Policies
Safe, professional and committed to our community.
Out of reflection, commitment, empathy and compassion we've gathered together to educate, create and act on policies that reflect our core values: Character, Commitment, Communication, Competition and Community
Navigate the policies by selecting an image below
Refunds
Competitive Financial Refund Policy (including Releases)
Upon commitment to a team, the Family is entering into a legally binding financial contract with the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (“CISC”).
The Commitment Fee (or first installment) is non-refundable as are all Membership Dues paid.
The Family is financially responsible for all Membership Dues as stated for the entire playing year whether the Member continues to participate.
Upon commitment to CISC, Members will not be released to re-roster with another organization unless all Membership Dues and Team Fees (as applicable) are paid in full.
Requests for refunds, releases and withdrawals must be presented in writing to Cory Munro.
Refunds of Membership Dues paid will be considered for the following two reasons:
- Members with a season ending injury incurred while participating in a CISC authorized event may be eligible for a prorated refund or credit with the amount to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
- Members moving more than 100 miles during the season may be eligible for a prorated refund with the amount to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
All Membership Dues must be paid on time according to the published payment schedule. Statements will not be mailed.
Any Membership Dues and Team Fees (as applicable) that are delinquent may be cause to suspend a Member from training or playing in games.
Non-payment of amounts owed may subject the Family to legal collection proceedings including responsibility for any related costs.
Recreation Financial Refund Policy
All refund requests must be made in writing to Barry Slagle.
Refunds minus a $20 administrative fee can be issued up to a week before the start of the season for any reason.
Refunds for medical reasons will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Refunds will not be issued for weather related cancelations or reschedules, although we will do our best to get every training session and match in during the season.
Camp Financial Refund Policy
All refund requests must be made in writing to Pat White.
Camp reservations can be cancelled and receive a refund less a $50 administration fee ($35 for recreation camps) up to 48 hours before the start of camp. After this time, NO REFUNDS will be issued.
Family Discounts
For the Purpose of This Policy:
- National Programs are defined as the Pro Academy (including Pre-Academy), ECNL, ECNL Regional League, and Select.
- Competitive Programs are defined as the Youth Academy (U8-U11), Juniors (U12-U14) and Seniors (U15-U19).
- Programs are defined as the KINGS (U5/U6), Youth Development Program (U7/U8) and Recreational (U9-U19).
For every additional National or Competitive player in the club, your family is eligible for a 3.5% discount of the combined fees.
Examples of Application:
- Two National players, 3.5% discount of the combined fees.
- One National player and one Competitive player, 3.5% discount of the combined fees.
- One National or one Competitive player and one Recreation player, no discount will be applied.
- Two Competitive players, your discount will be 3.5% of the combined fees
- No family discount will be provided to multiple Recreation players
Process
National or Competitive Family Discounts will be credited equally across the players’ accounts on the last payment due. National or Competitive Discounts will be applied manually to the accounts and will be processed prior to July 31. Families receiving Financial Assistance are not eligible to receive Family Discounts. Fee concessions have been made in the Lancaster and Gaston County programs; therefore, those families are not eligible to receive a Family Discount as well.
Communication Protocol
The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club believes that to effectively operate an organization it is important that we establish communication protocols that best support the efficiency of the organization while retaining the personal touch that our members deserve.
The below guidelines outline our communication protocols and expectations for all staff, players, parents and coaching staff.
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL OBJECTIVES & PLAN
Objectives:
- The Board will promote and support the club protocol for the discussion and resolution of issues
- We seek to provide a quick way of addressing concerns in a manner that is fair to the parents, coaches, directors, ED and others
- Providing good communication to members is essential to our success
- We will provide an atmosphere where concerns can be raised without concern of negative repercussions to a player or family
Plan:
Any parent who has a specific concern should first attempt to solve it through the path illustrated above. It is important that communication occur via direct face-to-face interaction, telephone, or email rather than using public forums such as group emails or social media. Communication Expectations between the Coach, Parent and Player Read expanded circumstances and preferred methods below.
Not sure who to contact with your issue? View the club org chart or reach out to your Member Services contact. To contact the Board of Directors, email bod@independencesoccer.club.
EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
Parents are asked to observe the 24 hour rule. They are asked to refrain from contacting a coach or director with a soccer concern until a minimum of 24 hours after the last game.
All coaches and staff are expected to return all emails and calls from external sources within 48 hours (2 business days). This includes (but is not limited to) communications from parents, players, and staff from other clubs.
We encourage our staff to reply with a receipt email and a reply that captures " I need to look into this and I will get back to you with an answer by XXX." even if we are unable to answer the specific question at that time.
INTERNAL STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
All coaches and staff are expected to return emails, calls and texts from internal sources within 48 hours (2 business days). This is a professional standard that must be maintained at all levels within the organization.
All coaches and staff are expected to communicate in a professional manner and follow the proper "chain of commands". Do not skip levels with concerns or questions.
PROGRAM/TEAM COMMUNICATIONS
All coaches are expected to maintain regular communications with their team's players and families. This includes logistical information as well as team and player feedback. It is up to each program director to clearly communicate to all coaches in their program the specific program expectations in terms of frequency and content (ie. Weekly wrap-up emails, monthly parent meetings, etc.)
Coaches may enlist TCs to help maintain the team's PlayMetrics account, but ultimately each team's PlayMetrics account and communications are the responsibility of the coach.
To see a full list of coach to player and parent communication expectations - please click here. This document is part of the coaching staff agreement that all coaching staff sign off on. If any parent feels this is not being adhered to please feel free to reach out to the coach or the program director with a 'gentle nudge' communication.
CISC SOCIAL MEDIA
Coaches and Directors are encouraged to take pictures to promote their teams and programs. All pictures and captions or stories should be sent to
team@independencesoccer.club for posting on the official CISC social media accounts. It is highly encouraged that all CISC content be initiated with CISC digital media with staff retweets and/or sharing posts that the club initiates with their support.
KEEP US SAFE
In accordance with our Keep Us Safe policy, ALL staff are required and expected to follow the guidelines detailed and explained within the Keep Us Safe Policy.
Let Us Play
Why the campaign? – to provide the best possible soccer environment for our players. At Charlotte Independence Soccer Club, we feel we have some of the best spectators in the state and in the country. But, we want to make it better.
Soccer is a player’s game; players need to be given the freedom to make decisions on their own without the fear of failure. Instruction from the sideline as well as interference in the referee/player/coach dynamics can affect and influence the game; but more importantly the development of players. There are three specific components of the game: the players, the coaches and the referees. Parents are spectators – there to enjoy, cheer and watch their children as they play. This is no different than our policy in regards to parents and players observation boundaries during training.
At Charlotte Independence Soccer Club, we all sign specific codes of conduct in relation to our role at the club – players, coaches and parents. We are a club that must hold each other mutually accountable for our actions. Both the good and the bad.
Let Us Play/Let Them Play Campaign is designed to be fully supportive of the club’s goals and values while not restricting anyone’s participation in their respective role at the club. This is our commitment to you, our members.
PLAYERS
- Are responsible for abiding by the code of conduct that they signed.
- Are responsible for their preparation and performance during the game.
- Are responsible for their actions on the field in regards to the opponents and referee.
- Are responsible for making decisions on the field (when to pass and when to shoot, etc.).
- Are instructed to listen only to their teammates and the coaches during training and games.
COACHES
- Are responsible for abiding by the code of conduct and contract that they signed.
- Are responsible for the safety of the players during the course of the game. They have the authority to take the team off the field if, ultimately, the safety of the players is a concern.
- Are responsible for communication directed towards the referees.
- Are responsible for taking action against parents that violate the code of conduct and put the spirit of the game in jeopardy.
- Are expected to display a manner of professionalism regarding the game, players, parents and referees. Our coaches are role models for our players, their parents, and the club.
- Are expected to treat officials with respect and dignity and shall teach their players to do the same.
- Are expected to refrain from all manner of abuse and harassment of others, whether verbal, physical, emotional or sexual, and shall oppose such abuse and harassment.
PARENTS
- Are responsible for all their actions, including abiding by the signed code of conduct.
- Are responsible to lead by example. Respect.
- Are responsible for making sure their child arrives at the field at an appropriate time.
- Are responsible for helping to establish the proper sideline behavior. This includes no alcohol, fighting or firearms at any soccer event under the umbrella of the club.
- Are entitled to report any violations or improper parental behavior towards the appropriate club official.
- Are responsible for cheering on their child and team and will refrain from verbalizing any instructional comments from the sideline or comments towards the referee crew. Comments towards to the referees will not be tolerated.
- Parents are responsible for providing a safe environment for their children to play soccer.
Charlotte Independence Soccer Club has a zero-tolerance policy regarding negative comments directed at players, coaching staff or referees by any spectators, players or coaches. The coaching staff has been instructed to ask any violators to immediately leave the complex. Ultimately, if needed, players will be substituted off the field due to unruly spectator behavior. Verbal Abuse and/or harassment towards players, coaching staff or referees will not be tolerated by Charlotte Independence Soccer Club. Any spectator found guilty of these violations will have their membership revoked at the club.
One Club, One Love
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Quite simply, “ONE CLUB ONE LOVE”, says the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club stands firmly against racism. Period. We respect all players, opponents, coaches, referees, and parents. We love and embrace our differences – our looks, accents, sensibilities, backgrounds, and beliefs. We believe these differences make us strong and the game “beautiful”. We believe in the power of inclusion and oneness to establish a safe and enjoyable environment where the player and character development can be amplified. While our LOVE for the game brings us together, we can only be successful if we play together as one team with one goal. We embody that.
CLUB
- CISC will not tolerate or condone racist behavior of any kind -- in words or deeds -- and will respond to those being oppressed with empathy, compassion, understanding,and support.
- CISC will continually review our Human Resources practices and policies for hiring, training, and development to ensure the oneness we value is evidenced.
- CISC will communicate our One Club, One Love policies regarding no tolerance for racism to our participating leagues and opponents.
COACH
- CISC coaches will be trained on anti-racism, microaggressions, unconscious bias, and de-escalation in order to develop as individuals and also to be equipped to handle racist actions on and off the field.
- CISC coaches will champion the development of solidarity, teamwork, and compassion among their teams while emphasizing psychosocial skills, social awareness, confidence, empowerment, and self-esteem.
PLAYER
- Players will develop solidarity, teamwork, and compassion through their interactions with teammates, opponents, coaches, referees, and parents and in the process become more socially aware, confident, and empowered to demonstrate our
club values of Character, Commitment, Community, Competition, Compassion, and Communication.
- Players will have voluntary opportunities to attend workshops and discussion groups related to lessons in solidarity, teamwork, empowerment, and compassion.
PARENT
- Parents will be offered opportunities to learn about the club’s One Club, One Love initiative, and how lessons of solidarity, teamwork, empowerment, and compassion can enhance their child’s soccer development and experience.
- Parent sideline behavior is an important element in the club providing the best possible soccer environment. Parents are fully expected to follow and support the club’s Let Us Play and One Club, One Love game plan.
SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING
- One Club, One Love gives all members the freedom to speak up, without fear of retribution. If in a game scenario, a parent (or player) witnesses or has been the recipient of racism, all are strongly encouraged to report it. If at all possible, the reporting chain should be: Head Coach → Referee → Opposing Coach.
- If a parent (or player) should witness racism outside of a game scenario (i.e. - at training), the same reporting guideline applies: Head Coach → Program Director. Please use the following email: OneClubOneLove@IndependenceSoccer.Club
RESOURCES
ONE CLUB ONE LOVE PRESS RELEASE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Our Anti-Racism Task Force is an all-star team — comprised of a diverse group of professionals, from all walks and backgrounds — representing various industries, races, ethnic groups, geographic locations, and most importantly, thought. Anti-Racism Task Force Members:
Ron Bononno, Police Officer
Skye Eddy, Soccer Parenting
Ellen Fiori, CISC HR Director
Sandra Gaston, IT Management
James McCulloch, CISC Coach & Parent
Bradley Morrison, CISC Director of Coach Education
Keith Poston, CISC Director of Recreation
Cleveland Sellers, Consulting Executive
Nathan Walzer, GK Director & 1st Team Coach
Mark W. Wright, Wright Creative Agency
Keep Us Safe
A core value of the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) is to promote the health, safety and welfare of our young athletes. As such CISC strive to adopt cutting edge policies and practices designed to protect and support the mental, physical and emotional health of our club members.
REPORT IT!
- If you suspect or witness an event of sexual or physical abuse of a Player, you MUST report it to Law Enforcement and Child Protective Services.
- If you suspect or witness any violation of the Keep Us Safe Policy, you MUST report it to the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club’s Keep Us Safe Liaison.
LEARN ABOUT IT!
- Employees, Contractors and Volunteers must complete SafeSport and Abuse Prevention training and attend mandatory continuing education offered by CISC.
- Parents are strongly encouraged to explore the many Keep Us Safe resources available for background and education.
- Players will be provided age and content appropriate training and information, so they are empowered to advocate for themselves and their teammates.
PREVENT IT!
- Avoid circumstances where an adult is in a 1 on 1 situation with a Player.
- The second to last player picked-up waits for last player’s ride
- A second adult always within shouting distance of Player
- No Coach or Employee of CISC will follow, like, comment or otherwise participate on a Player’s personal social media page.
- All communication between Players and Coaches, Volunteers and Club employees will occur through PlayMetrics.
- Parents or guardians will be copied in all text, email or other electronic communications. In addition, a second adult (parent/guardian/Director) shall be included as a participant in player-coach conversations on computer conferencing applications (i.e. Zoom, Teams, etc.).
- Strict Compliance with Keep Us Safe Prevention Policies!
Policies
PLAYER PICK UP POLICY / POLITICA DE RECOGIDA DE JUGADORES
Field and Weather Policies
One of the best and worst aspects of participating in youth soccer is the fact that it takes place in the outdoors. While it is great for our players (and parents) to spend a large portion of their time outside, especially in this day and age, it also makes us susceptible to the weather. Heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, and lightning are realities that youth soccer clubs across the country deal with daily.
As a club, we are fortunate to have access to many great fields and facilities across a large geographic area. We are even more fortunate that a large portion of these fields are synthetic turf. Still, we do have weather-related issues that affect our ability to train and play. Particularly, rain will close grass fields and lightning will force us to stay off all fields. While the game is great, safety is and always will be our first priority. It can be especially tricky this time of year since the weather is often isolated to specific areas – while it may be storming in Mooresville, there may be blue skies in Matthews, etc.
Inclement Weather Policy
Per the NCYSA Lightning Policy, if we see lightning, we will clear the field, if we hear thunder, we will clear the field. Play will be halted for a minimum of 30 minutes. If no lightning is spotted during the 30 minutes and/or no thunder is heard during the 30 minutes, play will resume. If lightning is seen and/or thunder is heard during the 30-minute period, the clock starts over. No play will resume until a minimum of 30 minutes passes with no thunder and/or no lightning. Official Lightning EAP
Cold Weather Policy
Charlotte Independence Cold Weather Policy
Hot Weather Policy
Charlotte Independence Hot Weather Policy
Air Quality Policy
Charlotte Independence Air Quality Policy
Inclement Weather Communication
If fields are closed due to inclement weather, changes to or cancellation of training will be determined before 4:00 p.m. This decision will be made by our operations department and/or program directors. Inclement weather decisions made at the fields during training will be made by the senior coaching staff present at the field. If the decision is made to clear the fields, all teams must clear the fields and players and their parents must wait inside structures or vehicles for the mandatory 30 consecutive minutes. Standing under a covered pavilion or set of trees is not sufficient for player safety. All cancellations and changes due to weather will be communicated via PlayMetrics.
PlayMetrics Alerts
All cancellations and changes due to weather will be communicated via PlayMetrics. During expected bad weather, make sure to check PlayMetrics for updates from your child’s coach.
Board of Directors and Governance