Welcome Parents. This section is designed to give you information about the club, and your role within the club and the team. It is generally the parents, and the older athletes who are most involved in the operation of the club, whether as coaches, officials, managers or executive members. Without strong support from you, the club is not as strong. As a result, we are always looking for volunteers.

*** GDRS HEAT POLICY ***

When the temperature at any point in the day of play is registered as being above 30 degrees Celsius as recorded on Environment Canada's website (http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/on-118_metric_e.html), the Dragons heat policy will come into effect.

Heat Policy

When the temperature reaches above 30 degrees Celsius there will automatically be two water breaks per half. Games and practices will continue as scheduled. Coaches are to monitor players for signs of heat stress or injury. The Dragon's Board reserves the right to cancel soccer activities based on extenuating circumstances and/or explicit weather warnings as posted on Environment Canada's web site.
 
Air Quality Policy
 
If the air quality rating is forecast on the Environment Canada web site at 7 or above at game/practice time, soccer activities will be cancelled. The forecast review will be conducted by the Dragons Executive and coaches will be notified by the office and via the web site of any cancellation.

2010 Communication with Parents

IMPORTANT NOTE: If your child is playing at the Potvin Fields, you MUST use the parking lot off Canotek Road - see attached map.The City will be ticketing those of you who are parked at the arena but are playing on the Potvin Fields. ALSO, please do not use any "designated" spots in the business park, our neighbours do not appreciate their parking spots being used and will be monitoring this more closely this year.

See these Documents on

• Heat and Humidex Policy
• When Lightning Strikes
• Avoiding/preventing heat related injuries

General Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Child Tax Credit Information

Codes of Conduct (English / Francais)

Complaints and Concerns

If you wish to lodge an official complaint, please do so using the "Official Complaint Form". Download the form and complete it fully, keeping your description brief and to the point. Once complete, the form should be mailed to the GDRS office (1-5510 Canotek Road, Gloucester, ON, K1J 9J4), faxed to the office at 613-749-9206 or emailed to info@dragonsoccer.ca.

The Club and Season

The Gloucester Soccer Association (GSA) is a large club divided into recreational and competitive divisions, which operate as distinct entities with their own Executive Committees for the purpose of planning, organizing and running their own leagues. Teams exist for girls and boys, men and women, based on age categories as set out by the Ontario Soccer Association.

The Dragons, or GDRS is responsible for the summer outdoor recreational (or house league) operations for young people between 5 and 18 years of age. After team selection in April-May, the teams compete in pre-season and regular season play from May to August, with Soccer Days held for all participants in late August. Our coaches and referees do an outstanding job, and our athletes have developed over the years as a reflection of their work and dedication. We have a lot to be proud of.

What's the Dragons philosophy?

We teach individual and team skills in a recreational and fun environment, and always in the best interests of your child's development, not only as an athlete but also a well-rounded person. We emphasize fair play and respect for teammates, opponents and referees. Our coaches use a club curriculum to ensure that skill development, throughout all age groups, flows soundly and logically. In general, all players get equal playing time.

Parents - please note: Let the coaches coach. If you have any concerns please talk to the coach privately after the game. Don't contradict coaches in front of players. Be a positive parent on the sidelines. No negativity. If you have any issues with the coach, please talk to the executive, or the respective Division Soccer Director.

GDRS has a Code of Conduct and a Harassment Policy (see Handbook) which apply to parents and spectators, players, coaches and referees. There is an expectation that all GDRS participants will respect these codes and policies for the sake of all others who contribute to the sport of soccer, the development of our youth and the well-being of our community.

The New Member

For the parent of the new soccer athlete, the volunteer roles do not all come at once. We hope that you will grow in the organization and find some time to lend to making your child's experience a better one. Outlined below are some of the roles that parents take on and, depending on the team, you may be 'required' to take on at least one of these. Please note that at all times, you are welcome to watch practices and games, and we encourage you to take an active part in your child's involvement in the sport of soccer.

Team Roles for Parents

Parents are often called upon to act in one or several of these roles. Some require an evening's commitment, others are for the season. All of these roles can be fun, and certainly are important for the kids and coaches - so they can focus on their training and performance. We want the teams to have fun, and we also want the parents to have fun, so help out where you can.

Note: Not all teams require all of these positions, the coaches will outline their needs and expectations at the beginning of the year.

Linesman

Each team must provide a linesman (calling the ball out when it crosses the line), for each league game. Ensure a linesman is identified for each game - Act as the linesman for league games or co-ordinate the team parents (or team member's siblings can be used in some cases).

Orange duty / Refreshment Co-ordinator

Coordinates the teams half-time refreshments for league games and tournaments. Prepares 'orange duty' list for parents (where applicable). This may also include co-ordinating extra water for tournaments (especially if there is a significant heat wave).

Corner Flag Coordinator

For all games, the coordinator places the flags in the corners, and is responsible for picking up and returning the flags at the end of the game.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Club Executive - see Volunteer Opportunities page
Soccer Day Organizing Committee

If you would like to coach, co-coach or assist, please complete the Coaching Application Form, fillable, pdf and return it:

• via email to info@dragonsoccer.ca
• traditional mail to GDRS, 1-5510 Canotek Road, Gloucester, ON, K1J 9J4
• fax: 613-749-9206

The mural (training room back wall) was painted by Pascale Raposo