I am a Coach and Need Help!

In general, your Division Commissioner is always a great place to start as the are a knowledgeable local resource so when in doubt reach out to them. For anything training related please feel free to reach out to [email protected].

So I volunteered to coach but what am I supposed to do for practices?

Make sure you complete the age specific training course as outlined in the "How to Become a Coach" page as those will give you an overview of what to expect.  After that there are other resources that are available to you.

• Division Specific Coaching Manuals are available in the AYSOU "Resource Library" that have full training plans, examples drills, and ways of teaching skills (e.g. in-step kick)
• Talk with your fellow coaches about what they are doing.
• Talk to your Division Commissioner, many have coached the age group or have at least run it for many years and will have examples.
• Observe other coaches practices and see what you like or not like.
• Look at example drills in Mojo.
• Google fun drills for U# there are a lot of youtube and instagram channels dedicated to coach trainings.
• Reach out to Coach Admin ([email protected]) to seek additional training/support.
  

When in doubt, LET THEM PLAY.  Small sided scrimmages at all age groups are an important part of the learning process.  So don't pack every second of the practice with drills but be sure to set aside even half of the practice for scrimmaging.


I need referee, assistant coach, or team manager what do I do?

When signing up to coach you can request an assistant coach if you know of one, they will need to be fully cleared and certified same as you as the head coach.  While we do NOT guarantee the placement as their are AYSOU and regional mandates that have to be considered, most of the time we are able to accomodate the request. 

What if your team is formed already?  Have a parent meeting early season to explain what you need, why, and what the impacts are if you cannot fill the roles and ask them to volunteer.

In regards to referees, many time coaches sign up to referee which is great if you are willing to, but we recommend requiring team parents to fill the referee volunteer requirements.  If they are unwilling, there are clear consequences such as the team may not play in play offs (regional, area, +) so clearly state that to them in the meetings.

Also, discuss with your Division Commissioner who may have some advice in finding volunteers as well.


I am having difficulty with a player on my team, what do I do?

Keep calm!  Kids at all ages can definitely be challenging at times.  The biggest thing to remember is we have no idea what is going on in their world outside of soccer so be sure to be patient with the situation.  Okay I am calm, but what do I do?  Try to have a conversation with the parent, outside of practice/games, parent as to what the problem is, explain what your expectation is and see if the parent is able to assist you with it.  If the problem persists or you are unable to resolve, contact your Division Commissioner.

I have a player whose parent drops them off leaves, is that okay?

Okay so it is important to note what age group you are discussing in this regards, so is the player old enough to get themselves to and from practice?  At least for U6/8/10/12 the expectation is NO it's not okay and the parent or a responsible adult/sibling is still present at the fields.  So how do you handle that?  Have a polite conversation with the parent about the expectation that they are present during practice.  What if they are at the fields but always late picking them up?  First, don't leave without confirming the player is with their responsible party!  Next have a conversation with the parent and engage your Division Commissioner.


I have a problem with a parent's behavior on my team how do I handle it?

First think about the behavior and your expectation.  Is the behavior against AYSOUs philosophies, disruptive to you, or do you just not like it?  All of them are valid to address, but how you approach them in conversation can vary.  For example if you just don't like it, well in the end if the parent and you can't agree there is not a lot that can be done so having calm diplomacy is key.  But if against policies/philosophies/disruptive/abusive there are definitely more ways to address.  Start with having a conversation outside of practices/games with them where you clearly explain what is the problem, the impact it is having, and how you would like to rectify it.  Be open to hear them out as they have feelings and emotions too and there maybe something more to it that you don't see. If you have difficulty with this or need additional support, contact the Division Commissioner who will engage other board members as necessary.


I have a player that never shows up to practice but is at games can I sit them?

NO!  The region has a 3/4 rule mandate that requires players to play at least 3 quarters of the game regardless to their participation at practices.  If they show up late to the game the number of required quarders does change but in general if there to play 3 quarters they should play 3 quarters.