| Welcome Parents and Players
By registering your child or yourself to play in one of SASA's many leagues and programs, you have become a member of SASA. YOU make up the St. Albert Soccer Association!
Although the office and daily operations are administered by the Executive Director and paid contract staff, the program is guided by a Head Coach and the Association's policies and procedures are directed by a volunteer Board of Directors, it is the players and parents who are SASA.
Who are the Coaches?
Put simply - you are! And without parents volunteerting as coaches - we could not operate. Staff have been hired to manage the full time jobs of setting up and looking after our teams, which includes registration, team formation, equipment, schedules, field lining, referees, managing the website and more.
Coaches however, are 100% volunteers - and greatly appreciated! Some of our coaches play soccer or have previous training, but the majority are new to the sport - and we're prepared to help! With over 200 youth teams each season, we welcome all volunteers willing to learn. With the help of our licensed Head Coach, we provide pre-season training showing ideas for practices and tips for the game, we provide training booklets with additional practice plans, equipment as needed, and for those loving it, we also pay for you to attend any NCCP Coach Courses you may wish to take.
Where Does Your Money Go?
Sadly, the myth that soccer is a cheap sport, is just that - a myth. It does take more than grass, shin pads and a ball to provide a soccer program -- in fact there are many costs.
Overall Costs Summary Program Costs Pie Charts
The Board of Directors works very hard to provide quality programs with efficient use of the members' money. Each year, the Board reviews the previous season's income and costs. Using this information and anticipating any projected increases, the Board sets the registration fees trying to keep fees within reason, yet cover costs and looking to the future needs of the organization.
Members are encouraged to review the externally audited Financial Statements at the Annual General Meeting.
What You Can Do Behind The Scenes
Volunteer! Volunteer! Volunteer!
SASA is a volunteer organization. There are many ways to volunteer, each requiring different levels of commitment and participation - some small, some large.
Members are also strongly encouraged to attend the Annual General Meeting held every fall.
What You Can Do On The Field
It's easy -- support your child and his/her team. This means positive encouragement for your child, the team and the coach.
For the older leagues, this also means respect for the refs, young and old.
The ref, regardless of age, has taken the course, become certified and is trying their best. Remember, that young ref out there is somebody's son or daughter -- the next time you're tempted to criticize a young ref, consider if you would say the same thing to your child.
SASA has a zero tolerance policy for abuse to referees.
Parents, Know Your Game
Hey, that's a handball! What do you mean that's offside? That hop-skip-jump throw-in is illegal isn't it?
Don't know what any of that means, or think you're an armchair expert? Check out the video's below or attend one of our Parents, Know Your Game sessions occasionally hosted prior to an outdoor season.
These sessions are run by one of our Senior Referees and when offered, are open to anyone interested - parents, players, spectators, coaches.
Here's the most popular question: Offside Rule Explained [video]
Created by: Brad Martyn -- Last updated:Aug 21, 2011
|
Home
