Rio Vista FC has a developed an evolving operational structure. As the largest youth soccer club in New Mexico, we realize there are questions that will need to be answered regarding our structure, our interaction with our membership and operation of the club. Rio Vista acknowledges the need to accept and evaluate customer, employee, and membership feedback in order to continue to grow and be successful. Below we have compiled a list of actual and possible questions which new or prospective members may have.
1. I’ve heard Rio Vista FC is an expensive club for my child to play.
Answer: Rio Vista has a number of pricing structures for its membership to choose from. Our Soccer School for younger players, Recreational program, and Moderately Competitive to Very Competitive programs offer different cost structures to choose from. Individual players or teams may choose the appropriate pricing structure for their team goals / budget.
2. What do I get for the money I pay Rio Vista FC?
Answer: What you get depends on what you pay. Regardless of what level of professional coaching or competition you choose , you get the following base services: Skills for field players (exception: Recreational Program players & Soccer School players), Training for Goalkeepers (exception: Recreational Program players & Soccer School players), Coaching seminars, a club identity, Player practice t-shirts and RVFC Volunteer coaching package. Recreational or club track teams have the option of 2 team clinics (1 fall, 1 spring), which are conducted by the RVFC staff.
3. What is the money I pay Rio Vista FC used for?
Answer: Over 90% of the money collected in club membership dues goes directly to the provision of player education, coaching wages, coach education, player t-shirts and Volunteer Coaches’ packages. The remaining funds are used for administrative costs, equipment purchase, equipment replacement and supplements for the scholarship program. As you can see, the vast majority of the monies collected by the club are spent in direct support of the players and teams.
4. Who is on the Rio Vista FC payroll?
Answer: The Director of Coaching, Administrative Director and Age Group Directors are all on salary. Contract Coaches are paid per a pre-arranged agreement; The Club Registrar and Bookkeeper are paid based on the level of service provided. The RVFC Board of Directors consists of all volunteer positions.
5. What level of control does Rio Vista FC exert over its teams and players?
Answer: Rio Vista FC expects and requires its players, coaches and supporters to conduct themselves in a manner befitting the values of the club. Sportsmanship and dignity are key elements in this conduct. The Rio Vista FC Parent, Player, and coaching handbook detail more of these expectations. The Rio Vista F.C. membership handbook can be found at www.riovistafc.org. Other than the issues or policies detailed in the membership manual Rio Vista FC does not control team or player activities, trips, or goals. Activities such as indoor soccer or guest playing for other teams / clubs are coaching and team decisions. Teams are allowed to utilize legal means of fundraising as long as there are no direct conflicts with RVFC fundraising activities. The operation of the team is the responsibility of the team coach, manager and other members involved in team decisions. Teams can set tournament and travel schedules without interference from club administration. Teams can assess additional fees or monthly dues to meet team financial requirements without fear of being assessed further dues or coaching charges once their membership fees have been paid. Teams can ask for guidance from Rio Vista staff when determining tournament or travel schedules. Team budgets, tournaments, and travel are team – not club issues. Discuss and understand any additional team fees or your additional annual financial commitment with the coach or team manager of your prospective team.
6. If I bring my team to Rio Vista, will the club break-up my team and take my best players?
Answer: Rio Vista understands that teams come to the club with the intent of staying together as a unit. Player education and development is the primary goal of Rio Vista FC. In an effort to cater to players of all abilities , players have the option at the U14 age level of trying out for the showcase team in their age group. The Showcase program is designed to afford the most competitive players the opportunity to play under the guidance of full time professional coaches as they strive to reach the highest levels. The showcase teams travel extensively to high level competitive tournaments, showcasing the players to college programs. The showcase program is an opportunity presented to players U14 and above. Players & parents choose if the Showcase program is compatible with their needs. Rio Vista has no intent of breaking teams up for the purpose of moving teams’ better players on to one team or another. We feel it is necessary to provide playing opportunities to players of all abilities; from players that wish to play soccer recreationally - to those wishing to play at the highest levels.
7. Do I have to buy my uniforms and warm-ups from Rio Vista FC?
Answer: Rio Vista FC is not a uniform or soccer specialty vendor. Rio Vista does have a standard uniform it requires each playing member to purchase for use during official league or tournament games as detailed in the membership manual. The initial uniform, training suits and replacement jerseys are to be purchased from the club - specified and approved vendor and decorated by the club - specified vendor. Rio Vista FC goes to great lengths to negotiate the best price for any of the specified uniform pieces and encourages the membership to patronize the club approved vendor for their soccer accessory or uniform needs. Such patronage enables Rio Vista FC to strike deals with our vendors at the lowest cost possible for our members.
8. What do I do if I have a problem with my coach, staff coach or Rio Vista club policy?
Answer: Rio Vista has a very capable person dedicated to arbitrating and resolving internal conflicts for parents and players. The Parent / Player Liaison will do the best job possible to provide satisfactory resolutions to the parties concerned when problems are encountered. This person is listed on the club website as “Parent / Player Liaison”.
9. Do players have to tryout for their team every season?
Answer: Tryouts, roster additions or subtractions, or other related issues are considered team issues and coaching decisions. Only in the case of gross misconduct (coach, player or parent) would the club interfere in such decisions. If a coach does not wish to have any roster additions or subtractions, they are not required to go to tryouts.
10. Why can’t we put our names on our uniforms or training suits?
Answer: Child protection is a top priority for Rio Vista. As Rio Vista cannot guarantee the background of attendees at either practice or game venues, we believe it is imperative to keep our players as anonymous as possible. This is in accordance with Rio Vista F.C. risk management policies.
11. If my player quits can I get a refund?
Answer: Rio Visa FC policy regarding refunds is detailed in the membership manual.
10. Does Rio Vista have a scholarship program?
Answer: Rio Vista has limited funds for player scholarships during both the fall and spring. Awards are based on financial need of the players. The scholarship process and deadlines are detailed in the membership manual.
