BIFC WILL STRIVE TO PROMOTE

  • A life-long love for the game
  • A safe playing environment
  • Development of all players to their maximum potential by providing positive opportunities for all participants
  • Gender equal opportunities to participate
  • Respect for fellow players, teams, game officials and for the laws of the game
  • Positive attitudes, constructive and reflective of good sportsmanship on and off the field

BIFC plays by international FIFA rules with the following exceptions:

  • Unlimited substitutions are allowed.
  • Duration of the game, size of ball and size of the field are varied to accommodate the age of the players.
  • There is no offside for the U6, U8, U9, U10 and U11 teams.

Who is eligible to play?

  • Only registered players (who are fully paid for) are placed on teams.
  • Only registered players may play in scheduled games or practices.
  • It is the responsibility of the coaches/managers to ensure that their players are properly registered (the players on their official team list are the ones that are eligible to play and practice.

Who is not eligible to play?

  • Unregistered players and anyone serving a suspension.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE PARENT:

  • Please register your child before the deadline and ensure all information is correct.
  • Make certain payment has been made or a subsidy form has been filled out and returned to BIFC.
  • Help out by volunteering to coach, line fields, manage equipment, join the Board, find more volunteers or other fun tasks. This is a volunteer run organization. Without enough help, the kids don’t play.
  • Check the website regularly.
  • Check your email and reply to messages from your coach or manager. This saves many phone calls.
  • Parents are responsible to get their children to games or practices on time as specified by coach; if a child cannot attend a game or practice, you need to inform the coach ahead of time.
  • Be on time to pick up your child following games and practices.
  • Inform the coach if your child is to get a ride home with someone else or to walk home.
  • Inform the coach of any medical conditions that they should be aware of.
  • Ensure the player arrives at practices and games and is ready to go on time and with appropriate gear.
  • Full kit (uniform) must be worn for games. Socks are to be worn over shin guards;
  • Proper footwear must worn. Cleats for games and for practice;
  • No jewelry;
  • You must provide soccer cleats, shin guards and must purchase a club issued uniform (at cost) for U9 and older. The Club will provide a clothing item or other soccer gear with each registration. Players keep the entire uniform.
  • In cold weather dress your child in layers so it is easy to take clothes on or off;
  • If a child must wear leggings in cold weather, please choose appropriate material; baggy pants and jeans do not allow the children to run freely and get heavy with rain. Cotton hoodies and sweats also get very heavy with rain;
  • Drinking water should be brought to all games and practice. Put a name on the bottle;
  • Games are on rain or shine. Check the website (bowenfc.com) for field closures.
  • Help the coach; they are volunteering their time.
  • Help the manager with the equipment hand out, phoning, and arranging snacks (they are volunteering as well)
  • Model good sportsmanship – show respect for all players, coaches, game officials and the laws of the game.
  • Let the coach do the coaching.
  • Be encouraging and enthusiastic towards all players and acknowledge the good plays of ALL players, on both teams.
  • Come out to games and practices – the coaches and players love the extra encouragement and support.
  • Be willing to work with the coach if there are discipline problems on the team.
  • Discuss any difficulties with the manager or coach.
  • Encourage your children to practice and play at home and school. Play with them.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE PLAYER:

  • Arrive at games and practices on time (explain to Mom and Dad) with all of the appropriate gear
  • Perform up to your potential – be ready to try your best
  • Listen to the coach and try to learn new skills. Practices go most smoothly when everyone respects the coach and the other team members.
  • Keep a positive attitude towards your team members – remember this is a “team sport”
  • Maintain a positive and polite attitude towards your team makes, your coach, the opposing teams and referees

DISCIPLINE

  • The Club will invoke a two-card system in regards to players who are not acting appropriately and showing disrespect to either their coaches/managers or teammates. A player will be issued a yellow card as a caution for bad behavior and warned that if it continues he/she will be asked to sit out the rest of training. A second yellow card will be issued if the player persists in this regard and will be forced to sit out the remainder of the training session and/or game

PROBLEM SOLVING PROCEDURE:

  • Please keep in mind that this is a volunteer organization and everyone is working toward a positive soccer experience for all players and members. The association recommends that you take the following steps to resolve any conflict or difficult issue that may occur during the soccer season. Please act maturely and respectfully, and try to see both sides.
  • Try to address the issue at the team level with the coaches and manager. Failing a resolution…
  • Contact a director of the Club by sending an email to your team manager who will forward it on to the appropriate person. He/She will review the issue and the previous attempts to resolve it, and will then provide advice on how to proceed. He/She may recommend a resolution or intervene, as appropriate.
  • Having followed this procedure without satisfaction, you may ask the BIFC board to address your concerns at its next scheduled meeting by providing a letter that outlines your concerns and the steps taken toward finding a resolution to the problem. They will advise you of their final decision.