Middle School Boys Soccer 201 8 -201 9

1. Middle School Boys Soccer2018-2019 Head Coach: Bradley Bowman bbowman@eastwakeacademy.org www.GOEWAEAGLES.org

2. Soccer Background • Degree in exercise sports science: concentration physiology from UNCP • Third Season as a soccer coach • 2017 CCMSC Champs for Girls • Best Record in school history for MS boys last year

3. BIG TEAMS ACCOUNT • What is Big Teams? • YOU WILL NEED TO REGISTER FOR A BIG TEAMS ACCOUNT. ALL PRACTICE AND MEET CHANGES WILL BE ISSUED THROUGH HERE. IF YOU DO NOT SIGN UP, YOU WILL NOT BE NOTIFIED.

4. Goals for the Season • Have fun, enjoy the sport and the education that is facilitated through interscholastic athletics • Set a precedent for commitment to sports programs. • 6 Wins

5. Captains? • How I choose them: • Program tenure/general experience • Knowledge of the sport • Leadership skills • People who are team players and are willing to do what's best for the team. • Have they participated in offseason activities

6. What will I Need for Practice? • T-Shirt, Shorts, cleats, shin guards, water bottles and soccer balls. • If you have an inhaler, bring it.

7. Rules • Two unexcused absences and you cannot play in the next game. • If you miss a game, you will not play in the following one either. We play on track out so please plan accordingly, if your team has a game, you have a game. • Three unexcused absences may result in dismissal from the team pending review from coaches and athletic director. • If you have a behavior issue in any class with any teacher, you can be prepared for consequences that result in lost playing time. • If you are on a club team (not recreational) you may miss our practices to attend theirs, however, if we have a game, our game takes precedence over their practice time. This would be considered an excused absence, but you need to come and see me before the season starts to let me know which club you play for.

8. Rules pt. 2 • If you miss a post-season game without prior approval from me, you will likely not be a member of the team the following year. • TEAM DRAMA STAYS ON THE FIELD, IT DOES NOT LEAVE; NON TEAM DRAMA STAYS OFF OF THE FIELD • Do not be late for pickup at practices. 3 late pickups from practice and dismissal from team will be discussed with the athletic director. Remember I have a family too. • Represent EWA appropriately at practice and at games (this includes parents). • Let the referees’ ref, coaches’ coach, players play. Parents please do not be any of these from the sideline!

9. Rules pt. 3 • Practice schedules and game schedules have been given out, please abide by them. We do practice on fall break and you are expected to come to all games. Suspension may occur if a game is missed without prior approval from me. • We will be fair but not equal in everything we do. If we give everyone equal playing time it wouldn’t be fair for the team. Remember the team always comes first. As a member of this team you need to be fine with zero playing time. • This is a unique team to what you may have played on in the past. You may play a position that you have not played prior to this season, embrace it and do it to the best of your ability. • The best players will play unless there is a disciplinary action, I will do my best to find time for everyone but I cannot guarantee it. • Parents and players, if you are unhappy with playing time or anything about our team, please do not make a scene. Allow 24 hours and then send an email so we can set up a meeting to get the issue resolved.

10. Rules pt. 4 • Always put the team first no matter the circumstance. We first not me first. • Do not ask “when am I going in”. • Always make strides to be better • Enjoy the sport!

11. 4 Pillars

12. Commitment “too hot” “I don’t feel good” “the game is too far away” “my grades are slipping because of sports” “I can’t practice today, but I should be fine to play in our game tomorrow” Please be aware of dates when conference tournament games could be played.

13. Buy-In • You as a parent or player may have a different view on how our team should play. • You may be right • We need everyone on the same page, please do not ask your child to do things outside of our offensive or defensive philosophy, it will hurt our team.

14. Work Hard • Be at practice on time, dressed out and ready to stretch at the beginning of practice. • If you don’t understand a formation or drill, pay attention on the sideline so when its your turn you will have a better understanding. • Always try to be the best at everything we do!

15. Have Fun • Enjoy the season, every team is special • Be energetic in practice • Excitement on the sideline (cheers for our players only, no boos at referees)

16. Preventing common Soccer Injuries: • Heat exhaustion/heat related illnesses – please drink water as much as necessary during the day and as often as necessary at practice. • Dynamic stretching prior to practice or games will help prevent soft tissue injuries. • If you are injured please let me know when it occurs so that we can shorten the duration of injury

17. Uniform attire • You must wear the uniform and only the uniform, do not wear different colored under shirts or head bands.

18. EWA PROGRAM GOALS • GREAT ATHLETES – Be the best soccer player you can be. • EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS – Keep your grades up! I will be on you if you don’t! • BETTER PEOPLE – Make a difference in your community

19. Team Quote “If everyone on the team had your attitude, what kind of team would it be” -unknown