Coaches, thank you for stepping up to coach our young soccer players this year.  As always, we hope it will be a great year for you and your players.  I am the JCYSL Coach Administrator and will send out an email with important information each week.  Take the time to read these as they are designed to answer common questions that new and seasoned coaches have had over the years. 

1.       BECOMING A FULL-FLEDGED COACH:  There is a 3-step process you must complete to become a coach – 1. Send in 2 signed volunteer forms; 2. Complete Safe Haven training (if you’ve done it once, you do not need to do it again); 3. Complete age-specific training (mandatory for U6, U8, and U10).  Always know where you are in that process.  Ask your Division Director if you are unsure.

2.       COMMUNICATION:  Your first line of communication is through your Division (i.e., U6 or U8 or U10, etc.) Director.  Make sure you have his/her contact information.  Also, please check your email regularly as that is the most efficient way for us to communicate with you.

3.       COACHES MEETING:  Wednesday – August 15 7:15p to 9p (hopefully it will end sooner) at Harpers Ferry Middle School Auditorium.  You will be given your roster, uniforms, and other key information at this meeting.  If you are unable to attend, please send someone in your place if possible.

4.       COACH CLINIC: There will be a coaches clinic just before the Coaches Meeting on the field behind the school that will be put on by the AYSO Camp Counselors.

5.       COACH TRAINING:  All at Harpers Ferry Middle School (trailers in back)on August 18 – U6/U8 from 9a to 12p; U12 from 8:30a to 2:30p; U10 field portion from 11:30a to 2:30p (with U12 group).  Contact your Division Director to determine if you need this training.  If you attended our training on July 28^th, you will not need to attend these trainings.

David P. Simmons

JCYSL Coach Administrator

Harpers Ferry, WV

Coaches, this week is Silent Saturday, so please take a moment to read the information below.

1. COOKIES:  Fundraiser forms and money are due this Saturday.  If you have a bye this week, please make sure your team forms get in at some point during game day.
2. SILENT SATURDAY FOR COACHES:  “American players generally do not make the extra read.”  This is a quote from AYSO’s former National Coach (John Ouellette).  He means that our young soccer players need to be better thinkers and anticipate more quickly during the game.  This week of silence is by design.  It gives the kids a chance to take ownership of the game and to know that no instruction is coming from the sidelines.  If you listen carefully, you will hear players you didn’t think were communicating out there.  If you have the urge to speak, take notes.  Talk to the kids at halftime.  Encourage talk during practices this week.  In my years of coaching, I see the kids start to get excited about Silent Saturday at the U12 level if they have been through the process in the lower levels.  Lastly, if it is too hard to stay silent, walk away or have someone who is a trained volunteer to cover for you.  I love this week because I see and hear things from players that I don’t see/hear while I’m “yapping” in other games.
3. SILENT SATURDAY FOR PARENTS/SPECTATORS:  Please talk to your parents about this weekend and let them know what we are trying to accomplish.  All families should have received an email today (Tuesday) explaining the rationale behind Silent Saturday.
4. REFEREE COVERAGE:  You may not have a referee for your game.  Even if you see referees nearby, please understand that they have signed up for specific games and need breaks in between.  Most of our referees work multiple games, while most of us work only one.  Also, they run around, while we stand.  Please appreciate what they do each and every week.  Without them, it just feels like a scrimmage to the kids.  The mere presence of that yellow shirt (or red or blue) with vertical stripes makes the experience safer and better for all.  Thank yous and snacks go a long way toward showing that appreciation.
5. SPECTATOR SIDE OF FIELD:  Please ask your parents to respect the locations designated for spectators.  Behind the goals are not allowed.  They are always on the coach side of the field.
6. PRACTICE IDEA:  When communicating on the field with other players, encourage kids to say where they are instead of just the name of the player with the ball.  “Down the wing”,  “On your left”, “Drop” (for a back pass), etc.  instead of “Emma, Emma, Emma, Emma, Emma, Emma, Emma…” – - you get the picture.

Enjoy the week.  I don’t think any snow is in the forecast for us!

David P. Simmons
JCYSL Coach Administrator

Coaches, hope all is well.  Sorry this is so late (I’m on travel this week).  Some information below.

1. PICTURE SCHEDULE:  The picture schedule is on the website under “Latest News”.  Please take a moment to look at when your team is scheduled and  communicate that with parents.
2. COOKIES:  Encourage the kids to sell those cookies.  The more we fundraise, the flatter the fields will become.  They are due APRIL 28TH.
3. CANCELLATION OF GAMES:  Please do not cancel games.  Any kids who show up can play some form of game.  We should try to create a game day experience with the numbers we have.  Also, if the weather is questionable the game is on until cancelled by the board.  Encourage families to sign up for weather alerts on our website.
4. COACH SHIRTS:  Should be in this week.  Look for someone peddling them at the fields on Saturday.
5. REGISTRATION:  Encourage your parents to make the first two registrations (lowest fees on these days) – Tuesday May 7th and Thursday May 24th at Harpers Ferry Family Medicine (website has details).  Our registration is different this year in that players signing up after the final registration (June 14) will be on a wait list and will only be allowed to play if we find enough coaches within that pool of players.
6. PARENT VOLUNTEERS:  Please ENCOURAGE YOUR PARENTS to consider becoming a coach, referee, fundraiser, or line painter next year.  You have stepped up to take on probably the most important job in our league, so share your experience with them to eliminate the fear of “jumping in”.   We had 99 teams this spring, so it takes a lot of people to make this league run.
7. SKILL DEVELOPMENT:  Pick a skill and find a drill in the coach manual.  Try it and develop that skill in the kids.  Be persistent about it.

QUOTE TO COACH BY (from George Kuntz, AYSO Player Development Technical Advisor):  Kids can pick up things really quickly. Instead of holding kids back saying they can’t — encourage them. If they struggle, you can always scale it back to a simpler form.

As always, we thank you for stepping up to give the kids a fun and meaningful soccer experience.

David P. Simmons
JCYSL Coach Administrator

Coaches,  I hope you have been enjoying the weather out there.  The first week of play seemed to go off well.  Some items to think about as we move into the 2nd game.

1.  LAST GAME OF THE DAY DUTIES: If you are the last game on your field, then you need to take the flags back to the shed.  In U6, you need to put the goals back in the shed (i.e., channel your inner ninja to twist those goals so they fit back in the bags).
2. TOO FEW PLAYERS: With the spring break, there may be very few players at your game on April 14.  DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CANCEL A GAME.  The board has the authority to cancel games.  If you are short by a little, borrow a player or have each team play with less players.  If you are short by a lot and know this ahead of time, talk it through with your Division Director (they are really, really smart) and we may be able to come up with a plan.
3. BALL CONTROL:  I still see players who won’t poke that toe up while either delivering a push pass or using the foot for ball control (a “trap”).  Less room for error when they do that, so encourage this whenever you can.
4. LINEUP CARDS AND COACH BOX: Hopefully you saw the black box that has blank lineup cards.  It is next to the big red tub which has pinnies and other items you may borrow (not take).
5. THANK YOUS:  Don’t forget to thank the referees.  An extra snack to the refs may just land you a ref for the entire season.
6. PREP FOR SILENT SATURDAY: Each week, I recommend you get quieter than the previous week.  You will see the players taking control of the game.
7. FUNDRAISER:  Don’t forget to give out those cookie forms and get the kids selling.

Hope you and the kids are having fun!  There’s really no other way to do it!

David P. Simmons
JCYSL Coach Administrator

Coaches, the season has begun.  Some key items to remember.

1.       THANK YOUS: Please thank Joe Yates if you see him for getting the fields ready and Kim Forney for getting your kids in matching uniforms that don’t go to their ankles.  They do a lot of work behind the scenes, so a few hundred kudos are warranted for them.
2.       TRAINING & FORMS:  Make sure you have your 1) volunteer forms in and processed; 2) Safe Haven training completed; and 3) Age-Specific training completed (applies to U6 & U8).  YOU CANNOT GET ON THE FIELD (practice or game) WITH THE KIDS if these 3 items are not completed (don’t take it personally).
3.       PRACTICE PLAN:  Have a plan or plan on chaos.  Use the manuals if needed for ideas.  Warmup; Skill Drill; Small Sided Game – works every time.
4.       KID ZONE FORMS:  Don’t forget to get the parents of new players to sign the Kid Zone pledge forms.  We also need EACH COACH to sign the same form and keep it on hand (new JCPRC requirement).
5.       WHAT TO WEAR:  We have placed player equipment/clothing guidelines on our website so there is no confusion among players, coaches, and parents.  Go to this link to view the guidelines: http://www.jcysl.org/player-equipment/
6.       FUNDRAISING: Remind your parents (as often as you can) about the Chik-Fil-A fundraiser – Saturday, March 31 from 9a to 1p.  More people, more money, new fields….you get the picture.
7.       GAME DAY:  Observe.  Get ideas for the next week’s practice as you watch.  Find and praise what they are doing well.  Don’t scream, yell, cajole, or do your taxes.  Also, don’t forget the lineup card (jersey numbers included).
8.       U16 COACHES:  If you have 16 kids show up, 4 will only play half the game; 15 show up 1 will only play half the game.  The rest would play 3 quarters.  Think about those rotations ahead of time.

If you have questions, start with your Division Director (they’ve been working extremely hard too) and then come to me.  The website (www. jcysl.org) has game schedules, practice schedule, and lots of other important information.

QUOTE TO COACH BY (from GEORGE KUNTZ, AYSO’s Player Development Technical Advisor when asked how coaches can do a better job):

We keep telling kids they can’t do this or that. Allow kids to make mistakes. Tell them you don’t care if they make mistakes.

David P. Simmons
Harpers Ferry, WV

Coaches, for those of you who made it to the coach meeting Tuesday, thanks for coming.  Hope you are enjoying the $1.3M in prizes we gave away.  For those who didn’t make it, oh well.  Season is almost here, so more reminders.

1.       FIELD DAY: March 24 at Charles Town fields from 9a until done.  Bring rake, work gloves, hammer, scissors, etc.  We will line the fields, clean them up, put on nets, secure the goals, etc.  Try to get 1 family from your team to come and it will go fast.
2.       TRAINING: U6 and U8 training will take place at the CT fields on March 24 from 8a to 10:30a.  U10 Skills and Drills (not a training that will get you certified for U10, but will give you enough to survive the season) is 10:30a ~ 11:30a.   All U10 coaches are invited, even if you have been trained already.
3.       COACH SHIRTS:  For those head coaches who do not yet have a coach shirt AND if you did not give Kim Fortney your size at the coach meeting, please send your size information to her by Saturday 5pm (tell her your name, division, and gender of the team).  Her email is: kbfortney@yahoo.com.
4.       TEAM PARENT:  You were given a lot of material last night.  Find someone to manage all of the fundraising duties for you.  Not your spouse, but some other parent.  Delegate, delegate, delegate.  We want you to be a soccer coach, not an administrative assistant.  Saying “I love coaching your kids, but I need help” will bring helpers to you.
5.       PRACTICES:  A. Your practice time is the same as the fall unless you changed it at the coach meeting or have changed it via email with your Division Director. B. Start on Monday, IF AND ONLY IF, we succeed on Field Day (see 1. Above).  Wait for an email or a text message that indicates fields are open for play.
6.       CALL YOUR PLAYERS NOW:  The sooner you call them, the better they can plan to make your 1st practice.  With the 1st game on the 31st, you want them there as much as you can.  Also, if someone tells you they are not coming back, have them email you immediately, then forward that to your division director (they can also email the league Registrar directly through the website).  We’ll open up the slot for you only once we get written confirmation from the parents.

I am looking forward to a great season.  Hope you are too!

David P. Simmons
Harpers Ferry, WV

Coaches, it’s 60 today and feels like we should be out there playing (i.e., smells like soccer!).  Season is almost here.  Some reminders.

Read More→

Hello Coaches.  The soccer season is upon us so time for some information exchange.  Hope everyone had a good winter.  I know there was not much sledding going on.

1.       COACHES MEETING: Tuesday March 20th at Harpers Ferry Middle School auditorium from 7p to 8:30p.  You will get an updated roster, player forms for new players, uniforms for new players, important season-specific information, and really cool door prizes.
2.       ROSTER CHECK: It is worth taking some time to contact your players to make sure they are coming back.  As an example, I had one player who was not coming back and just emailed me to say he decided to skip his ‘regular’ spring sport and play soccer again.  Luckily, we have a spot for him still.  Remember, under the “Jersey Number” column on your roster, 1 = playing fall & spring; 2 = playing fall only; 3 = playing spring only.  On the rosters you will get at the meeting 23 = originally signed up for fall, but extended to the spring.
3.       FIELD DAY:  Field day will be Saturday March 24th at Charles Town fields starting at 9a.  Get at least one representative from your team to go.  While you do the ‘Roster Check’ (in 2. above), beg someone to go to the field day.
4.       COACH TRAINING: There will be a training for Intermediate Coaches (you need to have already completed U12 coach training to participate) on Friday March 9 and Saturday March 10.  Please contact me directly if you want to participate.  We have 4 from JCYSL already committed to coming.

Coaches, we are almost to opening day.  Hopefully your paperwork is in and you can get on the fields (or have already been on the fields).  Thanks for jumping through the hoops. It makes for a better and safer overall program.  Some things to think about.

1. ASK FOR HELP.  Parents should be helping you with the fundraiser, snack schedule, uniform handout, etc.
2. ASK FOR HELP.  The coach on the other side of the field may have some good drills.  Steal them, it’s allowed.  Talk to him/her too.
3. FUNDRAISING I.  Please remember that on opening day, September 10th  from 11a to 4p, we will get 15% of proceeds from Chik-Fil-A in Ranson (across from Home Depot).  Your families will need to pick up a piece of paper at the fields that the cashier will take to get us credit.
4. FUNDRAISING II.  Please remember to hand out your “Spirit Cup” forms and encourage your families to sell them (except Yankee cups, I hear they leak).  Highest sales on the team gets to take the first penalty kick????  Please find someone on your team to be the “fundraising cheerleader” for the year.  Let’s raise the money quickly and go back to cookie dough.
5. USE YOUR MANUALS.  If you went to training, you have a manual with great drill ideas.  Try them, they are fun AND instructive.
6. LINEUP CARDS.  We did not discuss this at coach meeting (my fault).  You need to have a white lineup card each game.  Player names and numbers are listed and you indicate which kids sit out during which quarter.  If you did not pick any up, they will be at a table in the middle of the field.  Look for a large red tub and they will be in there somewhere.  Only take a few, as we will be ordering more as the season progresses.
7. PAPERWORK.  Make sure you are “legal” on the field.  Volunteer forms and safe haven must be in.  U6 and U8 must have training completed.

Enjoy.   It’s a fun game to play and watch.

David P. Simmons
JCYSL Coach Administrator

We love the sun!  Saturday was a super day for soccer.

Reminders:

1. Safety – Coaches and parents are ultimately responsible for checking the field their players will be on for hazards.  The league will notify as best we are able (remember – board members are volunteers too.) about field conditions. If you see a hazard on your field – standing water, a hole, a loose goal, etc., do not use that area of the field. Do send the league an e-mail if there is an issue we can help address.

2. Dirt Pile – there is an amazingly inviting pile of dirt outside our Charles Town fields in the cemetery maintenance area. We must stay off this pile – it’s dangerous and it’s just not part of our fields.

3. Dates to Know:
Pictures: Starting this week.  Please contact Trophies-R-Us directly with questions: www.trophies-r-us.com or (304) 261-4063.
Registration for Next Season: May 19th and 31st at Harpers Ferry Family Medicine. The first half hour will be for returning volunteers only.
Player Evaluations-Trophy Exchange: You’ll hear more soon, but the exchange will be at registration.
Pancake Dinner – Buy your tickets at the field this week! Spread the word.
Antietam Cup Registration Deadline – May 22.  Remember your application must be signed by our RC, Vicki Eckert.  Please let me know if you working on creating a team.  I let the tournament know what to expect from our region.

Play on – Play safe!

Lynn Kubik
Regional Coach Administrator
JCYSL – AYSO Region 322