Coaches Corner

 MYA Soccer Coach Code of Conduct

ZERO Tolerance

• All persons wishing to coach must have an approved KidSafe account. No potential coach shall receive a player roster or be allowed to coach without an approved Kidsafe account.  
•  No Coach should conduct a practice without at least one other adult being present (assistant coach or parent).  
•  No player is allowed to be left alone on the field.  
•  All electronic communication between a coach and a player must include a player's parent/guardian.
•  Coaches are expected to be present at all games and practices. If absent, coaches must provide the name of their substitute to their age group coordinators and players parents. 
• Yelling, criticising, harassing, intimidating, sarcasm and/or feedback directed at the Referee is strictly prohibited both during and after games.  
• Vulgar, degrading, obscene language and conduct including yelling, hollering, and screaming negative comments will not be allowed. 
• Encouragement of unsafe play, foul conduct, and/or cheating is prohibited. 
• The use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs during MYA activities, including practices is prohibited.  
•  If coaches have questions regarding particular calls, rules, or a referee, or wish to give feedback regarding a spectator, referee, parent or fellow coach, please contact the Rec Director at recreation@myasoccer.org.    Failure to comply with any of the above is grounds for immediate dismissal from the field and expulsion from the program.                                                       Safety
•  It is recommended coaches become certified in basic first aid and be prepared to handle first aid situations and medical emergencies at all practices and games.   
• Inspect players’ equipment and field conditions for safety reasons prior to any practices and games. Notify division coordinators immediately about any hazards in your practice or playing fields.   
• Instruct players regarding safe techniques and methods of play. Supervise your players to avoid injury situations if possible.                                               Ethics
•  Be a positive role model.  
•  Treat referees with respect and accept any decision given and expect the same from both players and spectators.   
• Set the standard for sportsmanship by stressing fair play whether winning or losing with opponents, referees, administrators, and spectators.  
• Do not run up the score. Doing so discourages players. Tips on how to balance out play are posted on the MYA Soccer website under the Coach’s Section.  
• Know and follow all rules and policies set forth by the MYA and/or travel leagues, as well as state and national associations.  
• Work in the spirit of cooperation with officials, administrators, coaches, and spectators to provide all participants with the maximum opportunity to develop.  
• Know and understand the Laws of the Game posted on the MYA Soccer website under the Coach’s Section.  
• Continue your own education in the sport to improve your skills as a coach.  
• Use of email and phone calls are the preferred and encouraged forms of communications with parents/players. Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.) are not encouraged forms to communicate with your players and their parents.                               Player Development
• Keep the importance of winning and losing in proper perspective and develop the players’ appreciation of the game.  
• Be sensitive to each child’s development needs and allow players to experience all field positions.  
• The goal is for players to have fun and receive positive feedback. Practice should be conducted in the spirit of enjoyment and learning.   
• Provide appropriate number and length of practice sessions according to the players’ stage of development.  
• Educate the players to the technical, tactical, physical and psychological demands of the game for their level of play. 
• Strive to help each player reach his or her full potential and be prepared to move to the next level.

 The following is a collection of links, videos, or documents relating to soccer to provide tools for all coaches:

Videos

Setting Up The Practice Area

US Youth Soccer Positive Parenting

How to Defend - US Youth Soccer Quick Tips

Receiving Ground Balls - US Youth Soccer Quick Tips

Receiving the Ball off the Bounce with the Inside of the Foot - US Youth Soccer Skills School

Dribbling to Create the Shot - US Youth Soccer Quick Tips


Documents
US Soccer Player Development Initiatives

IFAB Rule Changes 2016

Best Practices for Coaching Soccer

Small Sided Games Manual


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U4 Drills
U4 Practice Plan



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U6 Lesson Plan
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U8 Fun Five Series
U8 MYS Curriculum
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U12 Training
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U14 Training
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U16 Training
U16 Session Curriculum