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Weston Soccer ClubThings to Know for the New Coach (and the not so new Coach)
General Rules and Reminders
Call or e-mail Sara Osborn (781-647-0336 or fields@westonsoccer.org) regarding changes in home game schedules and practices as soon as they are known.
Don't rely upon the BAYS book/website for accuracy. Speak to the opposing coach to verify game times and places. The expectation is that away team coach should call home team coach, but if this doesn't happen, be sure to call.
Players should wear their full uniform (socks, shirt, shorts) to games. Shirts should be tucked in and socks should cover shin guards. Some referees will not allow players to play if they aren’t in full uniform.
To create a better (less hostile) soccer environment, BAYS has adopted a Zero Tolerance Rule: Coaches and Parents are not allowed to address the referee, with the following basic exception: Coaches may address the referee to substitute players. The full policy is in the BAYS book and is posted on the BAYS web site at the following address: http://www.bays.org/ztp.html. Please read it.
Do not forfeit games. The Weston Soccer Club must pay a fine to BAYS when we forfeit. Also forfeits are counted at -1 points in the divisional standings (wins are 3 points, ties are 1 point and losses are 0 points).
Coaches should try to make the opposing team's visit to Weston an enjoyable one. Be considerate of the other team. Greet the other coach prior to the game. Respect your opponents. Offensive comments which can be overheard should be avoided. Even seemingly innocuous ones made to boost your own team's spirits, such as "they are not very good," can seem insulting to the other team if the comment can be heard. Don't make remarks which seem to incite rough play, such as "Knock her over." Occasionally applaud good plays by the other team. At the end of the game, cheer the other team before having everyone exchange high fives. Shake the hand of the opposing team's coach. To promote a feeling of friendly competition, at the end of the game some coaches have found it desirable to hand out mini-candy bars or a pack of gum to each player on the opposing team, but this is not standard and is entirely optional.
Please help us minimize damage to fields during practices. Avoid repetitive drills in areas where the grass is wearing thin. Move smaller goals off to the side when practicing shooting. Do not allow players to deliberately damage grass by digging holes or scuffing the turf with their cleats. Do not practice on water-logged fields. If you see non-Weston residents using the fields, please ask them to leave.
Safety
Don't let players hang on goals or nets. This is very dangerous. Goal and nets were not designed to handle kids hanging on them. Goals can topple and kids can get severely injured or worse. It has happened elsewhere in the country.
Sportsmanship
Teach good sportsmanship.
Practice good sportsmanship. Have fun! Enjoy the game!
Build a team. Players that get along play better as a team. A TEAM is stronger than any one individual.
Discourage cliques. Be aware if some players are often left out during practices. Try to mix up teams, or when pairing players, don't let buddies always pair up.
Teach players on top teams not to be snooty with their classmates. In the past, during practices players' actions and boastful remarks have caused bad feelings which carry over into school.
Be gracious in victory, gracious in defeat.
If there is a mis-match in team strength., try not to run up the score against a much weaker team. Put your weakest players up front. If this doesn't slow down the scoring, put on restrictions such as requiring them to pass (once, twice, or three times) before shooting, or shoot with weak foot, or let only 3 players enter the attacking half. This needs to be done in a way that the opposing team's players are not aware that you have accommodated their weakness so that they don't feel demoralized. Score differentials of more than 5 should be avoided.
Cheer the other team at the end of the game and thank the referee.
Go through the ‘hand-slapping line’ at the conclusion of the game with dry hands. Slap everyone’s hand and say, ‘nice game’. Teach players to dry their hands before the high five at the end of the game. Sometimes young players think it is cute to spit on their hands first, so be cognizant that such behavior might occur.
Do not say anything to a player that would embarrass you if it were repeated to his/her parents…it will be.
Play to win, but not at the cost of giving every player the opportunity to play and improve. Players standing on the sideline do not improve. It is important to develop ALL of your players.
Substitutions
When substituting, send players in at mid-field. Call out "sub ref" and raise your hand. Wait for the ref to acknowledge. Subs can be done on kick offs, goal kicks, and your throw in. If the other team subs for an injured player, you can sub one player too. Yell out "One sub ref" and wait for acknowledgement. When subbing the goal keeper, inform the ref.
Teach players coming off the field to run off, and to tell the player coming on which position s/he was playing.
Injuries
Always continue to play until the referee blows the whistle to stop play.
Do NOT teach players to sit on the field when play is stopped for an injury. Players should remain standing. There was an interesting article in the Baystater last year about this, pointing out how silly it is for us to have everyone sit down (especially if it’s cold and wet), despite the fact that many coaches for younger teams seem to think having everyone sit down is a good idea.
Coaches should not step onto the playing field unless invited by the ref.
If the opposing team subs for an injured player (after the play is stopped due to the injury), you may also sub one player. Remember to get the permission of the referee.
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