In light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made necessary adjustments to our club's operations. Prior to the pandemic, our practice sessions were open to parents and spectators. However, due to safety restrictions, we were required to limit the number of individuals in our gymnasiums. Our coaching staff then, noticed that this change led to an increase in our players' performance during practice.

Recognizing the benefits of a more focused and conducive training environment, we have decided to adopt a "Closed Practice Policy" as the standard format. This policy aims to minimize distractions and maintain a professional training atmosphere, thereby allowing our athletes to reach their full potential. Please note that this policy also extends to our tryout sessions.

While we understand the importance of community and support, we want to assure you that our "Closed Practice Policy" is not absolute. We will continue to offer open practice sessions and clinics that are accessible to spectators, enabling parents and supporters to witness the progress and dedication of our players.

Our closed practice policy means that practice times and location is restrict to players and coaches, that is, the policy or prohibits spectators, particularly parents or non-participants, from attending or observing practice sessions. Under a closed practice policy, only authorized personnel, such as coaches, athletes, and essential support staff, are allowed to be present during practice sessions. This policy is often implemented to provide a controlled and focused environment for training and skill development, reduce distractions, and create a more conducive atmosphere for learning and improvement without external pressures or interference.

In light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made necessary adjustments to our club's operations and had to implement a "closed practice policy". Prior to the pandemic, our practice sessions were open to parents and spectators. However, due to safety restrictions, we were required to limit the number of individuals in our gymnasiums. Our staff then noticed that his change led to an increase in our players' performance.

Recognizing the benefits of a more focused and conducive training environment, we have decided to adopt a "Close Practice Policy" as the standard format. This policy aims to minimize distractions and maintain a professional training atmosphere, thereby allowing our athletes to reach their full potential. Please note that this policy also extends to our tryout sessions.

While we understand the importance of community and support, we want to assure you that our "Close Practice Policy" is not absolute. We will continue to offer open practice sessions and clinics that are accessible to spectators, enabling parents and supporters to witness the progress and dedication of our players.

Our experience over the years shows that this policy brings several advantages to the athletic development of the young athlete:

1. Reduced Pressure: Without parents and other observers present, young athletes may feel less pressure to perform perfectly or live up to external expectations. This can create a more relaxed and supportive atmosphere for learning and skill development.

2. Enhanced Concentration: Closed practices allow players to focus on their training, techniques, and drills without the distraction of external audiences. This heightened concentration can lead to improved skill acquisition and refinement.

3. Greater Independence: Youth athletes can develop a sense of independence and responsibility for their own progress when they are not constantly being watched by their parents. They learn to self-motivate and take ownership of their development.

4. Increased Coach-Player Interaction: Coaches can provide more individualized feedback and attention to players when they don't have to manage parents in the stands. This one-on-one interaction can be crucial for skill improvement and athlete development.

5. Building Team Cohesion: Closed practices can foster a stronger sense of camaraderie and teamwork among players. Without external distractions, team members can bond more effectively and develop a supportive, unified spirit.

6. Reduced Distractions: Parents and other spectators can sometimes disrupt practices with comments, criticisms, or coaching from the sidelines. Eliminating this distraction allows athletes to fully engage in their training.

7. Confidence Building: Young athletes may be more willing to take risks and try new things in a closed practice setting, as they don't fear judgment from parents. This can lead to greater self-confidence and a willingness to explore their full potential.

8. Privacy and Personal Growth: Closed practices provide a level of privacy that allows athletes to make mistakes and learn from them without feeling embarrassed or exposed. This promotes personal growth and resilience.

It's crucial to emphasize that while closed practices provide these advantages, it remains imperative for our club and coaches to uphold transparent communication with parents. This ensures they comprehend the rationale behind the policy and have the chance to observe their child's progress during alternative settings, including games and scrimmages. Striking a balance between the advantages of closed practices and the necessity of parental involvement and support is paramount for the holistic development of young athletes.

In our program, effective communication between coaches, the club staff, and parents is of utmost importance. While we maintain a closed practice policy to create the best possible learning environment for our young athletes, we recognize that parents play a crucial role in their development. Open and transparent communication ensures that parents are well-informed about our policies and the reasons behind them. It also allows us to share updates on their child's progress, milestones, and any areas that may need attention.

This partnership between coaches, the program, and parents creates a support system that not only nurtures athletes' physical skills but also their emotional and mental well-being. It ensures that everyone is working together toward a common goal: the holistic growth and success of our young athletes. We encourage ongoing dialogue, feedback, and the exchange of ideas to provide the best possible experience for our athletes while respecting the closed practice policy that serves their development.

While our club maintains a closed practice policy for most sessions, it's important to note that coaches periodically schedule open practices for spectators to attend. Additionally, every scrimmage, whether it's an internal club event or against other clubs, is open to viewers. Having a supportive crowd at these (planned) moments can be incredibly advantageous. Striking a good balance between closed practices and the occasional open practice and scrimmages is crucial, especially in youth sports, as it allows us to provide the best learning environment while still fostering the essential connection between athletes, parents, and supporters.

In a program with a closed practice policy, having occasional scrimmages or planned practices open to spectators can offer several advantages:

1. Showcasing Progress: Open sessions provide an opportunity for young athletes to showcase their development and skills to parents, family members, and supporters. This can boost their confidence and motivation.

2. External Motivation: Knowing that they'll have an audience during open sessions can motivate athletes to perform at their best, simulating the pressure of real games and competitions.

3. Parental Involvement: Open practices and scrimmages allow parents to actively participate in their child's athletic journey, providing support and encouragement. This involvement can strengthen the athlete-parent relationship.

4. Community Building: It fosters a sense of community among parents, supporters, and athletes. They can come together to share the experience and bond over the common goal of youth athletic development.

5. Game-Like Conditions: Scrimmages with spectators replicate game-like conditions, helping athletes become more accustomed to performing under pressure and in front of an audience.

6. Feedback and Evaluation: Coaches can provide feedback and evaluate the athlete's performance in a more realistic context, which can be valuable for improvement.

7. Mental Toughness: Open sessions contribute to the development of mental toughness and resilience as athletes learn to cope with the pressure and expectations of spectators.

8. Balanced Approach: Having a balance between closed and open sessions ensures that young athletes can experience both the focused, controlled environment of closed practices and the more public, competitive environment of open scrimmages. This balanced approach prepares them for a variety of real-world situations.

The occasional inclusion of open scrimmages and practices within a closed practice policy program offers a well-rounded experience that combines the advantages of focused training with opportunities for athletes to perform in a more public and supportive setting. We know that this approach contributes to our athletes overall development and preparedness for competitive situations.