Gators Info

Practices, Games, Seasons

Practices are usually two evenings per week for one to one and a half hours per practice. Practices are held at James Brown Park. Games for all divisions are held on weekends.

Games for the recreation division are primarily with other local groups (generally within a one hour drive).

Premier, Athena, and Classic divisions generally travel further to participate in out of town games. Fall season begins August 1 and ends the first or second week in December. Spring season begins the first week in January and usually ends by the second week of June.

Tournament Participation

Most Gator teams participate in at least two tournaments a year. These tournaments are in addition to the regular season games. Tournaments which Gator teams have participated in include:

* The Open Cup Tournament

* The Halloween Girls’ Fall Festival

* The Sunbeam Tournament (Savannah)

* The Augusta Shootout

* The Hinesville Challenge Cup

* The Piggly Wiggly Tournament(Charleston)

* The Rose Festival Tournament

* The Georgia Gatorade Recreation Tournament

* The Kingsport Tournament (Tennessee)

* The U.S.A. Cup (Minnesota)

* The Charleston Thanksgiving Shootout

* The Cocoa Beach Expo

Gators Board of Directors

The Gators Board of Directors is the governing body of the Hinesville Soccer Association. Tom Sukaratana serves as the Chairman of the Board which is a non elected position. The rest of the board are volunteers who are elected every two years by the Gator membership at a general meeting. The Board of Directors works collectively to promote the Gators program. In addition to board positions, volunteers fill many other positions crucial to the operation of the association. The volunteer positions include but are not limited to coaches, team managers (formerly team moms), and assistant coaches.

2000 - 2001 Officers

Susan Chipples...................................................President

Jeff Carr.....................................................Vice-President

Kim Folker........................................................Secretary

Kathleen Valentine............................................Treasurer

Debra Sukaratana................................................Registrar

Heather Carr...............................Fundraising Chairperson

Carla Standard & Lynn Edwards.......Publicity Chairperson

April & Jimmy Kauser.................Equipment Chairperson

Duane & Jean Bailey..............Team Manager Chairperson

Jack Kobusch....................................Referee Chairperson

Tom Sukaratana........................Tournament Chairperson

Tom Sukaratana...................................Risk Management

History

In 1983 Coach Tom Sukaratana formed the Hinesville Gators which consisted of one under 14 team with 14 players. Since this team played in Savannah, it became Hinesville’s first traveling soccer team. The Hinesville Soccer Association is a nonprofit organization and is affiliated with the Georgia Youth Soccer Association.

Goals

The Hinesville Soccer Association is committed to developing players and helping each one reach his/her full potential. We strive to teach the players the fundamentals and techniques of soccer while instilling Christian principles including unity through teamwork, discipline, high morals and values, good sportsmanship, honesty,

Age Groups and Divisions

A player’s age group is determined by his/her age as of August 1 and his/her soccer skills. Age groups offered by the Gators are based upon the number of players registering to play but can include the following:

Under 6 Under 14

Under 8 Under 16 Premier

Under 10 Under 17 Classic

Under 12 Under 19 Athena

Under 13 Premier Under 19 Premier

Classic--elite level

Premier/Athena (girls)--advanced level

Recreation--intermediate level

Dues

Gator dues are paid per season.

U-6 and U-8 $50 fall season - $40 spring season

Recreation players $100 per season

Premier/Athena/Classic $110 per season

2 or more players per family $150 per season

Each additional select player family member $10 each

In addition to dues, a yearly registration fee must be paid to the Georgia State Soccer Association. The registration fee is $13 for U-8 and $15 for all other recreational players. The registration fee for select players is $22. Registration fees must be paid when registration forms are signed.

Seasonal dues may be paid in one lump sum, quarterly, or in monthly installments. The first fall payment is due July 10, and the first spring payment is due January 10. Payments should be mailed to:

The Hinesville Soccer Association

P. O. Box 695

Hinesville, GA 31310

Any player who is three months in arrears in payment of dues will be allowed to practice but not play in games or tournaments until financial obligations are met. Gator dues help to pay for program equipment and supplies, field maintenance, administrative supplies, program salaries, referee fees, and league fees.

Gator dues DO NOT cover player uniforms; this expense

Parent Responsibilities

As parents of players, parents agree to meet the following responsibilities:

1. pay dues.

2. purchase required uniforms.

3. see that your child attends all practices and arrives on time.

4. provide refreshments for games when called upon.

5. provide transportation to and from games.

6. pay for tournament expenses.

7. participate in fundraisers.

8. allow your child to participate in fundraisers.

9. encourage your child and other Gators in a positive manner.

10. Help your child understand the need to follow the coach’s

Instructions.

Player Responsibilities

As players for the Gators, players agree to meet the following responsibilities:

1. attend all practices prepared and on time.

2. give 110% at all practices and games.

3. promote Christian values in your play and attitude before,

during, and after practices and games.

4. listen to and follow coach’s instructions.

Highligts

Since 1983, the Gators have won more than 18 state titles in various age groups. In 1992 the U-16 team won the Augusta Shootout. In 1993 the U-12 team took the title in the Charleston Sunbeam Tournament. In 1994 the U-13 team was victorious in the Augusta Shootout, and the U-14 girls won the Sunbeam Classic Championship. In 1995 the U-17 Classic I finished first place in its division in the state. Also, in 1995 the U-14 girls, the U-16, and the U-19 won gold medals at the Georgia Games. In 1996 the U-19 won the Charleston Thanksgiving Shootout in B division, the U-12 won the Hinesville Challenge Cup, and the U-15 Premier won its division to move to A division. In 1997 the U-19 won the Charleston Thanksgiving Shootout in A division. In 1998 the U-13 won the Savannah Cup, and the U-16 won the Hinesville Challenge Cup.