Expectations of Participants

OFFICIAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Officials are in charge and have complete control of the game.
• Officials are there to ensure the game is played fairly and safely.
• Officials do make mistakes. No one is perfect and it is not intentional or meant to be personal.
• Officials need to be willing to discuss privately with a coach a concern at half time or after the game in a polite and calm manner.
• Officials! Remember we are here for the children.
• You are the only individual getting paid to do a job and you need to conduct yourself in a positive, professional way.
• One of the focuses of an official needs to be that they are part of the learning process of these young players and they need to give instruction at times in the rules and demeanor of the game.
• Players and coaches need to be treated with respect at all times.
• An official’s decisions are firm, neutral and final.
• Be sure that field conditions are safe and that players are wearing proper safety equipment. (shin pads)

PLAYER EXPECTATIONS:

• Players are expected to learn the rules for their age group games and play by these rules.
• We are here to have fun, but not at the expense of other participant’s fun. Play hard, try your best!
• Players are to show proper respect and sportsmanship to others involved in the game including other players, coaches, spectators and especially the officials.
• Winning is not the most important part of soccer in High River. Being the best you can be is!
• Do your best always, so you do not let the others of your team down and so your opponents enjoy the best you can give as well.
• Showing up on time consistently with proper equipment to games and especially practices shows you care about the well being of your team.
• Come prepared to play, with a good attitude, water bottle, shin pads and clothing suited to weather conditions and rules of the game.
• If you have a concern with a referee, voice it through the coach and if it is with a coach, discuss it privately after a game or practice or at some other mutually convenient time in a positive, calm manner.
• Soccer is an excellent activity for promoting fitness and building up a sweat is normal and good for you.
• Team sports provide excellent opportunities to make friends, encourage the building of good character and provide an outlet for excess energy.
• No one player makes the difference between winning and losing.

COACH EXPECTATIONS:

• Coaches are expected to, not only know the rules that are applicable to the age group they are coaching, but to teach and exemplify these rules to their players.
• If you, as a coach, are not having fun with your team, you need to let someone else take on the responsibility.
• Coaches are strongly encouraged to attend the preseason clinic so that they get good coaching pointers and ensure that all coaches are on the same page.
• Coaches, you are the role model for the child in soccer and as a person in an accepted position of authority, you have the largest impact. Help the children “be the best they can be!”
• It is absolutely essential that the coach is a positive individual, willing to learn and pass that knowledge and skill on.
• Most of coaching deals with motivating their players and this can be done by varying the drills, being constructive in instruction, and having activities suited to the age level of the children. Keep standing to a minimum and adjust practice length for maturity level.
• Extremely important is that coaches be able to put winning in perspective and encourage the children to be respectful of the game, the officials, and needless to say, the other players. Losing needs to be viewed as an opportunity to learn for everyone.
• Coaches inspire players to listen and to learn.
• It is helpful if a coach can communicate effectively the skills necessary to play, by not only providing clear, positive feedback, but be able to demonstrate whenever possible. (With younger age groups, coaches can crouch down to be at eye level with their players)
• Remember a coach is:
  • Fun
  • Conscientious, punctual, and well organized
  • Positive
  • Able to motivate
  • Always willing to learn
• Fun practices include:
  • Players touching the ball as much as possible
  • A minimum of 1 ball/2 players
  • A balance of individual and team skills in practices
  • Drills keeping players always moving
  • A variety of activities that build on each other over time

SPECTATOR/PARENT EXPECTATIONS:

• All spectators are expected to know the basic rules and expectations for children of the age group they are watching. (see age group expectations) A good idea is to spend a little time getting familiar with the game by reading, watching soccer or using the internet.
• All participants are here to have fun, including spectators by enjoying their child’s successes on the field. Be positive and supportive to all participants.
• Show support for your child’s team by volunteering for duties and responsibilities associated with the game. (ie. Taking a turn bringing treats, team phoner, etc.)
• This is not a babysitting service. Parent are expected to attend practices and games, especially at the U4, U6, and U8 levels. Remember, everyone working with your child is a volunteer. Show respect for their efforts and so will your child.
• Be on time for games and practices with the proper equipment. This shows appreciation for the time and efforts of the coach.
• Be willing to get actively involved in the practices and games if the coach provides the opportunity. In High River Minor Soccer we believe in the philosophy of parents playing with their children whenever possible.
• It sure doesn’t hurt your relationship with your child to practice a little extra during the week.
• Sportsmanship is taught by example. Your children learn this from you, the most significant individual in their lives.
• Also by example, you the parent, show what it means to live a healthy lifestyle and to be active. (not smoking around the games and practices, bringing healthy treats, etc.)
• Communication of an idea or concern is necessary at times, so be constructive and respectful and encourage your child to approach the coach if they are having difficulties.
• Try to focus on what is being done well and not yelling about mistakes of other participants, coaches, or officials.
• Let the coach, coach! Yelling instructions, even if meant well, can confuse and frustrate players.
• Avoid public conflicts. More can be accomplished by communicating to the coach and through the coach to the referee. Other parents and spectators are there to enjoy the game as well without unnecessary stress.
• Remember, we win and lose as a team and no one person is responsible for a win or a loss.

EXPECTATIONS AT THE U4 LEVEL:

• A coach from each team will be on the field directing (coaching) the players.
• Parents provide lots of encouragement – they may still come on the field with their child if necessary. Only children may contact the ball.
• 2 – 15 minute halves with a 10 minute snack break between. (Times may vary slightly – up to coach’s discretion.
• Short shifts – approx. 2 minutes – again, up to the coach’s discretion.
• Each team can be split into 2 shifts (generally based on age of players, but assertiveness (or being timid) comes into play as well).
• Coaches discuss before hand how they are dividing their shifts.
• No scorekeeping.
• Parents can space themselves around the playing field. If the ball is headed out of bounds, parents just redirect it back into play.
• Lots of positive encouragement and have fun!
• Let the kids play –“let the game be the teacher”. Each player will develop at their own pace.

EXPECTATIONS AT THE U6 LEVEL:

• A coach from each team will be on the field directing (coaching) the players. Begin discussing offence and defence.
• We can continue using the side walls of the outdoor arena as 3 of our sides, with pylons marking the 4th side. If the ball goes past the pylons, a coach will have the team who did not kick the ball out, kick it back in (kick-in). Opposing team should move about 5 m back. (If you wish to try using a field where the ball can go out of bounds on all 4 sides, the dimensions of the field recommended at the coach’s clinic were about 30 yards by 20 yards. These may have to be adapted to fit inside the arena. These will not be lined out for you – you would have to measure and mark them yourself.)
• If the ball comes to a standstill by the boards, coach just moves it out a few feet and keeps them going.
• Allow for 15-20 minute halves with a break in between (10 minutes) for a snack.
• Due to the small team sizes, teams can generally be split into 2 shifts (usually based on age of players – assertiveness or being timid may come into play as well – coaches use their discretion). Discuss with other coach before the game to decide format.
• Coaches designate a goalie – rotate to give all an opportunity.
• Goal may only be scored below knee height.
• Keep the shifts short – no more than 2 – 3 minutes per shift.
• No scorekeeping.
• Parents provide lots of encouragement – they may still come on the field with their child if necessary.
• Let the kids play –“let the game be the teacher”. Each player will develop at their own pace.

EXPECTATIONS AT THE U8 LEVEL:

• A coach from each team will be on the field both refereeing and directing (coaching) the players.
• Allow for 2 – 24 minute halves with a break in between for a snack.
• Go with approximately 2-3 minute shifts, with both teams changing at that time.
• Due to the small team sizes, teams can generally be split into 2 shifts (usually based on age of players – assertiveness or being timid may come into play as well – coaches use their discretion). Discuss with other coach before the game to decide format.
• Coaches designate a goalie – rotate to give all an opportunity.
• Goal may only be scored below knee height.
• To start play, each team gets the kick-off for one of the halves.
• No hands (except goalie).
• Ball out of bounds – throw in – player opposite the team who last touched the ball makes a 2 hand throw-in, overhead. Players from the opposing team move back at least 5 yds.
• Corner kick – if the defending player last touches the ball that passes over the goal line, an offending player takes the corner kick. The opposing players must be 5 yds away.
• Free kick is given for handling, pushing, shoving, tripping, etc. The opposing players must be 5 yds away. A goal may not be scored directly from a free kick. The ball must be passed to another player first.
• Goal kick – ball must be out of the penalty area and touched by a teammate before a goal can be scored.
• Recommended field size is approximately 35 yds x 25 yds.
• Parents may encourage from the sidelines, but leave the “coaching” and “refereeing” up to the coaches.
• Let the kids play – “let the game be the teacher”.

EXPECTATIONS AT THE U10 LEVEL:

• Play 9 vs 9
• Shift change every 5 minutes
• 50 minute game – 2 – 25 minute halves
• Offside will be called
• Use smaller designated field
• Goal is 12 feet wide
• Throw-ins – if it is done wrong, explain what needs to be corrected and do it again
• Corner/goal kicks – referee (or coach) explains it to the player
• Referees will be provided – coaches may also be on the field to help instruct players.
• In the case where there is no outside referee, one coach from each team is on the field refereeing/coaching/directing players
• Parents encourage from the sidelines – leave the coaching/directing to the coaches and referees
• Let the kids play – “let the game be the teacher”