Hints for new players
Soccer is fun! To get the most out of youth soccer, just do three things:
1. Do what your coach says.
2. Support your team.
3. Don't get discouraged.
If you do these three things, then every game is a victory regardless of the score. You'll learn about soccer, learn how to work as a team, and get in better shape physically!
Hints for new soccer parents
You can play a big part in helping your son or daughter have a great soccer experience. Here are the
most important things to remember:
1. Please support the coaches. Coaches are unpaid volunteers who put in a lot of time and effort on behalf of their players. Please consider serving as a coach or assistant coach -- it's a great way to get to know the game and some fine young people!
2. Make sure that your son or daughter always shows up with shin guards on and without any jewelry or watches that could cause problems.
3. Please treat the referees with respect and encourage your son or daughter to do the same. The referees work hard to manage the games, get into position, and make calls. Some out-of-bounds calls and some goal calls will go in your team's favor and some will go against your team. Some will be very close and will require the referee's judgment. Encourage your son or daughter to "play it the way it's called" without standing around and arguing with the referee.
4. Make sure to fill out the emergency care form and give it to the coach. Soccer injuries requiring medical care are not frequent, but if they should happen, it's important that the card be readily available. Also fill out and sign the liability release form that will be available from your coach.
Hints for new coaches
1. Thanks for volunteering! You can make a difference in a young person's life by your willingness to be a coach.
2. The best way to learn to coach soccer is to serve as assistant coach under an experienced coach. Even if this is your son or daughter's first time playing soccer, consider volunteering to be an assistant coach. Many who serve as coaches never played organized soccer in their youth. If this describes you, you won't be alone!
3. Consider reading up on soccer in preparation for coaching. A useful first reference is The Complete Book of Coaching Youth Soccer.
4. Try to concentrate on coaching a few skills well, rather than getting your team to remember 20 different things during a game. In the excitement of a game, younger players especially will find it difficult to concentrate on the finer points.