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