent volunteers to keep costs low.

Please note the following:

• Friend Requests: Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate friend requests when creating teams. This ensures a fair and balanced experience for everyone.
• Reciprocal Carpool Requests: We may be able to consider carpool requests during team formation, but only if both parties request each other.
• Same Age Siblings: We will consider accommodation however, team placement is not guaranteed. Please email specific requests to recdirector@richfieldsoccer.org for request review.

Our focus is on creating a positive experience for all participants. These policies help us build balanced teams and encourage interaction with new people. We encourage new friendships within our program! While we don’t guarantee friend requests, team formation focuses on creating well-rounded teams where participants can connect and make new friends.

Rec Program Fees

All Recreational Program Fees must be paid up-to-date or per an agreed payment plan, or players risk having their playing privileges removed. Any player’s Club Fees that are overdue by one calendar month or more will be considered ineligible to participate if they do not have a written plan for payment submitted and approved by the President or Treasurer.

If you are struggling to pay, we want to work with you so your player is not affected. Please contact president@richfieldsoccer.org or treasurer@richfieldsoccer.org to make arrangements.

Financial Aid

Financial support may be available on an as-needed basis. Contact president@richfieldsoccer.org or treasurer@richfieldsoccer.org to request.

Cancelation Policy

A registration for a season may be canceled until the registration close date for that season. A registration may not be canceled after the registration close date. See the refund policy below.

Refund Policy

The following are the circumstances/conditions where refunds will be processed:

• No Available Team: In the event RSA cannot place a player on a team, a full refund of fees paid will be issued. Note for our recreational program this is exceptionally rare.
• Player Moving Away: In the event a player moves out of the area, beyond a reasonable commuting distance (reasonable to be determined by RSA), a pro-rated refund can be issued based on how much of the season has passed.
• Injury/Illness: In the event a player cannot participate and will miss the season due to injury or illness that makes them unable to play, a pro-rated refund may be issued based on how much of the season has passed. The player may be required to provide verification from a medical practitioner regarding the player’s inability to play soccer.

Purpose: Problems, misunderstandings and frustrations may arise during your soccer experience. It is the intent of Richfield Soccer Association (RSA) to be responsive to its members and their concerns. Therefore, a member who is confronted with a problem must use the procedure described below to resolve or clarify his or her concerns. The purpose of this policy is to provide a quick, effective and consistently applied method for an RSA member to present his or her concerns to the club and have those concerns internally resolved. To ensure the proper channels are utilized and establish trusting relationships, we ask that members strictly follow the steps listed below.

Procedures

Conflict can occur at any time, and Richfield Soccer Association believes in prompt reporting and action of any incidents. With that being said, RSA operates with a 24-hour “cool-down” period before club mediation or intervention takes place. What this means is as follows:

• If a member has waited at least 24 hours before reporting an incident, RSA will immediately begin investigating.
• If a member has NOT waited at least 24 hours before reporting an incident, RSA will hold off on beginning its investigation until after 24 hours have passed (between the incident and the subsequent reporting).

This policy is for mutual conflicts/disagreements, and does not apply to bullying/harassment. Bullying and harassment have their own separate policy. For further details please see the Harassment/Anti-Bullying Policy.

Concerns regarding a member’s soccer experience should be directed according to the following guidelines below. If a step requires you to report to the same individual as a previous step, it may be skipped.

Step 1: Discussion with Head Coach or Assistant Coach

• Initially, concerns regarding Richfield Soccer Association or opposing coaches, assistant coaches, and/or managers should be reported to the head coach or assigned trainer. Concerns can also be in regards to general team or program related items. These concerns should be in writing and involve a follow-up discussion between the affected parties.

Step 2: Written Concern to Assigned Coordinator

• If the discussion with your Head Coach or Assistant Coach does not resolve the problem, document your concerns in writing to the appropriate program coordinator below.
  • Boy’s Competitive Director
  • Girl’s Competitive Director
  • Rec League Director

Step 3: Escalation to RSA Board

• If the discussion with your Program Director does not resolve the problem to your satisfaction, or if the Program Director does not respond within 48hrs, the member may submit a written concern to the RSA Board at-large at RSABoard@richfieldsoccer.org.
• All details regarding the concern should be included – date of incident/s, date of meetings with Head Coach and Program Director, copy of Program Directors written response, or summary of verbal response. If the Program Director provided no response within 48hrs, the concern should state this.
• The Board will review and discuss the concern and respond within 48 hours.