Cougars Administrative

Cougars Policies

note: Cougars policies are normally standardized with Lobos policies (see Lobos policies on this website) as both are competitive programs. Where there is a difference, it is noted here with the reference to the applicable Lobos policy.

COUGARS POLICY ADDENDUM TO LOBOS POLICIES

General. The CSA Cougars program is operated under the auspices of the CSA Lobos program. Unless stated below, all Cougars operations and policies will comply with Lobos operating policies. The Cougars is the Division III competitive arm of the CSA. The intent of the program is to field teams seasonally in the MSSF to play against other like-skilled competitive teams. CSA makes no guarantees on how well each Cougars team performs in its competitive division although it will make every effort to schedule Cougars with like teams. Cougars teams are formed on a seasonal basis only. Tryouts are held before each MSSF season. Cougars teams are managed with as little administration as possible. Therefore, only the team manager position need be filled by a parent.

Policy 1. Fundraising.

Normally, Cougars fee structure is such that team fundraising is not required. If individual Cougars teams wish to engage in fundraising, they must follow CSA Lobos Policy No. 1.

Policy 5. Tryouts.

Section A. Cougars teams are formed twice a year on a seasonal basis. Tryouts are held before each season and are scheduled normally several months before the MSSF season begins.

1. Cougars tryouts are open to any child eligible for membership in the Tennessee State Soccer Association.

2. Cougars tryouts determine if a player has the ability to play soccer at the competitive level. Each player will be evaluated on soccer fitness, technique and understanding of soccer tactics.

3. The number of Cougars teams formed after each tryout depends on the quantity and ability of players who attend tryouts. The CSA makes no guarantees to form teams in each age group and cannot guarantee how well each team will perform in the MSSF.

4. The Cougars tryouts will be managed by the Cougars representative of the Lobos committee, the prospective Cougars coaches, and the Director of Player Development. During the tryouts, one of the above personnel will be available to distribute Cougars information and to brief each parent on the Program.

14. After the Cougars tryouts, the Cougars representatives at the tryouts will discuss team formation options based the attendance and abilities of the players present.

Policy 6. Uniforms.

Cougars uniforms are provided by a single-source vendor and are standard for all teams from season to season. Only replacement items need be bought after the initial purchase.

Policy 7. Conduct & Discipline.
A. Each team and its coach are responsible for the actions and personal conduct of all persons involved with the team including players, coach, assistant coach, team manager, parents, family members and spectators.

B. Each team and its coach are responsible to ensure actions of the team and all persons involved with the team both on and off the field do not bring discredit upon the team, the Collierville Soccer Association or the Town of Collierville.

C. Each team and all persons involved with the team are required to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner under all circumstances and to exhibit appropriate behavior before, during and after games, in and around lodgings, and on any other occasions when the group could be identified as a team.   As a minimum, all CSA parents will conduct
themselves as follows:
    1. Cheer in a positive manner for your team or individual children.
    2. Do not yell at or address the referees in any way.
    3. Never address parents or players from the opposing team in a
negative manner regardless of whether there is provocation or not.
    4. Never use profanity.
    5. Do not coach from the sideline.
    6. Follow all rules of Mike Rose Soccer Complex or any complex or venue
you are visiting.

Policy 8. Double Rostering/Transfer of Players.

Cougars players commit to a team for the season they play (either Spring or Fall). Cougars players will not normally be double-rostered or transferred. If they wish to be, Lobos Policy 8 applies.

Policy 10. Refunds/Proration of Cougars fees.

All Cougars fees are collected prior to beginning of the season as most services are provided by Tennessee Soccer, the MSSF, and the CSA up-front.

Normally, no refunds of any fees paid for Cougars soccer are possible after player registration is complete. No refund of TS fees are available after teams are rostered. No MSSF fees are refundable after the league has been scheduled. No CSA refunds will be given after teams are rostered by TS. However, refunds may be given for extraordinary circumstances, such as player injury or illness or family relocation. Requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to the CSA office, must be detailed, and must be addressed to the Lobos Committee.

2. Players who join the Cougars after training has already begun or during the playing season may, at the discretion of the registrar and/or the Director of Coaching or his designated representative (DDIC-Cougars), have part of their Cougars fees prorated for that season. The club registrar and/or the Director of Coaching will determine the amount of fees to be prorated based on the amount of services that player has missed through no fault of their own. (Example: a player who moves to Collierville after summer conditioning has taken place and who tries out for a Cougars team, and makes that team, would normally be eligible for fees proration). Similarly, for players who leave the club for reasons the Lobos committee determines to be legitimate and deserving of fees refunding, the registrar and DOC will determine a fees proration schedule to determine the amount of fees refunded to that player.

Policy 11. Club Operations.

1.B. A single Cougars representative will be a voting member of the Lobos Committee.

1.B.9. (added) The Cougars representative will: oversee general aspects of the Cougars program to include program publicity, tryouts and team formation.

2.G.3. Cougars teams are by definition competitive and no player is guaranteed to start a game, play a particular position or to play a certain amount of time in the game. However, coaches should ensure that players are given reasonable playing time commensurate with the players efforts and dedication to the team.

Policy 12. Coaches.

Cougars Coaches

Cougars coaches are unpaid volunteers and are licensed by Tennessee Soccer and the USSF and will meet the licensing requirements for the age bracket in which they will coach. Cougars coaches who have children playing in Cougars program will have their children's Cougars fees waived by the CSA. Cougars coaches who don't have children in the Cougars program are eligible for a one-time-per-season stipend equal to the amount of Cougars registration fees to defray costs of coaching.

Cougars coaches will be recruited from season to season based on the number of teams formed. The Lobos Competitive Committee will approve the selection of coaches for each team.