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As coaches, we are always faced with countless challenges with youth soccer. Besides the challenges of dealing with young players, here are some other issues for which we will try to provide you with some assistance.
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Coaching knowledge
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Team/player records
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Injuries
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Player/Parent Issues
We would like to help you with your endeavors to become the best coach possible for your players.
Training
There will be coaching module courses held within this area from time to time. As this information becomes available, we will provide that information. Other modules are currently scheduled around STYSA. (Currently scheduled modules). Also, visit the STYSA Coaching Education Program web page.
Do you know the rules for soccer? In general, we play under the general Laws of the Game set by FIFA. However, as we are dealing with youth, these laws have been modified to fit the level of play for the younger players. These modified laws grow with the younger players as they get older and have a better understanding of the game of soccer. Please note that in all cases, the general idea of fair play is the goal of these laws. The following is an excerpt from the STYSA Handbook. "All games under the sanction of STYSA shall be played using the current FIFA Laws of the Game and the modifications as indicated in these general rules of play." For a basic understanding of the laws, see our Simplified Rules for Parents.
Drills
This link is to a Coaching Manual that was prepared by a group of people for the use of youth coaching volunteers. Please follow the copyright information provided within the manual.
Pill's Drills is a great source of soccer training drills for all ages. Check back with Jeff Pill from time to time for more drills.
Recommended / Suggested Records
You are probably "What kind of records do I need to keep for soccer?" Well, there are some obvious and some not so obvious records you should keep on you team. For example, a roster is important. You are probably thinking that you get a copy of your roster from the Club's Registrar. However, this roster does not include information such as parent's names and emergency phone numbers. We have put together a list of records we recommend or suggest you keep for your team.
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Roster - Keep several copies of your official roster for official use such as for tournaments. Also add to your roster the player's parents' names, work numbers, and emergency numbers. Add the players' jersey numbers to the roster as most tournaments will require that information.
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Player Cards - Every player that plays interclub games (i.e., games with teams from other clubs) must have a player card. This cards must be signed by the Registrar and the player. A current picture of the player/coach must be attached to the signed card and the laminated. It is recommended that the laminated cards be kept on a ring or other binder. Cards should be brought to all games as they may be checked for player eligibility before the game.
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Player Applications - It is recommended that you keep the players application in a binder that you carry to practice and the games. Important information is included on the application that may be needed.
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Medical Releases - Medical releases must be maintained on all players to play in tournaments.
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Attendance Information - Keep a list of attendance to practices or non-attendance to practices. If necessary for disciplinary action on a player for not coming to practice, this information is important. Note, if you feel you need to discipline a player contact your division representative for your options.
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Cautions and Ejections - You must keep track of the number of cautions (yellow cards) and ejections (red cards) each player receives. A player or coach receiving a red card (ejection) must sit out the next sanctioned game. A player or coach receiving three (3) yellow cards (cautions) must sit out the next sanctioned game. Also, if a player or coach has excessive cautions or ejections, disciplinary action may be taken by the Club and they may be ineligible for post-season play.
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Maps- Don't forget to keep a copy of maps of the fields where your team will be playing.
Sports Medicine
Gulf Coast Youth Soccer Club does not have staff doctors or medical trainers. However, we have located some published materials from qualified medical doctors that may help you in better understanding and addressing injuries. Please remember, you should always seek treatment from a qualified medical doctor for treatment of injuries.
The Stone ClinicOrthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation has a web page entitled "Common Sports Injuries in Soccer: Acute and Chronic" that has some excellent information on soccer related injuries. http://www.stoneclinic.com/soccer/soccer_injuries.htm
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) also has some excellent information regarding soccer related injuries and ways to prevent them. |
Coaches
Referee Representative Form - Recreational Teams
