SOCIAL MEDIA

In today’s digital world  please take a moment to make sure we post appropriately & in accordance with LPS policies... Any social media posts/ tweets etc deemed inappropriate will result in disciplinary action. 

STUDENT ATHLETE EXPECTATIONS - IN SCHOOL

GRADES

We have a long history of academic excellence within the soccer program & if a student athlete is failing a class, they will be required to attend Academic Hour (Spartan Success).  All academic policies of the Athletic Department will be enforced & a student athlete will not be eligible to train &/or play until grade improvement is observed. In these instances, talk to the teacher(s), take the necessary steps to find a student tutor & communicate to coaching staff ahead of time....  "Ability is a wonderful thing, but its value is greatly enhanced by dependability".. 

EXPECTATIONS OUT OF SEASON

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

One thing within our complete control is how in shape we are as a program. We firmly believe that the better conditioned our players are will contribute to on field success. We have a summer, fall, and winter strength and conditioning program that will continue until the spring season starts. It is highly encouraged to attend. 

SUMMER AND WINTER LEAGUES

Every summer and winter players have the opportunity to join high school leagues. These leagues will be coached by a parent, and are designed to provide more opportunities for touches and familiarization with one another who will be playing within the program. 

EXPECTATIONS IN SEASON

ON FIELD CONDUCT

We expect professionalism, respect, and courtesy when playing in a game and speaking with officials and opponents. If there are any issues, please tell your coaches and they will address the concern. We also expect the same respect and courtesy from all coaches and parents on the sidelines as well. 

LANGUAGE

The words we use are important. We expect professionalism and respect within our program, and that often comes through in the way we communicate. Any foul language will be dealt with by the coaches appropriately. This expectation also applies to all coaches.

24 HOUR WAITING PERIOD

As a rule of thumb, we ask that all parents/ guardians adhere to a 24 hour waiting period for communication with coaches after games. Our coaching staff are happy to discuss questions or concerns related to playing time & request parents/ guardians respect the 24hrs timeframe. Students advocating for themselves is preferred - however we welcome a follow up & any additional questions... 

MOVEMENT BETWEEN TEAMS

Coaches continually meet throughout the season to discuss player performance & movement between teams.  Rationale behind player movement may be related to injuries, opportunity for players to gain more game minutes, game related tactics &/or simply due to team building. Coaches will inform players should they be asked to play on another team & all decisions are made to best develop our student athletes - overall program... 

ATTENDANCE

We are one program, all supporting one another. We expect that every player within all levels will attend at least two games of another level.

PLAYING TIME

As this is a competitive program, playing time will not be evenly distributed. Coaches will divide out playing time as they see fit based on merit. If there are concerns, we encourage the players to advocate for themselves and ask the coach how they can improve and potentially receive more playing time. 

TRAVELING

When teams travel out of town, the expectation is that all players and head coaches are to ride on the bus to and from the out of town games. Parents may speak with head coaches for exceptions.

TRYOUTS

EVALUATION

Tryouts will be one week long, with players being asked to return throughout the week. Every player is guaranteed two sessions of a tryout. During the tryout, there will be various drills, activities, and small and large sided games that will test the player’s abilities. Coaches will be continually evaluating these players throughout the week. Final teams will be made up with input from all coaches, but final team decisions are the Head Coach’s. 

TEAM MAKEUP

Based on LPS standards, Seniors have the ability to make Varsity, Juniors have the ability to make JV or Varsity, Sophomores and Freshman are able to make any team. Varsity will roster 20-22 players - JV 18-20 & Reserve 18-20. Roster size is based on returning players, positional depth, game related tactics, playing time potential & training format. 

All student athletes must attend tryouts to be considered for the soccer program & unfortunately not all student athletes attending tryouts will be offered a roster spot. **Student athletes involved in post season winter sports that overlap with tryouts will be taken into consideration**  

LETTERING

Players are expected to adhere to ALL school programs & LPS handbook, along with & in conjunction with the policies of the Athletic Department, Lincoln East, Lincoln Public Schools, and Nebraska State Activities Association policies, procedures, and bylaws. Players who do not adhere to school policies will jeopardize their ability to participate in soccer related activities.. 

In order to qualify for a varsity letter, a player must finish the season as a contributing member of the varsity team in good standing.  Non-Senior players must play in at least 50% of all varsity contests. Final decisions regarding earning a varsity letter will be determined by Varsity Head Coach. 

Go Spartans… 

Varsity & Soccer Program Head Coach - Colin Smitsek