Policies

The Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club uses social media to connect and engage with our members, our sponsors and our community.

We welcome your comments regarding posts on our social media accounts. Please note that comments posted are subject to Wisconsin Public Records laws and the individuals, groups and organizations posting are responsible for the content of their comments. To ensure best social media practices, we monitor our accounts periodically from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on business days.

While we do not discriminate against views expressed by the public, we reserve the right to delete posts when:

Comments are of a violent, threatening, obscene, profane or defamatory nature against any person or organization for any reason (dishonorable and disrespectful content such as racial, ethnic, sexual, religious, and physical disability slurs are not tolerated).

Comments contain advertising, spam or are irrelevant to source material posted by our organization.

Users post repetitive messages that are, or appear to be, copied and pasted.

The Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club (MKSC) and Uihlein Soccer Park (USP), home of the Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club, take photos/videos of players to capture the fun they have and skills they learn.

By attending or participating in MKSC/USP programs and activities, you grant the approval/right to MKSC and/or USP or an MKSC and/or USP approved photographer/videographer to take photos/videos of you, your child/ren and family members in connection with any MKSC and/or USP event.

Your approval authorizes MKSC/USP, its assigns and transferees to copyright, use and publish (without compensation to you) the same in print and/or electronically and confirms your agreement that MKSC and/or USP may use such photos/videos with or without names for any lawful purpose including, but not limited to: publicity, advertising, branding, member communications, event promotion, MKSC/USP sponsor marketing initiatives and online/digital content.

Our sincere thanks to all who are featured in our photos/videos to help us promote Your Club and its home

The Milwaukee Kickers must be informed of all game cancellations. You will be responsible for paying referees if teams do not show up and the Milwaukee Kickers were not contacted 48 hours prior to the scheduled game.

Games may not be moved to a different location without approval from Jaclyn Theune, Rental and Scheduling Coordinator at the Milwaukee Kickers office. The assigned home teams are responsible for the communication and arrangements on cancelled and rescheduled games.

All reschedule game requests must be made at least five days prior to the potential new game date. For example, to reschedule a game on a Saturday, it must be approved by Monday of that week; Sunday, Tuesday of that week, and so on.

To reschedule a game:

Step 1 – Talk to your opponent and agree upon two or three dates and times that work for both teams.

Step 2 – If you need to reschedule a Tosa home game, please contact Tim Winn at twinn2@wi.rr.com.

For all other locations, email your request to Jaclyn Theune, the Milwaukee Kickers’ field scheduler. Please include all of the original game information (date, time, field, league and opponent) and the suggested new game information in order of preference when contacting any of the people above. JaclynT@mksc.org                        

Step 3 – Jaclyn or Tim will review the reschedule options and notify you if the reschedule is approved or not.

Step 4 - Once the game is approved, the Milwaukee Kickers will update the schedule and take care of all appropriate referee assignments.

NOTE: If your team participates in the State League or the SECL, you must receive approval from Patrick Hodgins before cancelling a game and making reschedule arrangements. Jaclyn Theune can make field arrangements for the rescheduled game, but the schedules will not be updated with new game details until the State Office has approved the change. If a game is cancelled due to weather/field conditions, approval from Patrick is not necessary.

WYSA has created the Zero Tolerance Policy in an effort to decrease the abuse of referees. The purpose of this policy is to make clear that verbal abuse or negative criticism of referees is as unacceptable as verbal abuse or negative criticism of players.

This policy adopts basic standard sanctions for improper conduct. This policy is not intended to imply that referees are always “right” and the spectator or coach is always “wrong”. Just as players make mistakes during play and coaches may err in strategy or methodology, referees will make mistakes in officiating, particularly in the younger divisions where they are learning how to referee. Due to a persistent shortage of referees, a referee may be officiating at a higher level game than they are comfortable with. They must receive positive support from coaches and spectators to continue to grow as an official.

A coach or spectator may only communicate in a positive way with a referee. The coach is responsible for ensuring all spectators associated with his/her team follow these guidelines relating to communication with a referee; especially a referee. A coach/spectator may not express any disagreement or dissatisfaction with the officiating to the youth referee. A coach/spectator may not, before, during, or after a game, discuss with a referee their critique of the referee’s performance, other than to thank and compliment the referee.

If a coach, player or fan is harassing a referee, the referee has the right to take the following measures to cease harassment:

1. Go to the offending team's coach and ask them to control themselves or their personnel.
2. If the problem persists after the above measure is taken, the referee may go back to the coach and ask the offending party to remove themselves from the game.
3. If the problem persists after the above measures are taken, the referee may stop the game and the outcome of the game will be determined by the competition authority.

Please note, coaches, players and /or parents/spectators are highly discouraged from approaching or confronting referees at halftime or after the match for any reason other than retrieving player pass cards or saying ‘thank you’ and/or shaking hands.

Any concerns or feedback regarding referees must be submitted in writing to the Administrator of that Competition. Concerns related to referee performance or behavior will only be accepted from a Club Official (i.e. board member), Director of Coaching or the team’s coach. The claim must provide details specific to the complaint and cite examples where referee performance or behavior was inadequate or improper. The Competition Administrator will engage the appropriate parties in investigating and taking disciplinary action. (In cases of egregious referee abuse (e.g., physical confrontation), information will immediately be forwarded to the WYSA Executive Director for investigation and discipline decisions.)

Approved 11/14/15
WYSA Board of Directors

As a Club member and in the Club spirit, we encourage and expect all of our players and parents to respect the game and each other in their interactions on and off the soccer field.

For players, we ask that you...

• Arrive on time
• Contact your Coach if you’ll be late or aren’t coming
• Work hard with your peers to grow as a player and a teammate
• Learn the Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club rules
• Take advantage of additional ways to improve your performance (clinics, camps, etc.)
• Respect referees and their calls
• Win and lose graciously
• Thank your parents for their guidance and support
• Not criticize, bully, make fun of, argue or use bad language with anyone
• Have fun playing soccer!

  For parents, we ask that you...

• Get your soccer outfitted player to the field on time
• Introduce yourself to the Coach and other parents (it’s more fun that way!)
• Prepare for quick-changing weather conditions, bring layers and rain gear
• Learn the Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club rules and contact information
• Support both teams in a positive way
• Respect referees and their calls
• Win and lose graciously
• Thank your player for their discipline and effort
• Not criticize, bully, make fun of, argue or use bad language with anyone
• Enjoy watching soccer!

Click Here for a printable Medical Release Form.

Risk Management Guide for Coaches and Managers

To ensure the safety and well-being of our youth athletes, all MKSC coaches, assistant coaches, and team managers must complete the WYSA Risk Management process. This includes a background check, SafeSport certification, and concussion training. MKSC covers all associated costs for our members.

Please Note:  For the most up to date instructions please visit the Risk Management page on WYSA’s website which can be found HERE.  A complete step-by-step pdf guide can be found HERE.

If your coaches and managers run into any issues, Katie Schauer can help and can be reached at kschauer@wiyouthsoccer.com.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Log In or Create an Account

• If you have an existing PlayMetrics account, log in using your credentials.
• If you're new to PlayMetrics, create an account by following the on-screen instructions.

Complete Required Trainings

• Background Check: Authorize and complete the background screening. This is valid for two years.
  • The background check is not required in the US Learning Center. Many think they must complete it to access the SafeSport certificate, but it's located directly in their profile once they’ve completed all the phases leading up to the background check. The background check can and should be done through Playmetrics only.
• SafeSport Certification: Complete the annual SafeSport training or refresher.
• Concussion Training: Complete the concussion awareness training, as required.

Upload a Profile Photo

• Upload a clear, recent photo to your PlayMetrics profile. This is necessary for your digital pass card.

Submit and Confirm

• After completing all steps, submit your information.
• You will receive confirmation upon successful completion. MKSC staff can verify your status through the WYSA system; no need to send confirmation separately.

Why Risk Management Matters for Coaches

Risk Management is about more than just completing a course; it’s about protecting the kids we serve in our club.  As a coach or manager, you’re in a position of trust, and the Risk Management process helps to make sure that everyone working with players is up to date on the safety measures for our children.

By completing these requirements, you’re helping us to:

• Create a safe, supportive environment for young athletes
• Prevent situations that could put players—or you—at risk
• Show parents and families that MKSC is committed to high standards and accountability

Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club Parent Code of Conduct

As a parent or guardian of a player in Milwaukee Kicker Soccer Club, you play a crucial role in the development and enjoyment of your child's soccer experience. To ensure a positive environment for all participants, we ask that you adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Support Your Child
   • Encourage your child to play by the rules and respect the decisions of coaches and officials.
   • Emphasize effort, improvement, and enjoyment over winning.
   • Allow the coach to coach.  Avoid giving instructions to your child during the match, which may conflict with the coach’s guidance.
2. Respect Coaches and Referees
   • Recognize that coaches and referees dedicate their time and effort to facilitate the game.
   • Refrain from questioning or criticizing coaching decisions or officiating during games.
   • Understand that improper behavior at a match may result in a referee or club official asking you to leave the field to avoid penalizing the coach with a yellow card caution or red card ejection.
3. Demonstrate Good Sportsmanship
   • Always exhibit positive behavior and language.
   • Applaud good play by all teams and avoid negative comments toward players, coaches, or officials.
4. Communicate Appropriately
   • Direct any concerns or questions to coaches at an appropriate time, away from the presence of players and other parents.
   • Follow the club's communication protocols for addressing issues.
5. Promote a Safe and Inclusive Environment
   • Ensure that your child arrives on time and is prepared for practices and games.
   • Encourage respect for teammates, opponents, and diversity within the soccer community.
6. Abide by Club Policies
   • Familiarize yourself with and adhere to all club policies and procedures.
   • Support the club's mission and values in all interactions.