Annual Coach Update

1. Annual Coach Update Hosted by: Region 92 Presented by: Eric Stoker, Rick Pierce and Tony Parascandola

2. Course Overview: • AYSO Structure • AYSO Vision, Mission & Philosophies • Coach Resources • Rules and Regulations • Team Management • Parent Code of Conduct • Equipment • Ratings • AYSO Soccer Accident Insurance

3. AYSO Structure • Region • Basic operating unit; e.g. Region 92 • Regional Commissioner: Eric Stoker • ayso92rc@gmail.com • Area • Group of Regions; e.g. 7, 17, 18, 21, 34, 1345 • Area Director: • Section • Areas connected Geographically; e.g. Section 1 • Section Director: Frances Stronks • All Volunteers

4. Vision Statement To provide world class youth soccer programs that enrich children’s lives. Mission Statement To develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs, which promote a fun, family environment based on the AYSO Philosophies…

5. AYSO Philosophies: Everyone Plays*** • Our program’s goal is for kids to play soccer—so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least half of every game. Balanced Teams • Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible —because it is fair and more fun when teams of equal ability play.

6. AYSO Philosophies: Open Registration • Our program is open to all children between 4 and 19 years of age who want to register and play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing. Positive Coaching*** • Encouragement of player effort provides for greater enjoyment by the players and ultimately leads to better-skilled and better-motivated players.

7. AYSO Philosophies: Good Sportsmanship*** • We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect rather than a win at all costs attitude, and our program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO. Player Development*** • We believe that all players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities, both individually and as members of a team, in order to maximize their enjoyment of the game.

8. AYSO Team • Coaches, referees, parents, players and volunteers • Friendly attitude and cooperation are expected • Good behavior for coaches • Support AYSO Philosophies • Be reasonable in your demands on young players (time, energy, enthusiasm, performance) • Stress adherence to Laws of the Game • Respect referees, opponents, and opposing coaches • Enlist parents’ support in promoting proper attitudes/values • Promote player safety • Set good example

9. Coach Resources • Regional Coach Admin/Program Commissioners/Division Commissioners • Coaching Manuals (Handing one out to everyone) • UK Coaches (UKSocca.com) • Books, tapes, and other materials in AYSO Store • Ayso.org • Division Handbooks

10. Rules and Regulations • Three quarters play • U6 – 20 min game at Brett Field • U7/U8 – 40 min game at Richmond Street Fields • Start and finish your games on time • ONLY the referee should be on the field LET THEM PLAY!! • The game is the best teacher; guide their learning • Scores and standings are not kept • No Goalkeepers in U6/U7

11. U6 Game Format • BALL: Size 3 • Two 10 minute halves with a short substitution break in the middle of each half. There is also a halftime break of 5-10 minutes. • 5 v 5, with no goalkeeper. • START OF THE GAME: With a free kick in the middle of the field. Players should be 5 yards from the spot of the free kick. • BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY: • 1. When the whole ball passes over the touchline, either on the ground or in the air, it should be thrown in from where it crossed the line, by a player of the opposing team. • 2. When the whole ball passes over the goal line (not into the goal), it should be kicked into play from where it crossed the line, by a player from the opposing team.

12. U6 Game Format (cont) • SUBSTITUTIONS: May take place between each 5 minute break and/or at half time. (If a child comes off the field or does not want to return to the field, a new player may be sent in.) Please note that the clock keeps ticking through the substitution breaks. • TIME ON THE FIELD: Players are to play three out of four quarters if the roster/attendance permits. If the roster does not permit 3/4 play by every player at every game, the coach must record substitutions at every game to maintain and account for an even balance of play for every player throughout the season. • FOULS: • All “fouls” result in direct free kicks, with opponents five (5) yards away. All fouls should be explained to the players. • VARIANCE FROM FIFA LAWS: • No goalkeeper, no penalty kicks, no offside • Throw-ins – At this level, we do not call back illegal thrown-ins. • 5 yards away from the center mark for an opponent’s kick-off, direct kick, goal or corner kick

13. U7 Game Format • BALL: Size 3 • Two 20 minute halves with a short substitution break in the middle of each half. There is also a halftime break of 5-10 minutes. • 6 v 6, with no goalkeeper. • START OF THE GAME: With a free kick in the middle of the field. Players should be 5 yards from the spot of the free kick. • BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY: • 1. When the whole ball passes over the touchline, either on the ground or in the air, it should be thrown in from where it crossed the line, by a player of the opposing team. • THROW INS: If a player commits a foul on a throw-in, the ball is called back. The referee should explain the proper way to do a throw-in. A second attempt is permitted to the player and the game resumes regardless of the legality of the second throw-in.

14. U7 Game Format (cont) • SUBSTITUTIONS: A substitution break should be called approximately halfway through each half. Please educate your players and parents to the fact that this is NOT a “quarter” or a halftime break AND that the clock keeps running. Also, please start to train your players to wait until the player coming out of the game has left the field before he/she goes on the field. (At this level, if a child comes off the field or does not want to return to the field, a new player may be sent in regardless of timing.) • TIME ON THE FIELD: EVERY player is to play three out of four quarters. If the roster size does not permit 3/4 play by every player at every game, the coach must record substitutions at every game to maintain and account for an even and consistent balance of play for every player throughout the season. There is no doubt that you will have a parent complain that you kept their child out more than other players. Showing your “substitution history” will eliminate the complaint immediately.

15. U7 Game Format (cont) • FOULS: Coaches should use discretion in calling fouls (or you’ll be stopping the game all the time). When called, all “fouls” result in direct free kicks, with opponents five (5) yards away. All fouls should be explained to the players whether you stop play or not. • VARIANCE FROM FIFA LAWS: • No goalkeeper, no penalty kicks, no offside ; DO NOT encourage offside play • 8 yards away from the center mark for an opponent’s kick-off, goal kick or corner kick • Free kicks award in the goal area should be taken from the nearest point of the goal area in front of the goal

16. U8 Game Format • BALL: Size 3 • Two 20 minute halves with a short substitution break in the middle of each half. There is also a halftime break of 5-10 minutes. • 7v 7, including the goalkeeper. • START OF THE GAME: With a free kick in the middle of the field. Players should be 5 yards from the spot of the free kick. • BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY: • 1. When the whole ball passes over the touchline, either on the ground or in the air, it should be thrown in from where it crossed the line, by a player of the opposing team. • THROW INS: If a player commits a foul on a throw-in, the ball is called back. The referee should explain the proper way to do a throw-in. A second attempt is permitted to the player and the game resumes regardless of the legality of the second throw-in.

17. U8 Game Format (cont) • SUBSTITUTIONS: A substitution break should be called approximately halfway through each half. Please educate your players and parents to the fact that this is NOT a “quarter” or a halftime break AND that the clock keeps running. Also, please start to train your players to wait until the player coming out of the game has left the field before he/she goes on the field. (At this level, if a child comes off the field or does not want to return to the field, a new player may be sent in regardless of timing.) • TIME ON THE FIELD: EVERY player is to play three out of four quarters. If the roster size does not permit 3/4 play by every player at every game, the coach must record substitutions at every game to maintain and account for an even and consistent balance of play for every player throughout the season. There is no doubt that you will have a parent complain that you kept their child out more than other players. Showing your “substitution history” will eliminate the complaint immediately.

18. U8 Game Format (cont) • FOULS: Coaches should use discretion in calling fouls (or you’ll be stopping the game all the time). When called, all “fouls” result in direct free kicks, with opponents five (5) yards away. All fouls should be explained to the players whether you stop play or not. • VARIANCE FROM FIFA LAWS: • No penalty kicks, no offside ; DO NOT encourage offside play • 8 yards away from the center mark for an opponent’s kick-off, direct kick goal or corner kick • Free kicks award in the goal area should be taken from the nearest point of the goal area in front of the goal

19. Rules and Regulations • Three quarters play • U10 – 50 min/Campus/8v8/roster 10/ • U12 – 60 min/Campus and Brett/9v9/roster 12 • U14 – 70 min/Campus & Inter-Region/11v11/roster 14 LET THEM PLAY!! • The game is the best teacher; guide their learning • Respect the referees, opposing players and coaches

20. Team Management • Meeting with Parents/Players • When/where of practices • Team roster and schedule of games (if available) • Expectations for parent/player • Expectations for coach • Identify assistant coach(es) and team parent(s) • Field support—for putting up and taking down goals • Go over Parents Code of Conduct • Get volunteer forms and Safe Haven for all your helpers • Team parents, assistant coaches, youth trainers, team helpers • Covers them under AYSO insurance policy • Takes 30 minutes to complete

21. Parent Code of Conduct • Don’t force the children to play • LET THEM PLAY!!! (it is their game) • Teach to play by rules • Help work toward good sportsmanship • Don’t ridicule or yell at the children • Applaud good plays by both teams • Recognize the contributions of volunteer coaches, referees, and officials • Treat everyone with respect

22. Equipment • Shin guards • Cleats • Balls (provided and encourage players to bring) • Medical release forms (white sheets) • Need at every team gathering • Accident report form • Pinnies • Cones • First aid kit • Game or practice plan • Water • Personal items (lip balm, sunscreen)

23. Ratings • Creates relative order among players in a division • To balance teams • To help create all-star team • Not intended to be a precise measurement • Don’t over think it • During the season • Assess your players skills • Assess skills of players on opposing team • Consider taking notes • Assess opposing coach’s children • Work with your Division Commissioner and other Coaches

24. Soccer Accident Insurance • Our Safety Director is Tony Parascandola ajp042@gmail.com

25. What is the BEST Teacher of the Game? The game itself… LET THEM PLAY! HAVE FUN and INSPIRE!

27. Annual Coach Update U10, U12 and U14 Specific

28. Line Up Cards • Standings • Referee Points • Playoffs • All-Stars • Disciplinary actions

29. Line Up Cards • Complete them BEFORE you get to the field • Fill out all the information on both sides • Referees should only have to fill in the score, sportsmanship points and their names • List players in numerical order with first & last names • Referees will turn them into the region • U14 Inter-Region Friendly Games on the Road • None this year

30. Standings • Will be posted on ayso92.org • Be patient; should be posted by Wed each week • Referee Points • Same program as last year • Be patient; may take longer between postings • Playoffs • Qualify with referee points; seeded by standings • All-Stars • No changes from last year

31. What is the BEST Teacher of the Game? The game itself… LET THEM PLAY! HAVE FUN and INSPIRE!