Keeper August 2014

The Keeper

Another Successful

Tournament

1

Special Thanks 2

Tournament Logo

Competition

3

Concession Stand Update 3

Article Detroit News

Give Refs Respect 4

PSC Communications 6

PSC Complex Rules 7

General Reminders 8

Player Pass System 9

PSC Volunteer

Requirements

10

PSC History 10

PSC Board 10

Inside this issue:

August 2014

The Keeper

Another Successful Tournament

Despite the annual tournament falling on the same date as this

year’s tryouts, the PSC still had 120 teams from three different states converge on the complex for the 28th Annual Portage

Classic Tournament. The tournament is our primary fundraiser. All proceeds go directly back into the club’s operating budget to cover the cost of field maintenance and

upkeep. This is why the Portage Soccer Complex is considered by most to be the nicest and best maintained complex in the

state.

The PSC wastes no time either working on these improvements as was evident by the large dirt pile which was in the parking

lot during tryouts. This is dirt that was removed from field # 4

in order to install the updated drainage system.

Coach Mark Welch warms up the Portage SC 04 girls

THE KEEPER August 2014

Special Thanks to PSC’s man behind the scene: Jay Hoffman

What most people see when they look at the Portage Soccer Club is

affordable prices, an incredible complex, beautiful practice fields and an annual tournament which is considered by many to be the best run tour-

nament in the area. What these same people don’t see is all the volun-teer hours and people who make this all come together. Jay is one of

those people!

By simply looking at our website you would see Jay is the VP of Uniforms. But what does this mean? Jay is responsible for conducting the research,

meeting with vendors and negotiating deals for the club. But his role does not end there. He then works as a liaison between the vendor and everyone else. I guess you could call him the fixer. He quickly and efficiently fixes any and all uniform issues the

PSC families may have.

If you look a little closer you may have seen him at the

tournament. He is one of the volunteers responsible for selling advertisement for the club. He’s also the guy who

runs all over the place making sure we have it all covered. Then as the tournament winds down, he switches roles again and puts on his “MC” hat and presents the awards to

the winning teams.

If you didn’t notice him there you may have seen him at tryouts. He was the glue

which held it all together this year. This year’s tryouts were a challenge as the tourna-ment was held at the same time tryouts started. With our very own club

registrar/scheduler/volunteer coordinator Dana Pope having been tied up with the Portage Classic Tournament, Jay came to the rescue. He was instrumental in controlling the flow at registration tables, directing players and parents to the correct

locations and shuffling tryout rosters to all the fields for coaches.

If you didn’t catch him there don’t worry, there's still plenty of opportunity. All you

need to do is look to the practice fields. He is now working along side Brian Lam who was looking for some help. Jay once again heard the call and came running. In fact,

he recently completed his training and received his E Coaching License.

Others who really benefit from his passion are the teams in which his kids play on. This is because Jay tends to be the teams social director arranging events for parents

and kids so everyone can enjoy the travel experience. Jay truly is the man behind the scene that makes us all look good. So on behalf of the Portage Soccer Club

Jay..Thank You For All You Do!

THE KEEPER

2015 Portage Classic Tournament Logo Competition

The PSC Tournament Committee is

excited to be bringing back the

“Tournament Logo Competition”.

This year we are asking for the club’s

help! We want you to help design the logo which will be used on t-shirts, sweatshirts and advertisement for the

2015 Annual tournament.

The player whose design is chosen will get both a free t-shirt & sweat-shirt, and their team will win a Pizza

party to be held in October at one of

their practices.

All designs must be submitted to

Ken Pope by October 1, 2014 at

[email protected]

Why not show us your creativity…..

Requirements:

The designs must have no more than three

colors in it.

They can be submitted electronically or hand-drawn. Please note PSC reserves the right to modify submissions as needed prior

to approval of artwork from printers.

We are very excited both Angel Calnin and Cheryl Kucharski have agreed to join the

board as Co-VPs of Concession.

With their help the concessions will be open for business this fall season! Concessions

not only helps generate income for the club, which reduces fees for players, but adds to the overall enjoyment of the travel soccer experience. When you see both Angel and

Cheryl make sure you give the a special thanks for stepping up to the role!

Concessions Update

August 2014

THE KEEPER August 2014

Every year, there are thousands of soccer matches played in Michigan, and hundreds of thousands of matches are

played throughout the United States. Regardless of age, matches are played with enthusiasm, excitement, and en-ergy. Two teams compete against one another for victory in

emotional competition. Yet, in every match, there is a third team — the referee

crew. Officials range in age from as young as 14 to as old as 70. As the current World Cup competition displays, referees

are admonished, blamed, ridiculed and applauded for their contribution to the beautiful game of soccer. Like players, we also compete to succeed — to get to the top of the sport

we love.

Unfortunately, there are times when players or fans forget about the game and displace their frustrations in manners that impact everyone.

This is noted in the tragic death of John Bieniewicz, a 44-year-old father, referee, and man who loved officiating youth matches in Michigan. He has been described as the “gentle giant who took pride in telling stories of his two sons” and who accepted willingly

youth matches of all ages. He was a teacher, a coach, a role model, a father, and a man who simply enjoyed giving to a game so players and fans could fully enjoy a sport that

they loved — especially in love of his two sons, We share this tragic story for a simple reason. John’s unfortunate death gives us an

opportunity to reflect on the contributions and role of the “third team” in sports. Like players, sports officials dedicate time to training, studying the rules of competition,

and helping to develop players. Out of more than 131,000 registered soccer referees in the U.S., only one referee crew was fortunate to earn the privilege of being invited to

officiate the World Cup in Brazil. Like players, referees develop their skills through work and effort. Yet, unlike players,

sports officials are subjected to consistent criticism. “Referee, are you blind? How could you call that? Where did you get your referee license — a Cracker Jack box?”

Occasionally, there are reports of referee abuse and assault in virtually every sport. What are we teaching our youth, schools or communities when we “join the crowd of

dissent”? When spectators are asked if they would be interested in becoming a sports official, an all to common response is: “Who in their right mind would subject them-selves to verbal abuse, threats of physical abuse, and repeated negative statements?”

Simple — people who have a passion for sports, who enjoy working with others, and who help support the skill development of young amateur athletes.

Give refs the respect they deserve: Detroit news July 3, 2014

August 2014

John’s tragic death is a painful loss to the soccer community — and youth soccer in Michigan — but this pales in comparison to the loss to the Bieniewicz family and thou-sands of persons whom John touched in his short life. The Michigan Soccer Referee

Committee asks those who read this to offer their prayers and support for the Bieniewicz family, but also to thank sports officials of all ages for their willingness to be the “third” team for the enjoyment of athletes and fans throughout the world.

We also ask that you reflect on how public criticism expressed at sports officials can

turn into rage that can impact the life chances of officials who do what they “love.” Remember, like young athletes, sports officials are also developing and refining their skills. Referees are also human. Celebrate their contribution by expressing your grati-

tude for their time, effort, and contribution to the sports that we choose to play.

And to John Bieniewicz and his family, we express our gratitude for your contribution to soccer, for your support and collegiality of bettering the referee community across Michigan and the nation and for touching the lives of youth in your professional and

personal communities. You may be gone from this world — but never forgotten. Francisco A. Villarruel, Michigan State

Soccer Referee Administrator

NEWSLETTER TITLE AUGUST 2014

No one is immune to human emotion: parents, players, fans and even referees. Even good people get caught up in the moment. We understand this, but who is responsible to help control these emotions and prevent them from taking over? If you believe it’s a personal responsibility — you’re correct, but not for the reason you may think.

The offender has a personal responsibility to not act out. But you also have a personal responsibility to step forward and stop it. It’s your responsibility to remind your friends, family, coach, manager and acquaintances there are children around and the importance of calming down. It’s your responsibility to tell them to “Pause”.

Coaches have a difficult job. Believe it or not they are held responsible for the parents’ actions. By keeping the touchline quiet and calm, they can then focus their time and energy on the kids instead of the parents. Likewise coaches need to remember players follow their lead. Your responsibility first and foremost is to the development of the children. The development of their character is as, if not more, important than their skill development. So please don’t be one of those coaches who screams at the referee or players.

Likewise don’t be one of those coaches, parents, players or fans who just makes subtitle comments to make themselves feel better. Unfortunately regardless of which side of the touchline you sit, we all hear it all too often. That’s the “Are you kidding me”?, “Really, Really?” , “Are you serious?” , “What was that?” , “Call it both ways!” comments which tend to build upon the emotion and frustration of the referees. Particularly when you are dealing with youth referees. There simply is no excuse for this behavior. It doesn't accomplish anything positive and just fuels the fire for everyone else.

We need to remember mob mentality can be contagious so we need to stop it before it grows. While what happened to John Bieniewicz may be an extreme example; unfortunately, the escalation of emotions is all too common. Most of us have been there and heard the game where the parents and coaches are constantly yelling at the referees and it draws the attention of anyone passing by as we hear the volume grow. Words have consequences and as a result of this type of continued behavior, we have had several referees decide they have had enough.

As a parent of a female youth referee who was struck by a fan last year, I can attest that things have gone too far. We are asking for your help ~ parents, players, coaches, managers, board members and fans alike need to focus our attention on what's best for the club and players within it. Help us set the example the rest of the league and state wants to follow.

It’s not complicated, the trick to sportsmanship is to remind one another to “Pause”. This season let’s try to focus on the “Pause” take a few breaths to calm ourselves down

and refocus our energy into something positive. If you see a parent getting frustrated and yelling or making comments at the referee take the initiative and simply say, “Pause.” Let this be the simple message which serves as a reminder of how our actions

have consequences.

Communications Editorial “The Importance of the Pause” By Ken Pope: PSC VP of Communications


General Reminders

Nets: I would like to thank those parents who are helping the coaches from the U12

and under age groups for moving the nets before and after the game. This is very important because we do not want the kids to be doing this. It’s a safety

issue. Goals should be carried by adults never players and not dragged across the grass. Too often goals are left on the fields and then need to be moved by the facilities volunteers so mowing, striping and maintenance can

be done. When moving the portable goals please be sure to properly anchor them to the ground. You can find the mallets in the garage inside a bucket just inside the doorway. Each mallet also has a key attached which goes to

the locks securing the nets to the fence In the event the garage is locked and

your coach does not have a key, a mallet is also kept in concessions.

At the practice fields, coaches should be moving the portable goals several

times throughout the season to minimize grass wear and tear. Without an ir-rigation system at the practice facility when we lose the grass it is very diffi-

cult to grow again.

Flags: Corner flags are kept in the garage in the cabinets on the right hand side. One cabinet is dedicated to each type of corner flag. Corner flags need to be

returned to the garage after games unless there is a game right after yours.

Leaving flags on the field has become a reoccurring issue.

Trash: It is the home team responsibility to completely police the team area (including visitor) and spectator area for any trash. When trash is left on the ground it has to be cleaned up by our facility volunteers while they are trying

to mow and stripe the fields. Getting on and off the equipment adds consider-able amount of time to the work they provide. One of the main reasons our

fees are so low and the complex is so nice is directly related to the quality job our facility volunteers provide. We don’t want to lose them by creating extra

work loads.

Likewise at the practice fields, coaches need to pick up any trash from the fields and deposit it in the containers. We have had occasions where it was

left looking very poorly. We are fortunate enough to be able to rent these fields at the price we do. We do not want to give anyone a reason to complain

and jeopardize our club image or the possible use of these practice fields.

Pets: Regardless of the size, pets not allowed at the practice facility or main com-

plex. This is a health, safety and liability issue. It seems like we have been seeing more and more PSC parents or their children walking with their dogs. The same rules that are in effect at the main complex apply to the practice

facility. Please help us by leaving your pets at home and reminding anyone

you see with a pet of the rules. Working together we can help solve this issue.


Close: The last coach out needs to make sure the flags have been put away; restrooms, concessions and the main gate are all locked before leaving. There have been a few occasions where the facility was left open overnight.

The number to remember is "2" with a Player Pass Card

2 players may pass in a game

2 year play up from league age (for U14 and younger divisions)

2 games per day for a player

2 pass games per week for a player (Sunday - Saturday)

Player PASS Card System (PCS) Eligibility:

A Pass Card Player may only be used within their own club where they are

rostered as a primary player during WMYSA league sponsored game. Teams

playing in Elite (Interleague play be-tween GVSA, WMYSA & CASL) may also

utilize the PCS.

Direction of Play:

Direction of play is based upon both age

and the division the player is rostered as a "primary player". PCS players may

only play at a "higher level" of competition; no more than up to two years from their official league age group

through U14. For the U15 and older players, they may play up through U19

without age restrictions.

For PCS purposes within a combined

age division: WMYSA considers the division of play based on the higher of

the two combined age divisions. For ex-ample: WMYSA considers an U15/U16

Division as an U16 Division.

Administrative:

1. Restrictions:

a) Teams may not utilize more than two

PCS players a game.

b) Players may not utilize PCS more

than twice a week. (Sun-Sat)

c) Players cannot play in more than two

games in one day.

2. Process:

a) PCS players must be counted to-

wards game day roster numbers.

b) Prior to start of game, coaches must inform the opposing team of the ex-

istence of PCS players.

c) PCS players must have their primary

team card. They cannot simply sign

the game day report.

The Portage Soccer Club began in 1985 and

gained status as an incorporated non-profit organi-zation in February 1991. Starting with only four

boys’ teams playing in the West Michigan Youth

Soccer Association (WMYSA). Today PSC is one of

the largest clubs in WMYSA, fielding a combination

of thirty-one boys and girls teams playing from U9 all the way to U19.

Although PSC has changed in size over the years,

our philosophy of emphasizing player development

over winning has remained and our teams have performed very well on the field in terms of both

skill and results. Our belief is players, parents, the

club, and the community will always "win through

development" supporting youth to their maximum

potential.

PSC owns and maintains the Portage Soccer Com-

plex at 4422 Bishop Road (east of Sprinkle and

south of Bishop/Romence) where home games are

played. This nine field complex opened in 2002 and is now recognized as one of the foremost soccer

complexes in Michigan.

President: David Rice

Treasurer: Tom Mellinger Secretary: Kim Maystead

VP Coaches: Wayne Harpenau

Dir. Tech Development: Vu Le

VP Communications: Ken Pope

VP Concessions: Angel Calnin & Cheryl Kucharski

VP Fundraising: Open

VP Uniforms: Jay Hoffman

Registrar: Dana Pope

Parent Representatives: Chad Earles,

Janet Ingersoll & Lisa Hall

Field Manager: Gordon Groves

Web Master: Ken Pope

Tournament Directors: David Rice & Ken Pope

PSC BOARD

PSCs Volunteerism Requirements

Were on the web

Www.PortageSoccer.com

PSC HISTORY

We would like to extend a special thanks to our 200 + volunteers who helped make the 2014 Portage

Classic Tournament a success. This tournament is the club’s biggest fundraising event of the year.

The complex is not only owned by PSC, but it is completely paid for. All profits from this tournament are

put directly back into the complex to pay for field drainage systems, parking lot, building and field re-

pairs, mowing and striping supplies and equipment etc.

The tournament generates enough money to allow our teams to play on the nicest fields in the state. We

also are one of the least expensive clubs anywhere. There are no hidden fees; you get quality coaching,

your own practice fields, an incredible game complex and all for one low price.

It’s important to know when accepting a position with our club, each players’ family agrees to volunteer

during the year for concessions (1 shift a season) and 4 hours at the Portage Soccer Classic in June.

This includes the girls teams which don’t play club in the spring. Since fees are the same for all, every

team is expected to volunteer at the tournament.

Keeper August 2014

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