Dover Sherborn Soccer Club

Coaches Corner

Coaching Resources

Zero Tolerance

All individuals responsible for a team and all spectators shall support the referee. Failure to do so will undermine the referee's authority and has the potential of creating a hostile environment for the players, the referee, and all the other participants and spectators.

No one, except the players, is to speak to the referee during or after the game. Exceptions: Coaches may ask questions before the game, call for substitutions and point out emergencies during the game, or respond to the referee if addressed.

Absolutely no disputing calls, during or after the game, no remarks to the referee to watch certain players or attend to rough play. NO YELLING at the referee, EVER, and no criticism, sarcasm, harassment, intimidation, or feedback of any kind during or after the game.

 

Game Day

Enjoy the game! You have coached and taught the players, now let them play. Observe the play, give minimal advise from the sideline...some encouragement and constructive comments is all that's needed.  

Never criticize the referee during the game. If you have an issue about a rule or laws of the game (you should never be questioning a judgement call), speak to them after the game...set a positive example for the players and parents.

Pre-Game:

  • Be organized.  
  • Everyone should be ready for warm-ups 15 minutes before the game-shoes tied, shirts tucked in, ALL jewelry OFF (no earrings, Livestrong bracelets, etc.)
  • Do the same warm-up before every game - dribble, passing, shooting drills.
  • Talk to team, review positions and encourage them to do their best.
  • Pick two or three things for them to focus on.

During The Game:

  • Coaches decide positions NOT the players...assign positions during the week at practice...give everyone a chance to play different position.
  • Have a substitution plan with equal playing time.
  • Go over the basics in practice regarding: Kick Offs, Throw ins, Direct and Indirect Kicks , Corner Kicks, Goal Kicks, Penalty Kicks , Player positioning on field and Goalie positioning.
  • Have players stand on sideline with you, away from midfield. When preparing to enter the field for substitutions, players stand at midfield and wait until the referee signals them to sub in. Coaches do NOT step onto the field or stop play for substitutions.
  • Parents sit on the OPPOSITE side of the field, not on the side with the players and NOT behind the goals.
  • Set a positive example for the players. Stay calm and stay in one place. Do NOT run up and down the sideline yelling instructions. Do not cross midfield; stay on your side. Encourage the players. Examples: "Great try" or "Good idea".
  • Parents and players hearing you identify a "well done play" by the opponent also goes a long way!
  • Remember not only are the parents watching there children during the game, they are also watching you.
  • Half Time Talk - keep it simple

Post-Game:

  • Give opposing team a cheer. Shake hands - sportsmanship. (Shake hands with referee.)
  • Talk to team for a few minutes - ok if parents attend. Game wrap-up. What did we do well? What could we do better? Ask kids for their thoughts.
  • Leave on positive terms.
  • Reminder of next game or practice.

 

 

 

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