The Parent Player Manual is designed to guide players and parents through the BUFC club operation. There is a necessity to produce this manual, as it is critical that each player and parent clearly understands the philosophy of the club. By spring of 2004, it is projected that BUFC will have at least 10 traveling teams. With this many teams, it is absolutely essential that everyone knows their role in the club.

Coaches must know what the club, parents and players expect from them. Players must know their role and how they should approach the game so they are prepared to learn. Team managers must know their role and how to fulfill their duties. And finally, parents should know their role and the boundaries we have in place concerning parental involvement.

The most important task we face is to make sure every player in the club becomes a better player and enjoys the game. Enjoying the game will not only help players learn better, but it will enhance many other aspects of a healthy living environment, such as learning social skills and building character. There are many ways to impact the development of players, but the most important is to provide a coach that meets the credentials required to make an impact on the players. Finding a coach of this caliber is not easy. Our standards are high. We have a collection of enthusiastic, capable and experienced coaches and we have been very happy with the coaching level. However, there is always room for improvement. All good coaches know this, as the game changes in numerous ways from season to season. Therefore, there is a need for continuous improvement from coaches. BUFC coaches are encouraged to learn new coaching methods by watching other BUFC and professional coaches. They have many resources available to help them including our own coaching clinic series directed by Club President and NSCAA Staff Coach, Mike Noonan. Furthermore, we are continually searching for qualified coaches. When a new coach joins our staff, it is under the premise that they will coach for BUFC for many seasons to come.

There are many other ways, other than bringing credible coaches to the club that we can directly impact player development. The tournaments and leagues in which teams play is crucial. Although our technical staff makes final decisions, we will consult the coaches and discuss what they believe is the right choice of league and tournament play for their team. There is not a third party involved, unless it is another coach. Further, there are ideas on the horizon such as weekly technical sessions, goalkeeper training and fitness testing, strength training classes, a college forum night, one on one coaching and trips abroad to professional academies. Our paradigm for development is constantly evolving to ensure every player has the very best opportunity to take soccer to the next level and become a better soccer player.
To The Parents

The most important part of this manual, and perhaps the reason behind taking the time to produce it, is this next section. It is vital that each parent has a clear indication of how the club views the role of the parent. Far is it from the club to ever tell a parent how to "be a parent." However, we are asking that when a child is brought to Bruno United, that you trust us to make the child a better person as a direct result of the BUFC coaching and the BUFC environment. We are looking for your trust. We are the best-placed people to make decisions for your child in terms of playing soccer. This 'unofficial rule' is paramount in the operation of the club. If there is a lack of trust in this matter, then parents should not be sending their child to play for BUFC. The boys and girls at training time and match play are ours, since our coaches will be providing the information to best serve the player and team.

Within this framework, though, there may be disagreement and confusion on behalf of players and parents. In these cases, players are asked to approach coaches in an attempt to resolve any issues. Although this may be hard for a player, we feel adopting this policy only serves to help individuals mature. The situation, of course, is different for the younger members of the club. In situations where the player is too young to deal with an issue, and it is necessary for a parent to get involved we ask that parents follow these guidelines. If a parent has questions for a coach, please:

  • Call them or make an appointment to meet. Please remember that most coaches work for BUFC on a part-time basis, and therefore, spend most of their time on their individual careers. However, they do realize that part of their job with BUFC is to communicate effectively with parents if situations arise, and they are prepared to do this.
  • If you have a question regarding something that has happened during a game, parents are not allowed to approach the coach until 24 hours after the game.
  • If you have something to say to the coach, please make sure that your comments get to the coach. Do not voice your opinions on the sidelines. The club will not tolerate complaining and degrading on the sideline. Any parent who is persistent in these actions will be asked to leave the club.
  • If, after meeting with a coach, an issue is not resolved, then the Director of Coaching should get involved in an attempt to resolve the situation.

The club understands the underlying subjectivity of soccer, and therefore, opinions are expected.
However, players will be expected to follow the coaching expertise of the coach. The following are
guidelines that parents are asked to follow and adhere to when watching their son or daughter in games or practice.

  • Parents should not make degrading remarks or foul language to referees.
  • Parents should not make any degrading remarks or foul language to the players on a BUFC team or their opponent.
  • Do not time the amount of time players are on the field. Rather, if you feel a player should have been more involved in the game, have the player speak to the coach.
  • Encourage players, especially older players, to approach the coach on their own to ask any questions that they may have.
  • During practice times, keep your distance from the practice sessions, and do not interfere with the session. This is particularly important with the younger ages. Parents should be a spectator from a distance at practices, leaving space to train and the coaches to get on with their job.
  • Parents that like to coach from the sidelines are often coaches themselves. Naturally, they want to offer advice in ways to help the player or the team. However, these parents must realize that, although they are coaches, they are not the coaches of the BUFC team. The BUFC coach may have different instructions or a system that only the players understand. Multiple instructions from the sidelines often confuse the players. So please, leave the coaching to the coaches.
Playing Time
  • Playing time is not guaranteed. In premier soccer, playing time is earned by attending practices and games, paying attention to the coaches, working hard, showing progress and being a good teammate.
  • For a player to develop and the team to be successful, parents must understand that all practices and games are mandatory. Understandably, conflicts sometimes do arise; however, it is frustrating for coaches when a player is continuously absent. Absences from practices or games must be pre approved by the coach. If the absences are frequent, the BUFC coach has the right to remove that player from the roster.
  • Any sort of verbal abuse made by a parent toward a coach will not be tolerated under any circumstances. This type of action clearly shows a lack of responsibility from the parent, and a lack of respect for the club. If this instance occurs, the individuals will be asked to leave the club.

In closing this part of the manual, it must be said that BUFC considers itself very fortunate to be surrounded with talented players, and supportive parents in the club. We are thankful for the many parents who have helped BUFC become the success it is. To date, the club has not experienced any circumstances that would lead to anyone being asked to leave. Rather, the club has been praised in league and tournament play for the way in which parents conduct themselves. The club asks all of its parents to continue in their support, deal with issues in the correct manner, and feel comfortable that their son or daughter is receiving a valued soccer experience from Bruno United.
To The Players

All the coaches at Bruno United are involved with the club quite simply because we have a passion for soccer, and we love to coach. Having an opportunity to coach the game and see it played properly is something that appeals to all coaches. All of our coaches have played soccer to varying degrees. Most have played in college, some coaches have All-American honors, some have played professionally, and some have played internationally. All the coaches are licensed either with the NSCAA, USSF or with soccer federations from other countries. Even though the coaches have all of this playing and coaching experience, each of us feel very fortunate having the opportunity to coach for Bruno United. We are not above or too good for BUFC; we consider ourselves servants of the club. We are dedicated to making you a better player. There is no other club in the country that cares about a player's soccer development more than Bruno United. Here are some ideas in order to help you enjoy playing for BUFC and to get the most out of your experience.

You should all remember and constantly remind yourself that you are fortunate to have parents that are prepared to do whatever it takes to let you play soccer. For instance, schedules at home have to be managed and changed, other siblings may require transportation to soccer and other events. There is much time and expense involved in getting you to games, practices and tournaments. So be sure to thank your parents often for giving you the opportunity to play.

  • Practice is essential to your development. You must be prepared to work hard all of the time at each practice, and do your best to be on time. You must also be prepared to practice outside of your scheduled practices, games and tournaments. Take pride in your equipment; brush your boots off if they are covered in mud, rather than throwing them in your bag and leaving them until your next practice. Make sure your ball is adequately pumped up, and remember to have the proper attire for practice.
  • Remember to shake the hand of the referee and the opposing team after the game. Keep in mind, soccer is only a game.
  • The coaches are there to help you. If you don't understand something the coach does or says, don't be afraid to ask the coach why he or she said or did that.
  • Indoor practice time is a vital component in your development. These sessions are mandatory. If you are able to get on the field earlier than scheduled, use the time to work on your ball skills and control.
  • Watch soccer on TV. There are many televised games from the U.S., South America and Europe now. You should make the time to watch these games and see how the game is played at the highest level. Pick out a favorite player from the M.L.S. and from abroad. Watch these players and try to emulate them.
  • The last item, and the most important, that you should think about is school. No matter how talented, enthusiastic, dedicated, and passionate you are about soccer or any sport; your education must come first. Regardless of your age or grade, you must all strive to do your very best at school. Success in the classroom is the stepping-stone to being successful in life. The Club places a huge emphasis on your education and players need to realize that an education ALWAYS comes before playing soccer for Bruno United. Please make sure you apply yourself to your studies. Having said that, we also expect our players to budget their time appropriately. It is not acceptable to hang out at the mall with your friends or watch TV all day and then miss practice because you won’t have time to finish your homework.
  • Finally, remember that you represent yourself, your family and the club every time you play, practice or travel with Bruno United. Behavior of our players throughout the first year of BUFC has been impeccable. This must continue for years to come. Whether you are participating in our U-11 Academy or our U-18 team, conduct yourself in a mature and responsible manor.
The Teams

Coaches have the direct responsibility of the team. The coach and Technical Staff decide upon a particular league and tournament in which to play. The coaches manage the team as they see fit, with input from other coaches if desired. The following information will set guidelines on how each team will operate during the year, with a month-by-month breakdown of events and activities.

Tournaments and League play
Once coaches have decided upon a particular league and tournament, parents and players are informed. Coaches often have two or more choices of leagues they can play in, but it must be decided what league is best suited to the team based on ability. The league a team enters can change from year to year, or even between fall and spring. Similarly, the Technical Staff and coaches will decide what tournament a team will play in, again based on the team's ability. All U13 and older BUFC teams will be entered into the Rhode Island State Cup. This competition takes place in the spring only, and the competition generally starts in May. The Rhode Island state cup is a single elimination type competition.

Season Breakdown
Fall/spring teams (U-12 through U-14)
This schedule is not conclusive and subject to change per coach's requests.

  • Mid to late August - Outdoor practice begins
  • September - Outdoor Season begins
  • November - Outdoor Tournament/Event
  • December - March Indoor training/league play
  • March - possible outdoor tournament as per coach's request
  • April - Practice outside and spring season begins
  • May - Memorial Day Tournament
  • June – weekly friendlies and a potential outdoor tournament as per coach's request
  • July – Seaside Classic and/or Regional Tournament. (If applicable)


Winter and Spring teams (U-15 through U-18)
This schedule is not conclusive and subject to change per coach's request

  • December, January, February, March – Indoor practice and league play
  • March - potential outdoor tournament as per coach's request
  • April - Practice outside and spring season begins.
  • May - Memorial Day Tournament.
  • June - potential outdoor tournament as per coach's request
  • July – Seaside Classic and/or Regional Tournament (If applicable)


Dual Rostering.
Players at BUFC (U14 and below) are allowed to dual roster with another town or association team. However, any player that is dual rostered must give BUFC and his or her team priority if and when there is a conflict. This also means that players must allow adequate time to get to their BUFC game to prepare for the game. Players should not be playing for one team only to show up 10 minutes before kick-off to play for BUFC.

Try-outs.
BUFC has open tryouts every year. This means anyone that wishes to tryout is welcome, and encouraged to do so. Tryouts for the younger players (U-12 through U-14) are in July and begin their season in August. The older players (U-15 through U-18) tryout in July and begin their season in December (the beginning of the older teams season is during the indoor period). The reason for including tryout information is to inform the club of how teams are formed. The 'open' tryout as stated means everyone, who wants to, may come to the tryout. The teams are picked based on playing ability of the individuals. If the player in question is good enough and they are in the top 18 players at the tryout, that player is picked for the team.

BUFC coaches are always given a hard task when choosing teams, and no coach likes to cut a player or not have them play for BUFC. The coaches watch the display's of the players, use previous knowledge of the players or ask previous coaches about the players to ensure they have made the right decisions. Players need to understand that playing for BUFC in the past does not guarantee a place on the roster for the next season. The nature of a 'Premier' club intends to create the best team(s) possible given the talent on display. Throughout the season players are given the opportunity, 100% of the time, to show the coach what they can do and stake their claim as a continual fixture on the team.

 

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