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1.
Nationally
Licensed Technical Director overseeing all Academy Technical
Staff |
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Equivalent Licenses: |
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Canadian National ‘A’ or ‘B’ License |
USSF ‘A’ or ‘B’ License |
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UEFA ‘A’, ‘B’ or Pro License |
NSCAA National or Premier Diploma |
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| Rationale -
An Academy needs experienced and knowledgeable leadership in
order to sustain a long-term academy program.
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2.
Minimum of two
teams in SAAC |
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SAAC also requires that
these teams be in consecutive age groups and that new members
start at the younger development divisions (U8/U10/U12). |
| Rationale -
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 young player from 8 to 18... |
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3. Certified Athletic
Therapist on Staff & present at all sessions with 20+ players
(with at least 1 staff member trained in First-Aid for all
other sessions) |
| Smaller
Academies must have First Aid trained staff present during any
physical activity, while larger groups must have Certified
Athletic Therapists at its sessions. |
| Rationale -
Academies must take the health and well-being of their players
seriously. |
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4.
Goalkeeper Coach providing at least 1 day per week of
dedicated training |
| Academies
must have an appropriate staff member available to provide
specialized training for all the academy's goalkeepers. |
| Rationale -
Goalkeepers require technical sessions above and beyond what
is provided at the team level. Academies must be
committed to providing additional training. |
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5. $2M Liability Insurance to
cover activities not sanctioned by SAAC |
| Rationale -
Academies must be prudent and protect their organizations. |
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6. 3:1 Training Time/Playing
Time ratio over a full season |
| Academies
are expected to set up an annual calendar that will provide
the appropriate level of training to accommodate the number of
games scheduled. |
| Rationale -
Academies must be committed to the SAAC philosophy that game
play and training must be provided in the appropriate doses.
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7. At least 1 SAAC Level 3
(Provincial B-License or better) Coach for every two SAAC
teams |
| Each team
must have a Level 3 coach assigned to it and is present at all
training sessions and matches. |
| Rationale -
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. |
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8. Risk Management/Staff
Screening Policy, including mandatory police checks for all
staff |
| Rationale -
Academies must be committed to provide safe and positive
environment for their players and staff. |
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9. At least 75% of players
exclusively part of Academy (no club activities) |
| Teams must
be filled with predominantly full-time players |
| Rationale -
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. |
