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CLUB POLICIES

Player Code of Conduct

Club and Personal Behavior 

  • I will play by the rules of soccer and in the spirit of the game. 

  • I will show respect at all times for all coaches, all referees, all players, all spectators and all club officials. 

  • I will control my temper. I will not fight or use foul or abusive language or inappropriate gestures. 

  • I will be a team player. 

  • I know that winning isn't everything - being a team member, having fun, playing fair, improving my skills, making friends and doing my best are all important. 

  • I understand that, as a player of MI Stars Lightning, I am one of the organization's representatives, and I will always conduct myself in a responsible manner at and outside of MI Stars Lightning activities, and my behavior is not the responsibility of my club, coach, manager, or teammates but the responsibility of myself and of my family. 

  • I understand that coaches are there to coach and not to improve my behavior. If I am found to be behaving badly, my coach is permitted to remove me from the team or an event, and my behavior may be subject to further disciplinary measures by the club.

  • I will not take part in any form of bullying, either to an opposing player or to a player on my team. Bullying in any form, whether in person, electronically (any form of social media), or other means will not be tolerated. 

  • I will never take part in a practice, game, or team event while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

 

Games and Practices 

  • I recognize that practices and games are equally important. 

  • I will arrive at the field before practices and games according to the standards set by my team coach. 

  • I understand that my behavior at tournaments is a reflection on the club and I am responsible for my behavior and any consequences of my behavior. 

  • If I cannot make a game or practice, I will notify the team Coach at least 48 hours in advance so that arrangements for substitutes can be made. 

  • I will shake the opponents and the referees’ hands after the match. 

  • I will plan to stay 10 minutes after a game to have a team talk. 

  • I will put away all electronic devices (cell phones, video games, etc.) before arrival at my practice, games or team events, and leave them off until I am finished. 

  • I realize that playing time is not always going to be equal despite my coaches attempting to equalize. In fact, some teams (higher level competitive teams) are permitted to use an “earned playing time” system. 

  • I will leave all venues as neat and tidy as I found them, and will remove all refuse from my area. 

 

Uniform and Equipment 

  • I will take good care of my uniform and wear it only on game days or designated club days. 

  • I will respect and take care of all MI Stars Lightning equipment, facilities, and outside locations MI Stars Lightning utilizes.

  • I will wear the club approved training gear, shin guards, socks and appropriate footwear at all games and practices, and I will line up my bag once I arrive at training and games. 

  • I will wear the appropriate color uniform for home (white kit) and away (blue kit), while bringing all uniform pieces to every game in the event my team has to switch colors.

Media Policy

Michigan Stars Lightning engages in various correspondence with parents, players, and members of the community regarding soccer programming including maintaining a website on the internet, publishing a bulletin and or newsletter or brochure, publishing articles in community newsletters or producing videos, etc collectively. Parents or guardians authorize the Club to use, adapt, copy, modify, and post images online and in publications now or in the future as Michigan Stars deems appropriate. Parents understand and agree that there will be no compensation provided to parents or players by Michigan Stars or by any third party for the images for this authorization and rights granted to the Club by the parents. Parents or players may cancel this authorization at any time by providing written notice to Michigan Stars Lightning, 6841 N. Rochester Rd, Ste 301A, Rochester Hills, MI 48306. In addition, parents may at any time, direct Michigan Stars Lightning in writing at the same address to remove any image from its website or social media platforms. Within a reasonable time after such direction, Michigan Stars Lightning will remove the images of the player from its web site and delete them from future publications.

Weather Policy

The club follows Michigan State Youth Soccer Association's guidelines for severe weather.

Severe Weather Guidelines 

Cold Weather Guidelines

Heat Guidelines

 

Game Day Scenarios

In the case of inclement weather, the decision to suspend play or cancel a game falls solely to the match officials or the facility at which the game is played. Referees will follow MSYSA policy when making weather-related decisions. Coaches may not suspend the game.

 

Per MSYSA, any game, which is abandoned because of inclement weather or darkness after 2/3 of the regulation time has been played, will be considered as a completed game. If 2/3 of the regulation time has not been completed, the game will be replayed in its entirety prior to the end of the scheduled season.

 

Training Scenarios

Team training may be cancelled, delayed or condensed due to inclement weather. The club's goal is to be proactive when cancelling or altering training to avoid unnecessary travel and to keep families informed. If teams are already at the fields when severe weather strikes, training will be paused and the MSYSA's severe weather guidelines will be followed.

Parent Expectations

Parents are expected to adhere to the following Code of Conduct and to be supportive no matter the game results: 

  • I pledge my support to all participants in Michigan Stars Lightning activities including my player, his/her team members and coaches. 

  • During games and practice sessions, I will refrain from making negative comments and I will not publicly criticize or discredit any player.

  • I will let the coach perform his/her job and will not interfere by attempting to coach any player (including my own), from the sideline. Should a question arise over coaching decisions, I agree to discuss with the coach my concerns in private at a later period. If I’m dissatisfied with my off-the-field discussion with the coach, I will talk to the Michigan Stars Lightning Director of Coaching. Should I still have concerns, I understand I may contact the RSC’s Board of Directors as a final measure. 

  • I will respect referees at all times. Even if I disagree with a call, under no circumstances will I ever confront or harass a referee directly during or after a game. I understand that it is the prerogative of the Coach to speak with referees. Should a referee stop a game to address my comments, I understand that there may be further disciplinary actions taken at the discretion of the Coach and or Board of Directors. 

  • I promise to respect opposing teams and their fans. Under no circumstances will I harass, engage or talk to a player from the other team, nor will I engage a parent from the other team in a confrontational manner. 

  • I understand that, as a member of Michigan Stars Lightning, I represent this organization. I pledge to always show good sportsmanship and conduct myself in a manner of being a high-quality community organization. 

  • I also assume responsibility for encouraging my family members to follow this Code of Conduct without compromise. 

  • I understand that my Michigan Stars Lightning membership is contingent upon compliance with this Code of Conduct. Should I fail to comply, I may be subject to disciplinary measures at the discretion of the Coach or the Board of Directors.

Concussion Info

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

 

What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?

Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If an athlete reports one or more symptoms of concussion after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, s/he should be kept out of play the day of the injury. The athlete should only return to play with permission from a health care professional experienced in evaluating for concussion.

 

Symptoms Reported by Athlete:

  • Headache or “pressure” in head

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Balance problems or dizziness

  • Double or blurry vision

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Sensitivity to noise

  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy

  • Concentration or memory problems

  • Confusion

  • Just not “feeling right” or is “feeling down”

 

Signs Observed by Coaching Staff:

  • Appears dazed or stunned

  • Is confused about assignment or position

  • Forgets an instruction

  • Is unsure of game, score, or opponent

  • Moves clumsily

  • Answers questions slowly

  • Loses consciousness (even briefly)

  • Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes

  • Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall

  • Can’t recall events after hit or fall

 

Concussion Danger Signs:

In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain in a person with a concussion and crowd the brain against the skull. An athlete should receive immediate medical attention if after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body s/he exhibits any of the following danger signs:

  • One pupil larger than the other

  • Is drowsy or cannot be awakened

  • A headache that gets worse

  • Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination

  • Repeated vomiting or nausea

  • Slurred speech

  • Convulsions or seizures

  • Cannot recognize people or places

  • Becomes increasingly confused, restless, or agitated

  • Has unusual behavior

  • Loses consciousness (even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously)

 

What should you do if you think your athlete has a concussion?

  1. If you suspect that an athlete has a concussion, remove the athlete from play and seek medical attention. Do not try to judge the severity of the injury yourself. Keep the athlete out of play the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says s/he is symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play.

  2. Rest is key to helping an athlete recover from a concussion. Exercising or activities that involve a lot of concentration, such as studying, working on the computer, and playing video games, may cause concussion symptoms to reappear or get worse. After a concussion, returning to sports and school is a gradual process that should be carefully managed and monitored by a health care professional.

  3. Remember: Concussions affect people differently. While most athletes with a concussion recover quickly and fully, some will have symptoms that last for days, or even weeks. A more serious concussion can last for months or longer.
     

Why should an athlete report their symptoms?

If an athlete has a concussion, his/her brain needs time to heal. While an athlete’s brain is still healing, s/he is much more likely to have another concussion. Repeat concussions can increase the time it takes to recover. In rare cases, repeat concussions in young athletes can result in brain swelling or permanent damage to their brain. They can even be fatal.

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