Download Soccer for SucceSS AdministrAtors Guide

2015-2016
Soccer for Success
Administrators Guide
Letter from the U.S.
Soccer Foundation
Table of Contents
Dear Soccer for Success Staff, Coaches, and Volunteers,
U.S. SOCCER FOUNDATION
Thank you for participating in the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s
Soccer for Success program. Soccer can be a powerful
way to engage kids, promote healthy habits, and build
lasting bonds through mentorship. Soccer for Success
strives to provide children across the country with a
quality out-of-school soccer program, and a lasting,
positive impact.
About the U.S. Soccer Foundation 2
Staff and Board 3
SOCCER FOR SUCCESS
Program Model Overview
6
Logic Model 7
Soccer for Success Curriculum 8
Youth delinquency and childhood obesity are both
pressing, national issues. By providing kids with positive
role models, safe places to play, physical activity, and
nutrition knowledge, we can help combat these concerns.
Soccer for Success was designed to do just that. 90
minutes a day, three days per week, 24 weeks per year,
children can come together to play, learn, and grow.
Childhood is a critical time for positive influence and
healthy habit building. With your help, this program can
position a child for a lifetime of success.
PROGRAM COMPLIANCE
Use this guide as a resource for necessary tools to
operate an effective and safe Soccer for Success
program. You are part of a cross-country community
committed to bettering the lives of thousands of children
living in underserved areas. Thank you for your dedication
and for your compassion. We look forward to working
with you throughout the year. Welcome to the Soccer for
Success team!
CHILD SAFETY POLICIES
Equipment Compliance 12
Site Compliance
13
Participant Enrollment Compliance 14
Staffing Compliance 15
Data Collection & Reporting 17
ORGANIZATIONAL COMPLIANCE
Insurance Compliance 20
Branding Guidelines 21
Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect 26
Injury Protocol 30
Sincerely,
The U.S. Soccer Foundation Team
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Soccer for Success Administrators Guide
U.S. SOCCER FOUNDATION
About the U.S. Soccer Foundation
Staff and Board
U.S. Soccer foundation
1
About the U.S. Soccer Foundation
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the U.S. Soccer Foundation is to enhance, assist, and grow the sport of soccer in the United States, with a
special emphasis on underserved communities.
ABOUT US
The U.S. Soccer Foundation is a recognized leader in sports-based youth development for children in underserved, urban
communities. Since its founding in 1994, the organization has provided more than $100 million in funding to create and
sustain innovative programs across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Proven to deliver positive health and social
outcomes, the Foundation’s affordable initiatives offer safe environments in which both boys and girls thrive. Headquartered
in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) organization.
PROGRAMS
Soccer for Success
Soccer for Success is the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s free afterschool program that uses soccer as a tool to combat childhood
obesity and promote healthy lifestyles for children in under-resourced urban communities. The Foundation partners with
community-based organizations across the country to operate Soccer for Success sites, providing thousands of children with
free afterschool programming three times per week for the entire school year.
Safe Places to Play In order to play soccer, you need space. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to play soccer in a safe place.
Urban areas often lack available space for children to play outside. In order to provide an opportunity for all children to play
soccer, we have taken on the task of providing children across the nation with places to play. The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s
Safe Places to Play program provides grants to organizations to help them build or enhance a space in their communities.
To date, the Foundation has helped create or enhance over 1,100 safe places for children nationwide.
Passback
Since 2002, the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Passback Program has collected and redistributed over 900,000 pieces of soccer
equipment to children in underserved communities. Thanks to dedicated individuals, soccer clubs, and organizations that
collect and donate soccer equipment, the Passback program is able to bring the game of soccer to children who love the
sport, but don’t have the resources to play.
Urban Soccer Symposium
The Urban Soccer Symposium hosts urban soccer programmers and speakers from across the nation who are dedicated
to improving the field of sports-based youth development. The Symposium features three days of interactive workshops
focused on sharing best practices and maximizing organizations’ impact in the community. The fourth and final day of the
Symposium is Capitol Hill Day, during which attendees go to Capitol Hill to meet with congressional legislators to discuss
how soccer is positively impacting children in their communities.
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Soccer for Success Administrators Guide
Staff and Board
National Staff
U.S. Soccer Foundation
1211 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 500
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 872-9277
Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO Margarita Alfonzo, Executive Assistant Patricia Arty, Development Manager Alex Bard, Compliance Officer Wylie Chen, Vice President of Programs & Grants Amy Horner, Vice President of Finance & Administration Jim Hannesschlager, Grants Officer Rob Kaler, Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel Emma Nelson, Development Associate Sarah Pickens, Senior Programs Manager Zach Riggle, Program Officer Shaina Ross, Program Officer Seth Schermer, Vice President of Philanthropy Michael Vaughan-Cherubin, Program Officer Krista Washington, Marketing & Communications Manager [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Board of Directors
Officers
Charles “Cully” Stimson, Chairperson
Senior Fellow, The Heritage Foundation
Kevin Payne, Vice Chairperson
CEO, US Club Soccer
Leighton Welch, Treasurer
Founder, Welch Capital Partners
David Sutphen, Secretary
Managing Partner, Brunswick Group, LLC, Washington, D.C. office
Directors
Gianfranco Borroni Dr. Bob Contiguglia
Dr. Jane Delgado
Enrico Gaglioti
Don Garber
Sunil Gulati Charles Marshall (Director Emeritus)
Brian Klein
U.S. Soccer foundation
David Messersmith
JoAnn Neale
Alan Rothenberg (Lifetime Director)
Rob Simmelkjaer
Juergen Sommer
James Walsh
Dr. Dana Weintraub
Leighton Welch
Ed Foster-Simeon (Ex Officio)
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Notes
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Soccer for Success Administrators Guide
SOCCER FOR SUCCESS
Program Model Overview
Logic Model
Curriculum Overview
U.S. Soccer foundation
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Program Model Overview
Soccer for Success is the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s free afterschool program that uses soccer as a tool to combat childhood
obesity and promote healthy lifestyles for children in under-resourced urban communities from grades K-8. The Foundation
partners with community-based organizations across the country to operate Soccer for Success sites for two 12-week
seasons during the academic year (Fall and Spring). Each week consists of three 75-90 minutes sessions.
FOUR COMPONENTS OF SOCCER FOR SUCCESS
The Soccer for Success program model is built upon four core components. These components make up the foundation of
the Soccer for Success program and are the building blocks of the curriculum.
Physical Activity
Soccer for Success is designed to provide children with the opportunity to learn the sport of soccer in a supportive
environment, while also getting the proper dosage of exercise. The program is designed to provide constant moderate-tovigorous physical activity for at least 60 minutes during each practice throughout the season. Soccer for Success places
an emphasis on individual skill development and small-sided games. We believe that a child’s skill development and overall
enjoyment of the game are directly linked. Small-sided games provide the opportunity for players to enhance their new skills
in free-flowing game play.
Nutrition
It is critical that children are exposed to nutrition information and education. Coupled with physical activity, nutrition is
essential to the health and well-being of youth, and specifically in the fight against childhood obesity. The Soccer for
Success Curriculum is creatively designed to blend nutrition education with soccer instruction in a fun and engaging manner.
Mentorship
A successful program is dependent on its coaches. Soccer for Success coaches serve as mentors and are respectful,
encouraging, and supportive towards children. We consider the positive role models in the Soccer for Success program as
coach-mentors, emphasizing the dual role necessary to positively influence the youth in the program. The coach-mentors
provide care where children may otherwise not receive it, imparting important life lessons and character development to
participants.
Family Engagement
Families play an essential role in the education and development of a child. Soccer for Success urges coach-mentors to
engage family members and encourage them to actively participate in building a healthy community around the Soccer for
Success program. In turn, family members transform into advocates who reinforce the program’s healthy lifestyle messaging
by applying it at home.
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Soccer for Success Administrators Guide
Logic Model
In 2005, Dr. Dana Weintraub of Stanford University’s School of Medicine Prevention Research Center, and U.S. Soccer
Foundation Board member, completed the Sports to Prevent Obesity Randomized Trial (SPORT). SPORT concluded that
afterschool soccer programs for overweight children “can be a feasible, acceptable, and efficacious intervention for weight
control.” The Soccer for Success program was created using the SPORT program model. In partnership with Stanford
University’s John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities, the U.S. Soccer Foundation built the Soccer for Success
logic model. The logic model below serves as a map to summarize key program elements of the Soccer for Success program.
INPUTS
PROGRAM
COMPONENTS
U.S. Soccer Foundation
• Funds/Fundraising
Support
• Expertise in youth
development/sports
programming
INTERMEDIATE
OUTCOMES
LONG-TERM
OUTCOMES
Students
Students
• Children increase the
time spent in a safe
environment after
school time
• Children increase their
enjoyment of soccer
•Decrease in the rate
of youth obesity
• Children increase time
spent doing physical
activity
• SFS Curriculum
• Training
SHORT-TERM
OUTCOMES
Soccer
• Administrative capacity
Alignment
Nutrition
Local Partner
(e.g. USC)
• Children increase
their knowledge
about physical fitness,
nutrition, team work,
and life/social skills
• Children’s BMI
decreases or remains
unchanged and
their aerobic fitness
increases
• Funds
• Children have
improved eating
habits
• Program manager, site
coordinators, coaches,
volunteers
• Children decrease
problem behaviors at
school
Mentorship
• Children increase
school engagement
• Administrative capacity
• Community linkages
Families
Alignment
Cities, Schools, CBOs
• Ability to recruit target
population
• Field/s
Family
Engagement
• Families increase their
knowledge about
soccer and healthy
lifestyles
• Children increase the
number of positive
relationships with
adults
• Children have
improved physical
health
• Children have
improved school
attendance
• Children get better
grades/test scores
• Children avoid risky
behaviors
• Decrease in the rate
of youth delinquency
• Increase in academic
achievement
• Increase in the
number of youth with
positive sense of self
and psychological
well-being
• Stronger, healthier
communities
• Soccer becomes
a self-sustaining
recreational activity
in urban communities
• Children experience
improved
psychological
wellbeing
Communities
• Communities increase
their familiarity with
and enjoyment of
soccer
• Communities increase
their capacity to
support youth
• Families make
healthier choices
• Parents/families
become more involved
in child’s activities
• Logistic support
U.S. Soccer foundation
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Soccer for Success Curriculum
Curriculum Overview
The Soccer for Success Curriculum serves as a resource for all coach-mentors involved with the program. It outlines as a
12-week program that should be repeated across two seasons each school year, for a total of 24 weeks. It is designed to keep
children engaged in fun soccer activities three days a week. Each day has a specific soccer and nutrition theme. Nutrition
education is integrated into the warm-up circle, soccer activities, and closing circle.
Schedule/Framework
Weekly Schedule
Soccer Practice Daily Schedule
Game Day Schedule
Day 1: Soccer Practice
Day 2: Soccer Practice
Day 3: Game Day
1. Staff Set-Up
2. Warm-Up & Opening Circle
3. Activity 1
4. Activity 2
5.Scrimmages
6. Cool Down
7. Closing Circle & Cheer
8. Staff Debrief
1. Staff Set-Up
2. Warm-Up & Opening Circle
3.Scrimmages
4. Cool Down
5. Closing Circle & Cheer
6. Staff Debrief
A full session should run for 75-90 minutes from start to finish, with players achieving at least 60 minutes of moderate-tovigorous physical activity. Coach-mentors should anticipate spending approximately two hours at the program site, which will
include set-up, practice, clean-up, and staff debrief. The following points summarize the eight steps in a Soccer for Success
practice session:
Soccer Practice Detail
1.Staff Set-Up (15 minutes) – Staff Set-Up begins with locating the correct session in the curriculum, and ensuring full
understanding of the activities, soccer topics, and nutrition topics. Coach-mentors should arrive at least 15 minutes in
advance to prepare for a productive practice session. This includes organizing equipment, setting up the practice field,
meeting with co-coaches, and liaising with any additional site contact(s).
2.Warm-Up & Opening Circle (10 minutes) – The Warm-Up serves as an opportunity for participants to get out some of
their energy stored up from a long day in the classroom. Next, have the players form a circle for the Opening Circle. During
the Opening Circle, introduce the nutrition and soccer education topics of the day. Use tips and examples provided in the
Stretching section to develop your dynamic stretching routine. Allow players to lead (or help lead) the exercises during the
Warm-Up and stretching to encourage leadership development. Also, check in with your players to see how they are doing
emotionally. Regardless of the positive or negative experiences of the day, the players can start practice in a more relaxed
state with a unified Opening Circle. Be sure to include team cheers and chants.
3.Activity 1 (15-25 minutes) – Activity 1 begins by teaching a specific soccer skill that the participants will be working on
during the practice. The curriculum activities are designed for groups of approximately 15 players. Where possible, create
two or more grids of the same activity to run simultaneously, allowing participants to be more engaged. Some activities
will integrate nutrition messaging. Use the Progression Method to build each activity from simple to complex, by
layering in alterations to the activity. Activity 1 should last approximately 15-25 minutes (including a water break).
4.Activity 2 (15-25 minutes) – Activity 2 is typically a progression from Activity 1, offering participants an opportunity
to test out the skill(s) from Activity 1 in a more game-like setting. It is important that the children are reminded
why they are learning this skill as it will help to engage them in the activity. As with Activity 1, use the Progression
Method to build each activity from simple to complex, by layering in alterations to the. Where possible, create two or
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Soccer for Success Administrators Guide
more grids of the same activity to run simultaneously, allowing participants to be more engaged. Activity 2 should last
approximately 15-25 minutes (including a water break).
5.Scrimmages (25 minutes) – During the Scrimmages, players should be allowed to play and enjoy themselves, and
coach-mentors should spend very little time making coaching points that stop the flow of the game. Where possible,
coaching points should be made in the background while play continues to flow. Use the Scrimmage to teach soccer
rules and regulations and to occasionally highlight moments where the soccer topic of the day is executed by a player
(or players) during the flow of the game. Using the Continuous Play Model, it is important to maintain flow in the
game and increase physical activity, per the Continuous Play Model. Be sure to keep the number of players on each
team small (3v3 to 5v5 if possible), rotate players through different positions, and include a water break and/or “halftime” breaks. After each scrimmage, make sure the players from each team line up and shake hands. The Scrimmages
should last approximately 25 minutes for K-2 (including the water break).
6.Cool Down (5 minutes) – Select a Cool Down from the Warm-Up/Cool Down Activities section of the Curriculum (or
create your own). The Cool Down allows the children to take an emotional break from the competition of the Scrimmages,
while lowering their heart rate through an activity of low-to-moderate physical activity. The Cool Down helps to center
the player mentally and physically before practice ends.
7.Closing Circle & Cheer (5 minutes) – Have the players form a circle for the Closing Circle. During the Closing Circle,
review the nutrition and soccer topics of the day while conducting a mostly static (stationary) stretching routine. The
Closing Circle also offers a second opportunity to check in with the players to see how they are doing emotionally. A
Closing Cheer allows the children to leave on a positive note in a team environment. This is the last association the
player makes with the program each day, and you want it to be a positive one.
8.Staff Debrief (15 minutes) – As a staff, it is important to take time at the end of the day to reflect on the successes
and challenges of the day’s practice session. This will serve as a way to address any issues that arose during the
session, provide constructive feedback to other coach-mentors, and help you prepare for the next practice session. The
Staff Debrief is done after organizing players for departure, interacting with family members, cleaning up the field and
equipment.
Game Day Detail
1.Staff Set-Up (15 minutes) – Staff Set-Up begins with locating a Game Day in the curriculum, and preparing an
engaging scrimmage format. Coach-mentors should arrive at least 15 minutes in advance to prepare for a productive
session. This includes organizing equipment, setting up the practice field (cones, goals, pinnies), meeting with cocoaches, and liaising with the any additional site contact(s).
2.Warm-Up & Opening Circle (10 minutes) – The Warm-Up serves as an opportunity for participants to get out some
of their energy stored up from a long day in the classroom. Next, have the players form a circle for the Opening Circle.
During the Opening Circle, you can review the soccer and nutrition themes discussed that week, while also providing
direction for the scrimmage to come. It’s often a best practice to remind players of life-skills to be honed during the
scrimmage. Use tips and examples provided in the Stretching section to develop your dynamic stretching routine. Allow
players to lead (or help lead) the exercises during the Warm-Up and stretching to encourage leadership development.
Also, check in with your players to see how they are doing emotionally. Regardless of the positive or negative
experiences of the day, the players can start practice in a more relaxed state with a unified Opening Circle. Be sure to
include team cheers and chants. The Warm-Up and Opening Circle together should last approximately 10 minutes.
3.Scrimmages (55-75 minutes) – During the Scrimmages, players should be allowed to play and enjoy themselves, every
player should play and coach-mentors should spend very little time making coaching points that stop the flow of the
game. During each Game Day every effort should be made to afford equal playing time to all players. Games should
U.S. Soccer foundation
9
feature “small-sided” play, and sportsmanship should be given the highest priority. Scores and standings should deemphasize scoring, winning, and losing, while emphasizing being part of a team, learning the game, and having fun. All
players should shake hands before and after matches. Use the Scrimmage to teach soccer rules and regulations and to
occasionally highlight moments where the soccer topic learned that week is executed by a player (or players). Use the
Continuous Play Model where appropriate. It is important to maintain flow in the game and increase physical activity, per
the Continuous Play Model. Be sure to keep the number of players on each team small (3v3 to 5v5 if possible), rotate
players through different positions, and include a water break and/or “half-time” breaks. Group players by anatomical
age (how physically mature they appear) instead of chronological age (how old they are). Boys and girls can play
together but accommodations should be made for girls who want to play with other. Create a “tournament” format that
allows each child to play as much as possible, and be sure to integrate a review of the weekly nutrition topic. After each
scrimmage, make sure the players from each team line up and shake hands.
4.Cool Down (5 minutes) – Select a Cool Down from the Warm-Up/Cool Down Activities section of the Curriculum
(or create your own). The Cool Down allows the children to take and emotional break from the competition of the
Scrimmages, and lowerswhile lowering their heart rate through an activity of low-to-moderate physical activity. The
Cool Down helps to center the player mentally and physically before practice ends.
5.Closing Circle & Cheer (5 minutes) – Have the players form a circle for the Closing Circle. During the Closing Circle,
where appropriate, review the nutrition and soccer education topics of the week while conducting a mostly static
(stationary) stretching routine. The Closing Circle also offers a second opportunity to check in with the players to see
how they are doing emotionally. A Closing Cheer allows the children to leave on a positive note in a team environment.
This is the last association the player makes with the program each day, and you want it to be a positive one. The
Closing Circle and Cheer should last approximately 5 minutes.
6.Staff Debrief (15 minutes) – As a staff, it is important to take time at the end of the day to reflect on the successes
and challenges of the day’s practice session. This will serve as a way to address any issues that arose during the
session, provide constructive feedback to other coach-mentors, and help you prepare for the next practice session. The
Staff Debrief is done after organizing players for departure, interacting with family members, cleaning up the field and
equipment.
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Soccer for Success Administrators Guide
Program Compliance
Equipment Compliance
Site Compliance
Staffing Compliance
Participant Enrollment Compliance
Data Collection & Reporting
U.S. Soccer foundation
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Equipment Compliance
Player Kit Compliance
The U.S. Soccer Foundation requires that all Soccer for Success participants receive a designated player kit during the
season. The Soccer for Success player kit will include a jersey, pair of shinguards, pair of socks, and a soccer ball. Player
kits must be ordered through the U.S. Soccer Foundation. It is expected that jerseys, shinguards, and socks are worn by
participants during each session.
Soccer for Success Jersey Customization
The U.S. Soccer Foundation reserves the right to retain the front and center area of all Soccer for Success jerseys. The
designated Grantee (as agreed upon in the grant agreement) may place their logo on the left chest as displayed in the
graphic below. Soccer for Success partners are also allowed to place one logo on each sleeve of the jersey for any other
organizations that are assisting with their program’s operations or funding. Please take note that printing costs for these
additional logos may not be covered by the Foundation. Funders that provide $50,000 or more to a Soccer for Success
program are granted exclusive right to the back of the jersey. All logos must be secured by early March for inclusion on the
latest jersey. Additional modifications are prohibited, unless approved by the Foundation. A mock-up of each Soccer for
Success jersey design must be approved by the Foundation and the corresponding Soccer for Success partner before print.
Please note that if a national title sponsorship is approved, requiring the sponsor’s logo to appear on the front and center
area of the jersey, the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s logo will be placed on the left chest, and the grantee’s logo will be placed on
the right chest, underneath the jersey provider’s logo.
Other Equipment
If other soccer equipment is needed by a Soccer for Success program, the U.S. Soccer Foundation can facilitate orders
through its select vendors at discounted prices. However, Soccer for Success partners are not required to purchase through
these vendors, and may investigate other options.
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Soccer for Success Administrators Guide
Site Compliance
Safety
Programs will offer Soccer for Success at a safe location that is either fenced in or removed from immediate automobile
traffic. The location will allow for adequate supervision and must meet the following criteria:
Site Conditions
Programs will maintain a clean play space free from debris and hazardous materials. Soccer for Success staff should
examine the play space before each session to assess surface integrity, extraneous debris, equipment, and/or fixed structures
that pose a potential risk to the safety of program participants.
First In, Last Out
Soccer for Success staff must always be the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave. Arriving early allows staff time
to inspect program site conditions for the aforementioned safety concerns. Staying late ensures that no participant is left
unattended after the session has ended.
Emergency Plan
All Soccer for Success staff at each site must be informed of the emergency plan for their program site. The plan should take
into account existing emergency protocols for schools, community centers, etc., depending on where the Soccer for Success
program is operating.
First Aid
Programs must have first aid kits on site.
Adequate Space
Programs will provide a space (outdoor, indoor, or both) that is adequately sized for the number of players and coaches in
daily attendance. The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s general standard is 15 children per 400 square feet.
Water and Snacks
Programs must provide plenty of water at each site, or have immediate access to water inside a school or community center.
If a Soccer for Success program provides food/snacks for participants, they must be healthy snacks. In addition, every effort
must be made to minimize or eliminate the availability of unhealthy food and beverage items at Soccer for Success events.
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Participant Enrollment Compliance
In order to be a Soccer for Success participant, each child needs signed copies of a Participant Enrollment Form, a Release/
Waiver/Indemnity Agreement, and a Model Release Form. All three completed forms, for each child, should be kept on file
at the headquarters of all programs, as well as copies at the program site where each child is participating in Soccer for
Success. Compliance with these enrollment forms will be verified by U.S. Soccer Foundation staff during scheduled site visits.
Participant Enrollment Form
The U.S. Soccer Foundation has a specific enrollment form that must be used when enrolling children as Soccer for Success
participants. A version of this enrollment form can be found in the Appendix section, and electronic versions will be emailed
to each Soccer for Success program. Be sure to write your organization’s name where prompted in the paragraph at the
bottom of the page. If a Soccer for Success program wants to use their own existing enrollment form, they must ensure that
all of the questions on the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s template are being asked; this includes the paragraph at the bottom of
the page. In this situation, the U.S. Soccer Foundation must approve the enrollment form before use.
Release/Waiver/Indemnity Agreement and Model Release Form
In addition to the Participant Enrollment Form, each child must have signed copies of the Release/Waiver/Indemnity
Agreement and a Model Release Form before they can be a Soccer for Success participant. The Release/Waiver/Indemnity
Agreement and Model Release Form are in the Appendix section, and electronic versions will be emailed to each Soccer for
Success program. The language and layout of these forms must not change. These forms must also remain separate from one
another to avoid any confusion on what is being signed.
Translation of Documents
The U.S. Soccer Foundation is able to provide Spanish versions of the Participant Enrollment Form, Release/Waiver/Indemnity
Agreement, and Model Release Form upon request. For all other languages, Soccer for Success programs must seek
translation on their own.
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Soccer for Success Administrators Guide
Staffing Compliance
15:1 Player to Coach Ratio
For every 15 players at a Soccer for Success program site, there must be at least one coach.
Staffing Model
While the U.S. Soccer Foundation does not have detailed compliance for how a Soccer for Success staff should be organized,
the most effective programs have at least one individual based in their organization’s administrative office that is committing
a higher percentage of their full-time hours to coordinate the entire program. This Program Manager then works with
Site Coordinators/Head Coaches at each site to ensure quality programming and compliance across the multiple schools,
community centers, or parks where their program is taking place. Lastly, the Program Manager, in coordination with each Site
Coordinator/Head Coach, is hiring additional qualified individuals that serve as coaches at each site to ensure the 15:1 player
to coach ratio is always being met.
Coach Compliance
Criminal History Check
All Soccer for Success staff who interact with program participants, in any capacity, must complete a criminal history check
through the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s background check vendor, SSCI, regardless if a Soccer for Success partner has an
existing criminal history check process. This online process will include the investigation and review of various consumer
reports, law enforcement records, and public records including, but not limited to: criminal history check, Sex Offender
Registry check, Department of Motor Vehicles records check, Social Security number check, address checks, employment
checks, and/or reference checks. The process for completing this criminal history check for each coach is below:
1.Access and complete the SSCI criminal history check form with this website: http://tinyurl.com/SFSbackgroundcheck.
2.Criminal history check approval or failure will be determined in 48-72 business hours.
3.Once notified with the determined status of a completed criminal history check, the U.S. Soccer Foundation will indicate
background check completion via Coach Records in Salesforce.
4.If Coach Records are not submitted in Salesforce, the U.S. Soccer Foundation is unable to approve a criminal history
check status.
5.If an individual fails the criminal history check, that individual will be notified by the Foundation, and must be dismissed
from all Soccer for Success activity immediately. The Soccer for Success partner associated with this individual will
also be notified, and asked to confirm the individual’s immediate dismissal from the program.
An individual will fail the SSCI criminal history check if he/she has ever been found “guilty” of the following crimes: crimes
against children, sexual offense, felony crimes involving violence, felony offenses (other than felonies involving sexual offense
or violence) within the last 10 years, misdemeanor offenses involving violence within the past 7 years, misdemeanor drug
and alcohol offenses within the last 7 years, misdemeanor offenses considered a potential danger to children within the last
5 years, and any pending charges.
U.S. Soccer foundation
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Minor Coach Policy
Minors (individuals under the age of 18) can participate as volunteers in Soccer for Success, however, they cannot be
counted as a coach and part of partner’s 15:1 participant-to-coach ratio. This ensures that when a minor is involved with
Soccer for Success, he or she is always accompanied by an adult coach who has passed the Foundation’s SSCI criminal
history check.
Coach Training
Every coach in Soccer for Success must be trained through a certified Local Training. These Local Trainings will be facilitated
by Soccer for Success Trainers. Trainers are individuals that complete the annual Soccer for Success National Training in
Washington, D.C. Each Soccer for Success partner is expected to send 1-10 individuals to this training, so these individuals
can return to their local community as a Soccer for Success Trainer. Trainer(s) will be equipped to host a certified Local
Training once they complete the training in D.C. Local Trainings typically last 8 hours over the course of one day.
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Soccer for Success Administrators Guide
Data Collection & Reporting
Data Collection Overview
All Soccer for Success program sites are expected to collect data for each participant. Collecting and analyzing this data
enables the U.S. Soccer Foundation to improve the overall program and generate key statistics to engage stakeholders on
a national and local level. All Soccer for Success partners may be responsible for collecting pre- and post-data for the
following measurements at the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s discretion: height and weight for Body Mass Index (BMI) scores and
percentiles, waist circumference size, PACER test scores for aerobic capacity scores and percentiles, and nutrition and youth
development surveys. The Foundation suggests that Soccer for Success partners select one day during the first two weeks of
each season to do baseline data collection (pre-measurements) at each of their sites, and one day during the last two weeks
for each season to do follow-up data collection at each of their sites (post-measurements). The best practice is to collect all
necessary data required on these collection days, by breaking participants into three groups and rotating among stations. At
minimum there should be 56 days between pre- and post-measurements. Descriptions of each station are below.
Station One: BMI and Waist Circumference
•The ideal setting for this station is a classroom – with the door open to prevent a situation where one staff is alone with
one child, the participants enter one-by-one to do their measurements while the other participants wait in the hallway with
a second staff member. This ensures that these sensitive measurements will remain private.
•The station should be set up, before participants arrive, with 1 digital scale, 1 fabric measuring tape measure attached to a
wall, and second fabric measuring tape ready to measure waist circumference.
•Ensure that 1 female and 1 male coach are present at this station. The female coach will only measure the female
participants, the male coach will only measure the male participants.
•When a participant enters, have him/her stand on the digital scale to record weight to the nearest tenth of a pound. Make
sure the participant is not wearing any heavy clothing, with their shoes removed. Record the measurement.
•Next have him/her stand with their back touching the fabric measuring tape secured to the wall; using a flat surface (i.e.
clipboard or book) to measure from the top of the head to the nearest tenth of an inch. Again make sure the participant is
not wearing any shoes, and record the measurement.
•Lastly, have the participant stand straight and relaxed, with his/her arms to the side. Ask the participant to point to his/her
navel – this is where the waist circumference measurement should be taken. Wrap the tape measure around the child’s
waist and take the measurement with one finger between the tape and the participant’s shirt. Record the measurement.
Station Two: PACER Test
•The ideal setting for this station is a gym, hallway, or outdoor space. Ensure that the space used during the baseline Pacer Test
(pre-measurement) is the same as the follow-up Pacer Test (post measurement) to get accurate readings.
•The station should be set up, before participants arrive, with 20-meter lanes created by cones. The number of lanes is
determined by the size of the space and staff capacity – make sure enough staff are present to record the PACER Test scores
for the number of participants that will be running through the test at the same time (equivalent to number of lanes created).
20 m
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•A device must be ready to play the necessary audio track required by the PACER Test. This audio track is accessible through
this link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/rm6spt385x4vcd7/Pacer%20Test.wma
•Place one participant in each lane created. Start the audio track. Participants will be instructed to complete one length (one
end to the other end of their 20-meter lane) before they hear a beep sound on the audio track. If they complete the length
before they hear the beep, they must wait at the other end until the next beep sounds. This continues until they “strike
out” twice – meaning until they cannot complete a length before the beep sounds.
•The number of laps, prior to not completing a lap before the beep sounds, is a participant’s PACER test score.
•A best practice is for a coach to demonstrate the PACER Test before participants begin, so there is no confusion.
Station Three: Nutrition & Youth Development Survey
•The ideal setting for this station is a quite space with access to computers.
•The station should be set up, before participants arrive, with the proper technology (computers or tablets) with the survey
on the screen ready to be completed. If computers or tablets are not accessible, print the online survey out and provide
paper versions to participants.
•All questions should be read aloud, with enough coaches present to answer questions if there is any confusion.
•If the online survey is used, that information is directly reported to the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and does not need to be
recorded anywhere else. If paper surveys are used, Soccer for Success partners are required to tabulate the quantity for
each response for each question, and report those numbers back to the Foundation.
Data Reporting Overview
In addition to reporting the data collected through the measurements listed above, the U.S. Soccer Foundation requires all
Soccer for Success partners to also report information regarding the program. All data is reported through the U.S. Soccer
Foundation’s Salesforce-based platform. Instructions/Training to use Salesforce will be provided by the Foundation. Below is a
list of all information that is required to be reported in Salesforce:
•Sites – information about the specific places where programming is taking place like site name, address, size, play space
type, program operation schedule.
•Players – contact, demographic, attendance, and health information for every player in a Soccer for Success program.
•Coaches – contact, demographic, training, criminal history check, and attendance information for every coach in a Soccer
for Success program.
•Community Engagement – information about the specific family/community engagement events Soccer for Success
partners hold around Soccer for Success. Information includes services provided, event date/time, family participation, and
player attendance.
•Stories – success stories about the impact of the program.
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Soccer for Success Administrators Guide
Organizational COMPLIANCE
Insurance Compliance
Branding Guidelines
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Insurance Compliance
All Soccer for Success partners are required to provide a certificate of insurance to the U.S. Soccer Foundation confirming
the following insurance requirements. If any aspect of a partner’s insurance does not meet the requirements below, a
written explanation must be provided to the U.S. Soccer Foundation, who retains sole authority to approve or deny the
operator’s explanation.
•Commercial General Liability insurance with limits not less than $1,000,000 each occurrence and $2,000,000 in
the aggregate. Such insurance shall include coverage for premises liability, contractual liability, products-completed
operations, participant legal liability, personal and advertising injury, property damage, and bodily injury liability
(including death). Said policy shall be endorsed to name the Foundation and Foundation Parties as Additional Insureds.
•Automobile Liability insurance covering liability arising out of the Partner’s use, operation, and/or maintenance of any
auto (including buses), with limits not less than $1,000,000 each accident combined with single limit for bodily injury
and property damage.
•Workers’ Compensation insurance covering employees of Partner serving at the Program, with limits as required by
statutory law, including Employer’s Liability coverage with limits not less than $1,000,000 each accident, $1,000,000
disease − each employee, and $1,000,000 disease − policy limit.
•Umbrella and/or Excess Liability insurance with limits not less than $2,000,000 each occurrence shall apply in excess
of the Commercial General Liability, Auto Liability, and Employer’s Liability policy limits.
•Participant Accident insurance covering all participants in the program with limits not less than $10,000 per
participant for Accident Medical coverage and $1,000 per participant for AD&D coverage.
All such insurance required above shall be (1) considered primary with respect to claims arising out of a Soccer for Success
program; and (2) shall be written by insurance companies that are satisfactory to the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and that are
licensed to do business in the state in which a Soccer for Success program takes place.
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Soccer for Success Administrators Guide
Branding Compliance
The U.S. Soccer Foundation is proud to serve children in underserved communities programs that develop life skills as well as
soccer skills. Therefore, we have adopted the following basic branding guidelines to ensure that regardless of the medium,
the message regarding the Foundation’s work remains consistent. Please consult these guidelines as often as necessary
to ensure that the U.S. Soccer Foundation name, logo, and message are treated consistently and conscientiously in every
application. Please note that these guidelines are subject to change at the will of the Foundation.
Messaging – U.S. Soccer Foundation
The following messaging pieces are approved for use in any collateral or on any documentation regarding the
U.S. Soccer Foundation.
•Mission – the mission of the U.S. Soccer Foundation is to enhance, assist, and grow the sport of soccer in the United States
with a special emphasis on underserved communities.
•Boilerplate – The U.S. Soccer Foundation is a recognized leader in sports-based youth development for children in
underserved, urban communities. Since its founding in 1994, the organization has provided more than $100 million in
funding to create and sustain innovative programs across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Proven to deliver
positive health and social outcomes, the Foundation’s affordable initiatives offer safe environments in which both boys
and girls thrive. Headquartered in Washington, D.C. the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Visit www.
ussoccerfoundation.org to learn more.
•Elevator Pitch – The U.S. Soccer Foundation is a leader in sports-based youth development and is using soccer as a vehicle
for social change among youth in underserved communities. We provide nationally recognized programs that are proven to
deliver positive health and social outcomes. Our innovative, accessible, and affordable initiatives offer safe environments in
which both boys and girls thrive.
•Areas of Interest – We view soccer as a powerful vehicle for social change. By supporting the development of places to
play, places to grow and places to learn, our goal is to ensure that children in underserved communities have easy and
affordable access to quality soccer programs that support their physical and personal development.
•Who we serve – When referring to the demographic we serve, please the following:
•Approved: Under-resourced communities; Urban, underserved communities; Underserved communities
•Not Approved: Deprived; Destitute; Disadvantaged; Needy; Poor; Underclass; Underprivileged; Unfortunate
•Do not label the children we serve when speaking/writing about our programs, instead use community (i.e. “children
from under-resourced communities; not under-resourced children)
U.S. Soccer Foundation and Staff References
•Referencing the U.S. Soccer Foundation – An important element of our branding strategy is to create consistency in
the way others refer to the U.S. Soccer Foundation. The proper ways to refer to the U.S. Soccer Foundation are: U.S. Soccer
Foundation, the Foundation, The U.S. Soccer Federation Foundation (only used on documents requiring Foundation’s legal
name). Never refer to the Foundation using these names (or any variation of these names): USSF, Soccer Foundation, US
Soccer Foundation, The Federation Foundation.
•Referencing the Foundation Staff – When referring to titles of Foundation staff, please be sure to use an ampersand for
titles with multiple functions (i.e. President & CEO or Marketing & Communication).
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Messaging – Program Specific
Please remember to italicize all program names (i.e. Soccer for Success)
Soccer for Success
•Boilerplate – Soccer for Success is the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s free afterschool program that uses soccer as a tool
to address children’s health issues and juvenile delinquency, while promoting healthy lifestyles in urban underserved
communities.
•Referencing the Program – Never refer to Soccer for Success as SFS or S4S in any external documents.
•Referencing Individual Soccer for Success Programs and Operators – an important element of our branding
strategy is to create consistency in the way we name our individual Soccer for Success programs. The proper way to
refer to a program is: [Grantee Name] Soccer for Success Program (i.e. Detroit PAL’s Soccer for Success Program).
Alternative references: The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Soccer for Success program run in partnership with the
Brotherhood Crusade. City-specific reference: Los Angeles Soccer for Success Program. There can only be on Grantee
Name per program and this name must be agreed upon when the grant application is signed. Special request to change
the name of a program must be approved by the Foundation. Secondary partners and supporters may not be referenced
as part of the name of a Soccer for Success program, however, they can be referred to on a “second line:”
DYCD’s Soccer for Success Program
Supported by the New York Red Bull
Safe Places to Play
•Boilerplate – the Safe Places to Play program provides grants to organizations to help them build or enhance field
spaces, ensuring that children in underserved communities have safe and accessible places to play. To date, we have
helped create or enhance over 1,000 field spaces nationwide.
•Referencing the Program – please refrain from referring to the Safe Places to Play program as SFTP or the “MiniPitch Initiative” in external collateral.
Passback
•Boilerplate – Passback is the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s equipment collection and redistribution program that provides
new and gently-used soccer equipment to children in need across the nation.
•Referencing the Program – if referring to Passback, as the Passback program, then please lowercase the “p” in
program.
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Soccer for Success Administrators Guide
Guidelines for Marketing Collateral
Logos
When a logo is required for any collateral material, the primary logo is preferred. The approved primary logos of the U.S.
Soccer Foundation are:
A secondary logo can be used only after the primary logo has been utilized at least once on any piece of collateral material.
A secondary logo should only be used in conjunction with the primary logo, and not used as a stand-alone. The approved
secondary logo for the U.S. Soccer Foundation and its program are:
Logos may be produced in black or white on one-color materials only (i.e. t-shirts). Any additional changes to the primary or
secondary logos are prohibited. This includes color changes or changes to the design layout.
Color Codes
All collateral material and all U.S. Soccer Foundation logo(s) should use the following color codes:
RGB
PMS
CMYK
Red – R204, G0, B51
Red – R187
Red – C13, M100, Y84, K4
Blue – R0, G51, B153
Blue – B66
Blue – C100, M91, Y6, K1
The area around each logo, up to ½ the width of the logo, is restricted from any additional logo or text placement. The logo
should never be smaller than 0.25” on any collateral material.
Fonts
The standard font to be used on all external documents is Arial. Size is flexible to the project.
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Taglines, Unique Brand Names, Logo, or Other Symbols
Currently, there is no approved tagline, theme line, or advertising slogan for the U.S. Soccer Foundation brand. Individual
programs and other entities are prohibited from developing taglines, theme lines, logos, or slogans for, associated with, the
Foundation and its affiliated programs.
Required Attribution
All collateral materials, jerseys, signage, and press releases must feature the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s primary logo on
any place (i.e., webpage) the Foundation has a presence. When displaying the logo on a website, it must link to
http://www.ussoccerfoundation.org or http://www.ussoccerfoundation.org/donate. Collateral materials, signage, and press
releases must be approved by Marketing & Communications prior to public use.
Partnerships
To ensure compliance with the U.S. Soccer Foundation brand, any individual organization that is partnering with the
Foundation’s programming, grants, or corporate partnerships must first be approved by the U.S. Soccer Foundation. If a
partner is not in compliance with the Foundation’s brand, it is up to the discretion of the Foundation how to position the
organization in relation to the Foundation’s marketing endeavors.
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Soccer for Success Administrators Guide
Child Safety Policies
Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect
Injury Protocol
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Child Abuse & Neglect
Staff Behavior toward Participants
All staff members associated with Soccer for Success must recognize that it is their duty to protect children from physical,
sexual, and emotional abuse, for which they are responsible to the best of their abilities, regardless of age, race, gender,
religion, disability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national orientation, etc., while they are part of the
program. The following bullet points provide additional policies for Soccer for Success staff:
•At no time will a staff member use any kind of sexual abuse, emotional abuse (including, but not limited to, teasing and
making fun of), or physical abuse (including, but not limited, to hitting, kicking, punching, slapping, or spanking) in the
management of Soccer for Success participants who are exhibiting poor behavior.
•Each Soccer for Success program must establish a protocol for misbehavior. This must include ways in which to recognize
positive behavior and ways to use positive reinforcement as well as acceptable consequences that staff members can use
to improve a participant’s behavior.
•Observable and Interruptible: All staff members shall ensure any kind of engagement with Soccer for Success participants
including group coaching, mentoring, BMI measurement, family engagement events, community engagement events, and
all other events associated with the Soccer for Success program occur in an environment that is both observable and
interruptible. At no time should one staff member be alone with Soccer for Success participants in an area that is not
easily observed and in a situation that is not freely interruptible.
•One-Adult/One-Child Policy: At all Soccer for Success practices, family engagement days, and other events, all staff members
shall ensure that at no time is there a situation in which one adult and one child are alone together. The U.S. Soccer
Foundation recognizes that there are certain situations that will arise where abiding by the one-adult/one-child policy will
be challenging. Below are examples of these situations and ways in which staff members can meet these challenges:
Bathroom and Water Breaks
Soccer for Success staff must make every effort to take children to the bathroom in groups of three or more. When
possible, two Soccer for Success staff members will accompany the group of children to the bathroom or water
fountain/cooler, and at least two staff members will continue to run the Soccer for Success program or event.
Health Measurements
See Data Collection Compliance section.
Transportation
When a participant’s transportation home doesn’t arrive until after all other participants have departed, two
staff members should stay: Staff members must ask at least one other staff member to wait with them until the
participant’s transportation (including public transportation) arrives. If this is not possible, the staff member must
ask the second-to-last participant’s transportation to stay until the last participant’s transportation arrives. If this is
not possible, the staff member will stay with the participant in a clearly observable area, preferably outdoors.
One-on-One Mentoring
When such mentorship occurs by Soccer for Success staff members, it must occur in a setting that is both
observable and interruptible.
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Soccer for Success Administrators Guide
Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect
Though it can be difficult to recognize when a child is being abused, there are signs each Soccer for Success program must
watch for. Below is a list of 10 common signs of abuse in school-age children and adolescents:
1. Unexplained Injuries – Visible signs of physical abuse may include unexplained burns or bruises in the shape of
objects. An unconvincing explanation of a child’s injury is also evidence.
2. Changes in Behavior – Abuse can lead to many changes in a child’s behavior. Abused children often appear scared,
anxious, depressed, withdrawn, and/or more aggressive.
3. Returning to Earlier Behaviors – Abused children may display behaviors shown at earlier ages, such as thumbsucking, bed-wetting, fear of the dark, and/or fear of strangers. For some children, even loss of acquired language or
memory problems may be an issue.
4. Fear of Going Home – Abused children may express apprehension or anxiety about leaving school or about going
places with the person who is abusing them.
5. Change in Eating – The stress, fear, and anxiety caused by abuse can lead to changes in a child’s eating behaviors,
which may result in weight gain or weight loss.
6. Change in Sleeping – Abused children may have frequent nightmares or have difficulty falling asleep and, as a result,
may appear tired or fatigued.
7. Changes in School Performance and Attendance – Abused children may have difficulty concentrating in school or
have excessive absences, sometimes due to adults trying to hide the children’s injuries from authorities.
8. Lack of Personal Care or Hygiene – Abused and neglected children may appear uncared for. They may present as
consistently dirty and have severe body odor, or they may lack sufficient clothing for the weather.
9. Risk-Taking Behaviors – Young people who are being abused may engage in high-risk activities such as using drugs or
alcohol or carrying a weapon.
10.Inappropriate Sexual Behaviors – Children who have been sexually abused may exhibit overly sexualized behavior or
use explicitly sexual language.
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Plan for Suspected Child Abuse Situations
Each Soccer for Success program must ensure that the following roles and responsibilities are created or defined to best
handle child abuse situations:
Mandated Reporter
A mandated reporter is a professional who is required to report any type of child abuse that has been observed or is
suspected, or when there is evidence of neglect. These professionals can be held liable by both the civil and criminal legal
systems for intentionally failing to make a report, but their name can also be withheld. Mandated reporters include persons
who have assumed full or intermittent responsibility for the care or custody of a child, dependent adult, or elder, whether or
not they are compensated for their services.
Response Team
A response team is a group of individuals from different divisions of an organization that manages any allegations of child
abuse. It is not the Response Team’s responsibility to investigate allegations of abuse; it is their job to report it to the proper
authorities.
Process for Reporting a Child Abuse Situation
1.Information about a reported abuse must be restricted to a need-to-know basis and will only include the Response Team,
the Mandated Reporter, and any investigative agency.
2.If a staff member suspects that a child you know is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.
3.If a Mandated Reporter suspects physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of one of their Soccer for Success participants by a
parent, caretaker, family member, Soccer for Success participant, or any other party:
a.The Mandated Reporter is required to immediately report the suspicion first to the Soccer for Success Program
Manager and Executive Director.
b.The Soccer for Success operator’s Executive Director will first report the suspicion to the proper authorities for
his or her state’s child protective services and/or law enforcement.
c.The Soccer for Success program’s Executive Director then must complete a Child Safety Internal Report Form
that includes the name and address of the participant and the participant’s parents or guardians; the participant’s
age; the nature and extent of the suspected abuse; the alleged perpetrator’s name; and, if possible, contact
information and any other pertinent information, within two days of the initial report to the authorities.
d.During and after the close of the investigation, the Response Team shall report back to the Mandated Reporter
who made the initial report in an effort to ensure that the report of child abuse does not get buried by a single
individual or group of individuals within the organization who are either engaging in abuse or are engaging in
overprotection of the organization or individuals at the expense of a participant’s safety.
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Soccer for Success Administrators Guide
4.If the alleged perpetrator is a current Soccer for Success staff member, the Response Team will include the Soccer for
Success Program’s Executive Director, the Soccer for Success Program Manager, the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s
Vice President of Programs & Grants, and COO & General Counsel.
a.The Mandated Reporter is required to immediately report that suspicion first to the Site Coordinator who will
then inform the Soccer for Success program’s Executive Director.
b.The Soccer for Success program’s Executive Director will first report the suspicion to the proper authorities in his
or her state and then e-mail the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Director of Programs & Grants to inform him or her of
the suspicion.
c.The Soccer for Success program’s Executive Director will then complete a Child Safety Internal Report Form that
includes the name and address of the participant and the participant’s parents or guardians; the participant’s
age; the nature and extent of the suspected abuse; the alleged perpetrator’s name; and, if possible, contact
information and any other pertinent information, within two days of the initial report to the authorities.
d.The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Director of Programs & Grants will inform both the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s COO &
General Counsel and President & CEO.
e.The accused Soccer for Success staff member will be immediately suspended by the Site Coordinator until the
close of the investigation. At the close of the investigation, the alleged perpetrator shall be re-screened by the
U.S. Soccer Foundation in accordance with the Background Check Compliance section.
f.During and after the close of the investigation, the Response Team shall report back to the Mandated Reporter
who made the initial report in an effort to ensure that a report of child abuse does not get buried by a single
individual or group of individuals within the organization who are either engaging in abuse or are engaging in
overprotection of the organization or individuals at the expense of a participant’s safety.
5.All Soccer for Success staff members must report any child abuse or neglect to their state’s reporting agency. For contact
information and legal definitions of child abuse specific to each state, visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
website: https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/reslist/rl_dsp.cfm?rs_id=5&rate_chno=11-11172
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Injury Protocol
General Injury Protocol
Each Soccer for Success program must have a protocol in case of injury. Each program site must have a first aid kit but err
on the side of caution and seek professional help when needed. Each program site should have a signed permission slip per
participant with medical and emergency contact information. If handling an injured participant, remember to avoid panic;
avoid moving the participant; check for breathing, consciousness, deformity, discoloration, and shock; check for history of
injury; reassure participant; and/or seek professional help if needed.
The best injury protocol begins with prevention. Each Soccer for Success program must ensure that proper participant
equipment (such as shin guards and appropriate footwear) is utilized at every session, and that all other equipment is in safe,
acceptable working condition.
Concussions
The following concussion-related information and guidelines have been adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention’s Injury Center guidelines, Head’s Up: Concussion in Youth Sports, Fact Sheet for Coaches. A concussion is
an injury that changes how the cells in the brain normally work and is caused by a blow to the head or body that causes the
brain to move rapidly inside the skull. You can recognize when a concussion has occurred by looking for the following two
things among your athletes:
1.A blow to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head
2.Any change in the athlete’s behavior, thinking, or physical functioning
Concussion Signs Observed by Coaching Staff
•Appears dazed or stunned
•Answers questions slowly
1.Remove the athlete from play.
•Confused about assignment or
position
•Loses consciousness (even briefly)
2.Have the athlete evaluated
immediately by an appropriate
health care professional.
•Forgets plays or instructions
•Unsure of game, score, or opponent
•Moves clumsily
•Exhibits behavior or personality
changes
•Inability to recall events prior to, or
after, contact
Concussion Symptoms Reported by Participant
30
What to Do
•Headache or “pressure” in the head
•Sensitivity to noise
•Nausea or vomiting
•Balance problems or dizziness
•Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or
groggy
•Double or blurry vision
•Concentration or memory problems
•Sensitivity to light
•Confusion or does not “feel right”
3.Inform the athlete’s parents or
guardians about the possible
concussion and make sure they
are aware that athlete has
been, or needs to be, evaluated
by an appropriate health care
professional.
4.Allow the athlete to return to
play only with written permission
from an appropriate health care
professional with experience
evaluating concussions.
Soccer for Success Administrators Guide
Injury Protocol
Heat & Hydration
Signs of Heat Stroke
What to Do
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It
occurs when the body becomes unable to control its
temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the
sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to
cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106° F or
higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause
death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is
not provided. Warning signs of heat stroke include: an
extremely high body temperature (above 103° F); red, hot,
and dry skin (no sweating); rapid, strong pulse; throbbing
headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; unconsciousness.
If someone is experiencing these symptoms, it may be a lifethreatening emergency. Call for immediate medical assistance
while cooling the victim. To cool the victim, move him or her
to a shady area and cool rapidly, using whatever methods
you can: immerge the victim in a tub of cool water; place the
person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water
from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if
the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and
fan vigorously. Monitor the body temperature and continue
cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101−102°
F. If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital
emergency room for further instructions. Do not give the victim
alcohol to drink and get medical assistance as soon as possible.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion
What to Do
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness
that can develop after several days of exposure to high
temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement
of fluids. Warning signs of heat exhaustion include: heaving
sweating; paleness; muscle cramps; tiredness; weakness;
dizziness; headache; nausea or vomiting; and/or fainting.
The following steps can be taken to cool the body during heat
exhaustion: drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages; rest; take a
cool shower, bath, or sponge bath; seek an air-conditioned
environment; wear lightweight clothing.
Signs of Heat Cramps
What to Do
Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms — usually in the
abdomen, arms, or legs that may occur in association with
strenuous activity. People who sweat a lot during strenuous
activity are prone to heat cramps. This sweating depletes
the body’s salt and moisture, causing painful cramps. Heat
cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.
If medical attention is not necessary, take the following steps:
stop all activity and sit quietly in a cool place; drink clear juice
or a sports beverage; do not return to strenuous activity for a
few hours after the cramps subside because further exertion
may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke; seek medical
attention for heat cramps if they do not subside in one hour.
Signs of Dehydration
What to Do
Dehydration occurs when too many fluids are lost from
the body. Sweating is the main cause of water loss leading
to dehydration. Signs of dehydration include: decreased
performance; dizziness; dry mouth; extreme fatigue;
headaches; irritability; muscle cramping; and/or thirst.
To prevent dehydration: drink water 30 minutes before each
session, encourage mandatory fluid breaks every 15-20
minutes, and drink fluids after physical activity. The suggested
fluid intake for an 88-pound child is five ounces every 20
minutes; for a 132-pound adolescent, nine ounces should be
consumed every 20 minutes.
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Notes
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Soccer for Success Administrators Guide
U.S. Soccer Foundation
1211 Connecticut Avenue, NW,
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 872-9277