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Coaches Responsibilities and Behavior Guidelines

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Coaches should keep in mind their position as role models for their players.  The coaches set the tone of sportsmanship for the players and fans.  Coaches should remember that soccer is more than "winning at all costs."  Remember that the game is for the players.  The objective of sports for youth should be:

  1. Enjoyment
  2. Skill development
  3. Participation in a team sport
  4. The development of good sportsmanship

The coach, the primary influence on the players, determines if these objectives of the youth soccer players are met

Coaches should be present for pre-game warm up.

Coaches should not leave fields during practice, when practice or games are done make sure all kids on your team have been picked up before the coach can leave the field.

Coaches should familiarize themselves with the Medical Release forms to make sure they are prepared for medical conditions.

Always have a First-Aid kit available - if you need more supplies contact Equipment Manager.

Coaches should have Rosters with Phone numbers at all practices and games.

No spectator, coach or player may be behind the goal.

Coaches will keep record of practice schedules, game schedules and player attendance at practices and games.  If a player stops coming to practice or games let a board member know to find out why.

Coaches should participate in the post game handshake.  Coaches who fail to shake hands and exhibit good sportsmanship in defeat as well as victory should be reported  to an Association Board Member.

Practices

Prepare lesson plan prior to practice

  1. Set a goal - what do you want to achieve at that practice.
  2. Have a list of drills to use for teaching that goal.

Arrive at least 5 to 10 minutes before practice and set up field. 

General rules for practice/training sessions

  1. Go from simple to complex activities
  2. Warm up
  3. Alone and in small groups
  4. Group activity on cooperation
  5. Group activity on competition
  6. Small side games (or scrimmage)
  7. Cool down

Avoid Laps - unless they are dribbling the ball

Avoid Lines

  1. Make sure all players have a ball
  2. Break into small groups
  3. Maximize number of touches each player gets in a practice session

Avoid Lectures - the kids are not listening anyway

  1. Make points quickly, then let them learn by playing
  2. Focus on one thing at a time
  3. Use positive reinforcement

Make practices fun

  1. change activities as soon as kids get bored
  2. Be creative in using competition

Focus on fundamental skills appropriate to the level you are coaching

  1. Dribbling
  2. Passing
  3. Throw-Ins
  4. Shooting

Fields

  1. Remember you do not need a complete field for a practice session.
  2. Make sure players always bring ball and water bottle, and have proper equipment (shinguards, socks)

Safety - Make Safety a priority

  1. Check field for hazards
  2. Make sure goals are anchored down - no hanging on goals
  3. Sometimes the nets come loose, Contact a Board Member or go to Concession Stand there is a Tote marked Field Supplies and use the cable ties to fasten the nets back to the Goal.
  4. Players should not be allowed to climb or crawl on the nets, as a coach if you see this happening on any of the fields please stop it and explain why they need to stop.