Standards
In order to be considered for membership in Soccer Academy Alliance Canada, a prospective organization must meet the following criteria:
· The organization shall be a legal business entity (sole-proprietorship, partnership or corporation) established to provide soccer training and development programs to the Canadian public.
· All Members are expected to fulfill the following minimum standards.
1. Nationally Licensed Technical Director overseeing all Academy Technical Staff
An Academy needs experienced and knowledgeable leadership in order to sustain a long-term academy program.
· Equivalent Licenses:
· Canadian National ‘A’ or ‘B’ License
· USSF ‘A’ or ‘B’ License, NSCAA National or Premier Diploma
· UEFA ‘A’, ‘B’ or Pro License
Verification:
· Qualified Technical Director must be identified prior to granting of membership
· Technical Director must have proof of license or proof of acceptance into an appropriate course scheduled no later than July 31
2. Participation
SAAC is looking for sustainable programs, not all-star teams looking for additional games. Members must be committed to working towards a true 'cradle-to-grave' program that will develop a player from 7 to 17.
· New members must register in at least two age groups
· Returning members must register in at least four age groups
Verification:
· Team
entries and deposits required by January
3. Qualified Athletic Therapist on Staff
Academies must take the health and well-being of their players seriously.
· A staff therapist must be present at all sessions with 20+ players (with a minimum of 1 staff member trained in First-Aid for all other sessions)
Verification:
· Qualified Athletic Therapist must be identified prior to granting of membership
· Proof of coverage must be provided (copy of contract or letter from therapist stating their level of involvement with the Academy)
· In-season audits (up to 3 per year)
4. Goalkeeper Coach providing at least 1 day per week of dedicated training
Goalkeepers require technical sessions above and beyond what is provided at the team level. Academies must be committed to providing additional training.
Verification:
· Qualified GK coach must be identified prior to granting of membership
· Proof of program must be provided (i.e. copy of contract/schedule)
· In-season audits (up to 3 per year)
5. $2M Liability Insurance to cover activities not sanctioned by SAAC
Academies must be prudent and protect their organizations.
Verification:
· Documentation must be provided prior to granting of membership
6. 3:1 Training Time/Playing Time ratio over a full season
Academies must be committed to the SAAC philosophy that game play and training must be provided in the appropriate doses.
· Per the following recommendations:
|
Age Group |
Target |
Recommended |
Minimum |
|||
|
U7 – U8 |
265 |
(6 hours/week) |
220 |
(5 hours/week) |
135 |
(3 hours/week) |
|
U9 – U10 |
285 |
(6.5 hours/week) |
245 |
(5.5 hours/week) |
180 |
(4 hours/week) |
|
U11 – U12 |
310 |
(7 hours/week) |
265 |
(6 hours/week) |
200 |
(4.5 hours/week) |
|
U13 – U14 |
350 |
(8 hours/week) |
285 |
(6.5 hours/week) |
220 |
(5 hours/week) |
|
U15 – U17 |
525 |
(12 hours/week) |
350 |
(8 hours/week) |
265 |
(6 hours/week) |
|
U18+ |
600 |
(15 hours/week) |
440 |
(10 hours/week) |
285 |
(6.5 hours/week) |
|
Based on a 44-week annual program |
||||||
Verification:
· Proof must be provided (i.e. copy of schedule, field permits) prior to granting of membership
· In-season audits (up to 3 per year)
7. At least 1 SAAC Level 3 (Provincial B-License or better) Coach for every two SAAC teams
Well-intentioned coaches without the proper training will only take a player so far. SAAC believes that any athlete serious about developing into a top quality soccer player must be guided by a trained professional.
Verification:
· Coaches must be identified prior to granting of membership
· Coaches must have proof of license or proof of acceptance into an appropriate course scheduled no later than July 31
· In-season audits (up to 3 per year)
8. Risk Management/Staff Screening Policy, including mandatory police checks for all staff
Academies must be committed to provide safe and positive environment for their players and staff.
Verification:
· Documentation must be provided prior to granting of membership
9. At least 75% of players exclusively part of Academy (i.e. no parallel club activities)
Academies are expected to commit to the long-term development of all their players. In exchange we except the players to commit to the academy. For a player to fully participate in an Academy program, they will be playing or training 4/5 times per week for at least 10 months of the year. Participating in additional soccer activities would not be in the players best interest.
Verification:
· Review of registration information
