Responsibilities of the Coach
The most important responsibilities of a youth soccer coach are:
- to provide a safe, healthy environment for the practice and play of soccer, and
- to provide mature, adult supervision for young athletes.
You must conduct yourself at all times with these two important facts in mind. During games, you share these responsibilities with the referees and opposing coaches. They must, at all times, supersede any other concern.
Role of a Coach
Coaches have a leadership role. They are a role model and should set an example for each player. For coaches to succeed, and for the kids to realize the best the sport has to offer, coaches must adhere to the code of fair play. Fair play can be described in three words: Behavior, Good Manners and Respect. Please review the Coaches Code of Ethics–the guidelines set by the NTSSA.
Coaches should perform their duties so they reflect their knowledge of the game in a manner that emphasizes good intentions and shows a proper respect for the efforts of the players, coaches and referees. Remember, the kids are watching!
Our Priorities as Coaches and as an Organization
All coaches are expected to base their decisions on these priorities in the order shown below:
Knowledge of the Game
Coaches are responsible for learning and understanding the Laws of Soccer for their age group. Those laws that are not modified by NTSSA, CYSA or USYSA can be found in FIFA's Laws of the Game.
Training and Licensing
CYSA has mandated training and licensing for all coaches. Persons
who coach or will coach U5 and U6 age teams and are not USYSA licensed coaches,
must attend a “G” coaching course prior to or during the next season they
coach those age groups. Persons coaching U7 and above are required to have
an “F” coaching license or higher.
To assist in this program, CYSA will hold clinics for head and assistant coaches. Licensing for the assistant coaches is recommended but not required. These clinics not only include skill and developmental drills, but first aid and safety as well. New clinics will be posted on the home page and provided in the "coaches packet" at the meeting preceding both seasons.
Fun Through Sportsmanship
Great games and good sports can be found together. Coaches’ behavior should
always be exemplary. When the game is very uneven, with a score differential
of 6, coaches should instruct their players to pass the ball and to stop
scoring. Respect the feelings of your opponents. Good sportsmanship needs
to be taught. Some players may react abruptly, out of frustration or lack
of personal control, and coaches must be held jointly responsible for the
actions of their players. Teaching, modeling, and "expecting the best" are
keys. Coaches are held responsible for the actions of the parents during
a game and must advise the parents of this prior to the first game. Since
children learn by parent's actions, good sportsmanship must be taught at
home first. Good sportsmanship means a commitment from the players as well
as the parents to the spirit of the game and to the team. Being part of
a team means coming to practice and games and participating under the coaches’
instructions.
Full Participation
CYSA is a recreational league. Every player, when present at a game, shall play 50%. If a child does not wish to play the full time, that child will not be required to play.
Safety
Coaches must ensure that players have adequate opportunities to practice. Practice is necessary to learn proper techniques and to get in condition. Deliberate breaking of the rules or dangerous play should never be encouraged and will not be tolerated.
