La Mesa Region 89

La Mesa
Region 89
COACHES
MANUAL
2015 FALL SEASON
2015 La Mesa Region 89 Important Dates
April 25th
May 2
Saturday Early Bird 1st Registration 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm (LMMS School)
nd
Saturday: 2nd Early Bird Registration 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm (LMMS School)
May 16th
Saturday Third Registration 1pm - 4 pm (LMMS School)
May 21st
Thursday Fourth Registration 5pm to 8pm (Grossmont High School)
June 4
th
Thursday Fifth Registration 5pm to 8pm (Sport Authority / Grossmont Mall)
June 6
th
Saturday Sixth Registration 10am to 2pm (Grossmont High School)
June 13th
Saturday Seventh Registration 10am to 2pm (Grossmont High School)
June 14th
Sunday Mail in registration starts (waiting list is formed)
July 1st
Tuesday Team Balancing
July 18th
Saturday Coaches meeting &Division Rep Training 9am to 12pm – LMMS
July 23rd
Thurs (Pt I) U12 Coaching Course- Grossmont High School (6pm – 9pm)
July 25th
Saturday (Pt II) U12 Coaching Course-Grossmont High School (9am-12 pm)
July 25th
Saturday Roster Distribution / Meet the Coach (Sport Authority/Grossmont Mall)
July 31-August 2
Friday-Sunday San Diego County Super Camp- Grossmont High School
Saturday Practices Begin
Aug 1st
Aug 7th
Friday Coaches and Players Skill Clinics- La Mesa Middle School 5pm to 7pm
th
Thursday (Part I) Basic Referee Course Grossmont High School
August 15th
Saturday (Part II) Basic Referee Course Grossmont High School
August 13
Friday Aug 14th Team Parent Meeting – La Mesa Middle School 6pm
Friday Aug 14th Coaches and Players Skill Clinics - La Mesa Middle School 5pm to7pm
Friday Aug 21st Coaches and Players Skill Clinics – La Mesa Middle School 5pm to7pm
August 27th
Thursday (Part I) Basic Referee Course Grossmont High School
August 29th
Saturday (Part II) Basic Referee Course Grossmont High School
Aug 28
th
Friday Final Coaches and Players Skill Clinics – La Mesa Middle 5 to7pm
Aug 22RD
Saturday Fall season starts Upper Division
September 4th – September 6th Mt Helix Labor Day Tournament
Sept 12th
Sept 20
Saturday Fall season starts Core Players
th
October 4
Sunday Picture day – La Mesa Middle School
th
Saturday Silent Saturday
December 5th, 12th & 13th
Area V League Championships (Core U10 – U14 TOC teams)
Friday Dec 15th Volunteer Party (Location TBD) 6pm…
January 9th, 16th & 17th
Area V All Star Championships
Every fourth Wednesday of the month AYSO La Mesa Regional Board Meeting is held at 7pm Carl Burgers Dodge
8355 Hercules Street La Mesa 91942
Silent Saturday
October 03, 2015
NO COACHING DURING PLAY
NO CHEERING DURING PLAY
“JUST CLAPPING”
LET THE KIDS PLAY!!!!!
2015 / 2016 CONTACT LIST
STEVE CASHMAN – REGIONAL COMMISSIONER
Stephen.cashman@cox.net
NICK DREYFUS - ASST REGIONAL COMMISSIONEER
Ayso89nick@gmail.com
NOE BAEZA - COACH ADMINISTRATOR
baezanoe@yahoo.com
MIKE PETERSON – EQUIPMENT DIRECTOR
rerods@cox.net
STEPHEN CASHMAN (Open) - BOYS PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Stephen.cashman@cox.net
GENNY MARTINEZ - GIRLS PROGRAM DIRECTOR
genymartinez@gmail.com
JOHN BUTCHER - REGIONAL REFEREE ADMINISTRATOR
john.butcher89ra@cox.net
MARIO JATIVA – CVPA
mjativa1@gmail.com
SUSAN REEDER- CVPA
sreeder@hotmail.com
MIGUEL PADILLA - SAFETY DIRECTOR
mvp1959@yahoo.com
GAME FIELDS
FIELD LOCATION
AGES / DIVISIONS
SUNSET PARK
U4 Playtime
U5 & U6 Boys & Girls
NORTHMONT ELEMENTARY
VIP
(Very Important Player Program)
Special Needs Players with Disabilities
NORTHMONT ELEMENTARY
U8 Boys & Girls
SPRING VALLEY MIDDLE
SCHOOL UPPER
U10 Boys & Girls
SPRING VALLEY MIDDLE
SCHOOL LOWER
U10 Boys & Girls
LA MESA MIDDLE SCHOOL
LOWER FIELD
U12 Boys & Girls
LA MESA MIDDLE SCHOOL
UPPER FIELD
U14 Boys & Girls
GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL
U16 Boys & Girls
GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL
U19 Boys & Girls
th
JULY 25 MEET THE COACH EVENT
Event Details
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Sports Authority Grossmont; 5500 Grossmont Ctr Drive
Volunteers / Board Set-Up: 9am
Schedule
10am-10:45am: U6 teams
11am-11:45am: U10 teams
12pm-12:45pm: U8 teams
1pm-1:45pm: U14 teams
2pm-2:45pm: U12 teams
***Coaches to check-in 10 minutes prior to start time
Obtain your rosters upstairs at the check in Regional Board Table
Meet and Greet your new team, get your new volunteer positions filled for
your team to help execute your season
Pick up any last minute shopping items at Sports Authority and
use the discount coupons available at day of event as a
fundraiser for Region 89
AYSO San Diego SUPER
CAMP
July 31 – Aug 2, 2015
Classes for New AYSO Referees and Coaching Volunteers &
Certification Upgrades
Friday, July 31th 5:30 pm Pizza Dinner
Saturday, Aug 1th 12:00pm Lunch
GENERAL TRAINING CLASSES
Universal Safe Haven Course
Friday, July 31, 6pm – 9pm
*Fee: $10 incl Dinner & Materials
VIP Buddy Training
Saturday, Aug 1, 8am – 9am
*Fee: FREE
VIP Volunteer Training
Saturday, Aug 1, 9am – 12pm
*Fee: $10
COACH CLASSES
Age Specific Coach Course
Saturday, Aug 1
U6 & U8, 9am – 11am
*
Fee: $20
U10, 9am – 12pm
*
Intermediate Coach Course
Advanced Coach Course
(must attend all sessions)
(must attend all sessions)
Friday, July 31, 6pm – 9pm
Saturday, Aug 1, 8am – 5pm
Sunday, Aug 2, 9am – 3:30pm
Friday, July 31, 6pm – 9pm
Saturday, Aug 1, 8am – 5pm
Sunday, Aug 2, 9am – 3:30pm
*Fee: $65 incl. Lunch & Materials *Fee: $65 incl. Lunch & Materials
Fee: $25
U12, 9am – 2:30pm
*Fee: $25 incl. Lunch
REFEREE CLASSES
Basic Referee Course
Intermediate Referee Course
Advanced Referee Course
(choose ONE session)
(must attend all sessions)
(must attend all sessions)
Saturday, Aug 1, 8am – 5pm
Sunday, Aug 2, 8am – 5pm
Friday, July 31, 6pm – 9pm
Saturday, Aug 1, 8am – 4pm
Sunday, Aug 2, 8am – 2pm
Friday, July 31, 6pm – 9pm
Saturday, Aug 1, 8am – 5pm
Sunday, Aug 2, 8am – 3pm
*Fee: $35 incl. Lunch & Materials
LOCATION:
Grossmont High School
1100 Murray Drive
El Cajon, CA 92020
*Fee: $45 incl. Lunch & Materials *Fee: $45 incl. Lunch & Materials
For up to date information,
registration instructions, and to
pay for classes, Go to:
aysoarea11v.org/super-camp
FOR MORE INFORMATION
CONTACT:
AYSOSDSUPERCAMP@gmail.com
"A First Class Opportunity for Game Experience Before
League Games Begin!”
The Mt. Helix
Labor Day Classic
22nd Anniversary
Hosted by La Mesa AYSO
celebrating our 40th Year of providing
more soccer to more kids !
When:
September 5th – September 7th 2015
Where:
Various fields in the community of La Mesa (check web site for final
locations).
Who:
This tournament is open to all Section 11 AYSO Core Program & Extra
Program (U9 & U11) Fall league teams only. No AYSO Matrix, Cal
South Club or Pacific Soccer Club League teams allowed. Up to 3
guest core program players per team are allowed; see tournament
rules on website for details.
Cost:
Early Bird Special--(postmarked on or before 8/22) $250 (U9E /
U10), $275 (U11E /U12), $325 ( U14) $350 (U16)
postmarked after 8/22 - $275 (U9 U10), $300 (U12), $350 (U14),
$400 (U16)
Each team shall provide 3 referees and a refundable 100.00 referee
deposit shall be submitted – contact tournament director:
tournamentdirector089@gmail.com
Medals awarded to 1st and 2nd place teams. Guarantee of 3 matches
minimum for a great pre-season experience
What:
Registration Deadline: Received by August 27th, 2015
o
o
Brackets will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Space is limited
Admittance after the deadline will be considered on a case by case basis
Medals for Top Teams; All players receive tournament Pins
To get started complete and mail in the application form on the back
2015 Mt. Helix Tournament Application Form
Coach Information:
Name: ____________________________________________
Phone: ___________________________ Cell Phone: ______________________
Email: ________________________________________ Region Number: ______
Team Information (circle one):
Division (circle one): U10
Gender (circle one):
Boys
U12
U14
AYSO Core
U16
/
AYSO Extra Program
/
Girls
U9 & U11
Gender (circle one):
Boys
Girls
Referee Information:
All teams are required to supply 3 referee volunteers to support the tournament. The referees need not
be for the same division as your team (ie: U10, U12, etc). Contact your Regional Referee administrator
for assistance on this. Volunteer referees welcome from all regions. Participating referees will receive custom
Tournament SWAG!
Referee-1
Name: ________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________
Email: __________________________________________ Badge Level: ______________________
Referee-2
Name: ________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________
Email: __________________________________________ Badge Level: ______________________
Referee-3
Name: ________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________
Email: __________________________________________ Badge Level: ______________________
Regional Referee Administrator
Name: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Region 89 teams only:
Please supply the names of 2 field marshals to help with tournament operations
Name: ____________________________________ Cell Phone: ______________________
Name: ____________________________________ Cell Phone: ______________________
Note:
Registrations will be processed in the order they are received. Incomplete registrations
may not be processed.
What’s Next:
Send completed application with payment payable to: AYSO Region 89
AYSO Region-89
Attn: Tournament Director
P.O. Box 131
La Mesa, CA 91944-131
For most current and up-to-date information and rules, please go to the tournament link
on www.aysoarea11v.org/labor-day-classic/
Referee’s Needed! Why Referee? Refer to keep La Mesa AYSO soccer matches “Safe, Fair and
Fun” for all our kids, parents and coaches!
Why Me? The kids need you! If you don’t referee who will? If a referee is not
available, coaches have to share the refereeing duties during the match! And
you may not coach your team while acting as a referee.
Why now? The AYSO nationally recognized modular Referee Training Program
will help you gain experience and advance as a referee at the same time your
children advance as soccer players.
Help Me Coach? Coaches get a leg up on the competition by learning the 17
laws of the game and gain an understanding of the “Spirit of the Game”!
How Much Time? Training as a U-8 Referee takes 3 hours. Training as a U-10
Referee takes 8 hours. A trained, registered, certified referee is the best person
qualified to keep the game safe for our kids. You sign up on the online scheduler
when you are available to referee. We do not mandate how much you must
referee.
Who Can Referee? We need coaches, parents, friends and players 12 years of
age and older. Coaches are required to find and send to training one new
referee for every team they coach each year! La Mesa has many referees
whose children no longer play AYSO soccer right now, and yet these same
people continue to give their time to the community as referees, they need your
help.
When are the Courses? U-8 Referee Training is available in a three hour
training class & U-10 Referee Training is a two part class. Part-1 is at the same
time as the U-8 Referee Training for 3 hours. U-10 Referee Training part-2 is a
five hour field training session on the following dates:
EAYSO Course 201502425 & 201502426
August 13th Thursday (Part I) Basic Referee Course
August 15th Saturday (Part II) Basic Referee Course
EAYSO Course 201502425 & 201502426
August 27th Thursday (Part I) Basic Referee Course
August 29th Saturday (Part II) Basic Referee Course
All training sessions will be held at Grossmont High School.
Please see visit the www.LaMesaAYSO.org website for additional details. THE AYSO COACH PLEDGE
In my words and action, I pledge to:
1. Enthusiastically support and practice the AYSO Philosophies
of: Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship, Everyone Plays,
Balanced Teams and Open Registration.
2. Stay informed about sound principles of coaching and child
development.
3. Respect the game of and know the Laws.
4. Emphasize to my players that they must abide by the Laws of
the Game at all time.
5. Develop a true respect for the judgment of all referees.
6. Develop a team respect for the ability of our opponents.
7. Ensure a safe environment for my players.
8. Never yell at or ridicule a player.
9. Always set a good example.
10. Remember that soccer a game and all games should be fun.
THE AYSO PLAYER BILL OF RIGHTS
AYSO players have the right to:
1. Participate on team without a tryout.
2. Participate on a team that has been honestly balanced with
the other teams in that age group within the region.
3. Play at least ¾ of every game.
4. Have appropriately trained and certified coaches, referees and
regional volunteer staff.
5. Receive positive coaching and encouragement for effort.
6. Have freedom to try without the fear of criticism.
7. Have freedom to act their age.
8. Have freedom from negative criticism and undue pressure
from adults.
9. Have freedom from abusive behavior.
10. Be treated with respect.
THE AYSO PLAYER PLEDGE
In my words and action, I pledge to:
1. Play for the sake of playing ta game, not just to please a
parent or coach.
2. Always give my best effort and work as hard for my
teammates as I do for myself.
3. Treat all players as I would like to be treated.
4. Be a team player and not show off or hog the ball.
5. Be a good sport and acknowledge good plays whether they
are made by my team or my opponents’ team.
6. Abide by the Laws of the Game.
7. Cooperate with my coaches, teammates, opponents and the
referee.
8. Never argue with or complain about referee calls or decisions.
9. Control my temper with I feel I have been wronged.
10. Remember that the object of the game is to win, but the goal
is to enjoy myself.
Coaching the
Coach
A guide to having a good coaching
Experience
Written by the staff of
Region 89
Supporting La Mesa California
& surrounding communities with an all volunteer
youth soccer program
Revision 3.0
July 2015
i
Preface
Coaching young soccer players is one of the most rewarding experiences you can
have. Some give credence to the saying, “the devil is in the details.” This is quite
evident by the information that is laid out in the following pages. Whether the
tentative or well seasoned coach, there should be something here for you. This is not
a substitute for AYSO’s Age Appropriate Coaching Training.
While it is doubtful that you can walk on water, it never hurts to be told where the
rocks are. What has been compiled here are many of the nuances and specifics that
get overlooked in most coaching books. If you are a seasoned coach there are things
here you have probably seen previously, but no longer appears in your current
coaching books. We know you have lots of soccer knowledge. This text was written
to help you overcome some potential risks with organization, management,
planning, and your presentation as a coach. There is a lot here that can help you
have a much more satisfying experience as a coach.
Much of the focus here pertains to the inner workings of the coaching staff, the
players and their parents. Any veteran coach will always tell you there are things
they could have done better in hindsight. Enough cannot be said about how
important it is to work well with parents to reduce potential conflicts, plan your
practices, set goal, and manage expectations at the match. For that very reason the
contents here is the result of talking to many “seasoned” coaches and compiling their
learned experiences. If you believe in learning from other’s who have gone before
you, this book is for you.
We congratulate you the reader, the coach of the greatest sport known to the world.
Ultimately, this material fills in the gaps where the typical coaching manuals leave
off and life’s realities kick in. What you are about to read will serve you well in
embracing the values and principles of AYSO and your local Regional Board of
Directors. Thank you for working with the youth of this country in enriching
children’s lives through a world class soccer program.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE
II
1.0
SOME BASIC THINGS
5
INTENDED AUDIENCE
CONTENT AND ORGANIZATION
5
5
AGE APPROPRIATE TRAINING
5
PURPOSE
WHERE DO I GET TRAINING?
5
6
AYSO BASICS
6
A SHORT HISTORY
OUR MISSION & VISION
6
6
BEING A COACH
7
WHAT DOES A COACH DO?
7
SOME THINGS TO FOCUS ON
8
1.1
1.2
2.0
2.1
2.2
3.0
3.1
3.2
4.0
4.1
5.0
5.1 THE PRE-SEASON MEETING
5.1.1
WHERE TO HAVE THE MEETING
5.1.2
WHEN TO HAVE THE MEETING
5.1.3
WHAT TO COVER AT THE MEETING
5.2 THAT FIRST PRACTICE
5.2.1
SETTING YOUR PRIORITIES AND POLICIES
5.2.2
LEARNING EVERYONE’S NAME
5.2.3
WATCH AND LEARN
5.2.4
RECRUIT HELPERS
5.3 PRACTICE INSIGHTS
5.3.1
PRACTICE LOCATIONS
5.3.2
PRACTICE SUPPLIES
5.3.3
PRACTICE PLANS
5.3.4
MONITORING YOURSELF
5.3.5
WHAT CAN GO WRONG
5.3.6
OTHER PRACTICE CHALLENGES
5.3.7
PRACTICE LIMITATIONS
5.3.8
LIMITING ADULT PARTICIPATION
8
8
8
9
10
10
11
11
11
12
12
12
13
14
14
15
15
16
6.0
THINKING ABOUT SCRIMMAGES
16
7.0
GAME DAY
16
PRE-GAME WARM-UP
PLANNING YOUR LINE-UP
CONDUCT DURING GAMES
IMPORTANT DUTIES DURING THE MATCH
MID MATCH SNACKS
POST GAME TALK
POST GAME TREATS AND SNACKS
16
17
17
17
18
18
18
8.0
DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PARENTS
18
9.0
COACHING SUMMARY
19
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
iii
10.0
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
APPENDICES
20
THE AYSO PLAYER BILL OF RIGHTS
THE AYSO PARENT PLEDGE
THE AYSO COACH PLEDGE
THE AYSO PLAYER PLEDGE
HEALTHY BEVERAGE LISTING
20
21
22
23
24
iv
1.0
Some Basic Things
1.1
Intended Audience
While it is hoped this material will be beneficial to all coaches, the intended audience is
the first time coach, or coach with just a season or two of experience. This was written to
help you minimize the risk of a bad season. This not about whether your team had a
great win/loss record for the season, this is about helping you to develop your player’s
and for everyone to have a positive experience. Soccer is a competitive game, someone
wins, and someone loses. That fact that your team might lose does not mean they didn’t
grow their skills and have a good time in the process.
Each of you is an individual, and you need to let your personality and coaching style
shine through. A common trap for new coaches is to try to imitate another coach's style.
Understand what type of coach you are (the ultra-organized disciplinarian? the flexible
fun coach? the nurturing teacher?) Be open and honest with your players, parents and
assistants about your style, your philosophy, your policies, and your expectations. You'll
have a lot more fun being yourself, instead of pretending to be someone you're not.
If you have never coached before, or are not that familiar with soccer coaching, it's
important that you have a fundamental grasp of the coaching process. Coaching
involves communicating your knowledge of the game, observing what needs to be
corrected, and adjusting this feedback loop as required. Each coach who reads through
this will develop very different lists of priorities. What one throws out, another will hold
near and dear for seasons to come. This is a good thing.
This document is intended to supplement your AYSO, age appropriate training. It is the
author’s intention to provide you with insights that will contribute to a positive
experience for the players, the coach, and the parents. Please do not use this as an
excuse to skip your “Age Appropriate Training”.
1.2
Content and Organization
This document is considered a living document in that its content is open to continuous
evolution and revision in order to meet the needs of the Region-89 soccer community.
This document has been written based on interviews with a number of coaches who
have shared their insight about what went well and what did not work out as planned.
You may not find everything in this document useful, but it is hoped that something
here will contribute in a positive manner to your adventures as a coach.
2.0
Age Appropriate Training
2.1
Purpose
You would not dream of sending your children to a school that did not have
credentialed “certified” teachers. Even more important, you would expect (even
demand) the teacher in a 5th grade classroom to be knowledgeable in elementary school
subjects, 11 year old behavior, and managing attention span limitations for that age.
These are all the same concerns with teaching and coaching youth soccer. A U6 or U8
5
player is not ready for headers and tackling, but they should be learning fundamentals
of kicking, trapping, shooting, and passing the ball. Concurrently, a U16 player should
be comfortable with tackling, step-over moves, and some physical contact. AYSO
(American Youth Soccer Organization) has a very well developed and respected
program of “age appropriate” coach training. You are expected to attend these various
classes to incrementally advance your knowledge of what to teach, and how to teach it.
Being properly trained for the age division you are coaching adds to your credibility,
and your players growth.
Important note: There are some AYSO events, such as post season championship
tournaments and All-Star team coaching where a lack of proper training will exclude
you from eligibility so get your age appropriate training.
2.2
Where do I get Training?
It is the responsibility of your Region and Area to provide you with timely training
opportunities. If you are unsure of the where and when, ask your Division
Representative or Regional Coach Administrator. We are all volunteer’s, so we can’t
jump at every individual request to put on a class, but if you ask you will find there is
most likely already a class scheduled for the level you need at a time that is convenient
for you. If the timing for making the current class does not mesh with your schedule,
ask your Coach Administrator. We want to get you the training, and will either create
another class or find you a training opportunity with another nearby Region.
3.0
AYSO Basics
3.1
A Short History
AYSO was established in the Los Angeles area in 1964 with nine teams. It was the
dream of the enthusiastic founders to create a program that would develop American
youths to compete at an international level. AYSO now has nearly 600,000 players on
50,000 teams. This program is run entirely on volunteer energy just like you.
3.2
Our Mission & Vision
No AYSO document or class would be complete without a reminder of our mission and
our core philosophies. Learn these well as they should be the foundation of everything
you do in AYSO.
AYSO's Vision is to provide world class youth soccer programs that enrich children’s
lives.
The AYSO Mission is to develop and deliver a quality youth soccer programs which
promote a fun, family environment based on the six (6) AYSO philosophies:
Everyone Plays - Our region’s goal is for kids to play soccerso we mandate
that every player on every team must play during every game.
6
Balanced Teams - Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as
possiblebecause it is fair and more fun when teams of equal ability play.
Open Registration - Our program is open to all children between 4 and 18
years of age who want to register and play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are
the only criteria for playing.
Positive Coaching - Kids win when they are built up, not when they are torn
down! We train and encourage our coaches to make the extra effort to
understand and offer positive help to our players, rather than negative criticism.
Good Sportsmanship - We strive to create a positive environment based on
mutual respect, rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, and our program is
designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO.
Player Development – Means AYSO kids get to develop their soccer skills and
knowledge individually and as members of a team to the best of their abilities, in
order to maximize their enjoyment of the game. Developing kids as people and
soccer players is fundamental in AYSO.
The AYSO Mission is accomplished by providing a number of essential services. One of
those key services is the delivery of quality coaching and that is where you come in!
4.0
Being a Coach
4.1
What Does a Coach Do?
As a Coach, you are the teacher and manager of your team of soccer players. But it is
never quite that simple. Despite everything you want to teach them, you need to also
allow and encourage a fundamental principle with your players. This principle is
especially critically at the youth and junior levels for anyone coaching soccer. The
starting point of these principles is that young soccer players require a certain amount of
uninterrupted play, which allows them to experience soccer first hand. These young
players should be allowed the opportunity to experiment, and with that, succeed and
fail. A coach’s long-term goal is to prepare a player to successfully recognize and solve
the challenges of a game on his or her own. It is vital that the coach approaches soccer
with this in mind.
Was that confusing? There are lots of basic skills that you as a coach should be
developing in your players. Bit it is also important that the younger players not focus
too much on fixed plays and drills. Like so many other sports, allowing the kids to
create, improvise, and invent is important to their ability to learn to respond to the
unexpected. These are lessons of life, not just soccer. These are the players who will not
need their coach yelling out instructions throughout the match.
7
5.0
Some Things to Focus On
5.1
The Pre-Season Meeting
Like so many things, a good start can make all the difference. It is very important to
have a preseason meeting with both parents and players. This is your opportunity to set
out your coaching philosophy (including your plans for the team as a whole and your
approach to player development). This is also your chance to explain team goals and
expectations and to recruit volunteers to help you with administrative tasks.
Skipping this meeting can have catastrophic consequences. If the first time that some
outspoken parent has any contact with you is on Game Day when your team is not
having a positive experience, and this parent tries to "help" you by yelling at the kids or
standing beside you to offer "helpful" suggestions, you will be very sorry that you did
not lay out your game-day ground rules early. And, when little Johnny doesn't shows
up on game-day without shin guards or uniform (and Mom is furious that he isn't
playing), you will be very sorry that you had not given out Team Rules which covered
mandatory equipment or your expectations.
We are not kidding when we suggest that this is probably the most important meeting
which your team will have for the entire season. So, plan it carefully; get organized; and
do your best to make an excellent first impression.
5.1.1 Where to Have the Meeting
You will need about 30-45 minutes to go over the items which you want to cover, so you
want your "audience" to be comfortable. There are many places where you might
consider holding your meeting. Family-oriented restaurants or a designated practice
field make good choices. Of course, your home is also an option if your team is not very
large and you have the space.
5.1.2 When to Have the Meeting
Try to schedule your meeting soon after you get your team roster. Most players will
have friends on other teams in your age group, so they will know when their buddies
have gotten calls from their coaches. Players and their parents can become anxious when
they haven't heard in a day or two, so get your meeting set up quickly. If you don't have
a place yet, you can always call and tell the parents what day you plan on having it - and
then call back with the place/time.
Families are often busy with school activities or late summer vacations making it tough
to find a time when everyone can attend. Busy times may vary from one household to
another, so use your own judgment in trying to find a moment when most people are
likely to be free. Mondays and Tuesday evenings frequently are slow times for
restaurants, and often may be less hectic for families. Try to avoid times when people
are likely to be at church and times when parents, who also may have other kids, might
need to take them to other activities. Your meeting should also not take place until you
have selected and met with your assistant coach, to ensure that you are both on the same
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page. If you can also select and meet with your team parent beforehand for the same
reason, this will help get your season off to a good start.
5.1.3 What to Cover at the Meeting
Here is a sample agenda for a preseason meeting, which addresses the common topics to
be covered in the meeting:
Introductions
First of all, introduce yourself and your assistants to the parents. Most parents
like to hear something about your background and your philosophy of coaching,
especially as it impacts on their own child, so you may want to say something
about how much playing time each player can expect and why (please refer to
our Region’s guidelines on this matter).
It's also a good idea to go around the room and ask parents to introduce
themselves and say which player they're related to as well as what school and
neighborhood they’re in. Some of the parents may know one another well, others
may not, and they'll need to become bonded to one another as you would expect
your team members will! This is also helpful in attempting to resolve any
transportation issues that might otherwise exist with one or more households at
the start of any season. A team roster with parent’s names, what school or part
of town they are from may further help in supporting one another throughout
the season as well. Be careful to avoid too much specifics like street numbers
until you are sure it is okay to share this information. Information like block
numbers can help in determining who is situated close enough to another to
promote carpooling and avoid other transportation emergencies. Be sure to have
parents identify themselves as being interested in carpooling so that when it
comes time to release your young players to their parents, you can be confident
of their pre-established arrangements.
You may also want to pass around a sign-in sheet and ask people to put their
name and phone number on it; this can be useful later to see who was present at
the meeting and to check phone numbers.
Discussion of Plans or Goals for the Team
 Require stretching and coordination drills at each practice.
 Need for every player to do soccer homework between practices.
 Expectations for every U8 player to score a goal before the season end.
 Specific skill development by end of season.
 Particularly at the younger divisions you should be taking a long-term
approach toward player development, and moving players around
(instead of locking players into single positions), share with the parents
this approach towards player development.
Nuts & Bolts
 Review required supplies for each player such as a specific sized soccer
ball with their name on it, shin guards, cleats, water bottle, etc.
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Discuss the expected practice time and place. Be open to adjusting this to
support a majority of the parents. The practice field needs to be from the
approved list designated by your Region’s leadership.
Need by Team for team volunteers (referee(s), team banner, snack
schedule, telephone calling trees, etc.).
You may want to set up a parent committee if there are matters such as
fundraising or carpooling to be handled that are outside your skills or
require special volunteers.
Behavior Expectations
Be sure to go over your expectations (and those of AYSO) for parental behavior
(especially at games). While being friendly, be firm that you expect that parents
will not yell at kids on the field or yell at referees - and that the ONLY talk that
you want to see is positive (e.g., good try, nice save, etc.). Also remind them that
Refs are usually inexperienced volunteers themselves, particularly at lower age
groups early on in the season, and therefore are developing their skills. So you
expect the parents to set a good example of sportsmanship for the team.
Questions/Answers
Awkward but important questions may need to be asked. Some parents may be
divorced, make a mental note to check with the parent attending the meeting to
ensure things are worked out between the parents for attending practices and
matches. This discussion should be separate from the other parents in
consideration of privacy issues. This can save frustration and confusion later.
5.2
That First Practice
Your first practice sets the tone for your upcoming season, and it is important to create a
proper first impression. Often in a new coach's rush to get players out on the field, you
might forget something as basic as introducing yourself and your assistants. Take a little
extra time to prepare for this session, and be ready when the players arrive.
5.2.1 Setting your Priorities and Policies
In general, the players and parents should know your specific team rules and policies
because you've explained them during the pre-season meeting. If this is the case, simply
provide a quick refresher for your players and any parents who stay so everyone is
reminded of what is expected.
For logistical reasons, you may prefer to hold the organizational meeting in conjunction
with the first practice session. If you do this, remember two things: Meeting before the
practice can leave young players bored and restless. Meeting after the practice could
lead to problems with parents rushing off early without really listening. You should
have your assistant coach ready to get the players moving while you meet with the
parents.
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5.2.2 Learning Everyone’s Name
Because we create new teams each year with team balancing it is common for coaches to
know only a few of their players by name or face. The same is true for the players who
will tend to cluster near the teammates they know and ignore the ones they don't know.
Your goal is to get everyone to learn everyone's name as quickly as possible. At the
youngest age levels, you might want to bring stick-on name tags for players and
coaches.
Consider beginning the practice with the players in a circle where each introduces them
selves. You can follow this up with a simple pass and trap drill in the circle where the
passing player must call the name of the player they are going to pass to. There are
other games in your coaching books where including the names of players can be easily
incorporated. Learning the names of your players quickly will make your
communication with the players much easier. Encouraging the players to quickly learn
each others names will break down cliques and support good communication on the
field during matches.
Repeat the names as often as possible throughout the practice, and have your players do
the same, switching partners and teammates for various activities. Repeat this process as
necessary through the next several practices.
5.2.3 Watch and Learn
Besides learning your players' names, you will also be able to learn a little bit about their
personalities, skill level, and knowledge of the game. Younger players (U12 and below)
should not be locked into set positions, so it's not as important to find out where they
prefer to play. This is an area of disagreement among coaches, and players, and parents.
As you rotate your players through different practice challenges their reactions may
vary considerably. Some players may freak at the slightest change from what they want
to do and others are quick to take on any challenge. You need to be motivating the
younger players' to try things they did not know they could do.
With older teams, you will find certain players have definite preferences and strongly
resist being put into unfamiliar positions. Recognizing these preferences early can help
you plan ahead, whether you want to keep or temporarily place the player in a favorite
position or help the player adjust to a new position.
The reality of team balancing is that your team is likely to have a wide range of interest,
ability, and experience. Your challenge as a coach is to find ways of dealing most
effectively with all your players regardless of their perceived soccer talent.
5.2.4 Recruit Helpers
If you don’t have all the volunteers you need, it's not too late. Parents of young players
tend to stay at the practice field, and you should quickly round up 2-3 helpers from the
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crowd. These parents can help with managing players into drills, retrieve balls, or serve
as assistant coaches. Be sure to emphasize to all your assistants that they share your
philosophy or focus for coaching. Pay attention to whether they are only working with
their own child. For insurance and safety reasons all your volunteers need to get
registered as AYSO volunteers. Your CVPA (Child Volunteer Protection Advocate),
Division Representative or Coach Administrator can help with this registration. Also
ensure that you have no more than one assistant coach with you in the technical are at
any of your game, and have them listed on the game card as well.
5.3
Practice Insights
This is going to be the area with the most information. This is where coaches get to have
the most impact on their player’s development.
5.3.1 Practice Locations
Practices are only allowed on authorized AYSO fields. If you are unsure what the
authorized locations are, check with your Division Representative, Coach Administrator
or other Regional Board Staff. Field practice size is not determined by the first team to
get at the field. Coaches are required to share equally field space. If 2 teams are
practicing at the same field, each gets half of the previously existing field space. If 10
teams are practicing at the same field, each gets one tenth of the field. There are no
exceptions or priorities to this rule.
As practice fields fill up with multiple teams, coaches are responsible to make ethical
safety decisions on behalf of all the players at the field. This means it is generally not
safe for a U16 teams to be doing kicking drills next to a U6 team. All coaches are
expected to work with each other to minimize safety concerns at our busy fields. In
some cases there will be designated practice fields just for the youngest divisions to
reduce these potential safety issues.
5.3.2 Practice Supplies
At all practices there are some basic things you need to bring with you. Your array of
coaching supplies will expand with each season. Some of your supplies will be
provided by the region to aid in your coaching success. Other items will be things you
have acquired because you feel they will help you accomplish your coaching goals.
Medical Release Form: There is no exception here. At any event (practice, match,
tournament, etc.) you are required to have a full set of medical release forms for your
entire team. Each form needs to have a “wet signature”. If you are missing forms,
contact your Division Representative for assistance.
Cones: Cones are a great tool for indicating boundaries, marking off a grid, or creating
artificial obstacles for players. The low profile “divot” cones are very popular. If you are
using the taller cones, be sure they are the models with slots cut in them. The slotted
cones will collapse if a player falls on them minimizing injury risk.
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Corner flags: Many coaches like to bring or make corner flags to indicate practice goals
or other obstacles. If you choose to use these, please be sure the poles are at least 5 feet
tall so there is no risk of impalement if a player runs into it. Players need to also know
not to throw these around like spears. (Coaches rules)
Ball Pump: There will always be a soccer ball that is under inflated at one time or
another throughout the season. The team’s game ball that you will be issued is but one
example.
Spare Soccer Balls: “My soccer ball is in Dad’s car and Mom brought me to practice.”
You will eventually hear a variation on this. You still need to encourage every player to
bring their own ball to practice, but many of your planned drills will go better if you
also bring a couple spares.
First Aid Kit: Minor injuries do happen; a small first aid kit is always useful. All of our
fields also have first aid kits in the equipment storage area but may not be readily
available during practices throughout the week.
Ice or instant cold pack: Players will get the occasional bruise. Applying ice or a cold
pack early can reduce discomfort and swelling.
There are other things you may think to bring, portable goals, ladder drills accessories,
etc., but you can do a lot of good soccer with just these previously mentioned supplies.
5.3.3 Practice Plans
Being prepared for your team practices with a plan creates a strong coaching image for
your players and their parents. We all know the value of good planning. When you are
facing 8-15 young and energetic players, planning ahead will reduce the risk of your
practice unraveling into chaos.
It is time to reach back to all the great “Age Appropriate” training you have received.
There are lots of excellent skill development exercises and drills available to you in your
AYSO reference material and coaching manuals. The selection of your drills should be
based on the age of your players, where development is needed, available space, and
what you know how to do.
What does need to be discussed is the theme or flow of a practice. Many experienced
coaches will recommend building a practice around a single theme like finishing or stepovers. Again, look to your AYSO coaching manuals for examples of these and other
theme related drills or activities. The themes you decide on should focus on aspects of
the game you feel your team needs to develop. Some additional themes you may focus
on include, defending, attacking, passing, maintaining possession with support,
shooting, kicking techniques, etc.
*** See Supplemental Practice Plans in each of the AYSO Age Specific Coaching
Books using QR codes that open up live practice plans you can use right on the field
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Earlier the term “flow of a practice” was used. This is a very important concept. The
flow or pace of a practice should “build to game speed”. “Building to game speed” means
that you might begin with individual skills, move to skills in pairs, add some passive
defense, then make the defense more engaged, and then finish with something that is
4v4 or 5v5. This evolution takes the basic skills at the beginning of the practice and
allows for the same skill to be practiced in a progressively more challenging situation.
This is not easy to implement, but with practice you will find it a very important aspect
of how you develop players and reinforce their new skills.
It is also very important to have contingency activities. Just because the players really
got into a drill last week, does not mean it will capture their attention this week. When
you see something is not working, move on to the next item in your plan.
5.3.4 Monitoring Yourself
Coaches are expected to be positive and set the best possible example for the players and
their parents. Pay attention to your tone of voice. Sometimes it is not what you say, but
how you say it. Rather than telling a player what they did wrong, you can tell them
how they can do it better.
Especially with the younger players, you are dealing with attention span limitations. If
explaining a drill or exercise takes more than 30 seconds you run the risk of losing them.
Most new concepts can be presented with the “Say It, Show It, Do It” coaching method.
Your words need to be brief, focused and positive. The players should be allowed a
very limited opportunity to be still before you run the risk of losing them to a variety of
distractions.
5.3.5 What Can Go Wrong
For anyone who is a parent, you know that the list of things that can go wrong when
dealing with kids is almost endless. For new coaches the most common things that can
disrupt a practice surprisingly, when interviewing coaches proved to be a fairly short
list.
Not enough soccer balls at practice
Despite your meeting with parents, you can guarantee that at least one player will forget
his/her ball at every practice. Others will have their balls stolen or have them go flat.
This situation becomes very frustrating when you were planning on dribbling drills
where everyone needs a ball. The fix can be as easy as having some spare balls which
you can loan out. Ask your parents if they have any spares at home which they can loan
to you for the season. Many soccer families have accumulated soccer balls and they are
happy to loan you some.
If everyone forgot to bring a ball, you need a contingency plan that includes activities
with many kids and only a few soccer balls.
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Adjusting for odd/even numbers of players
Any experienced coaches know that if you plan activities for an even number of players,
an odd number will show up to practice. Obviously, the opposite is also true. The fix
requires a little creativity on your part. If you were planning on an even number drill
such as 5v5, run your drill with 5v4 and put the more skilled players in the smaller
group. For some activities you can drop the keeper and make the goal target smaller.
You can also put a parent in goal as long as their participation is passive. Again, the
bottom line is being flexible and having a contingency plan.
Too much talk and not enough activity
Young player in particular have a very short attention span. More importantly, they
spent all day in school and now they are ready to run. Keep your explanations brief and
to the point. This is a classic example of the value of “Less is More”.
5.3.6 Other Practice Challenges
Any list that is published here will be missing something, so please consider this just a
summary. A little advance thought on these issues can save a lot of frustration later on.
None of these questions have exact answers, but some advanced consideration makes
them much easier to manage. Creativity and flexibility are all assets in your coaching
tool set.
How to select partners for drills? A little planning goes a long way here. Depending on
the drill you may want to mix strong and weak players with the expectation the stronger
player will help the stronger advance. If you pair weaker players together and stronger
players together, you create a situation where they are all challenged at their own level.
Both techniques could serve you depending on your goals for the day or for the specific
activity.
Should friends be allowed to pair up for a drill? There is no right answer here.
Breaking up the friendship pair for a drill can encourage more team building. Keeping
them together is a fun and fast.
What to do with very skilled players? Lots of good ideas here; think about limiting
touches, evenly distributing them with the weaker players, they could provide example
support. Flexibility is important when you team has a broad range of skills and
motivation.
5.3.7 Practice Limitations
Practices are limited to three per week before the season starts and two per week after
the season starts. Because of the limited amount of light it is recommended that teams in
Divisions U8 and below have a maximum of one practice per week after the time change
to Pacific Standard Time. The season starts with the first scheduled game. This
guideline does not apply to playoff teams. This guideline may be revised due to field
availability.
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5.3.8 Limiting Adult Participation
There are always going to be a couple of parents who want to get our and run and play
with their children. Despite how fun this sounds, you can’t let this happen. Even with
the best of intentions, think about what happens when a 185 pound adult accidentally
runs into a 60 pound or less child. No blackboard physics is needed to understand that
the child can end out seriously hurt and the adult feeling miserable about what just
happened. Don’t let this happen! Don’t assume those assisting you are aware of this
policy, let our Region’s position be clearly understood. There is no umbrella of
protection to those who operate outside the scope of such safety matters
6.0
Thinking about Scrimmages
There is a lot of learning that takes place in a competitive situation, but don’t get too
focused on scrimmages. Until skills have been developed in a more skill specific
practice situation, there is little value to scrimmaging with another team. Many new
coaches will jump at the chance to scrimmage with another team at every opportunity
and this is not necessarily the best use of your player development time. Be sure that the
individual and small group skills are in place before pursuing a scrimmage with another
coach. If and when you do participate in a scrimmage, consider running it like “freeze
soccer”. Both coaches can be on the field with the players. When you see major
opportunities missed, or all the players in 10% of the field, blow a whistle to freeze the
players and briefly explain what needs to be fixed, then blow the whistle and get them
running again.
In Region-89 practice space can be extremely limited. A scrimmage will not take
precedence over another team’s practice space.
7.0
Game Day
It’s game day. Remember, soccer is a competition, someone will win and someone will
lose. Actually, if it is not a playoff match, you can also tie. Regardless, it is typically
easier to learn from mistakes than from success (after all, how do you argue with
success?). Winning one day does not necessarily offer much assurance that your team
will win the next time without the willingness and ability to learn from all experiences.
Winning is fun, but if your team did not win you have lots of things you can focus on
being positive about. Though the objective of any competition is to win, our goal is also
to have fun and grow our players both individually and through team improvement
along with increased confidence.
7.1
Pre-Game Warm-Up
In a practice you gradually build up the intensity of the players’ activity level. This
same action in an abbreviated form needs to take place for a match. If you do not warm
up your players they will not be ready for full speed activities as the match gets under
way. Your warm-up plan should be enough activity to get your players ready to run at
full speed without injury, but not so intense that they are used up before the match gets
going. After such appropriate warm-ups, allow time for sufficient stretching to keep
them ready for game speed.
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7.2
Planning Your Line-Up
Preparing your line-up in advance will significantly reduce your challenges and your
players’ confusion at the beginning of the match. Remember that you have a broad
range of player skills on your team. Try to uniformly distribute your weaker players
throughout the match. Saving all your weaker players for a single period could lead to a
demoralizing period of play for the whole team. List your players on your game card in
numeric order (based on jersey number) rather than alphabetically (this is of significant
aid to the referees; particularly during quarterly substitutions).
Stay flexible. You are coaching kids and despite all your planning you may only find
out just before the match that one of your key players is home sick. Flexibility on your
side helps. Being positive to all your players takes the edge off this potential issue. If
you treat this as a major blow, your players will read the same message in your face and
tone of voice.
7.3
Conduct During Games
You are the coach and that makes you the leader of the team. You need to encourage the
highest standards of conduct and good sportsmanship from your players and parents
through your own example.
It is game time and there is not much coaching you can really do. Let the players show
how well they can implement the lessons of the last week. If you see a need for a mid
game change, call a single player over to the side nearest you and give some positive
guidance on what the adjustment should be while the others are playing vigorously.
Yelling continuously during the match in most cases is either ignored by the players, or
it distracts them from the focus of the match. Additionally, yelling and ranting is always
detrimental to your image as a coach. Don’t let your image be as one of the coaches who
micro manages all the actions of their players as if they are puppets. Remember, one of
the key elements of player development is to encourage innovative thinking. Players
who focus on listening to continually yelled instructions from their coach do so at the
expense of that all important creativity and innovation. Be consistent in your purpose as
a coach whether at practice or games; to enrich children’s lives. At game time, you
should be the consummate CEO (Chief Enrichment Officer – a.k.a. Chief Cheer leader.
Encourage your players during each of their games throughout the season.
You are also responsible for the behavior of your sideline. If you are ranting, your
parents will do the same. Remember that the easiest way to lead is by example.
7.4
Important Duties during the Match
There is still plenty for you to do during the match.
Be sure you are ready with your player substitutions so that you can make those
changes quickly at the prescribed breaks in play. Make some notes about what is
working and what needs to be worked on. These notes can be used to guide the focus of
the next couple of practices. Think in advance about what you want to tell your players
for adjustments during breaks in play, remember that the two quarterly breaks are
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solely for player changes and water, not coaching points. Be sure to have some positive
comments saved up to tell your players during the half-time break and at the end of the
game as well.
7.5
Mid Match Snacks
The mid match snack should be easy to digest, healthy, and a quick source of energy.
The most common way to meet these goals is water and bite size pieces of fruit.
The mid match snack should be something the players can quickly get, then gather
around you for second half line-up, pep talk, and special adjustments.
7.6
Post Game Talk
Win or lose or tie, the post game talk is very important. Move away from the field
quickly as there is most likely another team waiting to take your position. As soon as
the players have their post game snacks in hand, gather them up for a quick talk that
should not exceed 5 minutes. This can be a discussion of good and bad, but the tone of
voice is very important. Discussing what went well and where the team will be focusing
the next practice is a good approach. Many coaches like to ask the player what worked
and what didn’t, you may be amazed at their understanding of the game. Keep this
meeting short and be sure to finish on a positive note.
7.7
Post Game Treats and Snacks
It has been said that “the team with the best snack win”. I can assure that for the
younger players especially, a good treat can definitely put a smile back on a young
players face.
There are a few considerations you need to share with parents for choosing the post
game snacks. Region 89 is a sports organization and we are also members of the
“Wellness Initiative” for our community. We are trying to promote and develop good
health and healthy habits. If a 7 year old burns 250 calories during the course of a
match, and then eats a 400 calorie donut after the match we are 150 calories in the red.
Please encourage healthy snacks to complement the good activity. This is an
opportunity to create healthy habits.
Your teams not only come with a broad range of player skills, but also with a potentially
broad range of family economics. Here is some clarity to this confusing, but important
point. If the post game snack for the first match is provided by a well to do family who
spends $150 this can lead to some awkward situations. Some families will be
embarrassed when they bring a snack of lesser values; others may feel the pressure to
purchase treats they cannot actually afford. Be sure to share this concern with whoever
is coordinating the snacks. You may want to all agree to a dollar limit to foster parity
and avoid embarrassing moments.
8.0
Dealing with Difficult Parents
But, of course, you cannot please all of the people all of the time - and you may end up
with a complainer or advice-giver despite your best efforts. If this happens, listen briefly
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to find out what the problem is, and then schedule a time to talk about it. NEVER
discuss any serious problem right before a practice (or right before a game). You have
work to do, and don't need the distractions (and certainly don't need to be upset
yourself if any harsh things are said). Furthermore, if the parent is really upset, you
don't want any confrontation to occur in front of your players or other parents. So, set
the discussion for the end of practice - or schedule a time to call the parent later. Most
parent complaints come after a hard game and a hard loss when attitudes are more
likely to be down. Given a little time most people will cool down. Please avoid the
conflict where possible as nearly everyone will have regrets if things become
confrontational.
Trying and avoid solving a conflict via e-mail. Without the face-to-face element, most of
us will say things that are far more likely to be interpreted in the wrong. Most
misunderstandings or conflicts can be resolved with a short conversation after the
practice or match in which the face-to-face element allows us to quickly see if we are
saying the wrong thing.
While we encourage the coach to work things out with all the parents, sometime extra
help is needed. We have a network of people you can escalate issues to. Please, always
start with your Division Representative. They will advance things quickly if additional
assistance is needed.
Please remember that you should not let problem situations fester, they seldom get
better with time. One lingering and festering relationship can create an uncomfortable
season for the entire team. With help from your leadership everyone can have a positive
experience.
9.0
Coaching Summary
Being a youth coach should be one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever
have. Following a few simple guidelines can make all this possible.
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Get your AYSO Age-Appropriate training
Have a team meeting and get your parents organized
Come prepared to your practices
Have a practice plan
Be a cheer leader during the match
Have a post game meeting
Set a positive example
You don’t have to win to have fun and have a good soccer day
No one’s enjoyment should be at the expense of another. Building character and self
esteem are as important in our program as building better soccer players. If you are
doing it right, it should be as rewarding for you as it is fun for your players.
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