​Be a Coaching Coach

Make sure you know the game and the coaching techniques AYSO has found to be most successful
We have several publications which can help you and we will hold a series of clinics coordinated by the Regional Coaching Administrator.

It is imperative that you participate in one or more of these clinics so that you can promote the very best and latest in instruction to the players on your team.

We will be glad to assist you personally in any way we can. When approving coaches, we look to those who have made that extra effort to attend clinics to further educate themselves about soccer. Age appropriate certification is mandatory. Having an Advanced Coaching certificate doesn’t prepare you for coaching a U6 group who have different needs and different capabilities both emotionally and physically. There will be plenty of opportunities to get certified either in Region 889 or surrounding regions. Region 889 will pay for your continued education.

Remember that we are playing the game for fun and for the fun of the children
While you should encourage the very best performance out of your team, never lose sight of the fact that it is just a game and played for fun within the AYSO philosophies of Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Positive Coaching and Good Sportsmanship. No Blowouts (if a team is leading by 3 goals, pull a player or practice passing). Remeber that it's about more than just your team's performance. It's about the kids on the other team as well.

Remember the “Everyone Plays” rule
Every one of your players must play three quarters of each game. This is a Region 889 requirement. It is suggested that the same players should not always sit out the first quarter of each game, so that they do not think of themselves as permanent substitutes. Depending on age group, you will be advised of Region 889's policies on playing time for goal keepers and upper age level players during the coaches meeting.

 

Cooperate with the referees
They are volunteers like you and are called upon to make judgments like you. Please insist that the parents of the players maintain decorum at all times. Remember – we do not allow protests. We have a zero tolerance policy regarding abuse of any kind towards a volunteer like yourself or a player. Abuse can be negligence, verbal, ethical, physical, and emotional. Safe Haven certification is required for all volunteers who come in contact with the players; coaches, assistant coaches and parents who will be helping on the field. You only need to take this certification once during your coaching experience with AYSO. We hold several Safe Haven certifications each year.

Coaches will remain behind the sidelines (touchlines).
Present an attitude of good sportsmanship, in both word and action, to your players and their parents. We desire to create a positive environment based upon mutual respect, rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude. Wear your Region 889 coaching shirt and proper shorts and footwear. No flip flops or beach attire. It should be obvious who the coach is to the players, parents, and the opposing team.

Practices and Gameday
The practices mean more than the games. Plan your practices in advance, as time is limited. Remember the recommended supervision ratio is 1:8 or fewer. There should be at least two adults present at all times (one of whom should be of the same gender as the players). Practice is where you teach and coach the players the skills, technique and tactics that they use on game day. Game day is for the players to make judgment calls, use their knowledge you’ve taught them during practices and play as a team. Singling out a player over and over or telling the players each movement and action to take during a game does the player a disservice by not allowing them to make decisions on the field.

Sideline behavior on game day is to praise the players.

Yelling out their name makes them look to the sidelines and by the time they hear you and listen to your instruction and process everything the play has already happened. Grabbing a seat and watching the game unfold would be a great exercise for the majority of coaches.

And always remember, Players Play, Coaches Coach and Spectators Spectate. Focus on player development with the children learning to see the whole field and moving with/without the ball into open space. Remember that we are playing the game for fun and for the fun of the children Do NOT place an emphasis on winning. All players receive the same trophy at the end of the season (i.e. no league MVPs, scoring leader awards, etc..) Coaches should be the last person to leave each practice/game. Coaches should help “clean-up” after practices/games including putting the equipment away, and the goals back in place.

Reminders For Teams With No Goalkeepers

Ensure that players are not camped-out in front of the opponent’s goal. Have your players play near the center (halfway) line. When taking goal kicks from the goal box, the opposing team should be at least 6 yards away and outside of the penalty box until the ball clears it. This should stretch the defense a little and keep the players from bunching up.