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
