PLAYER CLUB AGREEMENT | August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026

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, 2025 through July 31, 2026.

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

Commitment: Players are expected to attend all scheduled practices and games. If unable to attend, the coach should be informed in advance. Players are expected to give 100% of their effort and always do their best.

Respect and Sportsmanship: Players must show respect to coaches, officials, teammates, opponents, and themselves. Sportsmanship is essential both on and off the field.

Effort and Attitude: Players should always give their best effort during practices and games, maintaining a positive attitude even during challenging times.

Teamwork: Players must work cooperatively with teammates, supporting and encouraging one another to foster a positive team environment.

Communication: Players should communicate openly and respectfully with coaches, asking questions and seeking feedback to improve their skills and understanding of the game.

Responsibility for Equipment: Players are responsible for their own equipment and should ensure that it is maintained properly. Additionally, they should respect and take care of any team-issued equipment or facilities.

External Soccer Activities: Players must inform the club of any external soccer-related activities or commitments they have outside of the club, including personal training and other soccer programs. The club must be aware of and have the authority to permit or deny the player's participation in such activities to ensure it aligns with the club's objectives and the player's development. If a player participates in external soccer activities without informing the club and it is discovered, the matter will be dealt with appropriately, taking all information into account, and may result in consequences ranging from issuing a warning to being banned from the club.

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 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

The allocation of playing time for each player is contingent upon various factors, including but not limited to attendance, attitude, effort, skill level, and adherence to the club's values and guidelines. Coaches are committed to providing all players with the opportunity to develop their skills and contribute meaningfully to the team. However, playing time is not guaranteed and will be determined on a game-by-game basis, reflecting the coach's evaluation of each player's performance and the specific needs of the team. Additionally, playing time will vary according to age groups (e.g., U8-U12 etc.) and team divisions (Elite, Premier, Select etc.). Comprehensive records of relevant data, including attendance and playing time, will be meticulously maintained and analyzed utilizing specific metrics.

FEES

The club and teams are financially supported through seasonal player dues. Included in the fee listed below 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 $2,850 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 $50 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.

Problem Resolution Pathway: In case of any issues  the parent will schedule an appointment with the director through the secretary. Concerns or complaints should be addressed through proper channels, such as a scheduled meeting with the coach or team management, rather than public criticism. Please note that emails will not be answered for this purpose. The matter will then be resolved in a meeting involving the parents, coach, and director. Email and contacting the club are encouraged when addressing queries about scheduling, additional information, etc.

First Offense: A warning will be issued.

Second Offense: A meeting will be scheduled with the parents to discuss the issue.

Third Offense: Further action may be taken, which could include a suspension or other appropriate measures, as deemed necessary by the club. If banned, no refund will be issued.

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 $25.

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
• YSSL Commitment Form
• US Club Soccer Registration & Medical Release Form