Practice Routine


Without regular and proper practice, soccer skills and tactics cannot be mastered. We demand of the Cosmos coaches a tremendous commitment of their time, and we expect the Cosmos players to be willing to make the same commitment. We know that many of our players have other interests and demands on their time, but we believe it very important that you make every effort to have them attend each practice session. At an early stage in their development, these boys and girls are capable of moving beyond "kick ball" and learning some good soccer skills. They will need those skills if their team is to be competitive. So please make every effort to arrange their schedules to allow time for soccer practice.

 

Cosmos teams generally will practice twice each week during the soccer season. Practices will begin usually in mid-August and continue through the last game in mid-November or any tournament at the end of the Fall season. For the Spring season, practice will begin in mid-March. The times and days of your team's practice will be set by the Club and by your son or daughter's Coach. Generally, your son or daughter's team will have one practice devoted principally to soccer skills, and one practice session during which team tactics are taught. Each of these sessions is important. Please send water in a plastic bottle with your son or daughter to each practice. It is important to replace liquids lost from perspiration. Also, please bring your Cosmos bag and a ball to each practice.

 

Team Practice and Playing Rules


We have very few Club rules, but there are one or two important Cosmos team rules which relate to practice. New and old players should be aware of these rules:

 

1. NO PRACTICE . . . NO PLAY

It is important to come to practice regularly. You cannot miss practice or practice poorly and expect to improve. If you have a problem attending a practice, give your coach a call, in advance, if possible.

 

2. NO PROPER PRACTICE . . . NO PLAY

Proper practice means that you:

  • Pay attention to the coaches in practice.
  • Make an effort to improve your skills at practice.
  • Practice at game speed (learning to do a skill in slow motion will not help in a game).
  • Do not distract others at practice (e.g., acting silly while attempting a drill is distracting to others).

 

3. Maintaining good grades in school policy – The Cosmos advocates that the classroom comes before extra-curricular activities.  In order to participate in games all Cosmos Players must maintain at least a cumulative average of grade C or better.  For those Players in the younger grades in school that do not yet receive letter grades a cumulative average of satisfactory or proficient is required.  Players must submit a copy of all progress reports and report cards to their Coach or Team Manager.

 

4. THE COACHES DETERMINES YOUR PLAYING TIME ON THE BASIS OF THE WAY YOU PRACTICE.

 

5. ALL PLAYERS WHO COME TO PRACTICE AND PRACTICE PROPERLY WILL PLAY AT LEAST 35% OF ALL LEAGUE GAMES AND FRIENDLIES.

 

Game Day Preparation

 

Preparing your child to do his or her best!  In the Cosmos Commitment Letter, each player pledges that he or she will arrive at the game well rested, and mentally and physically prepared to play his or her best. Your son or daughter cannot keep that commitment if he or she does not get proper rest and has not eaten properly. Soccer is a very demanding sport. Your son or daughter can be prepared to do his or her best, to help his or her team, and less likely to suffer injury, if he or she observes a few basic guidelines:

 

• Avoid spend-the-night parties on the night before a game. More than a few soccer games have been knowingly "forfeited" the night before the soccer match. Fatigue as a result of too little sleep also raises the risk of injury.

 

• Build up body fluid before the game. Start drinking water as much as 24 hours before the game, and try to take in as much proper fluid as possible right up to game time.

 

• Eat sensibly, especially on the day of a game. For instance, milk, peanuts or carbonated drinks before a game will shorten a player's wind.

 

• Half-time refreshments should be limited to a moderate amount of water, or perhaps a much diluted Gatorade-type drink. Too much water, or any kind of food and drink containing sugar, will cause the blood to leave the muscles and travel to the stomach, causing your son or daughter to be sluggish in the second half. At the beginning of each season your Coach or Team Manager will provide parents with a refreshment schedule. Each parent will be expected to share in the responsibility for seeing that proper refreshments and ice are available for each game.

 

• Make certain that you have proper equipment, and bring them to each practice and game. Proper fitting shoes and shin guards are essential. Watches, jewelry, and barrettes should be left at home or in your Cosmos bag. The Cosmos uniform policy is set out in detail in this Handbook.

 

• Arrive at each game in plenty of time (30-45 minutes) for line up and to warm-up properly. The Coach will provide your team with a game schedule which will list the "Report Time" for each game. Please leave home in time to have your child at the game, fully dressed, and ready to warm-up substantially prior to game time. A pre-game warm-up to get an abundant flow of blood to the muscles, followed by sensible, slow stretching activities designed to increase flexibility and minimize the possibility of muscle pulls or injury, are of vital importance. It is estimated that about 1/3 of all sports injuries now occur in children age 5 to 14. Give your son or daughter every opportunity to avoid being a part of that statistic.

 

• Be active in other areas, such as swimming and biking that build stamina and strength. It can help to ward off injuries.

 

• Treat minor injuries promptly and properly. For muscle strains and bruises, remember the principle of "R-I-C-E" -- Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Your team should arrange to have ice available at every game for quick application to twisted ankles or knees. Let your coach know before practice or a game of any condition that might affect your ability to play. Seek early medical help for physical problems that persist. Do not practice or play if you have reason to believe that it may aggravate an injury.

 

• Call in advance to tell your Coach if you will miss a practice or game.

 

• Bring your ball and Cosmos bag to each practice and to each game.

 

Games


Even if it is raining, the games will be played unless there is a threat of lightning or the fields have been closed. This applies to even the youngest age groups. Soccer is a game that is played in all weather conditions, and it is necessary that all players and parents learn that this is part of the commitment to the game. It is the responsibility of the home team to advise the visiting team coach of any game cancellations. Again, please contact your Coach or Team Manager if you have doubts. If you have not heard from your Coach or Team Manager, please show up at the game to insure that your team does not forfeit.