What to Expect as a First-Time Coach!

We are thrilled you are here to learn what to expect as a coach! Volunteers like you are critical to giving players an opportunity to get out and play.
There are lots of pages in our Coaches section of our website that can help guide you through different parts of the volunteering process, where to find something, how to handle issues that may arise. This page will be about what you can expect during a typical season.

Why Coach?
While each coach may have their own goals or reasons the answer always comes down to for the kids. Some coaches are driven by the fun the kids have, some by the development of the players and their accomplishments, others by the community of the team, but it all comes down to for the kids.

Unlike other volunteering roles, as a coach you have a direct impact on the player growth throughout the season. It can be a great sense of accomplishment when you realize just how far an individual and team have come!

Season at a Glance:

🛠 Preseason Preparation: (1-1.5 Months Before First Game, see "Become a Coach")

• Register to volunteer as a coach and ensure Background Check (Risk Status) is current.
• Complete trainings and outstanding requirements
  • If not completed there are teamwide and individual impacts (e.g. no playoffs)
• Communicate with Division Commissioner (DC) to confirm you are coaching.
  • Request an Assistant Coach if you have one. They will also have to be fully cleared and certified for request to be considered.
• Communicate with Coach Administrator for any training assistance
• Submit Practice Field Request (see "Field Space and Practice Times" section on FAQ page)

• Confirm you have received practice field and time assignment
• Receive Team Roster and contact parents
• Region Wide Coaches Meeting: what to expect, where to find things, etc.
• Region Wide Parents Meeting: what to expect for season introduction to AYSO
• Uniform and Equipment Pickup
  • You will be provided with a few soccer balls, a mesh ball bag, and some cones
• Meet the Coach/Team Meeting
  • Recruit Parent Volunteers for Needed Positions (e.g. Assistant Coach, Referee, Team Manager, Banner Parent)
  • Referee Volunteers directly affect whether the team qualifies for Playoffs — encourage participation early!
  • DO NOT DO IT ALONE!
• Submit any special uniform requests (see "General" section on FAQ page)

• Start Practices
• Work with Parent Volunteers to become cleared and trained for their role
  • We are here to assist you and will provide trainings (e.g. referee certifications) but making an effort now to ensure your volunteers complete expectations will have a huge impact during the season.
  • When in doubt ask your DC for help!
• Regional Referee Training Offered
  • Historically our Referee Admin has scheduled training for a weeknight before the first game. There are additional training options but this is one to be aware of and encourage parents to take especially in the U10+ divisions.

• 2 practices per week
  • U6 potentially will be 1 per week.
  • Ideally this will be consistent and regular, but as a coach if something comes up you have the option to cancel practice if you don't have coverage.
• 1 Saturday Game every week Except holidays
  • In general there is NOT an ability to reschedule or choose a different time to play, this will only happen in the region leadership has to make a schedule change due to something such as weather.
  • Especially as home team be prepared to recruit a referee for your game. We do try to encourage volunteers but be prepared.
• Picture Day
  • Usually a few weeks into the season on a normal Saturday game day.
  • Procedures will be communicated in advance
• Ensure your team is completing volunteer and refereeing requirements

• Volunteer Appreciation Event!!!!!!
  • You worked hard! It is time to unwind and celebrate the season!
  • Events have been known to include the In-N-Out Burger Truck.
• Player Evaluations!!! (see "Player Evaluations" section on FAQ page)
  • These are critical to balancing teams each season.
• Recommend Players for Competitive AYSO Programs
  • In Fall, recommend players for Spring Select, a program for competitive inter-region play
  • Spring, encourage players to try out for Extra and Other local competitive programs.
• Playoffs :)
  • typically for U10+ but we have and are looking at additional playing opportunities for lower divisions
  • If a team has not completed their requirements they will NOT be eligible to play!
  • Region Playoffs
    • Usually 1-2 weeks after season
    • These are local playoffs at our fields.
    • Include only teams from our Region.
    • Tournament style play
  • Area Playoffs
    • 1-2 weeks after Region Playoffs
    • Top X# of local teams will advance to Area Playoffs within the AYSO 1 N region.
    • Tournament style of play 1-2 weeks after Regional Playoffs
  • Section Playoffs
    • Timing-wise it is a bit different based on the season
      • Fall season, these playoffs occur more in February/March
      • Spring is typically in May/June
    • Top X# of teams from Area will advance to Section Playoffs
• Register for Next Season!

• Hopefully you loved it and will get ready to Do It All Again!
• Register your player and yourself as early as possible.
• Good time to look at advancing trainings especially in the upper divisions.