Sterling Youth Soccer Association

2014 Travel TeamCoaches’ Information

Agenda• Travel Team Coaching• Practices• Accessing Game Schedules (SportsManager)• Rules of the Game (MAYSL)• CORI and Code of Conduct• Game Day Field Responsibilities• Cancellations• Ref No Shows• Player Injuries• Coaching Resources• SYSA Contacts• Q&A

Travel Team Coaching - 2014

1. What’s different?• All Sterling travel teams will now play in the MAYS

League• More towns, more teams, more fun!• More travel – but only 4 away games…• Slightly different rules• Competitive and recreational divisions

2. What’s not different?• Coach to develop – not to win• Every kid should play approx. half the game

Three Basic Tenets for 2014

1. Have a plan• Be prepared• Resources are available online

2. Know the Rules and Procedures• FIFA soccer rules• MAYSL procedures

3. Promote teamwork and sportsmanship• SYSA’s philosophy is to promote the sport• Don’t run up the score!

Thank You!

You, our coaches, are the most important asset we have.

Your dedication and commitment to developing the necessary skills and fundamentals is critical to our young players’ success as they mature and strive to play at higher levels.

But your goal for the season should be more than just teaching the basics, it should also be to encourage and challenge our players to grow, improve, and to make their own good decisions and choices in games.

Thank you for volunteering your time and knowledge. Here’s to a great fall season!

Have a Plan!

Have a lesson plan for each and every practice – know what it is that you are trying to teach or reinforce before you get to the field, whether it be certain individual skills, positional play, or simply soccer sense (better game awareness) and choose drills that reinforce what you are trying to improve.

Soccer, at its essence, is a game of ball possession (keep-away). Your practices should develop confident ball handling by maximizing touches on the ball. Ideally consisting of equal parts individual foot skills, passing/trapping, and small sided games.

Remember - No Lines, No Lectures, No Laps!!

SYSA Mission Statement• The Sterling Youth Soccer Association (SYSA) is dedicated to

providing a quality recreational fall soccer program for the youth of Sterling ages K-HS.

• SYSA seeks to help its players develop their soccer skills, their love for the game, their teamwork and sportsmanship, and their character.

• As a coach, it’s up to you to represent SYSA’s goals and standards. Please hold yourself to the highest standard of ethics and sportsmanship as YOU are setting an example for our young players.

Travel Team Coaching• What SYSA will provide:

• Game Ball• Pair of Goalie Gloves• Jerseys and Socks for your players

• What SYSA doesn’t provide but should have:• First Aid Kit• Ice Packs• Pinnies (for scrimmaging and for your keeper)• Cones• Extra balls (for the kids who inevitably forget)• Whistle• Air pump• Stop watch

Travel Team Coaching• What’s in the storage shed?

• Pinnies• Corner Flags• Extra ball or two• Extra Goalie Gloves• Pop up goals• Tie-wraps for securing nets to goal posts• Other miscellaneous “stuff”

• The combination for the lockbox is available through your division coordinator

• Please RETURN ANYTHING YOU BORROW and lock the door!!

Practices• Practices can begin only AFTER we have the following:

• Our insurance letter from Mass Youth Soccer• The Go Ahead from the Sterling Rec Department• All Coach CORIs complete

• Practice nights are assigned on a first come, first served basis• Field Coordinator sends email to League Coordinators• League Coordinators send email to coaches

• Coaches indicate their first, second and third choices• League Coordinator collects all requests and submits to the Field

Coordinator who posts the final schedule

• Fields are typically shared by two teams per evening

Practices• Plan out what you are going to do before you get to the field

• Arrange it so that if kids get there before you do, they are working on something productive

• Emphasis should be on lots of touches, skills development, and small sided drills. No Lines, Lectures, or Laps!

• Coaching Lessons and Drill Plans are available on the SYSA Website http://www.sterlingsoccer.org/coaching-resources/

Rosters and Game Schedules• WAYSA game schedules are posted in SportsManager• Coaches will receive login information for their team

See the SportsManager Travel Coach Access Doc onwww.sterlingsoccer.org under the Coaches tab

• You can access your APPROVED roster on this site • MAYS recommends blacking out players birthdates for privacy

• All changes to your schedule will show up on this web site• Check SportsManager approx 1.5 hours before every game for

delays, cancellations, etc.• Email all your parents and notify them if the game is canceled

Equipment• Equipment

• All players must wear shin guards• Shin guards must be worn under their socks• All players must wear soccer cleats or sneakers

• No other types of cleats are allowed• All players must wear matching uniforms• Goalkeeper must wear different color than either team or ref• Other clothing can be worn under the uniform

• NO JEWELRY (earrings, watches, necklaces, body piercings)• No earrings even if covered with tape

• NO CASTS! (including hard splints)

Know the Rules - Game Time• Referees will ask for pass cards so don’t forget them!• Present two official rosters to the referee before the game• Referee gives roster to opposing team after the game• Coin toss decides side of field and ball possession• Referee will ask for two “Captains” to call coin toss• Have your starting lineup decided and ready to go• Each team gives the ref a game ball – ref chooses which to use• Home team wears the pinnies (if needed)• Parents need to be on opposite side of field from teams• Coaches are NOT allowed on the field during the game!• Coaches stay at least ten feet from center line• Players must be waiting at center line to sub

Know the Rules -Game TimeCoaching Area

Parents and spectators

MAYSL Rules (U10)• U10 Teams play 6 v 6 (five players plus goalkeeper)• U10 players don’t need pass cards but coaches do• Ball is size 4• Must have at least 4 players on the field or forfeit• Game is two 25 minute halves (5 minute break)• Off-sides is called – know the rule!• No second chance throw-ins• Free kicks are direct or indirect – know the difference• Penalty kicks are awarded – Everyone but the kicker and the

goalkeeper will stand outside the penalty area.• Goal Kicks can go past midline• Keeper can throw, punt or dropkick• Know the rule for hand balls

MAYSL Rules (U12)• U12 Teams play 8 v 8 (seven players plus goalkeeper)• Coaches and U12 players in D1 or D2 need pass cards • Ball is size 4• Must have at least 5 players or forfeit• Game is two 30 minute halves (5 min break)• Off-sides is called – know the rule!• No second chance throw-ins• Free kicks can be direct or indirect – know the difference• Penalty kicks are awarded. Everyone but the kicker and the

goalkeeper will stand outside the penalty area.• Goal Kicks can go past midline• Keeper can throw, punt or dropkick• Know the rule for hand balls

MAYSL Rules (U14)• U14 Teams play 11 v 11 (ten players plus goalkeeper)• Coaches and players in D1 or D2 need pass cards• Ball is size 5• Must have at least 7 players or forfeit• Game is two 40 minute halves (5 min break)• Off-sides is called – know the rule!• No second chance throw-ins• Free kicks can be direct or indirect – know the difference• Penalty kicks are awarded. Everyone but the kicker and the

goalkeeper will stand outside the penalty area• Goal Kicks can go past midline• Keeper can throw, punt or dropkick• Know the rule for hand balls

Know the Rules - Substitutions• All substitutes shall enter and leave the field at mid-field. With

consent of the referee, substitutions may be made at the following times: • the team in possession of the ball for a throw in may substitute.

If they sub you may sub also. Players must be present at the midfield prior to substitution.

• No subs on corner kicks! • prior to all goal kicks, after a goal, at half time • for an injured player if the referee has stopped play (the other

team may also substitute) • No substitution is allowed for a player ejected from the game• SYSA recommends all players play at least ½ the game

• Coach may restrict play time for disciplinary reasons

CORI and Code of Conduct• All coaches and assistant coaches must submit CORI

applicationshttps://idevforms.americaneagle.com/youthsoccer/form657510374/secure_index.html

• All coaches and assistant coaches must read the Mass Youth Soccer Code of Conduct

• All coaches and assistant coaches must read, sign, and return the Coach’s Code of Conduct acknowledgement form.

• Both forms can be found here:• http://www.sterlingsoccer.org/coachs-code-of-conduct.html

Field Responsibilities• Setting up - first game of the day• As you arrive on the field, please walk the field and thoroughly

inspect the grounds to ensure there are no items left on the field that would risk injury to a player, i.e. broken glass, cans, sharp objects, other trash.

• Set appropriate corner flags in place. Corner flags for Griffin Road field are stored in the locker at the end of the Snack Shack. If you have any questions about how to unlock the snack shack locker, please contact your division coordinator.

• Please ensure that the sandbags are positioned on top of the bars at the rear, and if available, on the sides of the goal. From time to time the town must remove the sandbags for mowing and line spraying.

• On Upper Griffin, please ensure that the goal is properly lined up with the field goal uprights.

Field Responsibilities• Closing down - last game of the day (IMPORTANT!!)• Please police the field for garbage and deposit any trash in an

appropriate trash barrel, several are located near each field.• Please remove flags and return to the locker at the end of the snack

shack. • If you are unsure if yours is the last game of the day, please assume it is!

• Special instructions• Upper Griffin: Pull back the goals from the football field goals• Muddy Pond: Pull goals back to field edge as these fields are shared with

Pop Warner football and used for other sports•

NOTE: If you notice any wear or damage to field equipment, or vandalism, please contact the Field Coordinator immediately after your game or practice.

XI. TIMING AND FORFEIT OF GAMEReferee and teams must be present at the field 15 minutes prior to the scheduled kick-off time. If the referee does not arrive within 15 minutes after the scheduled time, he/she may not receive any fee. In this case, the coaches of the two teams will appoint an acting referee and play the game. If a mutually acceptable party cannot be found to act as referee, the game must be re-scheduled. In the event of a team being late, the other team must report it to the League for appropriate action.

If either team has not arrived within 15 minutes after the scheduled time, the referee will leave the field, and will receive payment. In this case, the missing team will forfeit the game.

XII. POSTPONEMENTSThe only legitimate reasons for postponing a game are:1. Bad weather at the site of the game.2. Vandalism to the field or field is unavailable. It is suggested that teams swap fields to play the game.3. Reschedule requests must be submitted to the MAYS President by the Club/Town Rep. Reschedule requests for games during the first 2 weeks of the season must be received by the MAYS President one week prior to the game date. All other reschedule requests for games beyond week 3 must be received no later than 7 days after the first date of games for the age group of the teams impacted by the request. Only one request per team will be allowed. The acceptable reasons for requesting a reschedule is for school event, religious event which prevents a team from fielding the minimum number of required players.

It is the responsibility of the home team to notify both the visiting team coach and the referee assignor of the postponement at least two hours before the scheduled game time.

Only Town reps can close a field or cancel a game. COACHES can’t cancel a game. Once at the field, only a REFEREE can cancel a game.

XIII. MAKE UP GAMESSee the presentation on rescheduling games on the Coaches’ Forms and Documents page on the SYSA website www.sterlingsoccer.org

XXIII. GAME DAY ROSTERSEach coach will provide TWO copies of the team roster approved by M.A.Y.S. to the referee before the start of each game. Failure to do so will result in a $25 fine to the club for an un-verified roster and/or game forfeiture, and $50 fine to the club for no roster and/or game forfeiture. Rosters signed by someone other than MAYS Registrar as the MAYS Registrar will result in a fine of $200 per offense.

MAYS recommends blacking out player birthdates to protect the privacy of minors. MAYS does not allow older kids to “play down” so if the roster is stamped APPROVED then you can be assured that the players are all of the correct age range.

A registered (carded) coach must sign the roster. A maximum of three coaches (with valid passcards) are allowed at the bench area.

XXIV. PASS CARDS

Pass cards are not required for players during the Fall season – but all coaches must have pass cards or they will not be allowed on the team side of the field during the game!!

Goal Scoring – Don’t run up the score!!

Any team that has a score differential of 8 or more goals will receive a warning for the first offense.

Second offense will result in the coach being suspended for one game and the town will be fined $150.

Next occurrence will result in the coach being suspended for eight(8) games and the town will be fined $150.

• SYSA provides uniforms to all players• Uniforms must be “matching” (i.e. same color)• Duplicate numbers are not allowed• SYSA provides a game ball to every coach• Ask all your players to bring a ball to practice. Most kids at

U10 and above now have an appropriate ball• Check with your Division Coordinator if additional

equipment is needed. Some of the town recreational soccer programs may help with an equipment bag

Where do I get equipment

• Show up at least 30 minutes prior to every game.• Ask parents to show up at least 45 minutes before every game.

Parents will get lost, officials & opposing coaches may have questions, etc

• You MUST bring 2 copies of your “official” roster to every game. Your team will not be allowed to play without the rosters. MSC will receive a fine for the forfeiture

• You MUST bring your player pass cards to every game. Your team will not be allowed to play without the pass cards. (U10 does not need pass cards, nor do older kids playing in D3)

• Do NOT add players to your rosters. Players can only be added by the registrar.

• Warm up your team and set up your roster based upon players who arrive for play.

Game Administration

SCHEDULES and SCORESLOG in to SPORTSMANAGERwww.sportsmanager.us/sterlingsoccer.htm

Select “Coach/Director Log-in”

SCHEDULES and SCORES

Enter the email address and password you used to register.

SCHEDULES and SCORES

Select the “Team” button

SCHEDULES and SCORES

Select the button for your Team

SCHEDULES and SCORES

Select the “Schedules/Scores” button in the Menu box on the Left

SCHEDULES and SCORES

1. Select your Age group from the “ALL LEAGUES” drop down menu. This will add an extra menu for “DIVISION”.

2. Select your Division (1, 2 or 3) and designation (A, B, or C) from the “DIVISION drop down menu. See your roster for the correct one. (If you cannot find it, ask Christine).

3. Select your team name from the “All Teams” drop down menu.

SCHEDULES and SCORES

Select “Future Scheduled Games

SCHEDULES and SCORES

Select the “?” to get specific information about the game

SCHEDULES and SCORES

SCORES

Coaches will be entering Game Scores into the System

• 1. Within 24 hours of a match an email will be sent to the coach.

• 2. Clicking on the ‘Score This Game’ will take the coach into Sports Manager where they can enter the score

SCORESCoaches will be entering Game Scores into the System

• 3. On this screen the game can be marked as Complete or Not-Completed. If for any reason the game was not completed, most likely rain, make sure to mark the game as Not Completed and enter the reason in the game summary.

SCORES

Coaches will be entering Game Scores into the System

• 4. Click the Save Score/Summary to finalize score

Code of Conduct• Head coaches are responsible for the conduct of the assistant

coaches, players, parents, and supporters of their team. • In the event of continuing misconduct by a team’s coaches,

players, parents, or supporters, after issuing a caution, the referee may terminate the game.

• If the abuse comes from parents/spectators then the referee will inform the coaches and it is their responsibility to speak immediately to the offenders.

• If this action does not adequately curb this behavior then the referee may terminate the game

Code of Conduct (cont)

To clarify expectations of coach conduct, we jointly expect all coaches to conform to this code of conduct.

• Before, during and after the game, be an example of dignity, patience and positive spirit.

• Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the referee.

• During the game, you are responsible for the sportsmanship of your players. If one of your players is disrespectful, irresponsible or overly aggressive, take the player out of the game at least long enough for him/her to calm down.

Code of Conduct (cont)

During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of the parents of your players.

It is imperative to explain acceptable player and parent behavior in a preseason meeting.

During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of spectators rooting for your team.

Encourage them to applaud and cheer for good plays by either team. Discourage them, and you may need to be forceful and direct, from yelling at players and the referee.

Code of Conduct (cont)

During the game, do not address the referee at all. If you have a small issue, discuss it with the referee calmly and patiently after the game.

If you have a major complaint, or if you think the referee was unfair, biased, unfit, or incompetent report your opinion to your Coordinator. Your feedback will be taken seriously if it are presented objectively and formally.

After the game, thank the referee and ask your playersto do the same. Always shake hands with the opposing team.

Code of Conduct (cont)

SYSA Policy on Coaches’ behavior towards Referees

SYSA has a zero tolerance for coaches who verbally abuse our referees. We follow the three-strike rule.

First offense is a written warning,

Second offense is one game suspension and an appearance before the SYSA Board,

Third offense and you will be relieved as a coach and not allowed to coach again.

Referee No Shows• If no ref shows up for your game you’ll need to work it out

with the coach from the opposing team.

• Usually having an assistant coach from each team ref the game (each working half the field) is a good compromise. Or an asst from each team ref’ing half the game.

• Please let your league coordinator know so he/she can feed it upstream.

Player Injuries• Coaches accept responsibility for the care and safety of the players on

their team at practices and games. Your job as a coach is to recognize an injury when it happens, to stabilize the injury as best you can, and to summon medical assistance if necessary.

• Be prepared and have a plan beforehand.

• For guidelines to dealing the most common soccer injuries. http://www.footy4kids.co.uk/Soccer_injuries_and_how_to_treat_them.htm#

• ConcussionsCoaches must understand the signs and protocols for concussions.

• http://www.wrsd.net/wrhs/documents/Athletics/WRHS%20Concussion%20Protocol.pdf

Getting Started• Send in your CORI Information to the SYSA CORI Administrator (ALL

COACHES & ASSISTANT COACHES must have approved CORIs!!)• Complete all additional CORI requirements• Check your team roster detail report for any medical conditions,

allergies, special requirements, etc.• Make sure all players have a green SYSA jersey with the shield logo• Make sure there are no duplicate numbers on the team – if so

contact the Uniform Coordinator• Send an email to the parents introducing yourself• Select a practice night(s) through your Coordinator• Familiarize yourself with SportsManager• Upload a photo of yourself for your passcard

Coaching Resources• www.sterlingsoccer.org/coaching-resources.html• www.mayouthsoccer.org• http://

pt.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/generic/81/42/36/lawsofthegame_2011_12_en.pdf

Getting StartedHave a parents meeting at the first practice. • Review Parents Code of Conduct.• Explain your expectations for practices/games• Remind them that soccer is played in the rain, sleet and snow• Explain how you will notify them of any cancellations • Also remind parents that NO JEWELRY is allowed. • Earrings can NOT be taped. They must be removed.

Key Contacts• Ros Aldous – U10 League Coordinator• Gregg Frantz – U12 League Coordinator• Mike Demilia – U14/HS Coordinator• John Sanders – SYSA Field Coordinator• Karen Jolie – Uniform Coordinator• Jeanette Lundgren – Registrar• Sherry Gelardi – CORI Administrator• David Jolie – SYSA President

• Escalation for issues = Coordinator President

• See the SYSA website for contact info• www.sterlingsoccer.org/board.html/