Fwd: Field Diagrams for Fall 2007 Now on Website

U8 coaches:

Make sure your parents are aware of the Field Diagrams on the web site. Have them take note of the spectator locations for each U8 field.

--Tony

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Peter Chiste <pmchiste@hotmail.com>
Date: Aug 28, 2007 11:50 PM
Subject: Field Diagrams for Fall 2007 Now on Website

Commissioners,

 

Thanks to Tony Belfiore and Bill Weyers, the field diagrams for Fall 2007 for all fields are now on the website under the Fields tab:  www.ptsoccer.net

 

Please inform your Coaches and request they inform parents of their players.

 

Pete Chiste
pmchiste@hotmail.com
724-969-1070 h
412-327-8538 c

Fwd: Reminder: Please Request Your Coaches to Redeem Dick's Bag Voucher by 8/31/07

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Peter Chiste <pmchiste@hotmail.com>
Date: Aug 27, 2007 10:19 PM
Subject: Reminder:  Please Request Your Coaches to Redeem Dick's Bag Voucher by 8/31/07

Commissioners,

Please remind ALL COACHES to redeem ALL Dick's soccer bag vouchers by
8/31/07 ... any extra bags received should be placed in the Peterswood Shed
(Combination 0771) for future use.

Pete Chiste
pmchiste@hotmail.com
724-969-1070 h
412-327-8538 c

Review U8 Practice Schedule

U8 Coaches:

Please re-review the U8 Boys Practice Schedule. I did not move anyone from their requested time slots.

However, I may have shifted you to a different field. My goals are:

(a) to make sure Fields 3, 4 and 5 get even wear.
(b) to make sure everyone gets at least one practice with a whole field.

Remember to look at the PSC field diagram for the Field Numbers. I've also made sure to paint big numbers next to each field, in case of any confusion.

Looks like good weather this week.

--Tony

Fwd: University of Pitt needs Youth Soccer Players to Participate as Ballboys / Ballgirls

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Peter Chiste <pmchiste@hotmail.com>
Date: Aug 25, 2007 9:05 PM
Subject: University of Pitt needs Youth Soccer Players to Participate as Ballboys / Ballgirls

Commissioners,

 

Please pass this along to your Coaches ... a terrific opportunity for a couple players to help / see Division 1 College soccer ... see below ... any interested players should contact the following for more info: 

 

Women's: Lauren     pittwomensoccer@yahoo.com

 

Men's: Katie pittmensoccer@yahoo.com

 

Pete Chiste
pmchiste@hotmail.com
724-969-1070 h
412-327-8538 c

----- Original Message -----

From: cindi marks

To: pmchiste@hotmail.com

Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2007 7:08 AM

Subject: soccer

Mr. Chiste, Hello, my name is Cindi Marks. I am writing you because my son Jordan plays soccer for the University of Pittsburgh.

 

They are again looking for youth soccer players to participate as ball girls and boys.

 

This year there are 2 Peters Township grads playing for Pitt for the boys.

 

Here is the contact info for both the girls and boys teams.

 

Women's: Lauren     pittwomensoccer@yahoo.com

 

Men's: Katie pittmensoccer@yahoo.com

 

 

Cindi Marks

724-941-3799

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.  Phillipians 4:13

 

---

Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase.

Re: Game Schedule now available

Brandon:

 

This is a good question, and I have bcc'd the rest of the U8 coaches on this email. I want to clear up some confusion.

 

Any kids are more than welcome to sign up for soccer, at any age level. We won't turn anyone away, even after the season starts.

 

However, it is very painful for me to honor requests for late registrations. For example, a team might have 2 players quit this week, and they are desparate for new players. So, if I only have a few registrations, I'm forced to put them on the needy teams. So, my policy is that I won't honor any late requests.

 

You wouldn't beleive how many phone calls I get asking me to make "one exception" - from the coahces and the parents.

 

But they are all encouraged to sign up. Please pass the word.

 

--Tony

 

On 8/25/07, Brandon Barnett <bbarnett@youresquire.net> wrote:

Tony

 

I did have a woman call about having her son play and I know that is not allowed per your e-mail. So I will tell her their is nothing I can do for this season. I assume he can sign up for the Spring if he wants. Do we know of any other soccer leagues he might be able to play in that might be taking registerations. I could send her to the PA west web site.

 

Thanks

Brandon

----- Original Message -----

From: Anthony Belfiore

Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2007 10:58 PM

Subject: Game Schedule now available

 

U8 Boys coaches:

The game schedule is now available from the web site.

Please let me know if I goofed on anything.

--Tony

Relining PSC and Venetia this Sunday morning

U8 Coaches:

I'm relining all of the fields at PSC and Venetia this Sunday starting at 8:30am. If I can get some volunteers it should only take an hour.

--Tony

Coaches Bags for 2007-2008, First Aid Kits, Ice Packs and Game Balls.

U8 Boys Coaches:

Here are some notes from Brad Carpenter, our Equipment Director. Looks like we only have enough size 3 balls for each team to get 1 new ball. If you don't have any size 3 balls from last year ( i.e. you did not coach U8 or U6) then make sure to keep your Dick's kit - it has 2 size 3 balls for you to keep (so, you'll end up with 3).

Looks like game balls and medical kits will be available next week. I'll pick them up, place them at my house, and email everyone when to pick them up.

--Tony

South Hills Only
All Dicks Bags should be picked up at the South Hills Village Dicks location only.

Extra Bags/Kits
All extra bags (if you were a prior coach and don't need a new kit) should be placed in the Peterswood soccer storage shed for future use.

Please pick them up soon
Please don't let the bags go unclaimed after all the effort Dicks went through to gather bags from different states and have them sent to South Hills Village for our use.

First Aid Kits

First Aid kits will be available next week.

Game Balls

We have Peters Soccer Game Balls coming next week.  We have ordered enough for each coach to have a game ball.

Goal bags (i.e. sand bags)

It was a rough year for goal bags.  It appears that we lost (theft or mowing) about 1/3 to 1/2 of our bags.  I have more and will place them this weekend, but I am working on an alternative, which could be more durable or at least cheaper for the association.

Don't let kids hang on the goals

The goals and nets have all been fixed and should be ready for the season.  Please inform the coaches to watch the players and their siblings regarding hanging on goals, tearing nets off the goals, etc.

Elm Grove Goal Missing

Lastly, it appears that one of our 7x12' goals was taken from Elm Grove.  The goal was at the field when we sodded a month ago and gone last weekend when we lined Elm Grove.  If anyone has any ideas who or where the goal went, please let me know. 

 

Game Schedule now available

U8 Boys coaches:

The game schedule is now available from the web site.

Please let me know if I goofed on anything.

--Tony

Fwd: Urgent Compliance Requested: eKidSafe Background Check Program

U8 Coaches:

Here is the information on eKidSafe that I promised to send. Also, for those that have not done PATCH, please complete this as soon as possible.

--Tony

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Peter Chiste <pmchiste@hotmail.com>
Date: Aug 20, 2007 11:18 PM
Subject: Urgent Compliance Requested:  eKidSafe Background Check Program

PTSA Board Members and Commissioners,

 

I need each and every one of you to read the following, carefully, regarding a new Background Clearance Process. 

 

Commissioners, please ensure all your coaches and team administrators receive this information and comply with A & B below.

 

Referee Coordinator, please ensure all your adult referees receive this information and comply with B below.

 

Board Members, please comply with B below by completing your online eKidSafe application ASAP.

A. Peters Township Requirement.

All adult volunteers are required to have a Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Clearance pursuant to a policy of the Peters Township Parks & Recreation Department (effective 3/1/06). Many of our coaches are already on a list of approved coaches that has been previously sent to all Commissioners (attached). If a coach does not have clearance, they will have to provide Pete Chiste the information on the attached form no later than August 21st. Commissioners must communicate this information to all their coaches that are not on the approved list. This information will be given to the Peters Township Parks & Recreation Director so she can conduct the checks on the PATCH System (see attached form for information on PATCH). PTSA covers the cost of obtaining the check and clearance. For coaches who are not comfortable providing their SS# to PTSA or the Peters Township Department of Parks & Recreation, they can obtain Act 33 & 34 forms (attached), process them with the appropriate state agencies directly, and provide their clearance confirmations to the Peters Township Department of Parks & Recreation. 

B. PA West Requirement - eKidSafe.

PA West has implemented for the Fall 2007 season an online clearance check system, under the name eKidsafe. This program (i) is mandatory by PA West, (ii) applies to any volunteer 18 years old or older (i.e. all adult administrators, coaches, assistant coaches, team managers, referees, board members, and staff), (iii) will cost $10 per individual checked, (iv) and will provide a clearance that will be good for two years.  Information from Pa West's website on eKidSafe: 

Risk Management

Welcome to PA West Soccer's Online Risk Management Program & KidSafe System! The PA West Online Risk Management System allows PA West team officials, Club volunteers and Club Board Members to certify online.  Every Coach, Assistant Coach, Manager, Trainer, (Club) Board Member, and Volunteer must certify for Risk Management. There is a $10 charge to Apply or Reapply when your current clearance expires. Your clearance will expire two (2) years from the date of submission.   This fee is directly allocated to running a National Background Check. You can pay by check or credit card. Click Here to Enter the PA West Online Risk Management Clearance System... If you need Assistance or have questions, please contact the PA West Soccer State Office via email at stateoffice@pawest-soccer.org or by phone at 412.856.8011.

Consequently, because a Peters Township Ordinance requires our Coaches to be checked for criminal and/or child abuse background, and the eKidSafe system is just now up and running, PTSA has to run a dual system for Fall 2007.

 

Actions Required:

 

[1] If any Coaches (head coach or rostered assistants) or Team Administrators are not on the Peters Township "Approved Coaches' List", Commissioners must have the Coach or Volunteer complete the attached "PATCH" System Information Form, completely, and get it to me at, or before the Coaches' Meeting on August 21st. The information in the forms will be kept confidential and provided only to Michele Harmel (Peters Township Parks & Recreation Director) who can run the PATCH System check and have the person added to the "Approved List". This PATCH System check will be necessary to satisfy Peters Township requirements before our season starts.

 

[2] Any PTSA Coach, Assistant Coach, Manager, Trainer, (Club) Board Member, and Volunteer must go to the following website to complete their online eKidSafe information process at:  https://ssl.hammersoccer.com/pawkidsafe/RiskUser.asp .  The $10 payment can be via credit card online, or the online form can be completed and a check for $10 submitted to PA West at:

PA West Soccer Association

111 Whitehead Lane, Suite 200

Monroeville, PA 15146

Attn:  Risk Management

PTSA will work with PT Parks & Recreation to make sure they accept the PA West eKidSafe clearance check beginning in Spring 2008 (in lieu of the Act 33/34 clearance check, or the PATCH System check, which we've used in the past). We can't rely solely on eKidSafe for Fall 2007 since PA West informed its member associations that due to system roll-out delay, all volunteers will be given to the end of September to complete their eKidSafe online check, and PA West will audit results through October.

 

PTSA will cover the PATCH System cost of $10 per individual checked by PTSA payment directly to Peters Township Parks & recreation Department. 

 

PTSA will reimburse volunteers the $10 eKidSafe cost upon receiving a copy of the eKidSafe Disclosure Confirmation (which applicants will receive after they complete and pay online for the eKidSafe background check) and notification of clearance from PA West.  Copies of applicants' eKidSafe Disclosure Confirmation should be submitted to PTSA's Director of Training, Manny Politis at:

Manny Politis (Alexis)

Director of Training, Peters Township Soccer Association
127 Doubletree Drive
Venetia PA 15367

Manny will be my designee to monitor compliance with the eKidSafe program and will coordinate reimbursement with PTSA's Treasurer.

 

Pete Chiste

President, Peters Township Soccer Association
pmchiste@hotmail.com
724-969-1070 h
412-327-8538 c

A Note on Balancing U8 Teams

U8 Boys Coaches:

I wanted to mention my thoughts on team balancing (i.e. ensuring that all teams have equal talent).

This is my third time as U8 commissioner and I will tell you that team balancing is the bane of my existence at this time of the year. I've learned the hard way that it is impossible . That doesn't mean I can't try my best.

So, before I hear any issues about team balancing, keep these thoughts in mind:

• 1/3 of the registrations I received this year had no rating (new players or coaches were delinquent to submit ratings).
• I'm supposed to honor as many coach/player requests as possible. The vast majority of the registrations have requests .
  
• Very highly rated, or lowly rated players, can quit at the beginning of the season, leaving a team stronger or weaker.
• Late registrations can cause a lot of grief with respect to team balancing. I get way too many of these.
• Not all of the kids show up for the games (e.g. a kid is more focused on football during the fall).
• The ratings are subjective.
• A really good player can dominate a single game.

So, what can be done? Not much in the fall. But I can try and rectify things in the Spring when I get another windfall of registrations. So, if you feel your team is too weak, or too strong, then please keep me informed and I'll try to fix things in the Spring.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

--Tony

PTSA Coaches Meeting Notes

Here are my U8 specific notes from the coaches meeting tonight. This stuff is important, so try your best to make it through the entire email. I know you can do it.

Fields Currently Closed
Fields will be closed this week. Practices can begin next week.

eKidsSafe
Everyone, yes Everyone, must register with eKidsSafe this year. Please do this right now. It's $10 and you'll be reimbursed by PTSA. Plus, its easy. Just make sure you select "Peters Twp" for the Member Club. I'll send a separate email describing the program and reimbursement.

Coaches Bag Vouchers and Coupons and Soccer Balls
If you were not at the coaches meeting (Grzyb, Ricci, Deyarmin, Brucker), please arrange a time to pick up your coaches bag voucher and team coupon packet from me. I'll also explain to you what needs to be done. Please pick up your box as soon as possible. We have 10 days before we loose the equipment. I'll be giving each team new medical kits and two new size 3 soccer balls in the near future.

Practice Schedule Completed
The U8 Boys practice schedule is completed. It's now available from the web site. Let me know if I made any mistakes. I believe everyone got their first choices.

Field Diagrams
I've added two field diagrams to the web site. One for PSC and one for Venetia. All of your practices will be on Fields #3, #4, and #5 at PSC. Venetia Field B (for Boys) will be used for games.

Field Lining
If you are one of the early games at PSC, it is your responsibility to make sure those fields get lined before the weekend. Same thing for Venetia - which is easier since there are only two fields. You can get paint equipment for Venetia Field at Rees Park. It can be found in an unlocked container on the upper field,

Game Schedules
Game schedules will be released in the next day or so. Say tuned.

Team Photos
Team Photos will be scheduled in the Spring this year.

Youth Night
There are two Youth Nights at the high school. We encourage you to bring your entire team to the games. It's free and fun for the kids. They are September 18 (Boys vs Chartiers Valley) and September 26 (Girls vs Ringgold). Both games are at PTHS Stadium.

This Weekend
If you've made it all the way down here, pat yourself on the back. Now comes the zinger. I'm looking for some volunteers to re-line the U8 fields this weekend. The fields are already configured, so they just need repainted. Also, I want to make sure that we mark each field with a really big number (this has not been done yet) to minimize confusion for parents. I'd like to get two volunteers for PSC and one for Venetia. With three volunteers it should take about an hour or so. So, who can help?

Rosters & Requests & Practice Requests

Everyone should now have their roster for the fall.

Additional Requests
I will not honor any additional player/coach requests by players that register late. So, please don't call me (or have a late registering parent call me) asking to be on your team.

Players That Quit
Please let me know if any of your players quit. I usually receive a handful of late registrations that I'll need to place on teams within the next week or two. Please contact your parents by tomorrow.

Practice Requests
If you have not done so already, please send me your four prioritized practice time requests. I'll be releasing the practice schedule on Wednesday morning.

I'll see you all at the meeting tomorrow night.

--Tony

Re: U8 Boys Rosters Tomorrow

Sorry, I used the wrong link for the contact information (the one I provided required a google username/password). The link I should have sent is here . I've also updated the U8 web page to have the right link.

On 8/19/07, Anthony Belfiore <abelfiore@gmail.com > wrote:

U8 Boys Coaches:

I now have 20 committed coaches (18 total teams). Whew. It wasn't easy. First and foremost, I want to thank all of you for committing your time to the soccer program. It is greatly appreciated. I can't say this enough.

As always, refer to the U8 home page if you have any questions.

I plan on sending out rosters tomorrow.
As I get late registrations I'll add kids to your teams.
If anyone has a kid that quits then let me know ASAP so I can get you a replacement.

I need each and every one of you to do two things:

1. Confirm your name, phone number and email address that I have listed here. This is the information I will provide to the PTSA. Email me either way - let me know if it is correct or incorrect.

2. Please send me a list of your practice time requests. You have until this Tuesday night to get me your requests. Please provide at least 4 time slots that work for you. Rank them in order. I'll try and be as fair as possible. There are 3 available time slots to pick from Monday through Friday: 4:30-5:30pm, 5:30-6:30pm, and 6:30-7:30pm.

Coaches Meeting
Remember, the coaches meeting is this Tuesday, 7-9pm at the Rec Center. I'll answer U8 questions after the meeting is over.

Once again, I can't thank you guys enough. Good luck this year.

-Tony
412.327.6464 (mobile)
724.941.8903 (home)

U8 Boys Rosters Tomorrow

U8 Boys Coaches:

I now have 20 committed coaches (18 total teams). Whew. It wasn't easy. First and foremost, I want to thank all of you for committing your time to the soccer program. It is greatly appreciated. I can't say this enough.

As always, refer to the U8 home page if you have any questions.

I plan on sending out rosters tomorrow.
As I get late registrations I'll add kids to your teams.
If anyone has a kid that quits then let me know ASAP so I can get you a replacement.

I need each and every one of you to do two things:

1. Confirm your name, phone number and email address that I have listed here. This is the information I will provide to the PTSA. Email me either way - let me know if it is correct or incorrect.

2. Please send me a list of your practice time requests. You have until this Tuesday night to get me your requests. Please provide at least 4 time slots that work for you. Rank them in order. I'll try and be as fair as possible. There are 3 available time slots to pick from Monday through Friday: 4:30-5:30pm, 5:30-6:30pm, and 6:30-7:30pm.

Coaches Meeting
Remember, the coaches meeting is this Tuesday, 7-9pm at the Rec Center. I'll answer U8 questions after the meeting is over.

Once again, I can't thank you guys enough. Good luck this year.

-Tony
412.327.6464 (mobile)
724.941.8903 (home)

Fall Soccer Status

U8 Boys Coaches:

Here is some status to keep you guys pacified until the coaches meeting next Tuesday (7-9pm at the Rec Center). Attached is an agenda for you to print out before coming to the meeting.

* I still need a couple of coaches. I've been calling and begging people. If you know anyone then send them my way.

* I am still expecting more registrations.

* You'll get your rosters as soon as I get a few more coaches and the registrations slow down. It could be as early as this weekend.

* I'll be attending the coaches meeting on Tuesday. The folks at the Rec Center usually throw us out at 9pm. I'll answer any U8 specific questions after the meeting is over.

* It looks like we will get brand new coaches bags from Dick's this year, thanks to Brad Carpenter (Equipment Director).

* The U8 fields and nets will be set up this Sunday. Email or call me (412.327.6464) if you can help out. We'll need to create 8 U8 fields this year. Measuring, staking and marking these fields takes a lot of time - so any help would be greatly appreciated. We also will be setting up goals and nets and sand bags.

* Picture day will be in the Spring this year - a change from the past few years.

--Tony

Fwd: Coaches' Meeting - New Date: Tuesday, August 21st 7:00p - 9:00p

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Peter Chiste <pmchiste@hotmail.com>
Date: Aug 13, 2007 9:48 PM
Subject: Coaches' Meeting - New Date:  Tuesday, August 21st 7:00p - 9:00p

Commissioners,

 

Please inform all Coaches that the Coaches' Meeting has been rescheduled for August 21st from 7:00p to 9:00p at the PTCC Multipurpose Room (700 Meredith Drive).

 

Important Information and Action Item for Meeting

 

PA West will be implementing for the Fall 2007 season an online clearance check system, under the name eKidsafe.  Details have not yet been received, but it is my understanding that (i) the program is mandatory, (ii) the program applies to any volunteer 18 years old or older (i.e. all coaches and team administrators), (iii) each clearance check will cost $10, (iv) the clearance check will be good for two years.  Once I get the packet, I or Manny Politas will get detail information out to all Commissioners.  Also, I'll work with PT Parks & Recreation to make sure they accept the PA West eKidSafe clearance check in lieu of the Act 33/34 clearance check, or the PATCH System check, which we've used in the past.  This year, some of our coaches may be able to provide copies of their Act 33/34 clearance forms to PA West instead of this eKidSafe online program.  Recently, PA West informed me that due to system roll-out delay, all Volunteers will be given to the end of September to complete their eKidSafe online check, and PA West will audit results through October. 

 

Consequently, because a Peters Township Ordinance requires our Coaches to be checked for criminal and/or child abuse background, and the eKidSafe system isn't yet up and running, PTSA has to run a dual system in the interim.  Action Required:  If any of your Coaches (head coach or rostered assistants) or Team Administrators are not on the attached Peters Township "Approved Coaches' List", you must have the Coach or Volunteer complete the attached "PATCH" System Information Form, completely, and get it to me at, or before the Coaches' Meeting on August 21st.  The information in the forms will be kept confidential and provided only to Michele Harmel (Peters Township Parks & Recreation Director) who can run the PATCH System check and have the person added to the "Approved List".  This PATCH System check will be necessary to satisfy Peters Township before our season starts ... then, once PA West rolls-out eKidSafe, we'll have to have all Coaches comply with that process as well.

 

Please hold the questions ... I know it's confusing ... bottom line is that if a Coach isn't on the attached list, they must get their PATCH System information form to me ASAP and not later than August 21st (the Form is attached too).  Later, all PTSA adult volunteers will need to go through the eKidSafe process as well (unless they can produce their approved Act 33 and 34 Clearances).  

 

Pete Chiste

211 Canterwood Drive

Venetia, PA  15367
pmchiste@hotmail.com
724-969-1070 h
412-327-8538 c

----- Original Message -----

From: Peter Chiste

To: Jim Massucci ; Bill Pendergast ; Tony Belfiore ; Doug Smith ; Brad Ross ; Paula O'Hare ; Jeff Crummie

Cc: Jamie Ross ; Manuel Politis ; Jim Massucci ; Bill Pendergast ; Maureen Nee ; Stephen Magnotti ; Tony Belfiore ; Brad Carpenter ; Chuck Thilges ; Pat Airhart ; Chuck Harrison ; Doug Smith ; Brad Ross ; Robert Quinn ; David Vaughan ; Paula O'Hare ; Chuck Harrison ; Pete Chiste ; Bill Weyers ; Gail LaVigna ; Robin Taylor ; Gary Lang ; Jeff Crummie ; Steve Glovier ; Dave Ehrenberger

Sent: Sunday, August 12, 2007 10:25 AM

Subject: Coaches' Meeting - Postponed

Commissioners,

 

The Coaches' Meeting, originally scheduled for Tues., August 14th, is being postponed to give Commissioners more time to receive player registrations and find coaches.  I will try to reschedule the meeting for Tues., August 21st if I can reserve the multipurpose room.  I'll confirm that by email to all of you early this week.

 

Pete Chiste
pmchiste@hotmail.com
724-969-1070 h
412-327-8538 c

Fwd: Coaches' Meeting - Postponed

A heads up that the coaches meeting is going to be moved. I'll send another email when I get more information.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Peter Chiste <pmchiste@hotmail.com>
Date: Aug 12, 2007 10:25 AM
Subject: Coaches' Meeting - Postponed

Commissioners,

 

The Coaches' Meeting, originally scheduled for Tues., August 14th, is being postponed to give Commissioners more time to receive player registrations and find coaches.  I will try to reschedule the meeting for Tues., August 21st if I can reserve the multipurpose room.  I'll confirm that by email to all of you early this week.

 

Pete Chiste
pmchiste@hotmail.com
724-969-1070 h
412-327-8538 c

Fall Soccer Around The Corner

U8 Boys Coaches:

Fall soccer is just around the corner. I expect (but not confirmed) the first games to be played September 8th, with practices starting later this month (I don't have a start date just yet, but I'm expecting August 27th).

Here are some important notes for you to digest. This is information overload - so stay focused.

I'm not a spammer
Please add my email address to your Email Safe List in whatever email application that you use. Last year, some coaches had my email mistakenly marked as spam - and missed a lot of my emails.

Can I have my team already?
Sorry, but I've only received approximately half of my expected registrations from the Registrar. I can't assemble teams until I know who the coaches will be - and I don't know who the coaches will be until I get all of the registrations. So, sit tight, relax - I move quickly once I get all the data. And I'm quick to inform you guys of any updates.

Coaches & The Coaches Meeting
I still need a bunch of coaches. This is always my hardest job. If you know anyone that would be interested, please send them in my direction. I'll start begging soon. The Coaches Meeting is scheduled for August 14th at 7pm at the Rec Center.

Practice Requests
I'll handle practice requests as I've done in the past. Once I find out what fields will be available to us (that might not happen until after the coaches meeting?), I'll ask everyone to submit to me their preferences ( Don't send them to me yet). This usually works out well. Folks can shift around afterwards if they want. As always, I'll be fighting for as much field space as possible. Wish me luck. I expect, based on some things that I've heard, that we'll be back at PSC (Peterswood Soccer Complex) with some games/practices at Venetia too.

E License Course
PTSA will offer an E License course August 17th - 18th and 19th. Classroom sessions will be held at the Peters Township Recreation Center and the field work will be held at the Soccer Complex. This will be the first E License course held in South Hills in two years, so it will fill up fast. You can register on line at https://ssl.hammersoccer.com/PAWCoaching/coachcourses.asp. Or call Manny Politis at 412 759-4659 for questions.

 

Coaching Clinic Type: E Certificate Dates: 8/17/2007 Times: 6:00 pm Location: Peterswood Soccer Complex, Peters Twp, PA Location Address: 150 Meredith Drive Venetia, PA Clinician: To Be Determined Course Information: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Friday 8/17 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 8/18 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday 8/19 Member Cost: $50.00, Non-Member Cost: $50.00 Available Spots for this Course: 48 Registrations Still Needed to Hold this Course: 18

 

E" License - Coaching Travel/Classic players

The philosophy of the "E" certificate is player development.  The "E" certificate is geared toward preparing the coach to teach soccer techniques to the youth player during the "golden age of learning"  The emphasis is on the building blocks of the game - shooting, passing, receiving, dribbling, heading and goalkeeping.  These are the skills that players must master to play the game properly.  Technical skills are taught and then refined under game conditions using match related exercises that incorporate pressure from an opponent, limited time and limited space.  Principles of attack and defense will be presented. 
Course Content

• Orientation and Methodology
• Discussion on P & C, Risk Management
• Team Management and Administration
• Discussion of Laws/Test
• Dribbling
• Passing
• Principles of Play Tactics (classroom)
• Receiving
• Shooting
• Goalkeeping
• Heading
• Defending and Attacking Principles on the field
• Practice Coaching by Candidates on the field  

Course length:  18 hours 
$50 fee is reimbursable by PTSA to Coaches who complete the course and are awarded the "E" Certificate.

Coaching Bags
It looks like we will not be receiving new coaches bags from Dick's this year. So, I highly recommend you dig your bag out from last year. We'll provide new medical kits and balls. New coaches - not sure what we'll do just yet. I'll find out more information soon.

Help Lining Fields
If you've made it this far in this email, congratulations. My second hardest job every year (after begging for coaches) is setting up the fields for the very first time ( i.e. staking and measuring all of the fields - then painting them - then setting up all of the goals/nets/sandbags). I'm not sure when I'll be doing this, but I always appreciate the help. Look for an email regarding this in the near future.

General Information
As always, you can read general information about the U8 program at my little web site. The FAQ is good for folks with a limited attention span. The Parent Guide is useful to answer most questions by more inquisitive parents. The Coaching Guide is for you guys. I've made minor changes to all of these docs. It might be worth a re-read if you've seen them before. I also have a blog that basically persists all of these coaching emails. So, if you lose an email, you can always look here.

Thanks for volunteering your time this year. I'm super grateful for your generosity. If you have any suggestions, questions or recommendations then feel free to send them my way.

--Tony