BEND FC Training policy

Overview:

Effective June 1, 2024, Bend FC implemented a new policy regarding the eligibility of players participating in team training sessions. This policy is designed to ensure the integrity of our club and support the development and commitment of our full members. This policy does not cover guest players practicing with Bend FC teams prior to participating in tournaments, Discovery Players carded with Bend FC, or trial periods for new players as Directors of Coaching work on placing players into our program. 


Key Points:

Full Membership Requirement:

Only players who are full members of Bend FC are permitted to train with our teams. A full member is defined as a player who is registered with Bend FC, participates in all team activities, and is not affiliated with another club.


Definition of Training Player:

A training player is a full-time member of Bend FC who participates in practice sessions but does not play in official matches. Training players are fully committed to Bend FC and do not belong to or train with any other soccer club.


Exclusivity:

Bend FC will not permit players who are affiliated with other clubs to train with our teams. This includes players who are registered with other clubs but wish to train with Bend FC. In addition, we will not allow our registered players to train with other clubs without Technical Committee approval.


Commitment to Local Development:

Bend FC is committed to the development of soccer talent within the Central Oregon area. As such, we will not encourage or facilitate players leaving the Central Oregon area to participate with other clubs. Bend FC will support our players guest playing for other teams when the opportunity makes sense and the player won't be missing our events or games. 


Rationale:

Development Focus: This policy supports our mission to nurture and develop soccer talent within our own club, ensuring that resources and coaching efforts are dedicated to players who are fully committed to Bend FC.


Team Cohesion: By limiting training sessions to full members, we foster stronger team cohesion and a sense of community within Bend FC.


Local Talent Retention: Encouraging players to stay within the Central Oregon area aligns with our goal to build a robust local soccer community and retain talent within our region.


Enforcement and Compliance:

  • This policy will be strictly enforced upon Board approval.
  • This policy will be distributed to all head coaches to help ensure compliance.


Conclusion:

Bend FC is dedicated to the growth and development of our players and the local soccer community. This policy ensures that our training resources and opportunities are reserved for those who are fully committed to our club and its values. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all players and their families as we implement this important change.

For any questions or further clarification, please contact the Bend FC administration.

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Competitive Player Guest Playing Guidelines


The Bend FC Technical Committee has established the following guidelines for guest playing opportunities for Bend FC competitive players. These guidelines are designed to protect player development, team commitments, and compliance with Oregon Youth Soccer and other governing bodies.


  1. No Conflict With Bend FC Commitments
    Guest playing opportunities must not conflict with a player’s Bend FC team schedule. Players may not miss Bend FC trainings, games, tournaments, or other required team events in order to guest play with another team or club.
  2. Approval and Club-to-Club Communication
    If the guest playing opportunity involves another club, that club must communicate directly with a Bend FC Director of Coaching (DOC) to request approval. Once approval is granted, the DOC will coordinate with club registration staff to ensure all required documentation is completed properly.
  3. Practice Participation Limits
    Bend FC players may not attend regular practices with another club except when preparing to guest play in an approved event. In such cases, a player may train with the other club’s team up to     two (2) sessions prior to the event for preparation purposes only.
  4. Seeking Additional Competitive Opportunities
    Families seeking additional competitive games or development opportunities for their player should schedule a meeting with the player’s coach and a Director of Coaching. Bend FC administration is often aware of supplemental opportunities and can help guide and support players appropriately.
  5. Recruiting and Compliance
    Oregon Youth Soccer and other governing organizations have strict policies regarding recruiting. To ensure compliance and protect all parties involved, guest playing invitations and opportunities should always be handled through a Bend FC Director of Coaching.