What is the Fall Rec?

Bedford Soccer is a volunteer organization run by a Board comprised of Bedford residents. It is responsible for running the town's Fall Rec program, as well as competitive programs. Our Fall Rec program includes children from Kindergarten through Grade 12. This program is not affiliated with school athletics or the town of Bedford Recreation Department. The town of Bedford Recreation Department and the School Department provide the playing fields for the league to use.

 

What is the Bedford Soccer's philosophy?

Bedford Soccer promotes soccer instruction and play to encourage individual physical and mental development in a team environment. The importance of winning and personal achievement is recognized, but these are to be attained in association with, and not at the expense of, sportsmanship and reasonable participation for every player.

 

Our Code of Conduct is:

• Respect your teammates
• Respect the coaches
• Respect your opponents
• Respect the game

 

How are Fall Rec teams determined?

Volunteer Division Representatives place children on teams according to players' grades and skills. The teams are placed in Divisions with other teams of roughly equal ability. Division Representatives assign children to teams by grade, rather than age. Bedford Soccer has learned that kids enjoy the program much more when playing with their grade level peers. Team assignments are made with the best interests of players and teams in mind. Player assessment is obviously subjective, but will be conducted as fairly as possible. A player's individual success and development results in large part from how the player interacts with the team to which he/she is assigned, not on which team.

 

Is it possible that my child will not be assigned to a team?

Yes. While Bedford Soccer would like to place everyone who wants to play, there are occasions when this isn't possible. Sometimes we do not have enough volunteer coaches, or there are not enough children to form a complete team. Also, late registrations are sometimes not placed due to lack of availability. The Division Rep will notify parents if there is a problem in assigning your child to a team.

 

How are coaches selected?

Bedford Soccer depends upon parents to volunteer as coaches. Please don't be reluctant to volunteer, even if you're not athletic and know nothing about soccer. Many of our most successful coaches never played soccer and are learning the sport along with their children!

 

Of course, because most of our volunteer coaches are not professional educators or soccer players, occasionally some parents feel their children are not receiving the best soccer instruction. If you find yourself in this situation, we suggest you speak to your coach.

 

What are a coach's responsibilities?

The coach conducts practices to promote skill development and tactical game awareness, while instilling a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. At games, the coach assigns players to positions, manages substitutions, and provides sideline instruction and encouragement. Coaches should meet with players and their parents once before the season begins to discuss procedures. Coaches should set an example of on-field decorum and good sportsmanship at all times. Coaches should not have to waste their time (or that of other players) disciplining unruly or uncooperative children. Coaches must speak to parents immediately in order to remedy the problem. If the situation persists, coaches have the right to reduce playing time or require a misbehaving child to sit out a game.

 

Coaches must address parents that display inappropriate behavior. Coaches are responsible for the children's safety. Coaches must bring their medical release forms to practices and games. A coach or an assigned adult must remain at the field after practices and games until their parents pick up all children. Coaches should ensure that all children on the team are learning soccer, developing a sense of contributing to a team effort, and having a positive experience.

 

What does a team parent do?

A team parent helps designate who brings snacks to games and communicates with players concerning practice times and other team matters.

 

What are a player's responsibilities?

Players should attend practices on time and come properly equipped with a water bottle, practice ball, shin-guards, and appropriate clothing and footwear. Players should wear standard Bedford uniforms (shirt, shorts, socks) to all games. Players must exhibit positive behavior at both practices and games. Disruptive behavior may result in a coach employing such disciplinary measures as having the player sit out part or all of a game.

 

What are the parents' responsibilities?

Parents should get players to practices and games on time, pick them up on time, make sure they are properly equipped before they show up at the field, and foster appropriate behavior on the field.

 

Parents are encouraged to attend games and loudly support the team's efforts. Words of encouragement, such as "Good try," "Nice play," "Great tackle," and "Let's go" are always welcome. Also, good plays on either side should be applauded.

 

How do I know if a game or practice is cancelled?

This decision to close a field rests with the town of Bedford and will be posted on the Bedford Recreation Department web site at www.bedfordreconline.com. Please check the site prior to games and practices.