Your child’s success or lack of success in sports does not indicate what kind of parent you are. However, having an athlete that is coachable, respectful, a great teammate, mentally tough, resilient and always tries their best is a direct reflection of your parenting. Be on time. Out of your respect for your coach and teammates, it is an important life skill. Dress the part. Make sure your child is property attired for practices and games with Snohomish United gear. Communicate. Don't let things build up, talk to your coach. We may not always agree but we are willing to listen to reason.  Use Praxis! Mark your availability in Praxis. This is crucial for your coach to develop a training plan and managing Rosters. This is the sole approved method of communication; we cannot regulate personal chat groups, as they fall outside the club's purview. No dogs at Stocker Fields! Unless your dog is a licensed service dog, we cannot have them at the field. Adhere to venue rules. When at Snohomish High School, DO NOT drop off a the ticket booth, park and walk across the street. Practice - Don't sit at the sidelines. Refrain from sitting on the sidelines so that your coach can work directly with your child and is not distracted by you.  No Smoking. You must walk off our property to smoke and vape, no exceptions.

Remember you are not a fan, but a partner in the developmental process of your child. There is absolutely NO COACHING from parents at practice or games. Any use of abusive language or comments targeted towards referees, coaches, players, opposing players, or opposing parents is strictly unacceptable at all times. Engaging in confrontations with referees or opposing coaches is never tolerated under any circumstances. Please remember Referees from (U8-U12) are usually in a referee training program and are often times Snohomish United players. If a parent is removed from a game by the referee, there will be a 3 game suspension from attending games. If a parent is removed by a referee again, the parent will be suspended from attending games for the rest of the season per league rules.

Every Snohomish United player has the option to request to 'Play Up,' meaning they can try to compete in an age group higher than their actual age group. However, the coaching staff will only consider players who can truly make a positive impact in the older age group. In other words, if a player demonstrates the skill level to be a standout performer on a team one year older, the staff may support their placement on the older team. Conversely, if a player does not meet the criteria to be a top player on the older team, they will not be moved up. These decisions will be made between the coaches and club with the player's long-term development in mind. Our objective is to place players on teams that align with their skill level. It serves no purpose to join an older team if a player cannot contribute significantly. Keeping this in consideration, we will require all players in the club to participate in tryouts for their respective age group. If a player wishes to attend tryouts for a different age group than their birth year age group, they must submit a request to the Director of Coaching before tryouts. As always, the coaching staff will have the authority to evaluate and make exceptions to this policy when necessary.

We welcome team members to participate in additional practices, provided that they obtain prior permission. To arrange this, please collaborate with your coach. It's important to recognize that practicing with other teams is a privilege, as it entails coaches dedicating their time away from their own teams to assist you.

A concussion is a brain injury and all brain injuries are serious. They are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly. In other words, even a “ding” or a bump on the head can be serious. You can’t see a concussion and most sports concussions occur without loss of consciousness. Signs and symptoms of concussion may show up right after the injury or can take hours or days to fully appear. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms or signs of concussion yourself, seek medical attention right away. Symptoms may include one or more of the following: Headaches “Pressure in head” Nausea or vomiting Neck pain Balance problems or dizziness Blurred, double, or fuzzy vision Sensitivity to light or noise Feeling sluggish or slowed down Feeling foggy or groggy Drowsiness Change in sleep patterns Amnesia “Don’t feel right” Fatigue or low energy Sadness Nervousness or anxiety Irritability More emotional Confusion Concentration or memory problems (forgetting game plays) Repeating the same question/comment Signs observed by teammates, parents and coaches include: Appears dazed Vacant facial expression Confused about assignment Forgets plays Is unsure of game, score, or opponent Moves clumsily or displays incoordination Answers questions slowly Slurred speech Shows behavior or personality changes Can’t recall events prior to hit Can’t recall events after hit Seizures or convulsions Any change in typical behavior or personality Loses consciousness What can happen if my child keeps on playing with a concussion or returns too soon? Athletes with the signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from play immediately. Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves the young athlete especially vulnerable to greater injury. There is an increased risk of significant damage from a concussion for a period of time after that concussion occurs, particularly if the athlete suffers another concussion before completely recovering from the first one. This can lead to prolonged recovery, or even to severe brain swelling (second impact syndrome) with devastating and even fatal consequences. It is well known that adolescent or teenage athlete will often under report symptoms of injuries. And concussions are no different. As a result, education of administrators, coaches, parents and students is the key for student-athlete’s safety. If you think your child has suffered a concussion Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from the game or practice immediately. No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without medical clearance. Close observation of the athlete should continue for several hours. The new “Zackery Lystedt Law” in Washington now requires the consistent and uniform implementation of long and well-established return to play concussion guidelines that have been recommended for several years: “a youth athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury in a practice or game shall be removed from competition at that time” and “…may not return to play until the athlete is evaluated by a licensed heath care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussion and received written clearance to return to play from that health care provider”. You should also inform your child’s coach if you think that your child may have a concussion. Remember, it’s better to miss one game than miss the whole season. And when in doubt, the athlete sits out. RETURN TO PARTICIPATION PROTOCOL If you child has been diagnosed with a concussion they MUST follow a progressive return to participation protocol (under the supervision of an approved health care provider) before full participation is authorized. The return to play protocol may not begin until the participant is no longer showing signs or symptoms of concussion. Once symptom free, the athlete may begin a progressive return to play. This progression begins with light aerobic exercise only to increase the heart rate (5-10 minutes of light jog or exercise bike) and progresses each day as long as the child remains symptom free. If at any time symptoms return, the athlete is removed from participation. For current and up-to-date information on concussions you can go to: https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/index.html

What is sudden cardiac arrest? Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the sudden onset of an abnormal and lethal heart rhythm, causing the heart to stop beating and the individual to collapse. SCA is the leading cause of death in the U.S. afflicting over 300,000 individuals per year. SCA is also the leading cause of sudden death in young athletes during sports. What causes sudden cardiac arrest? SCA in young athletes is usually caused by a structural or electrical disorder of the heart. Many of these conditions are inherited (genetic) and can develop as an adolescent or young adult. SCA is more likely during exercise or physical activity, placing student-athletes with undiagnosed heart conditions at greater risk. SCA also can occur from a direct blow to the chest by a firm projectile (baseball, softball, lacrosse ball, or hockey puck) or by chest contact from another player (called “commotio cordis”). While a heart condition may have no warning signs, some young athletes may have symptoms but neglect to tell an adult. If any of the following symptoms are present, a cardiac evaluation by a physician is recommended: Passing out during exercise Chest pain with exercise Excessive shortness of breath with exercise Palpitations (heart racing for no reason) Unexplained seizures A family member with early onset heart disease or sudden death from a heart condition before the age of 40 How to prevent and treat sudden cardiac arrest? Some heart conditions at risk for SCA can be detected by a thorough heart screening evaluation. However, all schools and teams should be prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency. Young athletes who suffer SCA are collapsed and unresponsive and may appear to have brief seizure-like activity or abnormal breathing (gasping). SCA can be effectively treated by immediate recognition, prompt CPR, and quick access to a defibrillator (AED). AEDs are safe, portable devices that read and analyze the heart rhythm and provide an electric shock (if necessary) to restore a normal heart rhythm. Remember, to save a life: recognize SCA, call 9-1-1, begin CPR, and use an AED as soon as possible!

On February 14, 2018 the U.S. Senate signed into Federal Law, S 534, the Protecting Young Victim’s from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 which became effective immediately. The bill imposes general requirements on youth-serving amateur athletic organizations including child abuse prevention training for adult members who have regular contact with minor athletes. This requirement extends to all amateur sports organizations participating in interstate or international athletic competition and whose membership includes any adult who is in regular contact with minor athletes. All coaches and managers must complete the SafeSport Core training and must comply with the prevention policies herein.

FIFA LAW 4-PLAYERS EQUIPMENT Law 4 states that a player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous. All items of jewelry (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewelry is not permitted. All items of clothing and equipment other than the basic equipment must be inspected by the referee and determined not to be dangerous. Shinguards are required for all practices and matches and must be completely covered by socks. If a player does not have shinguards, they cannot play. There are no exceptions. The Laws of the Game state in "Other equipment" that is non-dangerous protective equipment, for example headgear, facemasks and knee and arm protectors made of soft, lightweight padded material is permitted, as are goalkeepers caps and sports spectacles. Players wearing a soft cast or a "soft protective guard" will be permitted to play if the cast does not prevent a danger to the individual or any other player. This is usually made of soft, lightweight padded material. The referee will make the final decision as to the acceptability of any cast.

Lightning is one of the top ten causes of sudden death in sport.1 As the majority of soccer is played outdoors, lightning and severe weather pose a threat to player health and safety. U.S. Soccer’s Recognize to Recover program, with the help of the Korey Stringer Institute, provides these guidelines for responding quickly and safely when lightning and severe weather threaten practice or a game. When it comes to making decisions to suspend or cancel play due to weather condition, coaches, officials, athletic trainers and administrators all share responsibility. These same individuals should be aware of close safe shelter locations and know how to evaluate when it is safe to resume play after severe weather leaves an area. Recognize No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area. All activity should be suspended, even if lightning or thunder has not yet been observed, and everyone should get indoors. Communicate this information completely and quickly to all participants. Consult the National Weather Service, the Storm Prediction Center or local media outlets for severe weather watches and warnings. Alerts can even be sent directly to your mobile device while you are on the field. Safe locations should be available with enough capacity to hold all who may need safe shelter. A primary location would be a fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing. A fully enclosed vehicle with a solid metal roof, like a school bus, would be a safe secondary option. Open fields and open-sided shelters are not safe. If there are no adequate safe shelters close to the field, play must be stopped well in advance of the storm to allow everyone to travel to a safe place or their home. If it’s been half an hour since thunder, it’s safe to go outdoors. Outdoor activity may resume 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder or flash of lightning. The 30-minute clock restarts every time lightning flashes or thunder sounds. Warning signs of a lightning strike: Feeling the hair stand on end Skin tingling Hearing crackling noises If these occur, assume the lightning safe position: Crouch on the ground as low as you can Put all your weight on the balls of your feet Keep your feet together Lower head and cover your ears Do not lie flat on the ground Recover If someone is injured by a lightning strike, follow these emergency management steps: Call 911 and alert emergency medical responders (EMS). Establish that the area is safe before moving to help victim. If there is more than one victim, first assist those who appear in the most severe condition. Move individual(s) carefully to a safe location (victims of lightning strikes are safe to touch and do not carry an electric charge). Initiate CPR on victims who are unconscious, not breathing or have no pulse. Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available. Evaluate the individual(s) for additional injuries, such as broken bones or dislocations. Notify EMS of the potential injuries when they arrive on the scene. Under no circumstances should a player injured in a lightning strike return to the game or practice. Injured players should only be allowed to return to play after a thorough examination and release by a qualified physician.

The effects of cold weather can impact health and safety during practices and games. The definition of “cold stress” varies across the United States, depending on how accustomed people are to cold weather. US Soccer’s Cold Weather Guidelines outlined here: Cold Weather Guidelines which uses area, temps, and wind speed to create an estimated wind chill temperature. SnVYSA will follow the alert levels and guidelines provided by US Soccer to determine if the weather conditions are safe for all. It is important that all participants follow the below guidelines when playing in cold weather. Dress for cold: wear layers. Layer 1: wicking layer-wool or polyester Layer 2: insulated layer-fleece or wool Layer 3: water and wind proof layer Stay dry: remove wet clothing and replace it with dry. Stay hydrated: drink water, add warm water to keep water from freezing. Coaches/Parents: During games provide blankets or other items for players to stay warm while they are on the bench and allow additional substitutions or warming breaks.

Extreme heat can impact players' health and safe play. Proper hydration and knowing when you need to drink are critical, to help prevent many injuries and illnesses, from muscle cramps to heat stroke. U.S. Soccer’s Recognize to Recover program gives players, parents, coaches and referees information and guidelines to make sure the desire to play does not cloud the decision-making process when it comes to evaluating environmental conditions to ensure the safety of those on the field. US Soccer’s Heat Guidelines outlined here: Environmental Conditions — Recognize to Recover which uses area, temps, and humidity to create an estimated WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temp). There are 3 regional categories on the WBGT map. Snohomish falls under Category 1. Please see the link above for the WBGT. Player responsibilities: Every player should apply sunscreen (30 spf or higher) 15 minutes prior to arriving to practice. Players should drink water before arriving to practice, so they come to practice hydrated and after practice to stay hydrated. Every player must have a water bottle with them at every practice and game so they can stay hydrated during practices and games. Coach responsibilities: Follow guidelines when practicing in Heat and communicate to parents/players. Plan ahead and watch temperatures for the week. Try to move practice time later in the day if you can if temperatures are going to be above WBGT on your practice days. Provide additional water for your players when practicing at a time when the WBGT alert level is Yellow, Orange or Red. Remind every player to come to practice/games with water bottle and applied sunscreen. Heat Cancellations: Snohomish United will monitor the WBGT and will send out a recommendation to coaches on conducting practices by 3pm if WBGT alert level is in the BLACK or RED. We will be looking at the current temperature in the Snohomish area using the weather channel app. If alert level is in BLACK or RED at 3pm, practices that are planned between 4pm and 7pm may have to be cancelled or rescheduled for a later time in the day.

If you are a coach or parent looking to make a decision related to air quality and the safety of playing soccer outdoors, we hope to inform all clubs and families 90mins before the start of practices and games to allow families time to change schedules. However, please note that in some cases the cancellations decisions could be made in under the time specified above as air quality can change rapidly. Snohomish United uses the average AQI as shown on the CDC approved website AirNow.gov. If the average AQI for Snohomish reaches 150 (or higher) then practices and games will be cancelled for the safety and welfare of our players and coaches. No teams should practice outdoors or participate in games when this threshold level is reached. GAMES Call to cancel matches will be made as soon as AQI reaches 150 of higher. This could be at any point throughout the day so coaches should be checking for emails and notifications. PRACTICES To minimize the need to travel during a city rush hours, etc the call to cancel practices will be made by Snohomish United and Club Leaders by 3pm on a week day. SENSITIVE GROUPS Parents and coaches are encouraged to use their own best judgement when deciding what is best for the health of their players. If a player has Asthma or other respiratory such conditions an AQI of 100 and above is deemed unhealthy for those sensitive groups.

Once you have accepted through a tryout process for a position on a Snohomish United team you will receive an email with registration instructions. Be prepared to upload a birth certificate or passport of your player at the time of registration if you did not upload them previously. Please work with your team manager or coach for a headshot. If you don’t receive the registration email within 48 hours, please contact the club.

Please follow the steps below, if you still have questions, please contact Amy [amy@snohomishyouthsoccer.com]. Steps To Make a Manual Payment Log in to your My Account Portal HERE Log in using the Username option. Click View Payments under the player's name Click Edit Payment for the correct season Select a form of payment from the Payment Method dropdown Click Continue Enter the payment information Click Continue

Please follow these steps below, if you still have questions, please contact Amy [amy@snohomishyouthsoccer.com]. Steps to make a Manual Payment & Update Payment Card Log in to your My Account Portal Click View Payments under your player's name Click Edit Payment for the correct season Check the boxes of each installment that you would like to update Select a form of payment from the Payment Method drop-down Click Continue Enter your payment information Click Continue

Volunteer Volunteering your time is a way to earn back. Once a family member completes 4 hours of volunteer time they will receive a $150 towards their account. Volunteer opportunities: Tryouts Summer tournaments Club Events such as Brewfest in August ​ Team Managers receive full credit for their players hours. ​ Raffle Ticket Raffle Ticket sales happen each year. By selling a booklet of tickets, families have the opportunity to earn $120. ​ If you choose not to participate in selling or purchasing the tickets designated for your player, you can return the booklet to the office. ​ Become a Certified Referee Serving as a soccer referee can offer significant rewards and a sense of fulfillment. The minimum age for registration is 14 years old and it's a great way to earn money. To qualify as a US Soccer Federation (USSF) Referee, attending an Entry Level Clinic is mandatory, which is conducted by an instructor specially trained and certified by USSF and endorsed by WASRC. No exceptions are granted, even if you have prior experience as a player or coach. Click here to find out more.