New Hope Solebury High School
Girls Soccer
Player & Parent Handbook
INTRODUCTION
The NHS Girls Soccer program is focused on providing players with the knowledge, skill development and team
concepts to make them a cohesive, competitive, and safe soccer unit. The program is committed to building a
competitive HS Soccer Team at both the Varsity and Junior Varsity levels and assisting each athlete to achieve
her full potential, to become an ambassador of the sport, and a role model for the school and community.
The NHS Girls Soccer program always plays to win, anything less shows disrespect for the game. Winning is
important, but more important is teaching players the value of preparation, hard work, perseverance, and
commitment. Our players will play fair and observe the laws of the game. Our program respects opponents,
teammates, referees, officials, and spectators. We accept victory with grace and defeat with dignity. We view
both, victory and defeat, as learning opportunities. (Adapted from FIFA’s 10 Statements on Fair Play)
CORE VALUES
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Put the team first (we play for each other)
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Be respectful, prepared, punctual, committed and responsible,
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Work hard to out condition our opponent (the truly extraordinary do something every day)
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Take complete responsibility for your academic development,
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Give your best and never quit on the field, in the classroom, or in life.
It is our goal for players participating in the NHS Girls’ Soccer program to evaluate and remember their time in
the program as one of the most valued experiences in their life.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Head Coach
Coach Solomon Jacobs
609-214-4633
[email protected]
NHS Girls Soccer Player & Parent Handbook
Assistant Coach
Coach Jim Swasey
267-593-2119
[email protected]
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CONTENTS
PLAYER EXPECTATIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 3
GENERAL CONDUCT....................................................................................................................................... 3
PRACTICES & GAMES ..................................................................................................................................... 3
PLAYING TIME ............................................................................................................................................... 4
PLAYING REQUIREMENTS / FITNESS ............................................................................................................... 5
TEAM PLACEMENT......................................................................................................................................... 5
DISCIPLINE ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
SUMMER PRACTICE ....................................................................................................................................... 6
SUMMER CAMP............................................................................................................................................. 6
PRE-SEASON .................................................................................................................................................. 6
OTHER ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROTOCOL................................................................................................................ 7
PARENT EXPECTATIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 7
FUNDRAISING & BOOSTER ................................................................................................................................. 8
AGREEMENT & CONSENT .................................................................................................................................. 9
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PLAYER EXPECTATIONS
As a player for the New Hope Solebury Girls’ Soccer team I commit to the following:
GENERAL CONDUCT

Players must adhere to all rules and regulations detailed in the New Hope Solebury Code of Conduct.
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Players are expected to attend school on a regular basis and be a successful student.
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Players will follow the guidelines as stated in the New Hope Solebury High School Handbook; there is
zero tolerance for disrespect toward teachers or peers. Any disciplinary actions taken in school will
also be enforced on the field.

Players will be expected to maintain the dignity and honor of their position on the team. Do not do
anything to embarrass the school or the program; when in doubt follow the simple guidelines of DO
WHAT IS RIGHT. This motto will rarely fail you, if you have a doubt, remove yourself from the situation.

Any behavior which can be considered detrimental to the NHS Girls Soccer program will result in team
discipline.
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Players will be expected to maintain a level of sportsmanship both on and off the field. You are
expected to play and act as a team. When on the field, only the Coaching Staff will be permitted to
speak with the referee.

Foul language at any time will not be tolerated.
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Hazing will not be tolerated in any form.

Player’s fitness, attitude and work ethic will be assessed periodically. Players rating unsatisfactory, will
experience a loss of playing time.
PRACTICES & GAMES
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Players are expected to attend all practices and games as mandated by the Coaching Staff.
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Practice times generally begin at 3:00pm and will end by 5:00PM.
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If you are unable to attend practice you must call or see Coach Jacobs. Failure to do so may result in
loss of playing time. To have a winning team it takes players who are committed to being at practices
and games. An absence is a missed opportunity for you to develop your skills as an individual and also
contribute to the development of the team. Missing events can enable another player to step up in
your absence and win your spot. Putting the team first, being responsible, and being committed are
part of our team’s core values and behaviors outside of this demonstrate a lack of appreciation for
your teammates and their commitment to the New Hope Solebury Girls’ Soccer program.

Remember that “early is on time, on time is late, and late is not acceptable.”

As a rule of thumb, you must practice in order to start. Sitting out of practice for any reason could
result in a loss of a starting position. The final decision will be made by the coaching staff.
Excused absences include, but are not limited to: Illness, Family emergency, School field trip etc.
Note: If you are sick, do not come to practice. This is considered an excused practice and you will not
be penalized. If you are sick for a long period of time and your fitness is affected, your playing time will
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be affected until you catch back up with the team. Again, you must notify your coach ahead of time
(before a game or practice) if you are sick.
Note: Each case, including excessive excused absences, will be reviewed individually and the decisions
made by the coaching staff are final.
Being late for an event: If a player is more than 5 minutes late for any game, practice, bus departure,
etc., the player will not start in the next game and the coach will decide if the situation warrants
further action.

Gear & equipment must be brought from the High School to the practice fields and be returned the
upon completion. This may include, but is not limited to balls, pinneys, water, cones, etc. It is the
responsibility of the team captains to ensure the required gear and equipment is managed
properly. Though this is traditionally managed by the freshman players, all players must respect the
requests for assistance from the team captains and coaches if needed.

Cell phones or other mobile devices may not be used during practices or games.
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Players should be prepared to come to practice; at each practice you will need: practice clothes, cleats,
running shoes, shin guards, a ball and any other necessary equipment. All attire must be school
appropriate.

The team will look uniform for games (clothing under uniforms/headbands/gloves worn during games
will match the team uniform, navy/white). Players must wear the warm up gear provided to them for
every game. Practice wear is not permitted on the game field.

Each player is responsible for the uniforms issued to them. Uniforms must be returned at the
conclusion of the soccer season in good condition. The replacement fees of any uniform which is lost,
has suffered unusual wear or destroyed will be assessed to the responsible player.

Players have the right to assessment of their playing abilities. If you have a question, do not hesitate to
see Coach Jacobs at a proper interval; during practice or before/during a game is not an appropriate
setting; be sure to see him before or after practice.

No one is permitted to leave the field of play until dismissed by the Coaching Staff. Important
discussions may be missed and critical.

While attending team functions at an away school or facility, be respectful and courteous to others at
all times. Remember, you are representing New Hope Solebury High School and the girls’ soccer team.

TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS: Traveling home on the bus with the team from away games should be made a
priority. Traveling with your teammates is part of the experience.
o If a conflict arises, a note from a parent is required to dismiss the player
PLAYING TIME

Playing time is up to the coach. To play competitively every game, it means that not every player will
receive equal playing time.

Swing players play a critical role on the varsity team, but may not receive playing time for every game.

Questions about how to earn more playing time should not be made during a game. Players should
ask coaches about specific ways to improve her skills before or after practice.
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PLAYING REQUIREMENTS / FITNESS

In soccer, there are very few things that you are individually responsible and have total control. Fitness
is one of those things.
o Playing time will be determined based on the following criteria:
 Fitness Level
 Work Ethic
 Attitude
 Soccer Skills

YOU MUST BE PREPARED TO PLAY HARD FOR 80 MINUTES
TEAM PLACEMENT
Junior Varsity
 Everyone is eligible to make the J.V. team regardless of fitness level.
Varsity
 Selected by the coaches with the emphasis of playing the best team of players at all times. Coaches
considerations include (but are not limited to):
 Skills
 Speed
 Strength
 Coachability
 Commitment
Swing Players
 Players may be selected to play both JV and Varsity depending on the overall number of players for
each team.

Players are to be at each JV and Varsity game when possible.

Players must be prepared with uniforms for each team

If games conflict, the coach will determine which game the player must attend
TEAM CAPTAINS

The position of team captain is one that is earned.

The coaches will elect captains each year. Generally there will be 2 Junior Varsity Captains and 2-3
Varsity Captains

Captains should serve as leaders on the game field and during practice. They should lead by example.

The Captains are to meet with the officials before the game to decide possession and field position.

Captains are welcome to address the team during half-time talks and should help the coach in seeing
that all players’ game needs are addressed.

Captains are to serve as assistants to the coaches in seeing that all team equipment needs are take
care of both before and after games.
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Captains are to conduct themselves in a mature manner in dealing with players and coaches.
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Captains are to offer encouragement to other players rather than criticism.
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Captains are to help the coaches see that the appropriate class has cleaned the locker room after
practice.
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Captains are to help the coaches see that the team remains focused on practice during practice.
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Captains are to help the coaches see that the team is focused on serious competition before each
game.
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Captains are to communicate team needs and concerns to the coaching staff.
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Captains are to help the coaches see that a positive attitude is kept amongst the team.
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Captains are expected to participate in fundraising efforts and assist the coach in scheduling players as
needed to support the needs of each event.
DISCIPLINE

It is incumbent on you as a member of this team to abide by the rules set forth. It is the discretion of
the coaching staff as to what disciplinary action will be taken if a rule is broken.
SUMMER PRACTICE


Summer practices may be held 1-2 times per week. While these practices are not mandatory, all
interested players for the upcoming season are encouraged to participate.
These practices may be facilitated by the head coach or assistant coach. Team captain may also assist
the coaches.
SUMMER CAMP

Each season a summer camp is chosen for players to attend for conditioning and team building. This
camp is not mandatory, but players are encouraged to participate if possible.
PRE-SEASON

Preseason training generally begins 3 weeks prior to Labor Day. Practice is generally 4 hours per day
Monday – Friday. Specific dates and times are communicated by the coaching staff.

These practices are mandatory (unless with excused absence)

Physical, technical and tactical skills along with attitude, knowledge and work ethic will
measured during these practices for team placement
OTHER

Senior Night – as part of an annual tradition, a home game during the season is designated “Senior
Night”, usually during NHS Homecoming week. Historically, on this night, each senior plays a starting
position and their names are announced via loudspeaker for recognition. The seniors and their
families are also recognized at half-time. This is a regularly scheduled PIAA game, and in order to play
our best game possible, players and playing time will be determined by the coaches. This game is not
a “Senior” game. The coaches have complete discretion and authority over when a senior plays or
does not play in the game.
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Transportation – There may be events which the NHS School District does not provide transportation,
including those sponsored by the Booster. For these events, any player with a driver’s license must
adhere to the rules & regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Drivers under
the age of 18 are only permitted one passenger under the age of 18 in the car who is not immediate
family unless a parent is with you. Please refer to the PennDot website young driver fact sheet for
more information. Parents may assist with the transportation when needed.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROTOCOL


Self-advocating is an important part of building ones self-esteem and maintaining a happy life. High
school is an excellent time in the lives of our youth to work on developing this essential skill. If you are
having a problem with practices, teammates, etc., you must discuss with the coach first. If not
resolved, a meeting will be set up with a parent to meet with the coach and then the athletic director
if warranted.
Coaches will not participate in any type of communication with parents concerning playing time and
team selection (including phone calls and emails) if the above protocol is not followed.
PARENT EXPECTATIONS

We ask that fans cheer from the designated bleachers opposite of the team during both home and
away games.

Fans are asked to congratulate athletes only after the coach has dismissed the team.

Approaching coach before or after games to discuss anything concerning team/position selection or
playing time is not permitted.

Positive observations, encouragement, rides to and from team practices/events, positive displays of
sportsmanship, and further support that helps accomplish team goals if always appreciated!!

Parents are expected to have a positive, supportive influence on their daughter’s soccer experience
and all dealings involving NHS Girls’ Soccer. Objectionable behavior by parents of high school athletes
is all too common. It adversely affects coaches, referees, the game and most importantly the players.
The NHS Girls’ Soccer program will not tolerate any negative behavior by parents at any game.

Please do not attempt to confront our coaching staff before, during or after a game or practice. These
can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Please email Coach Jacobs to set up a time
to meet and discuss. If you’re meeting with the coach didn’t provide a satisfactory outcome please call
contact Meg Park (215-862-2028 ext. 3172) and set up an appointment with Ted Harrington, Athletic
Director, New Hope Solebury High School.
Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches:
1. The treatment of your child mentally or physically
2. Strategies to help your child improve
3. Concerns about your child’s behavior
Issues which are not appropriate to discuss with coaches
1. Playing time
2. Team strategy
3. Other athletes
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FUNDRAISING & BOOSTER

The NHS Girls’ Soccer Team is supported by the NHS Lady Lions Soccer Booster. This booster is formed
of parents of players and raises money to support the team. New Hope Solebury High School
provides our team with a school uniform to play soccer, coaches, buses, cost for officials, balls and
some training but no additional clothing or financial support. In order to provide the team with
additional gear, sponsor social events, team building activities, a banquet and more, there is
mandatory fundraising each year.

Each year, a mandatory team fee may be assessed in order to supplement the total costs of the
booster for the season. The booster will offer opportunities for fundraising to cover these mandatory
fees if required.

All players are expected to participate in fundraising events to cover the cost of the gear they are
provided by the booster. Any player that does not participate will be responsible for the cost of the
gear. Annual cost of each player for gear, activities and events is approximately $250-$400.

Any team fee collected is pooled with booster fundraising funds to pay expenses of events and gear
provided by the booster. A summary of the annual budget is available upon request.

Players will be required to reimburse the booster for pre-season clothing or other gear if they do not
join the team.

Players must respond to requests sent by the Booster Committee Members when requested to ensure
deadlines are met for any orders or purchases being made. Players are responsible for providing
proper sizing, initials or other requirements.

Players will be required to reimburse the booster for no-shows to any event they sign up to attend
which was prepaid by the booster.

Parent support for the booster is also required. Without parents, there would be no booster. With
the understanding that parents may work or have conflicts, it is requested that each parent volunteer
their time to events and activities at least once per season.
Examples of annual booster expenses:

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
Gear
Pre-season shirts
Backpack
Warm-up suit / Pinney
Fun shirts / Game Socks
NHS Girls Soccer Player & Parent Handbook
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Events
Teambuilding trips
Pasta Dinner
Annual Banquet
Senior Night Celebration
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Other
Bus Snacks
Training equipment
Printing of Annual Program
Scholarship
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AGREEMENT & CONSENT
MEDIA
The Lady Lions Soccer Booster in conjunction with New Hope Solebury High School is proud of the many
accomplishments of our players and strives to celebrate those accomplishments.
Throughout the season, photographs and videos are taken to share on our TCTeams website
(www.tcteams.com/nhssoccer), Facebook group page (www.facebook.com/groups/nhsgirlssoccer/), annual
printed program, annual banquet presentations and sometimes submitted to local news to promote the
successes of our team. Photos and video are obtained from volunteers and parents of players.
By signing below, you are giving permission to include your daughter in the media as listed above.
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understand and will abide by the rules, guidelines and
expectations of the NHS Girls’ Soccer Team.
Student-athlete: _______________________________________ Date: ___________
Parent: _______________________________________________ Date: ___________
Please submit this form to the Coaching staff on the first day of preseason.
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