TYSA COACH’S HANDBOOK

www.tysa.com

U6 and U8

The purpose of this handbook is to provide a quick reference for situations frequently encountered by coaches as well as to give some guidelines in regards to philosophy of coaching children in these age groups.

PERTINENT PHONE NUMBERS:

U6 commissioner	Cal Leipold	770.934.4487
U8 boys commissioner	Jeff Gleason	404.325.1500
U8 girls commissioner	Clair Jones	404.325.5679
Game rescheduler	Nancy Marsden	404.373.1418
Registrar	Darrell Sanders	404.320.0432
TYSA President	Chris Caviness	770.939.1994

If a problem arises that you cannot handle or need advice about, please contact your respective age group commissioner first. They are the most qualified to deal with your concerns because of their experience. If they cannot provide a solution they know where best to direct you next.

GAME RESCHEDULING

All games regularly scheduled are to be played unless you are directly notified otherwise. In case of questionable weather, it is your responsibility to show up and play. Only the Field Marshal on duty in conjunction with a TYSA board of directors’ officer can make this determination. If games are cancelled you will most probably be notified by your commissioner. It is then your responsibility to contact your team. You are responsible for rescheduling any game cancelled for whatever reason. Talk to the opposing coach and determine two-three suitables times for a make-up game; then, call Nancy Marsden and let her compare these times against the master game schedule for conflicts. Do not attempt to make up the game on your own. This will only result in two teams (yours and your opponents) arriving at the field and then having to leave because of a scheduling conflict.

FIELD RESPONSIBILITY

If your game is the first one played on a field that particular weekend, it is the job of the two coaches to move the goals into position, secure them, and place the corner flags. The Field Marshal will unlock the goals for you. Likewise, if you are playing the last game on a field during the weekend you must take down the goals and corner flags. The Field Marshal will inform you if you are playing the last game. Encourage your parents and players to pick up their trash (and anyone else’s) and place it in the trash receptacles. The home team coach is responsible for providing two game balls.

COACHING ETIQUETTE

The main reason we are all involved with soccer at TYSA is to provide the players with the opportunity to play the most fun game in the world. Always remember that is our first and best purpose. The emphasis should be on having fun -- especially in these age groups. Do not keep score or won/lost records. Playing the game is its own reward at this age. Remind your parents of these principles from time to time. Please remember at all times that your team looks to you for guidance. Do not treat anyone (referees, other players/coaches, parents) with disrespect -- you will quickly find that your players emulate your actions.

UNDERSTAND WHO YOU ARE COACHING

Children are not defined by chronological age only. Each child matures and develops at his own pace. Treat each child as an individual. As you deal with your respective age groups, keep in mind the following:

CHARACTERISTICS OF U6 CHILDREN

-- short attention span

-- individually oriented (me, my, mine)

-- constantly in motion

-- easily bruised psychologically

-- little or no concern for team activities

-- physical/psychological development similar for boys and girls

-- primitive eye/foot and eye/hand coordination

-- like to run and jump

-- prefer large soft ball

-- no sense of pace (everything done full speed)

CHARACTERISTICS OF U8 CHILDREN

-- better attention span than U6, but not much

-- inclined more toward group activities

-- constantly in motion

-- still psychologically sensitive

-- beginning to develop physical coordination

-- like to run, jump, climb, and roll

-- have sports heroes (like to imitate)

-- still lack sense of pace

The best activities are those that include use of the soccer ball. Do not concern yourself with improving their fitness. Studies have shown that there is little you can do in an hour to significantly improve a child’s physical capacities. Playing the game is the best way to expand their fitness.

TYSA COACHING GUIDELINES

1. Take signed medical release form to all games and practices.

2. Abide by chosen or assigned times/sites for practices and games.

3. Remain at the field until every player has been picked up.

4. Keep coaching from the sidelines to a minimum. This only serves to distract the players during the game. Coaching should be done at practice.

5. Treat visiting teams, parents, and coaches as guests.

6. Recognize every injury as potentially serious. Do not encourage a player to “play with pain”. If more than minor treatment is necessary, find the Field Marshal and let them make the decisions.

7. Profanity is never appropriate.

8. Help promote more parent involvement by distributing TYSA newsletters, allowing team parent to perform some of the team management tasks, and promoting fellowship and fun among the team’s families.

9. Allow your assistant coaches to participate in the growth of the team.

10. Only the head coach and a maximum of two assistant coaches are allowed on sidelines during play.

11. Complete a player evaluation form for each player at the end of the season.

12. Inform your players and parents of the above guidelines. Remember, according to state rules, the coach is responsible for the players and the parents behavior.

13. TYSA suggests that all children with eyeglasses wear protective goggles while playing.