SOAR Sports

Coach Manual

Fall 2016

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Welcome to SOAR Fall Season! Welcome to another season of SOAR Sports! We are very excited to have you as part

of our SOAR coaching staff.

SOAR is an outreach ministry whose main purpose is to expose families to the Gospel

of Jesus through sports and recreation. Your impact as a coach can be life changing

not only for the player but for the family. We wouldn’t exist without your time

commitment and love to these families. We thank you for taking the time to spend

with them. Thank you for being part of this season and may God use your time wisely

here.

Please make sure to read this manual all the way through. In this manual you will get

information on:

Contact Information

Season Dates

Mission and Vision of SOAR

Code of Conduct

Handling conflict Biblically

Circle of Affirmation/Criticism

Coaches Information

Practice Information

End of Season Information

We thank you for your time, hard work, commitment, and service!

May the Lord bless you!

Jenny Young, SOAR Director Email: jenny@soarsports.com Chris Muggler, Sports Coordinator Email: chris@soarsports.com

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Contact Information SOAR Office 340 Matthews Township Parkway Matthews, NC 28105 Fall Season Hours: Tue-Fri 9-5; office closed on Mondays

Email : info@soarsports.com Main Phone : (704) 814-1063 On-Call Phone Number : 704-659-1814 (For Urgent Practice questions after 5pm) Weather Hotline : (704) 708-6163 Warner Park 10812 Monroe Rd Matthews, NC 28105

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Season dates

Skills Day Aug 15

Coach Development Aug 10 & 18

Practice Week 1 Aug 22-26

Game 1 Sept 10

Game 2 Sept 17

Game 3 Sept 24

Game 4 Oct 1

Game 5 Oct 8

Game 6 Oct. 15

Game 7 Oct. 22

No Sports Oct. 29

Game 8

(Tournament Week)

Oct. 31 – Nov. 5

Coach Dinner Nov. 10

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SOAR Mission and Vision Statement

Mission Statement

As an outreach ministry of CCC, SOAR strives to engage our local community through

God-glorifying sports and recreation so that they would know the Gospel.

Vision Statement

SOAR Sports will:

• Engage Christ Covenant membership to participate in our outreach ministry by promoting and building redemptive relationships with SOAR families in our local community through sports leagues, camps, clinics, and recreational activities.

• Provide youth, adults and families of all abilities an atmosphere of Christ-centered competition, which teaches about sports, life, and the Gospel.

• Encourage non-churched participants to move from the field into our church community.

• Use both Christ Covenant facilities and off campus sites to host events year round.

Who we are

SOAR Sports is a ministry of Christ Covenant Church that offers youth sports leagues,

clinics & summer camps as well as adult women’s basketball. We are devoted to

developing players regardless of their skill level or experience level in the sport. We

offer a variety of sports including baseball, basketball, soccer, & flag football for

youth. We also offer instructional soccer clinics for 3-4 year olds.

While we are a ministry of Christ Covenant Church, you do not have to be a member

of Christ Covenant, or any other church, to be a part of SOAR. We welcome anyone

who would like to participate and be a part of SOAR. We are a Christian sports

ministry and we will be sharing Christ’s love through devotionals throughout the

season.

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Worldview Everyone has a worldview. A worldview is a set of presuppositions that we have about the world. It’s the lens we look through that holds our beliefs. A Biblical worldview is how God sees the world. God writes our prescription of our worldview. The foundation of our worldview comes from our faith. Competition

Competition is everywhere. We hold a Biblical worldview of competition rather than

that of the world. The world defines competition as an earnest struggle for victory or

superiority; to dominate, or rule over. We believe that competition comes from God

and gives us the desire to want to win. The Biblical definition we have adopted at

SOAR for competition is a striving together to more fully express the image of God in

each other and to unearth the treasures in creation. (Acts 20:24) We use competition

to glorify God and not ourselves.

FOR not against

On our sports fields, we are for the other team and not against them. God is the

master of being for NOT against. This is what we want to remind players that the

other team is not our enemy. We are for them. We need each other. We strive

together.

Teachable Moments

Teachable moments can happen in practices, games, on the way to or in the car, and

at home. These are times when you recognize that a player/team/parent is feeling

the results of sin while playing (watching) sports. This is a great time to teach

character issues. Take the time pull the player/team aside to address what is going

on. A few examples may include:

• Upset at other teammates

• Frustrated about losing

• Prideful in actions while winning

• Complaining about the referees calls

These are moments that God gives us to live out how to model love, grace, wisdom

and encouragement.

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3-D Devotions

These devotions will tie together sports, life and the gospel in a seamless way. You

will do your devotion both during your practice on the field as well as after your

practice is over. Each devotion is set up so that you will do a skill or drill first (during

your practice) and then you will use this to teach a life lesson. At the end of your

practice you will take time to relate that skill/drill and life lesson to the gospel.

Remember at SOAR we are not just about sports, we are about sharing Christ with the

players and families on our teams. This devotional aspect is a vital part of your role

as a coach in SOAR! Do not short change the devotional aspect of your practice each

week. This is the most important part of your practice. Our mission is to bring Christ

to people through sports and recreation. If you cut corners with the devotional part

of the practices, you are doing a disservice to your team as well as to the mission of

SOAR.

Relationships We believe in promoting and building redemptive relationships with our families. Coaches represent our ministry as a whole. We ask you to remember that you are representing God, our ministry, and your family. We HIGHLY encourage you to get to know your players and their parents and for them to get to know you. A few things that you can do to reach out to families include the following:

Pray

One of the most overlooked in ministry

Colossians 4:2-5

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with

thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God

may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of

Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it

clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom

toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your

speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may

know how you ought to answer each person.

Be observant

Initiate or have someone on the team (team parent) initiate team socials

Be a good listener to your kids

Learn from one another

Use the opportunity to expose the family to the multifaceted ministries of the

church

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Code of Conduct

Expectations

All parents, spectators, players & coaches are expected to:

· Respect authority

You will not always agree with a decision but you are expected to show respect

to all referees, coaches & SOAR staff. If there is an issue you need to calmly speak to

SOAR leadership

· Be encouraging

This means that you cheer, not yell. You should be an encouragement to each

child on the field regardless of the team they are on. Each child is here to compete,

learn and grow and all involved should be an aid in that not a detriment.

· Be a good example

A child arguing with a referee is a learned behavior; don’t let them learn it

from you. You are expected to be a good example to all on the field. What you do in

moderation, the kids will do in excess.

Consequences

Should you violate any of these expectations, the following disciplinary action will be

taken at SOAR leadership’s discretion:

· Warning & written documentation

For your first offense you will be given a warning by SOAR leadership and there

will be written documentation

· Meeting with SOAR leadership

For a second offense there will be a mandatory meeting with SOAR leadership

followed by a potential suspension at leadership’s discretion. If there is a delay in

meeting with leadership you will not be able to be on the fields until the meeting is

held.

· Meeting with SOAR leadership & extended suspension

For a third offense there will be a mandatory meeting with SOAR leadership.

Leadership will also determine how long the suspension from the fields will be. If

there is a delay in meeting with leadership you will not be able to be on the fields

until the meeting is held.

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Handling Conflict Biblically

“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”

-Matthew 18:15-17 Principles from this passage:

1. Deal with the conflict personally and on a one-to-one basis (“…go and show his fault, just between the two of you.”)

2. Be honest (“…go and show his fault…”)

3. Forgiveness is the goal (“If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.”)

4. Appeal to others if necessary (“But if he will not listen, take one or two others along…”)

Principles to keep in mind while resolving conflict: The 4 G’s Courtesy of Peacemaker Ministries: http://www.peacemaker.net

1. Glorify God—How can I please God in this situation, and how can I give witness to what he has done for me through Christ? (1 Corinthians 10:31- 11:1)

2. Get the log out of your eye—How have I contributed to this conflict and what do I need to do to resolve it? (Matthew 7:5)

3. Gently restore—How can I help others to understand how they have contributed to this conflict? (Galatians 6:1)

4. Go and be reconciled—How can I demonstrate forgiveness and encourage a reasonable solution to this conflict? (Matthew 5:24)

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Circle of Affirmation/Criticism

Our actions and reactions affect our ministry, and will either open or close doors

leading to Jesus Christ

Referee makes a call

right or wrong

Players follow example of parent Coach gives positive/negative

Give positive/negative response response

Shows respect/disrespect for authority

Parents follow example of coach

Gives positive/negative response

THE CIRCLE OF AFFIRMATION

CAN QUICKLY BECOME THE CIRCLE OF CRITICISM

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Coach Information Team Details

Teams will be posted online on in your personal account that you created for your

family. As a coach, registered within the system, you will be able to see who is on

your team and communicated

Calling your Team

We ask you to call your team within 48 hours of when team assignments are released.

Parents and players are excited to hear from their coach. This can be a simple call to

introduce yourself. When you call the parent, please give them the following

information:

• Your name and assistant coach’s name (if you have one)

• Name of team

• Which field and time you will be practicing (found in account)

If you are not able to get in contact with any of your parents/players, please let us

know.

Uniforms

All uniforms will be handed out before the first game weekend. You will find them in the shed labeled with the night of practice for your team. Please size your kids as best as you can. A shirt that is a little baggy is ok. We do not ask for sizes on the registration form and try our best to “fit” each age group. You may have a few re-orders, but ask not to just hand out and let kids pick their favorite number. If they get it, it’s a bonus! Coaches Corner

Our page for coaches gives you the ability to find training materials, 3D Devotionals,

ministry resources, skills & drills, and videos. You will want to make sure to check this

page often to help you with what you may need to help you be successful.

Parent Meeting

Make sure to hold a parents meeting at your first practice to let them know who you

are, what SOAR is all about, share your expectations and give them an opportunity to

ask questions. You have a parent sheet with the code of conduct to give them. This

will help set the tone for the season with lines of communication and opportunities

for relationship building.

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Team Parent

We highly suggest you find a team parent. One may be already signed up to help so

check your team assignments. Otherwise, you can ask someone to help you during the

season. This is a parent who is willing to organize a team snack schedule, concession

stand help, and any other important information/tasks that needs to be

communicated. Please have the team parent contact office to be placed on team

assignment.

Things to remember

Never be alone with a player

• Always have another coach or parent with you

• If a child is waiting to be picked up and it appears that you and that child may be

the only ones left, get another coach, or a parent, to wait with you.

Communication is important

• Always communicate with your players and their families

• Never assume your team, and/or the players’ families, know what is going on

• Always communicate with SOAR leadership as we will make communicating with all

of you our priority. Please read our emails entirely. We will respond within a day

and ask that you do the same.

Pre-Game Prayer

Coaches and referees will gather before the game to emphasize why we are playing

and to go over rules. Both teams then will meet in the center to pray. Please pray for

unity, safety, fun, and God-glorifying actions.

Playing Time

All players should play equal time over the course of the season. Please manage this

time so you know where each player stands.

League Rules

Can be found in packet and on the sports pages on web

Concession Stand We will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks, snacks and more for you at Warner Park for all game weekends. All proceeds will be going to SOAR and will be used for areas of need for the ministry. Come support SOAR and enjoy a team meal on the fields! A great place to get team snacks too!

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Picture Day Pictures will be taken early on in the season at your game location that weekend.

Even if players or coaches are not buying pictures, we will need them there for the whole team picture. We provide this quality service to families and to show class to the photography company we ask you to refrain from taking your own pictures. You will get picture order forms two weeks before, please hand them out to your parents no later than a week before.

Practice and Game Locations

All soccer and flag football practices and games will be held at Warner Park:

10812 Monroe RD

Matthews, NC 28105 Matthews, NC 28105

Please park in this parking lot next to the Children’s Lighthouse. Practices will be held

Mondays - Thursday nights at either 5:45 or 6:45 for one hour.

Weather Delay or Cancellation Policy In the event of inclement weather, we will use the weather line 704-708-6163 for cancellations for practices and/or games. We will update the weather hotline an hour before the event if there is a cancellation, if inclement weather should arise less than an hour before the event it will be an on field decision. If there is thunder we will have to stop play for 15 minutes each time it is heard. If there is lightning we will clear the field and stop play for 30 minutes for each strike. Equipment

Soccer/Flag Football

We ask only coaches get the equipment out from the shed

• Please clean up EVERYTING you used for practice back in the CORRECT place

after practices this includes: balls, practice vests, cones, equipment, trash,

water bottles, etc. Make sure size 3, 4, and 5 soccer balls and all footballs go

in separate sports bags & the correct labeled bin in the shed. Do not take balls

or equipment home. Combo to the shed - 7627

• On Saturdays, we will have the equipment out and ready for you.

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Medical Procedures If there is any injury at any of your locations for practice, you will find a med kit in the shed and/or storage area in a blue & black bag. If the injury occurs during a practice night and/or game day and medical attention is sought, please notify staff so we can get report written along with following up with the family.

Coach Appreciation Dinner

Our Coach Appreciation Dinner will be Thursday, November 10th at 6:30pm in on the Christ Covenant Church campus. We would love for every head and assistant coach to join us. Dinner will be provided, and we will be handing out Coach’s Awards for the season as well share stories, and for us to show YOU our appreciation for the season! We hope to see you there!