To be the place where kids come to play

ASA provides the leadership, structure and sports programs to prepare kids for life.

Stewardship

• Accept & fulfill responsibility
• Spend time and funds wisely
• Create a safe and nurturing environment
• Honor the game
• Define success by achievable goals
• Lead by example
• Invest in volunteers

Kid-Focus

• Create a safe & nurturing environment / experience
• Calm & nurturing demeanor
• Consider impact on kids when making decisions
• Help kids learn as they play
• Compete fairly

Integrity

• Be fair
• Words and actions must be above reproach
• Keep your words – do what you say you will do
• Teach life lessons
• Follow the rules

Respect

• Listen and Learn
• Value differences
• Be fair and consistent
• Let others be heard
• Encourage participation

Teamwork

• Work together for success
• Help each other
• Focus on making the whole team better
• Balance the focus between individuals and the team
• Value different roles and opinions

ASA was organized on November 24, 1976 and has been recognized as an exempt organization under section 501(c) (3) of the internal revenue code since March of 1982. 

The purpose for the creation of this corporation was to operate, provide and promote a year round program for supervised recreational sports. To also provide an opportunity for those adults who desire to voluntarily coach, supervise and instruct others in recreational sports. And to promote the highest ideals of fellowship and sportsmanship with the specific purpose of making the community a better place to live.

The Allen Sports Association is made up of a Board of Directors that handles the business of the association and the Sport Boards that handle the sports of the Association.  Both volunteer association boards are supported by the ASA paid staff.

There are four committees of the association whose purpose is to assist the Executive Director in carrying out various activities of ASA.  Those committees are the Finance Committee, Ethics Committee, Competition Committee and Sponsorship & Fundraising Committee.

II.       SPORTSMANSHIP

ASA’s stance on good sportsmanship is secondary only to its emphasis on child safety.  Each player, parent, coach, volunteer and spectator share a responsibility to practice good sportsmanship to allow for increased enjoyment and competition for all.   Players, coaches, parents, volunteers and spectators are all expected to conduct themselves with respect and dignity and abide by the following general principles:

•         always display a positive attitude on both the practice and game fields

•         demonstrate respect to coaches, parents, volunteers, officials, and players without regard to race, religion, nationality, or gender or ability at all times

•         abstain from the use of vulgar, obscene, offensive, profane, or derogatory comments or gestures

•         no physical violence such as fighting or wrestling, and including but not limited to a grab, strike, shove, spank, shake, slap, punch, kick, choke, etc. 

•         not argue with an official, know the rules of the game and support all officials on and off the field

•         not demean or belittle a participant by yelling or reprimanding any player, coach, official, or other parent or spectator

•         applaud effort in both victory and defeat, and encourage and acknowledge sportsmanship and good play by all players, regardless of team

•         help to provide a safe and fun environment

•         remember that the game is for the kids, not the adults

•         do not confront, antagonize, threaten or berate a player, coach, official, volunteer, parent or spectator

COACHES are also required to adhere to the following:

•         be responsible for the conduct of his/her players, as well as his/her team’s parents and spectators at all times

•         submit to a criminal background check, meet all coaching requirements as defined by ASA, to include obtain and, on request, display the ASA coaching credential/badge and obtain the necessary coaching licenses and/or certifications applicable to the sport

•         remain aware of any special considerations regarding members of the team

•         incorporate and ensure frequent water breaks as needed

•         avoid any circumstance which places them alone with a child other than their own

•         provide consistent, adequate communication

•         adhere to all facility and City of Allen Field use guidelines

•         adhere to all rules pertaining to ASA practice and game participation

•         Head Coach is responsible for ensuring that all assistant coaches or other on-field/on-court volunteers are properly credentialed/badged

•         Illegal player/coach/participant - All coaches are responsible for ensuring that all players and other participants on the team roster are properly registered and approved to participate in the sport and on the team according to the rules and regulations established by the Association and the individual sport

•         Not seek unfair advantage by teaching deliberate unsportsmanlike behavior or overly aggressive play to players

•       Coaches are reminded that they have special responsibility and authority as part of their position and should endeavor to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that brings respect and honor to the game

 

III.      ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, ILLEGAL DRUGS, AND OTHER PROHIBITED ITEMS

The use of alcohol, tobacco, vaping, and/or illegal drugs by players, coaches, volunteers, parents, and spectators during any ASA sponsored event is prohibited.  Consuming alcohol and/or using drugs prior to an ASA event which causes the user to be impaired while at the event is also prohibited. Player and Coach uniforms and team fan/spirit wear cannot display advertisements of alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, profanity, or sexually oriented language or images.  Violations of this policy will result in an immediate suspension from participation in ASA activities pending a review by the Board and/or Ethics Committee.  Coaches, volunteers, parents, and spectators should remember they are role models for our youth and their actions should be congruent with ASA’s philosophy.

 

IV.      SAFETY AND HEALTH

ASA regards safety and health as top priority.  The following guidelines should be observed by coaches and volunteers as precautionary measures to ensure the physical safety and well-being of ASA participants:

• inspect all fields and courts prior to any practice or game

•         utilize equipment that is ASA approved, age-appropriate, and free from any defect

•         ensure children have access to plenty of water

•         stop any practice or game in which weather conditions pose a hazard

•         provide basic first-aid as needed

•         discourage violent play

•         follow coaching guidelines set forth by each sport

•         keep practice times within the recommended guidelines

•         notify ASA and your local law enforcement agency of any predatory activity associated with ASA sponsored events

¬ Parents are urged to be aware of the potential dangers of child predators within our communities.  Please be vigilant in monitoring your children at practices and games.  A parental escort should be provided when kids go to the restrooms, concession stands, and/or other facilities that are long distances from the game vicinities.  The primary responsibility for the wellbeing of your child(ren) on and off the field lies with the parent/guardian, so please be proactive in watching over your loved ones.  A list of registered sex offenders in your area may be accessed online at the following website:

https://publicsite.dps.texas.gov/SexOffenderRegistry/Search

 

 

V.       FAIRNESS AND HONESTY

ASA believes the sports environment is highly conducive to teaching children fairness and honesty.  These virtues must be present in every aspect of our roles as coaches, parents and volunteers, including:

•           Managing team finances

•         Adequate playing time for all players, per the ASA By-Laws, and according to the individual sport’s rules, including abiding by the notice requirements established by the sports rules and the Association By Laws

•           Strive to develop all players, regardless of talent level

 

At ASA there are many different ways to volunteer your time to the organization. In addition to coaching on the sidelines ASA has volunteer committees to help with the day-to-day operations of the association. The purpose of these committees is to assist the Executive Director in carrying out various activities and policies of ASA.  

Sponsorship & Fundraising Committee – Designed to assist the association with developing and implementing spomsorship guidelines and policies, as well as pursuing sponsorship & fundraising opportunities at a local and regional level. Committee will work to research available grant opportunities and pursure those opportunities by writing & submitting grants to various organizations. 

Co-Chairs: Baiju Thakkar baiju.thakkar@allensports.org and Paul Brookshire paul.brookshire@allensports.org

Ethics Committee - This committee was established to assist in the evaluation and monitoring of the conduct of participants, attendees, coaches and referees of ASA sporting events.  The Ethics committee is responsible for overseeing the Appeals & Discipline (A&D) process for all violations of the ASA Uniform Code of Conduct.

Chairperson: Tom Cowart

Competition Committee - The Competition Committee was established to oversee all aspects of competition within the association.  Committee members review team formation rules, play-time rules, division of leagues based on skill level, and more. 

Chairperson: Oscar Sanchez

Finance Committee - The Finance Committee helps oversee the finances of the association including, but not limited to, season & annual budgets, investments and banking decisions. 

Chairperson: Rick Zinsmeister

Anyone interested in volunteering for one of the ASA Volunteer Committees can submit a Volunteer Board Member Application  which willfo directly to Executive Director Jennifer Hasko.