Recreation League Coaching Guidelines
All Recreation League Coaches and Assistant Coaches are required to print, read, sign and return the following 2 (two) forms to their division leaders.
Thank You
KidsSafe Form 2008-09 pdf
Coaching Guidelines pdf
MONTCLAIR UNITED SOCCER CLUB
Recreation League - Sportsmanship Policies and Guidelines
Club Rules:
· Parents must remain on the opposite side of the field. No adult other than a recognized coach, with a Kid-safe form on file, should be on the sideline with the players. No adults should be behind the goals.
· All coaches must coach from their side of the midfield line. Do not cross over onto the other team's half and never coach from behind goals.
· Make sure all players get equal playing time.
· Do not allow lopsided scores. Make your best effort not to let your team run up the score (e.g. rotate skill players to defensive positions, keep your defensive player back (not by midfield), have your players make a pre-set number of passes before shoot at goal, devise a game, etc.)
Coach-Player Interaction:
· An MUSC coach's job is to teach soccer skills, team play and sportsmanship to the children on their team. Winning is good but not the primary mission. Coaches should strive to make practices and games fun for all players. Rotate your players through all positions, particularly in the younger divisions.
· Use positive words with all players, avoid negative comments and open criticism.
· Don't over direct the action on the field. Most kids can't decipher the yelling and in most instances, they're onto the next play by the time you're done with your comment. (Soccer is a fluid game -let them play and enjoy it.)
· Do not address or refer to players on the other team other than to acknowledge good play.
· Require your players to be respectful of their opponents and the referees. Be mindful of any trash talking during the game or post-game handshake and stop it immediately if you hear it.
Coach-Referee Interaction:
· Treat the Referees with respect at all times.
· Remember that although the Referees are licensed and trained, they will make mistakes - they are human.
They are also young, often very young in the younger divisions, and you should always be mindful of this when dealing with them.
· Introduce yourself to the Referees at the beginning of the game and shake their hands at the end of the game.
· Do not question a Referee's ruling by shouting out at them on the field. If you have an issue with a call or their performance, talk to them discretely at half time or at the end of the game. If you have a serious issue, contact Paul Burr, the MUSC referee coordinator, after the game.
Coach-Coach Interaction:
· Introduce yourself to the other coaches if you do not already know them.
· Work together to be sure the game runs smoothly.( e.g. by agreeing to modify the number of players on the field if the situation warrants it.)
· Deal calmly and directly with other coaches on anything occurring on the field (e.g. trash talking, overly physical play) that may concern you.
· Use your Commissioner if issues arise during a game that you feel weren't resolved properly at the field.
They can help solve problems in a discrete, non-confrontational way.,
· No post game broadcast e-mails about issues that arise during a game under any circumstances.
Summary: You and the other coaches are co-directors of the game. You have a responsibility not only to direct your own teams but to work together to ensure that the game is a positive experience for all the children present, that includes children who may be spectators, players and referees. Treat them as you would your own children, with kindness. Treat your fellow coaches with respect. Remember, you are the adult face of Montclair United Soccer Club during your games and practices. Thanks for your efforts this season.
I have read the Coaching Guidelines and agree to abide by them:
Signature:
Name:
Division: