FIFA Laws of the Game
As Modified By U.S. Youth Soccer & SYS
For Youth Play and Small Sided Games
Helpful Information
DO'S and DONT'S for COACHES and PARENTS
DO NOT
1. DO NOT shout instructions to the player with the ball. (The player has enough problems maintaining possession of the ball while making quick and difficult decisions about what to do next. The player DOSE NOT need your input. The player must learn to make his/her own decisions.)
2. DO NOT use phrases such as Boot the ball, Kick it , Send it , and Belt the ball etc. ( First of all you are violating rule #1; second you are encouraging panic rather than good decision making and mindless kicking rather than possession of the ball. )
3. DO NOT try to control the game from the sidelines. YOU CAN NOT (Soccer is not a game in which the coach is an active participant in the game itself. Soccer is a game played, controlled and ultimately coached by the players on the field. Teach the players to coach themselves.)
4. DO NOT try to teach aggressiveness. (In the game of soccer what is perceived as aggressive play is merely a reflection of the confidence a player has in thier own abilities. Teach the skills that generate confidence; encourage players to believe in their skills and themselves. If you do they will play aggressively . If you preach aggressiveness as a goal unto itself you will likely reap the opposite of what you seek.)
5. DO NOT abuse game officials or show disrespect for your opponent. (Referees do make mistakes, but they make far fewer mistakes than your players. Your opponents deserve your respect; they are NOT your enemy ! Your players will learn from your example; be aware of the example you are setting. )
6. DO NOT forget Rule Number One!
DO
1.
DO
offer suggestions to players not currently involved in what is happening on
the field. (Brief words of advice or wisdom are helpful to players who have
the time to consider your advice. But the suggestions should be made to
players currently out of the game or to players on the field, but far from
the ball, who can give your counsel both attention and consideration.)
2.
DO encourage players to use the skills they are
being taught. (The learning of skills in practice is but the first step in
the development of any player. Players must be encouraged [and sometimes
pushed] to experiment with skills in scrimmages and games. If at first such
an approach costs you goals, learn to accept such temporary setbacks as the
price of progress. Do not view mistakes as unacceptable; recognize that each
mistake is an opportunity to help a player improve. Soccer is a game best
learned by trial and error. If you teach that mistakes are unacceptable you
will discourage many from trying and progress will come to an end.)
3.
DO
teach the players to coach themselves on
the field. (By the time players find themselves on a full size field they
will not be able to hear you anyway. The players must learn to assist each
other in making the hundreds of split-second decisions that each game
requires.)
4.
DO teach the players the skills. DO
encourage them to hold the ball long enough to make good decisions about
what to do next. (Although incorporating new possession skills into game
situations often brings failure at first, abandoning the effort in favor of
booting the ball guarantees that development will be limited.)
CODE OF CONDUCT
Our goal is to ensure the soccer experience with
Nazareth Area Soccer Club is enjoyable for everyone:
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The
Players |
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Their
Parents |
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Their
Coaches |
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Their
Referees |
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Their
Guests |
With this in mind we have designed the following code of conduct
for all participants.
Soccer is a great team sport because each player and their
position are active and of equal importance. Each child benefits
from the physical demands of the game as well as the mental
stimulation of identifying what is happening and how I can
contribute.
THE PLAYER'S BILL OF RIGHTS
Through TEAM
PLAY we will:
1. Have FUN in both practice and games
2. Create a positive experience even when losing
3. Foster self worth
4. Show team spirit and foster a sense of belonging
5. Show respect to all participants
6. Promote sportsmanship
7. Teach the game and joy of soccer
THE PARENT'S COMMITMENT
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Make sure your child attends both practices and games.
Attendance and timeliness teach responsibility and
foster team spirit |
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Provide the necessary equipment so your child may play
safely |
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Get involved. Volunteer to assist the coach and club
when and where you can |
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Read "The Rules of Soccer - Simplified" more than once |
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Understand each child's athletic ability is different
and will be different as they grow, try not to compare |
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Let you coach discuss calls with the referees |
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Attempt to relieve the pressure of competition ... not
to increase it |
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Applaud good plays by BOTH teams |
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Accept the results of the game. Encourage your child to
be gracious in victory and turn defeat into victory by
working towards improvement |
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Follow the rules of the field |
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Exemplify good behavior |
THE COACHES
A coach can be many things to different people. A coach is a
teacher, a mentor, and a role model. Sometimes a friend and
confidant. Most of all, a coach must be positive. The traits of
a positive coach are:
Puts players first;
A positive coach wants to win but understands that he/she is
first and foremost an educator with the development of his/her
players as his/her top priority. He/She understands that
children go through developmental stages and uses
age-appropriate coaching strategies. The coach values the
long-term welfare of the players more than looking good as a
coach. The coach avoids the trap of thinking the game is about
him/her rather than for players. Where winning is in conflict
with the long-term benefit of the children, a positive coach has
an unwavering commitment to what is best for the athletes.
Develops character as well as skills;
A positive coach uses the crucible of competition as a virtual
classroom. The coach seizes upon victory and defeat as teachable
moments - opportunities to build on his/her athletes'
self-confidence and positive character traits such as
determination, courage, empathy and commitment. The coach wants
to win, but even more, wants to transmit lessons that will carry
over into the rest of the athletes "lives".
Coaches for mastery;
A positive coach coaches for mastery rather than victory, which
the coach sees as a by-product of the pursuit of excellence. The
coach focuses on effort rather than outcome, learning rather
than comparison to others and recognizes that mistakes are an
important and inevitable part of learning and encourages an
environment in which players are willing to risk making a
mistake. The coach is committed to becoming the best coach
possible and continually seeks to improve his/her own
effectiveness.
Refuses to motivate through fear, intimidation, or shame;
A positive coach
establishes order and discipline in a positive manner. Many
coaches are positive when things are going well and the team is
winning. A positive coach works to remain positive even through
losing streaks. A coach recognizes that it is often when things
go wrong that a coach can have the most positive impact and
teach the most important lessons. Regardless of the adversity,
the coach refuses to demean oneself or the players by resorting
to fear, intimidation or shame. The coach always treats athletes
with respect regardless of how well they perform.
Creates a partnership with players;
A positive coach resists an authoritarian role in which players
are conditioned to please the coach. The coach involves the team
members in determining team rules. The coach recognizes that
communication is the lifeblood of effective relationships and
works hard to establish clear and effective two-way
communication with the players. The coach seeks to win the
cooperation of the players through encouragement and treats them
as partners working together to achieve mutual goals.
Honors the game;
A positive coach feels an obligation to the sport being coached.
The coach loves the sport and shares that love and enjoyment
with the players. The coach feels privileged to be able to take
part in the sport. The coach respects the opponent, recognizing
that a worthy opponent will push the coach and team to do their
best. The coach understands the important role that officials
play and strives to show them respect even when he/she disagrees
with their decisions. He/She values the rich tradition of the
sport and works to honor the spirit as well as the letter of its
rules. A positive coach demonstrates personal integrity and
would rather lose than win by dishonoring the game.
THE REFEREES
Between the exuberance of the winner and the disappointment of
the loser, we find a person called a referee.
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They try to watch every move on every player and call
the game at the best of their ability. They are only one
person. They will make mistakes. |
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THE FIELDS
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Each team's coaches, players and spectators will take a
position on opposite sides of the field during the game.
Coaches, players and spectators must not be permitted
behind the goal line during the game. |
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Smoking is NEVER permitted. |
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Pets are NEVER permitted. |
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Foul language, physical violence or the threat of
physical violence by any participant will not be
permitted or tolerated and will result in immediate
expulsion from the field. |
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Please keep the fields clean. |
We want to thank you ahead of time for your involvement with our
club. Whether your child plays soccer for a couple of years or
the rest of their life, their time with us should be happy and
all of us affect that outcome.
A Mom's story on first experience with Soccer
Here is a link to a article in Parenting stories by Lehigh Valley mothers and fathers featured in The Express-Times - lehighvalleylive.com
