#DelmarvaRush

Club Handbook

Club-Wide Policies, Expectations & Resources

Welcome to Delmarva Rush Soccer Club

At Delmarva Rush, we strive to create a safe, positive, and development-focused environment where players of all ages and levels can learn, grow, compete, and enjoy the game of soccer.

Whether your child participates in Recreation, PDP, Travel, Camps, Clinics, or other programming, we ask all players and families to review and follow the expectations outlined in this handbook.


Our Club Philosophy

Building Better Players and People

Delmarva Rush Soccer Club is committed to developing players both on and off the field through:

  • Player development
  • Sportsmanship
  • Teamwork and accountability
  • Respect and integrity
  • Fun and love of the game
  • Competitive growth at age-appropriate levels

We believe soccer should provide opportunities for learning, confidence building, leadership, and positive experiences for every player.

Program experiences may vary based on age and level of play. Recreational, developmental, and competitive programs may have different expectations related to attendance, commitment, travel, and playing opportunities.


Player Code of Conduct

All Players Are Expected To:

  • Show respect for coaches, teammates, referees, opponents, and spectators
  • Demonstrate sportsmanship and positive behavior
  • Attend practices, games, and events on time and ready to participate
  • Listen to coaches and be coachable
  • Give maximum effort and maintain a positive attitude
  • Support teammates and contribute positively to team culture
  • Represent Delmarva Rush respectfully both on and off the field

Players should notify coaches or team managers in advance if they will miss a training session, game, or team event.


Parent & Family Expectations

Parents and guardians play an important role in creating a positive soccer experience.

We Ask Families To:

  • Encourage and support all players
  • Demonstrate good sportsmanship
  • Respect coaches, referees, and club leadership
  • Avoid coaching from the sidelines
  • Communicate respectfully and constructively
  • Ensure players arrive prepared and on time
  • Support the development process

We ask families to remember that player development looks different for every athlete and growth happens over time.


Program Expectations

Recreation Program

Our Recreation Program focuses on:

  • Fun and enjoyment of the game
  • Skill development
  • Sportsmanship
  • Learning teamwork and fundamentals

Playing opportunities are intended to be inclusive and development focused.

Player Development Program (PDP)

PDP is designed for players seeking additional training and development in a more structured environment while continuing age-appropriate growth.

Competitive/Travel Program

Travel soccer requires a higher level of commitment related to:

  • Training attendance
  • Team participation
  • Tournaments and travel
  • Accountability and preparation

Playing Time Philosophy: Participation on a competitive travel team does not guarantee equal playing time.

Playing time decisions may be influenced by:

  • Attendance and punctuality
  • Effort and attitude
  • Coachability
  • Skill development and readiness
  • Team needs and game situations
  • Sportsmanship and commitment

These decisions are made by coaching staff in the best interest of player development and team success.


Communication Expectations

How We Communicate

Delmarva Rush primarily communicates through:

  • 360Player App
  • Email communication
  • Coaches and team managers

Families are responsible for monitoring communications and ensuring contact information remains current. Weather cancellations, schedules, and team updates are primarily shared through 360Player.

Parent-Coach Communication

We welcome respectful communication regarding:

  • Player development
  • Attendance concerns
  • Team expectations
  • Questions about improvement

Please avoid discussing concerns immediately before, during, or directly after games or training sessions.


The 24-Hour Rule & Conflict Resolution

Delmarva Rush follows a 24-Hour Rule to encourage respectful and productive communication.

Parents and players should wait at least 24 hours after a game or emotionally charged event before discussing concerns regarding:

  • Playing time
  • Positions
  • Coaching decisions
  • Team strategy
  • Game situations

Conflict Resolution Process

Step 1: Speak respectfully with the coach.
Step 2: Contact the appropriate program director or club leadership if needed.
Step 3: Escalate unresolved concerns to club leadership or the Board.

We encourage all members to work toward solutions with professionalism and mutual respect.


Attendance & Commitment

Attendance expectations vary by program level.

Recreation

  • We encourage consistent attendance to support player development and team participation.

Competitive Programs

  • Travel and competitive players are expected to attend practices, games, and events consistently.
  • Families should notify coaches in advance of absences whenever possible.
  • By accepting a competitive roster spot, families are making a seasonal commitment to the team.

Uniforms & Equipment

Players should arrive prepared for practices and games with required equipment, including:

  • Proper footwear
  • Shin guards
  • Water bottle
  • Soccer ball (when requested)
  • Appropriate weather gear

Travel and competitive players are required to wear official Delmarva Rush uniforms and approved training gear when applicable. Uniform cycles generally operate on a two-year rotation. New Cycle will start in Fall 2027. 


Registration, Financial & Refund Policies

Registration in Delmarva Rush programs represents a commitment to the selected season or program.

Competitive/Travel Commitment

Acceptance of a travel roster position represents a financial commitment for the seasonal registration fee.

Families are responsible for:

  • Maintaining current payment information
  • Ensuring scheduled payments process successfully
  • Remaining current on agreed payment plans

Past due accounts may impact participation eligibility.

Refund Policy

Program fees are generally non-refundable once participation begins unless approved by the club in writing. Learn More


Safety & Risk Management

Player safety is a top priority. Delmarva Rush follows US Soccer Risk Management standards, including annual background checks for coaches and team managers.

Pick-Up Policy

A coach or staff member will remain until the last player has been picked up. Families are expected to ensure timely pickup from practices and games.


Social Media & Communication Safety

Delmarva Rush uses social media to celebrate player achievements and share club information.

Media Release

By registering, families acknowledge that player photos, names, and likenesses may be used for club communications and promotions unless otherwise requested.

Safe Communication Standards

Communication between coaches and players should remain soccer-related and transparent. Parents should be included in communications whenever appropriate.


Medical & Emergency Procedures

Medical and emergency contact information is collected during registration.

In the event of an injury:

  • Parents/guardians will be contacted immediately
  • Coaching staff will assess the situation
  • Emergency services will be contacted when necessary

Families should notify the club of allergies, medical concerns, or special circumstances that may impact participation. 

This is paragraph text. Click it or hit the Manage Text button to change the font, color, size, format, and more. To set up site-wide paragraph and title styles, go to Site Theme.


Club Policies & Governance

Delmarva Rush Soccer Club operates under established bylaws and policies designed to support player development and organizational success.

The club reserves the right to update policies, procedures, coaching assignments, and program structures when deemed in the best interest of players and the organization.


Weather & Cancellations

Weather & Field Conditions

Player safety is always our top priority. Weather conditions, field safety, and facility availability may impact practices, games, or events.

Whenever possible, Delmarva Rush will communicate cancellations, delays, or schedule changes as early as possible through:

  • 360Player App
  • Email communication
  • Team coach or manager updates

Please note that weather conditions may vary by location, and decisions can sometimes be made close to start times due to changing field conditions.

Families are responsible for monitoring communications before departing for practices, games, or club events.

Unless otherwise communicated, families should assume activities are proceeding as scheduled.


Volunteer Expectations

Supporting the Club Together

Delmarva Rush Soccer Club is a nonprofit, volunteer-supported organization. The success of our programs depends on the involvement and support of our families and community members.

Families may be asked to assist with:

  • Team management and communication
  • Tournament and event support
  • Fundraising initiatives (View Policies)
  • Coaching assistance (where appropriate)
  • Club committees or volunteer opportunities

We believe a strong club culture is built through collaboration, and we encourage all families to contribute in ways that best fit their schedules and abilities.

Your support helps create a positive experience for every player.


Multi-Sport Participation & Guest Play

Supporting Well-Rounded Athletes

Delmarva Rush supports multi-sport athletes and understands that many players participate in school activities, other sports, and family commitments throughout the year.

We encourage open communication between families and coaches regarding scheduling conflicts so that expectations can be managed appropriately.

For competitive teams, attendance and participation may impact development opportunities, team planning, and game availability.

Guest Play Opportunities

From time to time, players may be invited to participate with another Delmarva Rush team for training sessions, tournaments, or games based on player development needs, roster availability, and coach recommendations.

Guest play opportunities are determined at the discretion of club leadership and coaching staff.


Sportsmanship, Respect & Anti-Bullying

Our Commitment to a Positive Environment

Delmarva Rush is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all players, families, coaches, referees, and spectators.

Bullying, harassment, intimidation, discrimination, threatening behavior, or unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.

We expect all members of the club community to:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect
  • Encourage teammates and competitors
  • Demonstrate good sportsmanship during wins and losses
  • Resolve disagreements respectfully
  • Help create a positive environment for all participants

Behavior that negatively impacts player safety, team culture, or the club experience may result in disciplinary action or removal from club activities.


Transportation & Carpool Policy

Transportation Responsibility

  • Parents and guardians are responsible for arranging transportation to and from practices, games, tournaments, and club activities.
  • Delmarva Rush does not organize or supervise transportation or carpool arrangements between families.
  • Families choosing to participate in carpools or shared transportation do so at their own discretion and responsibility.
  • Players should only leave with an authorized parent, guardian, or approved adult.