Table Of Contents

1. Be a positive role model for all participants. Remember that soccer is just a game; the opposing team is made up of other children like our own.
2. Provide a positive learning experience for all players. Give all players the opportunity to practice and play as "valuable contributors".  In general, especially for U11 and under, coaches should strive to give each player equal playing time, or if not, play each player at least half each game.  (Note however, that coaches do have discretion to adjust players playing time based on factors such as practice attendance and participation, willingness to play assigned positions, and other such factors.)
3. Maintain and enhance your coaching skills by taking the next level MYSA (Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association) coach licensing courses, which are subsidized by the league, and attending coaches clinics and workshops.
4. Treat Referees with the respect that they deserve. Some referees may even be our daughters. Do not question their calls; their judgment is final.
5. Coaching is for practice sessions-Don't coach from the sidelines. The game is the best teacher. Let the girls play and they will learn. Encourage and positively reinforce when necessary and guide them when they are on the sidelines.
6. Be well organized and fully versed in all of the necessary administrative requirements; stated or implied.
7. Do not get caught up in the "agenda setting or player promotion activities" of some parents or coaches. Any questions regarding player placement on teams, conflicts between coaches are to be directed to and resolved by your age group coordinator. Players and parents should not be involved in any way.
8. Participation or any involvement in any pre-season player recruiting activities is strictly prohibited.
9. Keep in touch with your league/age group coordinator.
10. Our efforts are for the "Players" and that is all that matters; their interests and well being are paramount.

Introduction  |   Newton Girls Soccer  |   Development
League Administration & Team Management
Sportsmanship  |   Guidance for Coaches  |   First Aid & Safety

BAYS operates competitive programs between towns, starting at the U9 ("under" 9 years old) level.  NGS believes it is best to start competitive play at the U10 level, and our travel program enters teams in each age bracket from U10 through U18.  The High School U16 and U18 programs only run in the Spring, since the High School varsity teams play in the Fall.  (For those not playing High School varsity, NGS runs an excellent High School "intramural" program in the Fall in conjunction with two or three neighboring towns.)  Most girls in NGS start playing travel at the U10 level (i.e. when they are 9 years old and in the fourth grade), although players may elect to enter the travel program in later years.

Travel teams are organized according to ability.  Players are placed based on their performance in their tryout, and on the the evalutaion of the players previous coach.  Tryouts are generally held each Spring to determine placement for the following Fall season.  It is presumed that nearly all players remain on the same team from the Fall and Spring seasons.  The goal of the placement process is to form teams composed of players of similar abilities and skills.  The team with the most skilled players in an age group is the #1 team, the team with the next most skilled set of players the #2 team, etc.  Once the teams are formed, NGS presents the ordered list of teams to BAYS with our recommendations of how we feel the teams should be placed within the league.  Typically the #1 team will be placed high in Division 1, the #2 team in high division 2, etc.  Within each age group BAYS has up to four skill Division -- from 1 to 4, and sub-sections (A, B, C, D, etc..) within each division.  The skill range from the top of Division 1 to the bottom of Division 4 is vast, but the skill differences between adjacent sections (e.g. Division 3 section G aka "3G" to Division 3 section H "3H") is often indiscernible.  Ideally, if our teams have been formed correctly, and placed well, they will be evenly matched within their sections.  The Fall results are used to re-position teams in the Spring.  A team with a lopsided winning record might be moved up several sections.

The top two or three (occasionally more) NGS teams in each age group are usually placed in Divisions 1 and 2, the rest in Divisions 3 or 4.  All the teams in an age group play the same number of games per season, use the same rules, etc.  The primary difference between Division 1 and 2 teams and the rest is that only Division 1 and 2 teams are "MTOC" eligible.  MTOC is the Massachusetts Tournament of Champions -- the annual state-wide tournament for all the participating regional leagues.  So a team playing in Division 3A may be playing soccer at practically the same level as the "bottom" Division 2 team (in let's say 2H), but the team in 2H will be MTOC eligible, and the team in Division 3 won't be.  Note that there are usually far more teams in Division 3 than in Divisions 1 and 2 combined.  The primary reason for this is that there are a limited number of slots available at the MTOC tournament.  That is what determines the total number of Division 1 and 2 sections in BAYS, and nothing else.

Coaches are selected from a pool of coaches who apply to coach a given age group. The selection criteria are based upon coaching background, level of coaching license courses successfully completed, experience in NGS, and most importantly a coach's ability to impact individual and team skills in a positive learning environment. The previous won-lost records are irrelevant to the selection process, and coaches who perceive winning above player development or building confidence/team spirit need not apply.

Because many coaches have been involved in an age group for many seasons, they are familiar with the players under consideration. Head coaches from the previous season in both the intramural and travel programs prepare player evaluation summaries for each of their players that are also distributed to the selecting travel coaches. NGS does not archive player evaluation or tryout data from previous years, to discourage the tracking of players. The travel teams are selected by the coaches under the supervision of the grade coordinator, based on a combination of tryout results and player evaluations. NGS realizes that evaluation of a player's abilities, especially in youth soccer is a subjective process. With the best of intentions, each person in the process will recognize different attributes in each player and could come to very different decisions based on the same statistical data. NGS has evolved and continues to enhance the tryout and placement process to fairly evaluate and place each player according to her abilities as accurately as possible. Coaches in the Travel Program are encouraged to let each player play a minimum of one-half of each game. This is a suggestion to our coaches and not a formal rule as in the Intramural program and leaves some flexibility in the coaches hands to deal with practice attendance issues or things of this nature.

Introduction  |   Newton Girls Soccer  |   Development
League Administration & Team Management
Sportsmanship  |   Guidance for Coaches  |   First Aid & Safety

Introduction  |   Newton Girls Soccer  |   Development
League Administration & Team Management
Sportsmanship  |   Guidance for Coaches  |   First Aid & Safety

a. Before you get started, assign:


• Assistant Coaches:   Either interested parents or older NGS players who want to coach
  
  
• Team Manager:   To take care of team organization, assist in emails to parents, phone calls, etc.
  
  
b. When you get your team's roster:


• Start the player/coach bonding process right away. Call each player individually and welcome her to the team.
  
  
• Email a "Welcome Letter" which outlines your objectives and expectations of both players and parents.
   
• Confirm email addresses and phone numbers.
  
  
• Treat All Players Equally.
  
  
• Have a team meeting before the season starts. It helps to begin the team bonding process.
  
  
• Be open. "Get Feedback From The Kids". What would they like to do.
  
  
• Involve players and parents in a joint objective setting process.
  
  
• Contact Director of Coaching and age group coordinator with questions and comments
  
  

c. Additional Points of Importance


• All coaches must fill out player evaluations for their team as instructions indicate. Submit them on time and make sure that all commentary is meaningful, relevant, clear and concise.
  
  
• Player evaluations are an extremely important part of the selection process. You must paint a realistic and accurate picture of each player's current and potential abilities.
  
  
• Parental involvement is great, but not when it disrupts the decision making process. You are the coach; you make the decisions.
  
  
• "KISS PRINCIPLE". Communicate with parents and keep them informed but "KEEP IT SHORT AND SIMPLE"
  
  
• Remember that you can't keep everyone happy all the time, no matter how hard you try-but at least make an effort to provide a "happy medium", Ask the kids.
  
  
• Arrange for a "soccer related" team activity that will facilitate the team bonding process. Plan to attend a Revolution or Renegades game as a team.
  
  
• Plan your practice sessions ahead of time. Arrive early (15-30 thirty minutes) for practices and (30 thirty minutes) for games, fully prepared. Expect the same from players and parents.
  
  
• Delegate responsibilities to develop your assistant coaches and share the work load. Encourage them to attend MYSA licensing courses, coaching clinics and view instructional videos.
  
  
• Instill a high level of sportsmanship, commitment and team-oriented concepts in all players.
  
  
• Most kids are very straightforward in their thinking processes which ultimately generates and animates the game.
  
  
• Let the kids "Think Soccer". Small sided games enable players to think soccer. Players need to be able to make their own decisions on the field; "The Game is the Best Teacher of All". These decisions can be discussed at practice to make players aware of their options.
  
  
• Create an environment that maximizes freedom and spontaneity and minimizes anxiety and fear of failure.
  
  
• Coaches need to develop the vital player qualities of concentration, focus, willpower, the ability to "stay in the game" and read and react to the next action by the opposing team. Coaches also need to remember that the fun and social experience is of paramount importance.
  
  
• Stay informed. If you do not know what to do seek information from someone who knows the answer. ( veteran coaches, age group coordinator, Director of Coaching, etc.)
  
  

Introduction  |   Newton Girls Soccer  |   Development
League Administration & Team Management
Sportsmanship  |   Guidance for Coaches  |   First Aid & Safety


V. Sportsmanship --The Guiding Principle of NGS

As outlined by our Sportsmanship Committee, athletic competition in the NGS and BAYS programs is guided by the following ideals:

NGS is very proud of the behavior and sportsmanship displayed by its players, coaches and parents. We value spirited and fair play as well as spirited and positive support for our players and teams. In order to ensure that our expected level of behavior and decorum continues with each season and at each game, we ask the members of the NGS community coaches, parents, and players to continue their commitment to abide by the ideals of our league.


a. Youth Soccer
Youth sports are played for the enjoyment and growth of the players, coaches and spectators. All of our competitions are learning experiences for all of us and must be positive in nature at all times. Everyone on the field will make mistakes of judgement or execution: players, coaches, referees and spectators. If we all learn in positive setting, we must accept these mistakes and take them in stride. NGS expects that everyone at the field should promote the goal of fair competition by being respectful and constructive in their approach to the game.


b. The Players
Players shall at all times represent themselves, their teams and NGS with honor, proper conduct and good sportsmanship. They shall understand that competitive rivalries are encouraged but that disrespect for opponents or referees is unsportsmanlike and lessens the value of competitive rivalries. They shall confine the competitiveness of the game to the field and behave properly on the field and sidelines before, during and after the game.

Players shall fully comply with the rulings of the referees. In no way by voice, action, or gesture, shall they demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the decisions made.

Coaches need to remember that players will follow their example and must remember to exhibit the highest level of sportsmanship at all times.

Players must never forget that they represent their team and NGS.


c. The Spectators
NGS will not tolerate any spectator, either parent or friend, whose behavior is disrespectful toward players, referees, coaches, or other spectators. Nor will NGS permit any type of spectator behavior that either distracts from the conduct of the game or disparages a player or a team.

Coaching is the responsibility of the coach and not the responsibility of a parent or spectator. It is the responsibility of the coach to control all players, parents, and spectators rooting for his or her team.

Some of these potential problems can be alleviated with specific instructions included in your "Welcome Letter" to players and parents prior to the start of the season.


d. The Referees Role
The Referee is the "absolute authority" and is in charge when she or he arrives at the field, until she or he exits the playing area. The Referee's prime concerns are, in order of importance, the safety of the participants and the conduct of a fair competition according to the FIFA laws of soccer. The FIFA laws of soccer purposely leave the Referee with considerable latitude in deciding when to call fouls, more latitude than in the American spectator sports. Furthermore, there are many players on the field but only one (1) Referee. Referees are instructed only to call infractions and restarts as they see them; "Referees Have Only One Pair Of Eyes". If a Referee is blocked from seeing a foul that is very obvious from the sideline, the foul will not be called. Refereeing a soccer game is highly subjective. Sometimes the viewer or player will see things differently from the Referee. Nonetheless, every player, coach and spectator must respect the Referee's authority and not disagree in word or action with the calls on the field.


e. Good Sportsmanlike Behavior


• 1. Coaches are expected to set a positive example and reinforcement of players respect for opposing team and accepting referees calls even if they disagree with the call.
  
  
• 2. Appropriate cheer for the opposing team and handshakes at the end of the game, no matter who won the game.
  
  
f. Unsportsmanlike Behavior


• 1. Booing or heckling a referee's decisions, criticizing referees in any way, or any display of anger with a referee's calls.
  
  
• 2. Use of profanity or displays of anger that draw attention away from the game.
  
  
• 3. Trashtalk or yells that antagonize opponents.
  
  
• 4. Verbal abuse or intimidation tactics.
  
  
• 5. Disrespectful or derogatory yells, chants, songs, gestures, signs, posters or banners.
  
  
These guidelines apply equally to all players, coaches, parents and spectators. NGS expects Referees to apply these guidelines strictly, especially with regard to coaches, parents and players.

The NGS Sportsmanship Committee is responsible for promoting, monitoring and maintaining a high level of sportsmanship. If you see behavior or events that warrant their consideration, give them a call. They are there to help.


Introduction  |   Newton Girls Soccer  |   Development
League Administration & Team Management
Sportsmanship  |   Guidance for Coaches  |   First Aid & Safety


VI. Guidance for Coaches

The role of an NGS Soccer coach is multi-faceted. You not only have to be technically competent to coach the game, you also need to be a child psychologist, organizational specialist, strategist, diplomat and whatever else gets added in the meantime. For all of us the ultimate reward for all of our hard work is the growth of the players from both an emotional and a skill perspective. What follows are some basic principles for you to follow which will guide and assist you in providing your players with an enjoyable soccer experience:


• Teach The Basic Skills First, The Strategy Comes Later
• Maximize Freedom And Spontaneity
• Minimize Anxiety And Fear Of Failure
• Player "Thinking" Generates and Animates The Game
• Develop The Vital Player Qualities:
• Athletic Ability
• Anticipate Events-Field Players
• React To Events-Goal Keepers
• Confidence
• Individual/Team Oriented Skills and Concepts
• Sportsmanship
• Vision/Perception
• Focus/Concentration/Decisiveness/Willpower
• Ability To Stay in The Game
• Use Small Sided Games-The Game Is The Best Teacher.
• Enhance Player's Ability To Move With The Ball and With The Flow Of The Game
• Be A Positive Role Model On And Off The Field
• Recognize That It Is Difficult To Coach Your Own Child
• Treat Players As You Would Want to be Treated
• Remember That "They Are Fun Loving Kids, Eager To Learn"
• Sometimes Needing Attention And Affirmation.
• Sometimes They Are Very Fragile.
• Always Have Fun-The Main Ingredient Of The Experience !

Introduction  |   Newton Girls Soccer  |   Development
League Administration & Team Management
Sportsmanship  |   Guidance for Coaches  |   First Aid & Safety


VII. First Aid & Safety

• First Aid
Each coach should be equipped with a team bag that has a "First Aid Kit" that includes the following items to cover minor injuries that occur during a practice session or a game:
• Basic First Aid Kit
• Ice or Cold Packs.
• Disposable Latex Gloves
• Band-Aids.
• Antibiotic Spray or Ointment.


A first aid kit includes all of the above basic items plus the following additional items:
• Advanced First Aid Kit
• 2"-4" Gauze Dressing.
• 2' Wide gauze Bandage.
• 1/2 " Wide Roll Of Hospital Tape.
• Triangular Bandage Which Can Also Be Used As A Sling.
• 4 " Ace Bandage.

These items are intended to cover only minor injuries. If you are not familiar with their use or First Aid in general then it would be a good idea to also carry a First Aid/CPR handbook.
Some additional important points:

• WE ARE COACHES NOT DOCTORS --If for any reason you suspect that an injury is to the head, neck, or back which could involve the spinal chord.--DO NOT MOVE THE INJURED PARTY-CALL FOR HELP IMMEDIATELY.
• Do Not Use Ice Packs Without Enclosing Them In Some Form Of Baggy. The Chemicals That Make It Work Can Be Quite Toxic And Cause Harm If They Come In Contact With A Players Body. Keep Away From The Eyes.

Safety

As a youth soccer coach the safety of the players on your team and on the opposing team is also your responsibility. Make sure that each player has the proper equipment to participate in the game of soccer; soccer cleats (rubber soled), shin guards etc. Players cannot wear any jewelry; hair pins, rings, ear rings, barrettes, hard casts or anything that may cause injury to themselves or their opponents. BAYS rules are very specific in this area and any further information can be obtained in the BAYS book. There are no exceptions. The same rules apply to both the Intramural and Travel programs.
Introduction  |   Newton Girls Soccer  |   Development
League Administration & Team Management
Sportsmanship  |   Guidance for Coaches  |   First Aid & Safety