Responsibilities and Rules for Coaches ....

No volunteer in Region 677 has a greater impact on our players than the coach. It is the coach's responsibility to be a positive influence upon the players by teaching them good sportsmanship, respect for officials and authority, the joys of the game, proper soccer skills, and the laws of the game. Coaching at all times must be positive and in the best interest of the players - teammates and opponents alike.

It is the responsibility of all coaches to educate spectators about soccer courtesy and positive cheering. All spectators must remain in the designated areas, at least one yard back from the touch line and never closer to the goals than the top of the penalty boxes. Spectators are responsible for trash pick-up, and otherwise policing the field areas to keep the schools safe and clean. We are here by the grace of the school districts. Please do not abuse this privilege.

AYSO National Rules state that coaches must present a healthy, athletic environment for players by - in the cases of coaches and referees - neither consuming alcoholic beverages nor using tobacco products during practices and games in the immediate vicinity of the soccer fields.

Coaches should make their parents aware that our schools are smoke free; they should walk to the sidewalk to use any tobacco products.

Coaches who are also referees may not wear their referee's shirt while coaching. Change before and after the game.

Coaches must have in their possession at all times, including all games, practices, and team meetings, a signed parent consent form for each child on the team.

AYSO rules also require shin guards at all practices and games, no shin guards- no play. Earrings and other jewelry are prohibited at all times. This is mandatory.

Coaches in all divisions are reminded of the no slaughter term. Any team that is winning by more than five goals should immediately pull back their top players to defensive positions and play defensively. Tell your players to stay on their half of the field and mandate multiple passes before a strike if necessary. A win is a win and there is no sense in running up the score on another team and perhaps shattering some children's egos and self-esteem.

Coaches in all Divisions must be aware of the two-quarter rule. Every child in attendance at the game must play at least half the game, unless sick or injured or under disciplinary action by the referee. Coaches are encouraged to play every child three quarters if possible.

On quarter substitution changes in Divisions U-14 through U-6, coaches cannot go onto the field to huddle with their players. It is simply a stop to allow substitute players on and off the field. All other players must remain in place and any position or keeper changes should be instructed from the coaching box only. Any more time than a minute stoppage for subs not only delays the play and shortens the play time, but could get the coach a yellow card for delay. Have your subs ready and standing by you at the quarter break. Make sure each player entering or leaving the field shows his or her number to the assistant referee.

Coaching activities are restricted to the coaching areas only. Coaches should never speak to the referees unless requested by the referee. Coaching of players is restricted to positive instruction and encouragement only. Remind your parents that you are the coach and coaching from out of the coaching area is not allowed.

Games are to be played rain or shine and cannot be canceled except by the Commissioner, or the Referee on the field at the start of the game. It is the coach's responsibility to field a team for all games unless officially notified of cancellation or prevented by player illnesses.

It is the responsibility of each coach to lead the players in displays of good sportsmanship including positive and sincere cheers for, and handshakes with all opponents at the conclusion of each game, regardless of the outcome.

Coaches shall always accept the judgment of the referees and other officials. Negative comments, foul language, or demonstrative complaints about refereeing are never allowed on or near the field, or in the presence of the referees, especially during or immediately after the game.