INTRODUCTION

We have enjoyed many successes with our involvement in youth soccer and learned that one key ingredient of success is clear, consistent communication between the club; its teams and trainers, players and parents. This document is one way of explaining, in detail, our expectations of you as a member of the Olympiacos Soccer Club Chicago and what you can expect from the club. It will help you identify some potential problem areas and at the same time answer questions about the club’s decision-making process. As you have committed to become a member of Olympiacos Chicago, please take the time to read the following pages carefully. The signature page must be signed by the player and a parent-guardian to be accepted to the club.

This agreement covers the seasonal year that runs from August 1, 2022 through July 31, 2023.

PLAYER EVALUATION AND SELECTION

Current players are evaluated throughout the season during practices, scrimmages, and games. New players are evaluated during annual tryouts, special clinics, scrimmages and under game situations. There are many terminologies used to categorize and describe soccer abilities. Present and potential team members are evaluated in four areas:

1. Mental dimensions (character, discipline, and leadership)
2. Physical dimensions (endurance, strength, and speed)
3. Technical competence (skills)
4. Tactical awareness (runs, reading)

If you have any questions about the meaning of these terms, please ask the trainers. Trainers or independent evaluators will base their decisions solely on the four areas of evaluation and they are responsible to make decisions for the good of the club and team. Politics, friendships, personal relationships, and financial contribution to the club or team will not enter into these decisions. Your understanding here is important, for just as players have the freedom to select a soccer club without unfair pressure and with a full understanding of what is expected, the coach needs the same freedom to work objectively. We will not always agree on issues as sensitive as player evaluation and selection. We hope you will respect our attempt to be objective in these matters.

TRYOUTS

Club tryouts are held annually and are open to all players who meet the age requirements. Each prospect will be given a fair opportunity to make the team. The club will announce the open tryouts to inform the public of the specific tryout dates and times. Evaluations and selections will be based solely on how players perform in the four evaluation areas according to the training staff. Evaluations take place during the competitive soccer season (practices and games), as well as during open tryouts. The decisions of the coaches and Board are final.

PLAYER COMMITMENT

Olympiacos Soccer Club Chicago is a family. Together with the administration, staff, players and all the fans, we aim to provide world-class football at a grassroots level of the game. Branching off from the Greek parent club, Olympiacos FC, this is our first academy in the USA and it is an essential part of the Olympiacos FC youth academy globally. Players who attend the soccer school, adhere to the club’s mantra, wear the club uniform and uphold "The Beautiful Game" in a respected and passionate way.

Young players have a direct access to the Olympiacos FC academy in Greece and the possibility to be chosen for academy first team play too! The purpose of this club network isn’t solely for commercial purposes, it’s for children of all ages to take part and experience football and sports in general. The club fosters its players from young ages and looks to impart knowledge about the sport and also being a socially responsible citizen to the community.

It is important to recognize that players and parents invest significant time and resources in playing club soccer and expect the club to create and foster an environment, which will ultimately allow players to compete at the highest levels of high school and possibly college soccer and beyond. Your commitment to the club and the club’s commitment to you are for one soccer seasonal year only - at the end of each year, you must try out again. At the conclusion of the year, your commitment to the club is over and you are free to leave the club if you feel it is in your best interest. The aim of this policy is to create an appropriate competitive environment for the proper development of our players.

The intention, however, is not to create an environment where trainers are unnecessarily recruiting large numbers of new players each year simply to win games and move up the competitive ladder of the league. Also, no player will be cut from a team during a seasonal year unless it is for disciplinary reasons or failure to fulfill financial obligations.

Players are expected to make their commitment to Olympiacos Chicago as their first recreational activity priority during the league season. PLAYERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY OTHER SOCCER CLUB ACTIVITIES (TRAINING, GAMES, TOURNAMENTS, etc) UNLESS THEY ARE GIVEN SPECIFIC APPROVAL BY OLYMPIACOS CHICAGO. IF PLAYERS ARE FOUND TO BE IN VIOLATION OF THIS RULE THEY WILL BE RELEASED IMMEDIATELY. NO EXCEPTIONS!

We expect our players and parents to be ethical, honest and to honor their commitments both verbal and written; therefore you should make your decisions thoughtfully and carefully. Once your commitment is made, the club expects your full participation and support for the entire soccer season. Take into account that when you make your commitment, the coach may need to inform other potential players that they did not make the team. Please be sensitive to others and consider your decision carefully.

If you have committed to the club, the club will also be ethical and honest, honoring its commitment to you. Decisions made by the coaches and Board are final.

PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES 

Attendance at games is MANDATORY. Games maybe be rescheduled on short notice and you will be expected to make every effort to attend. Teams may play in tournaments over the Labor Day, Columbus Day and Memorial Day holidays, and perhaps other weekends. Barring a special family circumstance, and with advanced notice, you will be expected to be there. Players should arrive at all games 30 minutes early with all game uniforms available. During games, players are expected to follow the instructions of their trainers. Players not on the field are expected to sit and watch their teammates from the bench. Players are expected to try their best within the rules of the game and compete aggressively but fairly at all times. No smoking and no alcohol of any type within view of the field during games. Players are required to observe a 10:00 PM curfew and no sleepovers the night before a game.

Players are expected to condition themselves both during the season and in the off-season. Failure to be in good physical condition will necessarily affect a player’s ability to perform and will likely cut a player’s playing time during the season. Likewise, players are expected to work on soccer skills year round either on a formal or informal basis. Players need touches on the ball as much as possible throughout the year in order to develop.

Practices are MANDATORY and should only be missed on account of illness, religious obligation or special circumstance. Please inform your coach in advance if you can't make a practice. Players are expected to arrive at practices 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time with lots to drink, a ball and shin guards and dressed according to the club’s uniform policy. Players should use the bathroom prior to practice and should be ready to train seriously when they arrive.

Nutrition and rest are also the responsibility of the player. We expect players to eat nutritious, healthy food in a timely fashion, so as not to interfere with performance. If you have questions about which foods are best for performing athletes, please ask the team coach.

As a member of Olympiacos Chicago, you are responsible for your own performance and conduct. Honesty, communication, and reliability are expected at all times. The club asks that you care about yourself and the sport of soccer. This requires that you maintain a healthy lifestyle and a healthy team attitude. Any use of drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes is not acceptable to the club and may result in temporary suspension or even removal from the club. In addition, our club will insist you maintain a positive team attitude and a personal sense of sportsmanship and fair play.

OFF THE FIELD

Olympiacos Chicago players are expected to carry themselves as gentlemen and ladies on and off the field. At tournaments, player behavior is expected to be exemplary on and off the field. As elite athletes, players are further expected to conduct themselves with dignity and respect at home and at school. Disrespect of adults, including teachers and parents, will not be tolerated. Poor behavior by one player is a bad reflection on teammates and the club.

SCHOOLWORK

Part of the commitment of playing for Olympiacos Chicago is a commitment to being able to handle all the obligations that a student has in his or her daily life. It is expected that all players be prepared to play soccer at Olympiacos Chicago games and practices. This demands that players do their best in school and budget their time in order to fulfill their obligations in their primary role as students. Players who are not doing their best in school and/or are not meeting their homework obligations are jeopardizing their position on their team and letting their fellow teammates down.

PLAYING “UP”

Teams follow the rules of the leagues they play in. In NISL, every player in a lower flight is allowed to play “up”. It must be for another Olympiacos Chicago team and can only be for an older team or one in a higher flight. Girls can play up for boys, never the other way around.

COMMUNICATIONS

As a member of Olympiacos Chicago, you are responsible for your own performance and conduct. Honesty, reliability and communication will be expected at all times. There will inevitably be times during the season when trainers make decisions and players will be instructed to do things they may not understand. During such times, players are encouraged to talk with their trainer so they can gain a better understanding of why certain decisions are being made and what is expected of them. If you have issues or concerns such as the amount of playing time you are receiving, whether or not you are starting, what position you are playing, etc., please do not hesitate to speak with your trainer at the appropriate time. All of Olympiacos Chicago trainers have an open door policy with respect to such issues or concerns and they encourage and expect you to communicate when you have such issues or concerns. You and your trainer may not ultimately agree on such matters but you will both have a better understanding of each other and what needs to be done to resolve the matter. Ultimately, if you feel your trainer is treating you unfairly, you may contact the Board of Directors to look into the matter.

You are responsible for knowing what is going on with your team. There are times when changes are made (sometimes last minute) to practice and/or game dates, times and/or locations. We communicate via TeamSnap (www.teamsnap.com), so you must check the TeamSnap application on your phone and your e-mail box daily. If you are going to miss a practice or game (or be arriving late or leaving early) you must update TeamSnap and notify your trainer or the designated person at the earliest possible moment. In case of inclement weather your team has a procedure for announcing field closures.

THE PARENTS

Parental support and involvement in the club are essential. Team parents must make sure their child attends all possible club and team functions practices, meetings, games, etc.). We understand there will be times when conflicts cannot be avoided and other more important events occur. The club requires your communication, planning, and understanding so we can minimize conflicts. It is the team’s responsibility to present a periodic schedule to allow time for your planning. When parents or players have an unavoidable conflict, the club expects timely communication to see if the club or team can make any necessary adjustments. The team manager will make final decisions on scheduling after careful consideration of your needs and those of the club or team.

SIDELINE COACHING

There will be no coaching by parents. “Go,” “shoot, “pass” or “send it” are interpreted as instructions and as such are not desirable. No matter how good your intentions are; we insist there be no shouting instructions to your child or any other player on the team. We also insist there be absolutely no yelling or complaining to referees or officials during or after games. Your vocal support and positive encouragement are welcome after good play. Please do not criticize or “moan” with disappointment when mistakes are made. The players are well aware of mistakes they make (especially the bad ones), and we also teach our players that overcoming and learning from mistakes are an important part of the learning process.

It is important that players not be distracted at practices, during games, and that players are given only one set of instructions by one voice before, during, and after practices and games. For this reason, the club insists the trainer be the only voice before, at and after all games and practices. No one other than those listed on the official game roster may sit on or near the team bench before and during games (please respect the space and privacy necessary for the trainer and team to carry out their game responsibilities).

Please respect all of the other players on the team; please do not make critical remarks to others about specific players on your team. Many times, these comments are overheard by the players or others and can be quite hurtful and foster an unhealthy team environment. Please respect your trainer and manager and do not make negative remarks to others about coaching decisions. The club’s first concern is for the long-term growth and development of our players as individuals along with their soccer abilities under pressure. There will be times trainers make decisions and players are instructed to do things parents will not understand. Club, team and player development will be given a greater priority than winning. Parents must understand this and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with this philosophy in order to maintain a healthy team environment. Remember, playing only to win without taking healthy club, team and player development into account will not result in a solid foundation upon which your child will be prepared for winning.

Parents, always at the appropriate moment and time, should feel free to communicate and ask questions about your child. Also, please take the initiative to encourage and teach your player to speak up and communicate for themselves whenever possible. Olympiacos Chicago believes in and teaches players the benefit of having mental toughness to guide their intense focus on the game of soccer. We will instruct your child to ignore adverse conditions such as bad referees, name calling, foul language, rough play, cheating, poor weather, negative behavior by parents or opponents, etc. We expect our parents (as well as our trainers) to have this same mental toughness.

THE TRAINER

The trainers for Olympiacos Soccer Club Chicago are instructed to conduct themselves first as teachers and second as soccer trainers. Nothing positive will come of the club’s efforts if we produce world-class players who do not know how to conduct themselves as successful human beings. In this regard you can expect Olympiacos Chicago trainers to conduct themselves as positive role models and display appropriate behavior. Our trainers recognize they are dealing in an important way with young people and cannot overlook the impact they have on players’ lives. Trainers are responsible for the conduct of the team on and off the field whenever the team is together. We insist our players are polite, well behaved and respectful. Players and parents can expect honesty, communication, consistency, and reliability from the trainer. The club and the trainers are committed to giving players the tools and skills to enable them to become as good as their ability, desire, commitment, and effort allow. Trainers are committed to creating an environment that is conducive to the development of quality competitive soccer. We recognize there are things more important in life than soccer. In terms of priority, family and school work come first. However, if the trainers see you are not willing to put your soccer above other recreational activities during the season, it may affect your playing time and/or your status with the club. Do not expect the trainers to praise everything you do well. After a period of time, there are things the trainer will come to expect from every player. There are times when the trainers will say very little, and times they may yell out instructions. There are times they will be critical of players, and other times they will be generous with praise. Players and parents are expected to take constructive criticism along with praise for a job well done, and be able to deal with both. The trainer will attend practices and will coach at games. In situations where conflicts do occur, and they will, the club will designate a trainer to cover that particular practice or game.

The trainers will make decisions on player selections, game lineup, player positions, amount of playing time, etc. Players must be positive in fulfilling the role they are asked to perform for the team at any moment, even if that role has them not playing at all, coming off the bench, or playing a different position. If conflicts or issues arise between a player and/or his/her parents and the team; then the trainer will be responsible for addressing and responding to the conflicts or issues and make decisions for the good of the team. These decisions will be made in the trainer’s sole and absolute discretion. The trainer’s decision will be final. The player and his/her parents must agree to abide by the decision.

There are some trainers who coach two or more Olympiacos Chicago teams. All such trainers will attend all training sessions and will attend all possible team games as the schedule permits. There will be times when conflicts occur and, in those situations, another trainer will cover one of the games or practices.  The decision as to which team is covered by the trainer, will be determined solely by the club.

We hold our trainers to the highest standards and there will be times when you do not agree with the trainer’s conduct. If you tried everything to rectify the situation and still not satisfied, you may contact the Board of Directors.

PLAYING TIME

There is no guaranteed amount of playing time and there are many factors that can affect the amount of playing time for a particular player. The policy of the club is that playing time is earned and not given. Starting positions and playing time are both earned by coming to practice regularly and by working hard, competing and concentrating during practices and games. Should you have any questions or concerns, please talk with your trainer at the appropriate time.

FEES

The club and teams are financially supported through seasonal player dues. The amount per player is $2,100 per year. Included in this fee are state and league registration fees, referee fees, insurance coverage, training equipment, league dues, tournament entries, professional training and club dues for field maintenance, special training, etc. Players pay for their own uniforms, which are ordered through the club.

If for whatever reason a portion (Fall, Winter or Spring) of a season may not be played due to unforeseen circumstances (league, state and government lock-downs, stay-at-home orders, virus outbreaks, etc) a credit will be applied to your account - no refunds will be processed.

Should a player quit or leave their team to join another club or team, full payment must be made before release is given and there will be no refunds. 

U7-U19: The $2,100 fee (minus the deposit) is due on August 1st of the current running season. If you would like to make 4 equal payments on August 1st, September 1st, October 1st & November 1st you have that option as well.

"It is the player's/parent's responsibility to make the payments on the defined due date(s) shown above. Please remember to submit your payments on time as it is greatly appreciated. A $25 late fee will be charged to your account if payment is not made on the due date. If a payment is not made within 15 days of the due date the player will be asked to stop from training and from attending games until that player’s account is brought up to good standing. You may also be subject to collections if all reasonable attempts to collect payments have proved futile and additional fees may apply. Thank you for your understanding."

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Our attempt with this agreement is to present, in clear detail, what will be expected of you and what you can expect of the club, the team and the trainers. If you are uncertain what is expected, it is your responsibility to ask one of your trainers. Knowing and understanding these things, your participation in the club will be positive for you as you develop your soccer abilities to the highest level possible. We have high expectations of the club, the teams, the trainers, and you. These expectations are really the rules, regulations, and policies of Olympiacos Soccer Club Chicago. So that you and every player in our club can get the maximum benefit, we need you and every player to abide by the club Bylaws, rules, regulations and policies.

Everyone has problems from time to time and we will make every effort to work with you to help solve the problems you may have. After we have exhausted all efforts to solve the problem, we will be left with little choice other than to pursue disciplinary action as outlined below. The same procedures will apply to situations where parents or trainers may require warrant disciplinary steps.

1. The trainer will discuss the problem directly and privately with the player, with the assumption the problem will be corrected immediately.
2. If the problem persists, the trainer will communicate with the player's parents to discuss the problem and lack of response on the part of the player. Parents will have the opportunity to be involved with correction of the problem at this time.
3. If the problem continues, the trainer may temporarily suspend the player. If the situation warrants, the trainer may recommend to the Board that the player be removed from the club. The parents will be notified by the Board of the trainer's recommendation.
4. The parents of any player recommended for removal from the club may request to meet with the Board of Directors.

Red Cards – It is the player’s responsibility to pay for and pick up their player pass from the league office.

League Fees - Any penalties incurred by the club due to league policy violation (e.g., not meeting minimum roster attendance requirements, game forfeits, etc) will be paid by the players of the team incurring the cost.

Unpaid Fees – Failed repeated attempts to collect the agreed upon fee will result in Olympiacos Soccer Club Chicago to collect payment via a collection agency.

OLYMPIACOS USA FOUNDATION ANNUAL FUNDRAISER RESPONSIBILITIES

Olympiacos Soccer Club Chicago is a For-Profit organization. However in order to help set up fundraising campaigns to offset the rising costs of just about everything we have created Olympiacos USA Foundation which is our Not-For-Profit arm.  As a non-profit organization Olympiacos USA Foundation has the ability to offset the cost of club soccer to those families in our Club requiring financial assistance.

We only hold a single fundraiser every year to raise the money needed, which allow us not to burden the families with fundraising requirements throughout the year. Fundraiser details will be shared at our website when they are finalized each year.

This is where we need your help in making every year a fundraising success. This is a club wide event and each player must sell a minimum of 10 tickets. Each ticket is worth $20.

Each player will receive the tickets with enough lead time to sell them, and they must return the check (made out to Olympiacos USA Foundation) or cash to the club by the due date communicated by the club. If for whatever reason you have not been able to sell the tickets you agree that you need purchase the tickets and turn them in at the date noted above.

USSF REQUIRED INFORMATION

As part of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) efforts to adhere to International FIFA Standards and establish a National Player Registration ID # for all US Soccer members, the USSF is now requiring the following information for all registered players.

PLEASE READ BEFORE SIGNING YOUR NAME BELOW

I have read this club/player agreement and I agree to abide by these policies and By Laws of Olympiacos Soccer Club Chicago.

I DO NOT HAVE ANY UNPAID FEES FROM PREVIOUS SEASONS WITH THE CLUB AND I ACKNOWLEDGE MY POSITION WITH THE TEAM WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNTIL MY ACCOUNT IS IN GOOD STANDING.

OLYMPIACOS CHICAGO GENERAL WAIVER & RELEASE AGREEMENT

Olympiacos Soccer Club Chicago does not provide insurance protection for participants. Registration assumes full responsibility on the part of the registrant who agrees the following:

1. As a participant or the parent/guardian of a participant in this soccer camp/tryout/training program, I recognize and acknowledge that there are certain risks of physical injury, and I AGREE to assume the full risk of any injuries, damages or loss which I or my ward may sustain as a result of participating in any and all activities connected with, or in any way associated with the activities of the program.
2. I do hereby fully waive, release and discharge Olympiacos Soccer Club Chicago, it’s officers, directors, managers, trainers, coaches, agents, representatives, employees and program board members from any and all claims for injuries, damages or loss which I or my ward may sustain or which may accrue to me or my ward arising out of, connected with, or in any way associated with the activities of this camp/tryout/training program.
3. I further agree to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend Olympiacos Soccer Club Chicago, it’s officers, directors, managers, trainers, coaches, agents, representatives, employees and program board members from any and all claims for injuries, damages or loss sustained by me or my ward arising out of, connected with, or in any way associated with the activities of this camp/tryout/training program.
4. In the event of any emergency, I authorize club officials to secure from any licensed hospital, physician and/or medical personnel any treatment deemed necessary for me or my ward’s immediate care and agree that I will be responsible for payment of any and all medical services rendered.

MEDIA RELEASE: I further give my permission for the PERPETUAL free use of the parents and or participants email address, name, and image in broadcast, telecast, or any other media account of any and all event/activities and for the promotional purposes of Olympiacos Soccer Club Chicago including newsletter mailings.

I HAVE READ AND FULLY UNDERSTOOD THE ABOVE PROGRAM DETAILS, ASSUMPTIONS, WAIVERS AND RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS AND PERMISSION TO SECURE TREATMENT.

OLYMPIACOS CHICAGO COMMUNICABLE DISEASE RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK WAIVER

In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way in the program, related events and activities, I the undersigned, acknowledge, appreciate, and agree that:

1. I am aware there are risks to me of exposure to directly or indirectly arising out of, contributed to, by, or resulting from an outbreak of any and all communicable disease, including but not limited to, the virus “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)”, which is responsible for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and/or any mutation or variation thereof.
2. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS (Olympiacos Chicago), its officers, officials, agents and/or employees, other participants, sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event (RELEASEES), from any and all claims, demands, losses, and liability arising out of or related to any ILLNESS, INJURY, DISABILITY OR DEATH I may suffer, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT.

PRINT, FILL OUT AND THEN UPLOAD THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS AS REQUIRED BELOW (Click on links). PLEASE PROVIDE THE PLAYERS NAME ON EACH OF THE DOCUMENTS UPLOADED!

• IYSA Emergency Medical Release & Liability Waiver
• US Club Soccer Registration & Medical Release Form