Travel Program Policies and Guidelines
Welcome to the LMFC’s Travel Program.
The LMFC’s Travel Program strives to provide a positive, rewarding experience for children in our community that seek a higher-level of competition, development and advancement in the game of soccer. The LMFC offers scholarships for local residents with financial need; and is particularly proud of the diversity of our club’s members and the sportsmanship of our teams.
Participants in the Travel Program must be knowledgeable of the rules of the Westchester Youth Soccer League (WYSL) http://www.wyslsoccer.org, in which most LMFC travel teams compete.
The LMFC Travel Committee, which is comprised of volunteers, and the Directors of Coaching have the authority to interpret, rule and enforce the policies of the LMFC Travel Program and the WYSL Codes of Conduct.
Each age-group in the LMFC is assigned an Age Group Coordinator from the Travel Committee, whose responsibilities are highlighted below. The LMFC Board of Directors oversees the Travel Committee.
The LMFC Travel Program’s policies and guidelines are in the following sections:
1. Player Eligibility
Residency
Children are eligible to be on LMFC if they reside in the Mamaroneck or Rye Neck School Districts.
Children that reside in other school districts may try-out for and play on LMFC travel teams. The LMFC may allow teams to register such non-resident players—depending upon team needs and on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with the Travel Committee.
Age
Age categories in the fall 2023 and spring 2024 seasons are as follows:
Varsity Jan. 1, 2007 and earlier
JV January 1, 2008 to Dec. 31, 2008
U15 January 1, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2009
U14 January 1, 2010 to Dec. 31, 2010
U13 January 1, 2011 to Dec. 31, 2011
U12 January 1, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2012
U11 January 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2013
U10 January 1, 2014 to Dec. 31, 2014
U9 January 1, 2015 to Dec. 31, 2015
U8 January 1, 2016 to Dec. 31, 2016
Players born in 2012 are eligible to participate in the LMFC's U8 Pre-Travel Academy, innovative development program that is a stepping stone to competitive travel soccer. Details can be found here: http://www.fostersoccer.com/lmfc/
The Travel Committee may allow players to participate in older age groups on a case-by-case basis, based on their skills, maturity and development. The Travel Committee must approve such exceptions. Players may not participate in younger age groups.
2. Sportsmanship, Teamwork and Behavior
Players, coaches, parents and supporters are expected to actively demonstrate good sportsmanship, teamwork and supportive behavior at games and practices.
The LMFC prides itself on excellence in sportsmanship. Coaches, managers, parents and players must abide by the LMFC's and WYSL’s Code of Conduct, which can be found on this site.
The Travel Committee may suspend or ban players, coaches and supporters who violate the LMFC’s policies and high expectations with respect to sportsmanship, conduct and behavior.
3. Required Commitment
Participating in the LMFC Travel Program is a significant commitment for coaches, managers, players and their families. Players should consider this commitment seriously before participating in tryouts and joining the Travel Soccer program. The travel soccer season generally runs from the fall through the spring; and each player’s commitment to a team extends through this period.
Travel teams usually practice twice per week.
Regular season games for teams in the WYSL are typically held on Sundays; and teams may also participate in tournaments and friendly matches. Players are expected to arrive at the field 30-60 minutes before games to warm up. Away games can take place at lengthy distances from Mamaroneck. Tournaments are often held on holiday weekends, such as Labor Day, Columbus Day and Memorial Day. Indoor activities in the winter may include practices, league play and tournaments.
Those players that wish to make a less significant commitment should consider our community’s Recreational Programs as an alternative.
4. Playing Time
The LMFC believes that its Travel Program will field consistently stronger teams when players get maximum opportunities to actively participate in competitive and friendly games.
Coaches are expected to balance individual player development with competitive situations, keeping the long-term success of the players in mind. While skills, effort, attendance and other factors may result in differences in playing time, every player on our teams is entitled to play in every game. Specialization in field positions is recommended only for older age groups.
Unsatisfactory attendance and failure to meet team commitment requirements can limit playing time.
5. Player Conflicts with Other Activities
The LMFC believes that it’s up to players and their families to decide their priorities and manage conflicts with other activities. Absences at practices and games due to religious, educational, health and other personal reasons cannot be avoided, but players and their families are expected to notify their coaches as far in advance as possible about these potential conflicts for planning purposes.
If conflicts result in too many absences from practices and games, players and their families should consider in consultation with their coach whether they are able to make the necessary commitment to travel soccer.
6. Tryouts and Team Placement
Open tryouts for existing and new teams typically take place once per year in the spring for the following season that begins in the fall. Players on existing LMFC travel teams do not need to tryout again.
The LMFC utilizes independent professional trainers to complete the evaluation of tryout participants. The LMFC may invite certain players that do not make a roster to join a team as “practice squad” players. By practicing with a travel team, these players can continue to improve their skills in structured, professionally-managed weekly sessions in advance of the following season’s try-out. Practice squad players are required to pay a registration fee to the MJSL, which includes the cost of insurance coverage and other club resources. Practice squad players are not guaranteed a future position on a travel teams.
7. Academy System
Under the LMFC’s academy system, players are assigned to teams with those that have similar skills. The LMFC believes that playing with like-skilled teammates and opponents will help the development and positive experience of its travel players.
Under the academy system, the LMFC may re-assign players to teams after the end of every soccer year, which includes the fall and spring seasons. At the end of the soccer year, the professional trainers who have worked with all the players throughout the year recommend which team will best meet each player's ability and needs.
Therefore, players may be on one team one year and a different team the next. The MJSL believes that the benefits of the academy system out-weigh any disruption this change may cause.
The Travel Committee has the discretion to re-assign players to teams between the fall and spring. Players may decline offers to move to higher-division teams.
8. Coaches and Managers
Most travel teams have a professional coach; a head parent coach; an assistant parent coach; and a team manager. Coaches are required to have WYSL coaching licenses and pass background checks.
Professional and parent coaches and managers are appointed by the Travel Committee; and must be re-appointed on an annual basis.
9. Age Group Coordinators
Each age-group in the LMFC Travel Program is assigned an Age Group Coordinator. This individual serves as a liaison for the team(s) in that age group and the Travel Committee.
Age Group Coordinators assist coaches and managers with the interpretation, implementation and execution of the policies and guidelines of the LMFC Travel Program.
Age Group Coordinators are directly involved in player recruitment; the assignment of players to LMFC teams; realignment of players at the end of the spring, consistent with the Academy System approach; dispute resolution; and facilitating access to LMFC resources, including fields, uniforms, funds for scholarships and other items.
Coaches, managers and parents should contact their AGC with any questions or issues around these items at any time throughout the year.
10. Uniforms
All players should have matching jerseys, shorts and socks. For children’s safety, names are not permitted on player’s jerseys. Certain teams in the LMFC also have jerseys for practices.
11. No Child Left Behind After Practices and Games
An adult designated by the team’s coach or manager must ensure that all players are picked up and can get home safely after LMFC team practices and games.
Coaches and managers are required to have medical release forms, as well as parents’ contact information at practices and games in the event of an emergency.
12. No Bullying
The LMFC believes that bullying is serious and has no place within the club. The Travel Committee has the authority to suspend or ban players that bully others.
In the LMFC’s view, bullying occurs when a player, or group of players, intentionally and repeatedly try to get power over or hurt another player. Bullying occurs in four main ways: physical; verbal; relational; and cyberbullying.
All forms of bullying are unacceptable, harmful and preventable. It is the role of coaches, managers, parents, supporters and players to take responsibility for stopping it.
13. Rain Out Procedures
LMFC teams may not practice or play games on fields that are closed by the municipalities and schools.
The LMFC will send an e-mail to all coaches and managers notifying of field closures.
Consistent with WYSL Rules, a scheduled game can be postponed if the field is pulled by a town; governing body; or by the referee at game time, if it is determined that the field cannot be played safely.
14. Equipment and Facilities
Coaches and managers are responsible for the proper care of all equipment and facilities of the LMFC.
ALL goals must be secured to the ground with sand bags during games and practices; and must be chained together and/or off the playing field at the completion of activities.
15. Cost
The all-in cost to play travel soccer in the fall and spring is $1050. The cost is $650 for high-school aged teams that play only a mini-season in the fall and full season in the spring. These fees can be paid in installments with a credit card or check. This cost may increase with participation in tournaments an optional winter program. The cost of the uniform is separate.
16. Financial Aid
Need-based financial aid and scholarships are available to cover a partial or full amount of registration fees and other team expenses. Please contact the coach, manager or Age Coordinator for each team for more information.
The LMFC’s Travel Program strives to provide a positive, rewarding experience for children in our community that seek a higher-level of competition, development and advancement in the game of soccer. The LMFC offers scholarships for local residents with financial need; and is particularly proud of the diversity of our club’s members and the sportsmanship of our teams.
Participants in the Travel Program must be knowledgeable of the rules of the Westchester Youth Soccer League (WYSL) http://www.wyslsoccer.org, in which most LMFC travel teams compete.
The LMFC Travel Committee, which is comprised of volunteers, and the Directors of Coaching have the authority to interpret, rule and enforce the policies of the LMFC Travel Program and the WYSL Codes of Conduct.
Each age-group in the LMFC is assigned an Age Group Coordinator from the Travel Committee, whose responsibilities are highlighted below. The LMFC Board of Directors oversees the Travel Committee.
The LMFC Travel Program’s policies and guidelines are in the following sections:
- Player Eligibility
- Sportsmanship, Teamwork and Behavior
- Required Commitment
- Playing Time
- Player Conflicts with Other Activities
- Tryouts and Team Placement
- Academy System
- Coaches and Managers
- Age Group Coordinators
- Uniforms
- No Child Left Behind After Practices and Games
- No Bullying
- Rainout Procedures
- Equipment& Facilities
- Cost
- Financial Aid
1. Player Eligibility
Residency
Children are eligible to be on LMFC if they reside in the Mamaroneck or Rye Neck School Districts.
Children that reside in other school districts may try-out for and play on LMFC travel teams. The LMFC may allow teams to register such non-resident players—depending upon team needs and on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with the Travel Committee.
Age
Age categories in the fall 2023 and spring 2024 seasons are as follows:
Varsity Jan. 1, 2007 and earlier
JV January 1, 2008 to Dec. 31, 2008
U15 January 1, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2009
U14 January 1, 2010 to Dec. 31, 2010
U13 January 1, 2011 to Dec. 31, 2011
U12 January 1, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2012
U11 January 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2013
U10 January 1, 2014 to Dec. 31, 2014
U9 January 1, 2015 to Dec. 31, 2015
U8 January 1, 2016 to Dec. 31, 2016
Players born in 2012 are eligible to participate in the LMFC's U8 Pre-Travel Academy, innovative development program that is a stepping stone to competitive travel soccer. Details can be found here: http://www.fostersoccer.com/lmfc/
The Travel Committee may allow players to participate in older age groups on a case-by-case basis, based on their skills, maturity and development. The Travel Committee must approve such exceptions. Players may not participate in younger age groups.
2. Sportsmanship, Teamwork and Behavior
Players, coaches, parents and supporters are expected to actively demonstrate good sportsmanship, teamwork and supportive behavior at games and practices.
The LMFC prides itself on excellence in sportsmanship. Coaches, managers, parents and players must abide by the LMFC's and WYSL’s Code of Conduct, which can be found on this site.
The Travel Committee may suspend or ban players, coaches and supporters who violate the LMFC’s policies and high expectations with respect to sportsmanship, conduct and behavior.
3. Required Commitment
Participating in the LMFC Travel Program is a significant commitment for coaches, managers, players and their families. Players should consider this commitment seriously before participating in tryouts and joining the Travel Soccer program. The travel soccer season generally runs from the fall through the spring; and each player’s commitment to a team extends through this period.
Travel teams usually practice twice per week.
Regular season games for teams in the WYSL are typically held on Sundays; and teams may also participate in tournaments and friendly matches. Players are expected to arrive at the field 30-60 minutes before games to warm up. Away games can take place at lengthy distances from Mamaroneck. Tournaments are often held on holiday weekends, such as Labor Day, Columbus Day and Memorial Day. Indoor activities in the winter may include practices, league play and tournaments.
Those players that wish to make a less significant commitment should consider our community’s Recreational Programs as an alternative.
4. Playing Time
The LMFC believes that its Travel Program will field consistently stronger teams when players get maximum opportunities to actively participate in competitive and friendly games.
Coaches are expected to balance individual player development with competitive situations, keeping the long-term success of the players in mind. While skills, effort, attendance and other factors may result in differences in playing time, every player on our teams is entitled to play in every game. Specialization in field positions is recommended only for older age groups.
Unsatisfactory attendance and failure to meet team commitment requirements can limit playing time.
5. Player Conflicts with Other Activities
The LMFC believes that it’s up to players and their families to decide their priorities and manage conflicts with other activities. Absences at practices and games due to religious, educational, health and other personal reasons cannot be avoided, but players and their families are expected to notify their coaches as far in advance as possible about these potential conflicts for planning purposes.
If conflicts result in too many absences from practices and games, players and their families should consider in consultation with their coach whether they are able to make the necessary commitment to travel soccer.
6. Tryouts and Team Placement
Open tryouts for existing and new teams typically take place once per year in the spring for the following season that begins in the fall. Players on existing LMFC travel teams do not need to tryout again.
The LMFC utilizes independent professional trainers to complete the evaluation of tryout participants. The LMFC may invite certain players that do not make a roster to join a team as “practice squad” players. By practicing with a travel team, these players can continue to improve their skills in structured, professionally-managed weekly sessions in advance of the following season’s try-out. Practice squad players are required to pay a registration fee to the MJSL, which includes the cost of insurance coverage and other club resources. Practice squad players are not guaranteed a future position on a travel teams.
7. Academy System
Under the LMFC’s academy system, players are assigned to teams with those that have similar skills. The LMFC believes that playing with like-skilled teammates and opponents will help the development and positive experience of its travel players.
Under the academy system, the LMFC may re-assign players to teams after the end of every soccer year, which includes the fall and spring seasons. At the end of the soccer year, the professional trainers who have worked with all the players throughout the year recommend which team will best meet each player's ability and needs.
Therefore, players may be on one team one year and a different team the next. The MJSL believes that the benefits of the academy system out-weigh any disruption this change may cause.
The Travel Committee has the discretion to re-assign players to teams between the fall and spring. Players may decline offers to move to higher-division teams.
8. Coaches and Managers
Most travel teams have a professional coach; a head parent coach; an assistant parent coach; and a team manager. Coaches are required to have WYSL coaching licenses and pass background checks.
Professional and parent coaches and managers are appointed by the Travel Committee; and must be re-appointed on an annual basis.
9. Age Group Coordinators
Each age-group in the LMFC Travel Program is assigned an Age Group Coordinator. This individual serves as a liaison for the team(s) in that age group and the Travel Committee.
Age Group Coordinators assist coaches and managers with the interpretation, implementation and execution of the policies and guidelines of the LMFC Travel Program.
Age Group Coordinators are directly involved in player recruitment; the assignment of players to LMFC teams; realignment of players at the end of the spring, consistent with the Academy System approach; dispute resolution; and facilitating access to LMFC resources, including fields, uniforms, funds for scholarships and other items.
Coaches, managers and parents should contact their AGC with any questions or issues around these items at any time throughout the year.
10. Uniforms
All players should have matching jerseys, shorts and socks. For children’s safety, names are not permitted on player’s jerseys. Certain teams in the LMFC also have jerseys for practices.
11. No Child Left Behind After Practices and Games
An adult designated by the team’s coach or manager must ensure that all players are picked up and can get home safely after LMFC team practices and games.
Coaches and managers are required to have medical release forms, as well as parents’ contact information at practices and games in the event of an emergency.
12. No Bullying
The LMFC believes that bullying is serious and has no place within the club. The Travel Committee has the authority to suspend or ban players that bully others.
In the LMFC’s view, bullying occurs when a player, or group of players, intentionally and repeatedly try to get power over or hurt another player. Bullying occurs in four main ways: physical; verbal; relational; and cyberbullying.
All forms of bullying are unacceptable, harmful and preventable. It is the role of coaches, managers, parents, supporters and players to take responsibility for stopping it.
13. Rain Out Procedures
LMFC teams may not practice or play games on fields that are closed by the municipalities and schools.
The LMFC will send an e-mail to all coaches and managers notifying of field closures.
Consistent with WYSL Rules, a scheduled game can be postponed if the field is pulled by a town; governing body; or by the referee at game time, if it is determined that the field cannot be played safely.
14. Equipment and Facilities
Coaches and managers are responsible for the proper care of all equipment and facilities of the LMFC.
ALL goals must be secured to the ground with sand bags during games and practices; and must be chained together and/or off the playing field at the completion of activities.
15. Cost
The all-in cost to play travel soccer in the fall and spring is $1050. The cost is $650 for high-school aged teams that play only a mini-season in the fall and full season in the spring. These fees can be paid in installments with a credit card or check. This cost may increase with participation in tournaments an optional winter program. The cost of the uniform is separate.
16. Financial Aid
Need-based financial aid and scholarships are available to cover a partial or full amount of registration fees and other team expenses. Please contact the coach, manager or Age Coordinator for each team for more information.