| parent_coach_guidelines.pdf |
Parent & Coach Guideline – Shadow Creek & Pearland Soccer
Shadow Creek & Pearland Soccer is a nonprofit organization open to Pearland and all of the greater Houston area.
The Club’s focus is on excellence of play and good character. Having fun, building character, and learning how to play the game well is our primary focus, along with winning gracefully and losing with honor. Most kids will keep score but don’t really care who wins unless parents focus on that. Our recreational program does not keep and post scores. Parents should focus on individual and team achievement goals—dribbling well to open space, around the defense, passing to an open player, making 3 connected passes, helping your teammates by running back on defense, taking an awesome shot on goal, scoring and preventing a score.
Although soccer is a game with a winner and loser, the United States Soccer Federation officially promotes soccer at the younger ages to be small sided with no score keeping. Although our Club does not keep official scores in the recreational program, our select teams ages 9 and up who play in various competitive leagues around Houston keep scores and standings.
We encourage a fast-paced game with few interruptions and maximum participation by everyone. Our focus is on keeping the game fun for kids. The best thing about Shadow Creek Soccer is the youth want to keep playing each year because their friends play, teams are balanced, and the positive atmosphere coming from parents on the sideline.
Speaking about the sideline, please remember to keep your chairs 4 feet from the line. Safety first !
Primary Focus of Parents Should Be Fun
All parents should be familiar with the Club’s Coach/Parent/Player Discipline policy:
http://www.shadowcreeksports.org/soccer.html
<<Contents>>
Play format & Rules
Player equipment
Practices & Coaching
-U5 & U6 Coaching
-U8 Coaching
-U10 & up soccer coaching
-Game Strategy
5-0 Rule
Parent & Coach Comments During Games
Games & Coaching
Rainouts
Parents & Coaches Comments to Referees
<Frequently Asked Questions>
¿When and where are practices?
¿My team cannot agree on a practice day and time, can we switch teams or get a refund?
¿Who will coach our team?
¿What if no parent can coach our team?
¿When and how do we get uniforms?
¿When and where are games?
-Practice field notes-
-Equipment-
¿What size soccer ball per age?
¿After Team Assignments, then what?
Coach, Parent, Player Discipline Policies & Procedures
Play format & Rules: All players must play 50% of each game.
U5-U6 = 3 v 3 Ball size: = #3 Kickins instead of throw ins
U8 = 4 v 4 Ball size: = #3 Throw ins OR Kickins
U10 = 7v 7 Ball size: = #4 Throw ins & Offsides (> 5 yds)
U12 = 7 v 7 Ball size: = #4 (or 8v8/9v9)
U15 = 7 v 7 Ball size: = #5 (or 8v8/9v9)
U10-U15: No player can play goalie for more than 50% of the game. Each player must play at least 50% as a non-goalie. This means a goalie that plays the entire 1st half should play on the field the entire 2nd half.
U10-U15: No punts from goalie & Circle Rule: on all goal kicks & keeper possession (keeper catches ball), defense must move back to the circle. We encourage coaches to teach your goalie to wait for the defense to back up so the ball can be rolled out to the side near the flags where teammates are waiting to receive the ball and make a pass. This rule is supported by many MLS youth coaches to encourage build up from the back instead of “kick-ball” where the other team usually gets the ball and returns back down the middle to score.
>FiFA rules apply for fouls except all fouls will be direct kicks.
>Guest players: should only be used when a team is short players.
Player equipment
Parents: please remember that each player needs a water bottle and ball for games and practices.
Uniforms: shirt, shorts, and socks are provided by the club.
Shin guards: all players are required to have shin guards. Socks must be worn on the outside and entirely cover the shin guard.
Shoes: cleats are definitely good for traction during wet days, although some kids find them uncomfortable. Turf sport shoes are like running shoes but with a deeper tread. No metal cleats. No sandals.
Ball: each player must bring their own ball to each practice.
Water: each player must bring a full water bottle to each practice and game.
Safety: no player may wear equipment dangerous to one’s self or others. This includes casts, metal braces, and jewelry. Earrings are specifically prohibited, including posts for pierced ears. Prescription glasses are permitted.
Practices & Coaching
Coaches of all ages consider these super important components of every practice:
- Dribble dribble dribble dribble and shoot at the goal.
- No LINES and No LECTURES.
- Positive encouragement.
-200 ball touches per player per practice. If < 200, then coaching is not correct.
U5 & U6 Coaching
30-40 minute practices should be simple with two parts:
1) Fun games: each player uses his or her own ball continuously (20-25 minutes).
2) 1v1 & 2v2 challenges.
3) Game: let them play, stopping only 1 time to make a point (10-15 minutes).
- fun activities where players learn by using their own ball.
- dribble dribble dribble dribble and shoot at the goal.
- No LINES and No LECTURES.
- Positive encouragement.
-300 ball touches per player per practice.
-Game time management: see below.
U5-U6 Games: Why does the Club have a “Toss-In” Rule?
#1 reason: to increase playing time. U5-U6 games are 32 minutes, with each player getting only 16 minutes of play. If 2 minutes are spent setting up corner kicks and another 3 minutes for goal kicks and kickins from the sideline each half, that gives each player only 9 minutes of play for the entire game! Referee toss-ins keeps the game moving.
U8 Coaching
- 30% of practice still one player one ball.
- Upgrade to fun games with 2 players 1 ball.
- Pass to your own team members while dribbling toward the goal.
-Shape, defense, head up to see teammates.
-300 ball touches per player per practice.
U10 & Up Coaching
-Increase skill training and strategy.
-All players move up together on offense and back on defense (like in basketball).
-No gap should exist between defenders and rest of the team.
-Pass BACK to your own team members if you are facing your own goal.
-Shape, defense, head up to see teammates.
-400 ball touches per player per practice.
Game Strategy
- Primary defensive player is fine, but
1) Rotate players in the defensive role.
2) While on offense, defender should play offense and not be behind midfield when ball is advanced.
- High scoring game: if one player has scored a lot of goals, rotate player back to defense to focus on passing ball up to teammates.
5-0 Rule
Coaches and parents: use these guidelines when your team is winning 5-0. Recreational sports is intended to develop player ability, build character, and maximize enjoyment. 10-0 is a negative for both teams. Even in a competitive game with big stakes there is a point where a coach should put on the brakes for the sake of decency.
What can you do when the score gets out of hand?
For U5/U6: simple – allow the other team to put 4 players on the field. If they only have 3, give them on of your extras for a half, then swap another player.
<U8 and up>
1) Your strongest player can take a break from play.
2) Put your strongest player on defense—and focus on passing the ball out to teammates.
3) Emphasize keep away strategy—control the ball instead of immediate scoring.
4) Losing team is allowed to add an extra player.
Sometimes a coach will refuse to play an extra player. Do not penalize your own players by playing with “fewer” players. Stick to the 1-2-3 strategy above. If your U8 team is able to pass well, give them a specific goal of 5 passes before scoring.
Weak Teams Become Stronger Next Season
Our main focus is to create balanced teams with even skill level for good competition. But balancing is never perfect. With 12 or more teams in an age level there are usually 1 or 2 stronger teams and 1 or 2 weaker teams. We will do our best to remedy weak teams for next season and in some cases during the current season.
--All weak teams will be seeded with advanced players the following season and following year.
Example: Fall 2016 White team loses every game.
a) Spring season 7 players return leaving 4 opens spots. If new advanced and very good players register, then 2 advanced and 2 very good players will be added to the team.
b) Spring season 7 players return but no advanced players register and the very good players are not that outstanding. 1) Advanced U8 guest players can be added to your team and 2) the next fall season the team will be kept together and given 2 advanced and 2 very good players.
Parent & Coach Comments During Games
Players who hear their name being called constantly while on the field will either 1) tune you out and play the game, or 2) look to the sidelines and stop playing the game. Games are for fun, so best to let them play. Congratulate your child after a great play.
Parents want to cheer for their children—do give praise but avoid CONSTANTLY calling your child’s name first and then making a comment. This is not helpful and becomes a distraction.
Good: After a good kick, stop, or shot, “Great shot Jamie!” Or “Do that again”
Not Good: “Jamie get the ball,” “Jamie get the ball,” “Jamie go, Jamie go, go”
Parents need to have fun too, so cheers and praise is exciting, but the best way is to cheer and praise after a goal, when the ball goes out of bounds, or during a break. This also includes the coach! It is the responsibility of the coach to ensure that all comments from the sidelines are positive (including from the coach).
-Coach Comments
Do your coaching during practice and at halftime. One or two coaching points during the game is fine, but constant instructions becomes a negative for players on the field and parents watching.
The best attitude is for the coach to be the manager of fun. Instruction is limited (especially during game days) with 100% positive comments.
Games & Coaching
Points to remember for coaches:
1) Coaches and other parents are not allowed on the field or behind the goals.
2) All players must play at least 50% of each match. Coaches need to keep track of playing time.
3) 4 feet from sideline – Chairs, Coaches, Parents, and Players.
4) It is the responsibility of the coach to ensure that all comments from the sidelines are positive.
Substitute if a player gets too tired, has lost contact with the game, or is injured or too tired to continue.
Substitutions can occur at any break in play (out of bounds, goal, injury) by notifying the referee and calling the players first name. The referee will direct the player to the sideline.
U6 Game duration: 4 (8) minute quarters
2 minute breaks after quarter 1 & 3
5 minute half time
Example game: 9:00 kickoff
904 – Substitute 3 new players
9:08 1st quarter break
9:10 2nd quarter start
Starting players return
9:14 – Substitute 3 new players
9:18 Half-time
9:23 kickoff 2nd half
9:31 3rd quarter break
9:33 4th quarter start
9:41 End
Rainouts
Heavy rain Friday and/or Saturday morning “might” require a rainout.
If there is a rainout, an email will be sent to all by 7:30 am Saturday morning.
If there is a rainout, that week’s game will be scheduled for the 1st open rainout date.
Raining but no thunder?
If it’s light rain, games will be played.
If it’s medium rain with already two rainouts, games will be played.
Thunder & lightning? If you can see lightning and hear thunder after counting to 30, everyone must leave the field and seek protection. Play can resume 30 minutes after the last thunder. If thunder continues longer than 30 minutes during scheduled game time, games will be canceled.
Everyone must leave the field if there is thunder/lightning. Remaining on the field may result in death, which has recently happened to one Houston soccer parent.
Parents & Coaches Comments to Referees
Parents and Parent coaches must refrain from complaining out load about referee calls. All referees will make some mistakes, and as the Club employs youth from the Shadow Creek area, they are likely to miss some calls. It is your responsibility to keep a positive speech environment.
If a Parent, Coach, or Player outburst involves abusive language to a referee, another player, or another parent or coach, games suspension will result with possible season or club ban. Please review at the end of this document the Houston Youth Soccer Association Coach & Parent Progressive Discipline System & Shadow Creek Soccer Club Discipline Rules.
Referees who feel verbally threatened have been asked to warn the team's coach and inform Board members immediately. Parents or players who consistently harass a referee can be red carded and required to leave the fields and return to one's car.
<Frequently Asked Questions>
¿When and where are practices?
¿My team cannot agree on a practice day and time, can we switch teams or get a refund?
¿Who will coach our team?
¿What if no parent can coach our team?
¿When and how do we get uniforms?
¿When and where are games?
-Practice field notes-
-Equipment-
¿What size soccer ball per age?
¿After Team Assignments, then what?
¿When and where are practices?
First team meeting is decided by team parents. The location, date, and time is decided by your team. At your meeting you will need to conference with your team parents and decide on practices times. See <Practice field notes> below.
¿My team cannot agree on a practice day and time, can we switch teams or get a refund?
Switching teams or refunds are not allowed. Everyone needs to negotiate the best practice day/time for all. It may be best to meet in person to discuss. Compromise is essential. If you only have one day free, it may not be possible to secure the day you want. If no compromise can be found, a solution could be to practice on Sunday afternoons/evening or to hold 2 practices per week so everyone can make at least 1.
¿Who will coach our team?
Coaches and assistant coaches are decided and drawn from team parents. You will need to conference with your team to decide who will coach and assist.
¿What if no parent can coach our team?
If no one volunteers, decide by lottery. Kids will not enjoy the sport without some practice and leadership. Or, designate one parent to coach per week, but keep the practice time the same each week.
¿When and how do we get uniforms?
Only team coaches or representatives will come to collect uniforms at the time announced above. If no one from your team collects the uniforms, the uniforms will be available on the field at your first game, so make sure you arrive 15 minutes early and each player wears black shorts (and has shin guards)
¿When and where are games?
U5-U10 girls: Saturday mornings anytime from 8 am to noon. York Elementary or Hickory Park
U12 & Up: Sunday afternoon 1:30 - 5 pm. York Elementary or Hickory Park
Only U5 & U6 have consistent schedules each fall.
Under 5 (not 5 before August 1, 2016): Games times 10 or 11 am
Under 6 (not 6 before August 1, 2016): Games times 8 or 9 am
We cannot take specific game time requests.
<Practice field notes>
A) York, Wilder, Kinsgley playground field, South Gate Park (south from Aldi), Sunrise Creek, retention pond field (field across from tennis courts), any shadow creek field you can find, Westside even center, and any public field in Pearland or surrounding community that is not reserved.
<Equipment>
- Pair of small goals for practice, colored vests, cones, and first aid kit.
- Coaching DVD & Positive Team Parenting video link.
- Uniforms: shirt, shorts, socks
- Equipment not provided: soccer ball, shin guards, turf shoes or cleats, water bottle.
¿What size soccer ball per age?
U5/U6/U8 = size 3
U10/U12U = size 4
U14 = size 5 (adult)
¿After Team Assignments, then what?
1) One team parent needs to create an email distribution list of all team parents. Send an email to your team with a simple table (Excel or other spreadsheet seems to paste best into email).
a) Which days and times are best for practice. Each parent should list ALL times available.
If your team cannot agree on one day, you may have to hold two practices or try Sunday afternoons. Changing teams is not possible, so teams have work it out.
b) Practice location. York, Wilder, Kinsgley playground field, South Gate Park (south from Aldi), Sunrise Creek, retention pond field (field across from tennis courts), any shadow creek field you can find, Westside even center, or any public field in Pearland or surrounding community that is not reserved.
c) Select one parent head coach and one assistant coach (spring teams may or may not have a returning coach).
Be considerate of each family’s schedule limitations when deciding as a group your practice times.
NOTE: Most teams don't practice until the week before the first game. Many people will be out of town during spring break and labor day. If you can't get an email response, try calling a team member by phone.
Coach, Parent, Player Discipline Policies & Procedures
Referees have the authority and are expected to warn Coaches of coach or parent/spectator unacceptable behavior.
1. The coach is responsible for player and spectator behavior coming from the team’s sideline.
2. Referee has the authority to end a game early.
3. Entering the field of play without the permission of the referee is not allowed.
Even in a recreation league, it is understandable that emotions and excitement may bring outbursts from players, coaches, or parents, and it may be tempting to complain from the sidelines to the referee.
Repeated complaints are not allowed. The Club encourages the referee to warn the coach.
Shadow Creek Soccer Club member at any in-house, HYSA, or STYSA event
If an outburst involves abusive language to a referee, another player, or another parent or coach, these rules will apply:
-Verbal abuse by a player is automatic minimum 2 game suspension.
-Continuous abusive language after a warning from the referee during a game by a coach/parent/player will result in a minimum 2 game and 2 practice suspension and review by board for possible entire season ban.
-2nd time offense for abusive language will result in automatic entire season ban and possible club ban.
-1st time offense of entering the field and refusal to leave the field will result in immediate end of game and a minimum 2 game suspension of coach/parent/player.
-1st time offense of entering the field and “physical assault” of players or other team parents will result in immediate end of game and entire season ban. Club ban may result at discretion of board.
Coaches, Parents, and Players will be given due process and have the right to appeal any board decision to HYSA and STYSA.
HYSA disciplinary procedures: http://www.hysa.us/index.html / Policies/Rules / HYSA D&P Policy
Coaches are required to maintain control of their players and the team's fans on the sideline.
A coach or an assistant coach may be cautioned and / or ejected by a referee for the misconduct of a fan of the team which he / she coaches.
Ejections resulting from violent conduct including but not limited to the aggression of a player towards an opponent with clearly no intent to play the ball; fighting, hitting or punching will result in a two (2) game suspension.
Team suspensions will be considered for situations including but not limited to any coach, player, substitute or spectator entering a fight in progress or committing an action resulting in law enforcement being called, or entering the field of play without the permission of the referee to participate in an altercation.
Shadow Creek & Pearland Soccer is a nonprofit organization open to Pearland and all of the greater Houston area.
The Club’s focus is on excellence of play and good character. Having fun, building character, and learning how to play the game well is our primary focus, along with winning gracefully and losing with honor. Most kids will keep score but don’t really care who wins unless parents focus on that. Our recreational program does not keep and post scores. Parents should focus on individual and team achievement goals—dribbling well to open space, around the defense, passing to an open player, making 3 connected passes, helping your teammates by running back on defense, taking an awesome shot on goal, scoring and preventing a score.
Although soccer is a game with a winner and loser, the United States Soccer Federation officially promotes soccer at the younger ages to be small sided with no score keeping. Although our Club does not keep official scores in the recreational program, our select teams ages 9 and up who play in various competitive leagues around Houston keep scores and standings.
We encourage a fast-paced game with few interruptions and maximum participation by everyone. Our focus is on keeping the game fun for kids. The best thing about Shadow Creek Soccer is the youth want to keep playing each year because their friends play, teams are balanced, and the positive atmosphere coming from parents on the sideline.
Speaking about the sideline, please remember to keep your chairs 4 feet from the line. Safety first !
Primary Focus of Parents Should Be Fun
All parents should be familiar with the Club’s Coach/Parent/Player Discipline policy:
http://www.shadowcreeksports.org/soccer.html
<<Contents>>
Play format & Rules
Player equipment
Practices & Coaching
-U5 & U6 Coaching
-U8 Coaching
-U10 & up soccer coaching
-Game Strategy
5-0 Rule
Parent & Coach Comments During Games
Games & Coaching
Rainouts
Parents & Coaches Comments to Referees
<Frequently Asked Questions>
¿When and where are practices?
¿My team cannot agree on a practice day and time, can we switch teams or get a refund?
¿Who will coach our team?
¿What if no parent can coach our team?
¿When and how do we get uniforms?
¿When and where are games?
-Practice field notes-
-Equipment-
¿What size soccer ball per age?
¿After Team Assignments, then what?
Coach, Parent, Player Discipline Policies & Procedures
Play format & Rules: All players must play 50% of each game.
U5-U6 = 3 v 3 Ball size: = #3 Kickins instead of throw ins
U8 = 4 v 4 Ball size: = #3 Throw ins OR Kickins
U10 = 7v 7 Ball size: = #4 Throw ins & Offsides (> 5 yds)
U12 = 7 v 7 Ball size: = #4 (or 8v8/9v9)
U15 = 7 v 7 Ball size: = #5 (or 8v8/9v9)
- U5-U8 there is no goalkeeper, score keeping, use of hands, or penalty kicks.
- Parents or coaches are not allowed on the field of play or behind goals.
- No “parking” players in front of goal. Teams move up field like in basketball.
U10-U15: No player can play goalie for more than 50% of the game. Each player must play at least 50% as a non-goalie. This means a goalie that plays the entire 1st half should play on the field the entire 2nd half.
U10-U15: No punts from goalie & Circle Rule: on all goal kicks & keeper possession (keeper catches ball), defense must move back to the circle. We encourage coaches to teach your goalie to wait for the defense to back up so the ball can be rolled out to the side near the flags where teammates are waiting to receive the ball and make a pass. This rule is supported by many MLS youth coaches to encourage build up from the back instead of “kick-ball” where the other team usually gets the ball and returns back down the middle to score.
>FiFA rules apply for fouls except all fouls will be direct kicks.
>Guest players: should only be used when a team is short players.
Player equipment
Parents: please remember that each player needs a water bottle and ball for games and practices.
Uniforms: shirt, shorts, and socks are provided by the club.
Shin guards: all players are required to have shin guards. Socks must be worn on the outside and entirely cover the shin guard.
Shoes: cleats are definitely good for traction during wet days, although some kids find them uncomfortable. Turf sport shoes are like running shoes but with a deeper tread. No metal cleats. No sandals.
Ball: each player must bring their own ball to each practice.
Water: each player must bring a full water bottle to each practice and game.
Safety: no player may wear equipment dangerous to one’s self or others. This includes casts, metal braces, and jewelry. Earrings are specifically prohibited, including posts for pierced ears. Prescription glasses are permitted.
Practices & Coaching
Coaches of all ages consider these super important components of every practice:
- Dribble dribble dribble dribble and shoot at the goal.
- No LINES and No LECTURES.
- Positive encouragement.
-200 ball touches per player per practice. If < 200, then coaching is not correct.
U5 & U6 Coaching
30-40 minute practices should be simple with two parts:
1) Fun games: each player uses his or her own ball continuously (20-25 minutes).
2) 1v1 & 2v2 challenges.
3) Game: let them play, stopping only 1 time to make a point (10-15 minutes).
- fun activities where players learn by using their own ball.
- dribble dribble dribble dribble and shoot at the goal.
- No LINES and No LECTURES.
- Positive encouragement.
-300 ball touches per player per practice.
-Game time management: see below.
U5-U6 Games: Why does the Club have a “Toss-In” Rule?
#1 reason: to increase playing time. U5-U6 games are 32 minutes, with each player getting only 16 minutes of play. If 2 minutes are spent setting up corner kicks and another 3 minutes for goal kicks and kickins from the sideline each half, that gives each player only 9 minutes of play for the entire game! Referee toss-ins keeps the game moving.
U8 Coaching
- 30% of practice still one player one ball.
- Upgrade to fun games with 2 players 1 ball.
- Pass to your own team members while dribbling toward the goal.
-Shape, defense, head up to see teammates.
-300 ball touches per player per practice.
U10 & Up Coaching
-Increase skill training and strategy.
-All players move up together on offense and back on defense (like in basketball).
-No gap should exist between defenders and rest of the team.
-Pass BACK to your own team members if you are facing your own goal.
-Shape, defense, head up to see teammates.
-400 ball touches per player per practice.
Game Strategy
- Primary defensive player is fine, but
1) Rotate players in the defensive role.
2) While on offense, defender should play offense and not be behind midfield when ball is advanced.
- Imagine an NBA team playing 4 players up on offense and one player guarding his own goal. That would be silly. Same concept applies to 4v4 soccer and all soccer for that matter.
- High scoring game: if one player has scored a lot of goals, rotate player back to defense to focus on passing ball up to teammates.
5-0 Rule
Coaches and parents: use these guidelines when your team is winning 5-0. Recreational sports is intended to develop player ability, build character, and maximize enjoyment. 10-0 is a negative for both teams. Even in a competitive game with big stakes there is a point where a coach should put on the brakes for the sake of decency.
What can you do when the score gets out of hand?
For U5/U6: simple – allow the other team to put 4 players on the field. If they only have 3, give them on of your extras for a half, then swap another player.
<U8 and up>
1) Your strongest player can take a break from play.
2) Put your strongest player on defense—and focus on passing the ball out to teammates.
3) Emphasize keep away strategy—control the ball instead of immediate scoring.
4) Losing team is allowed to add an extra player.
Sometimes a coach will refuse to play an extra player. Do not penalize your own players by playing with “fewer” players. Stick to the 1-2-3 strategy above. If your U8 team is able to pass well, give them a specific goal of 5 passes before scoring.
Weak Teams Become Stronger Next Season
Our main focus is to create balanced teams with even skill level for good competition. But balancing is never perfect. With 12 or more teams in an age level there are usually 1 or 2 stronger teams and 1 or 2 weaker teams. We will do our best to remedy weak teams for next season and in some cases during the current season.
--All weak teams will be seeded with advanced players the following season and following year.
Example: Fall 2016 White team loses every game.
a) Spring season 7 players return leaving 4 opens spots. If new advanced and very good players register, then 2 advanced and 2 very good players will be added to the team.
b) Spring season 7 players return but no advanced players register and the very good players are not that outstanding. 1) Advanced U8 guest players can be added to your team and 2) the next fall season the team will be kept together and given 2 advanced and 2 very good players.
Parent & Coach Comments During Games
Players who hear their name being called constantly while on the field will either 1) tune you out and play the game, or 2) look to the sidelines and stop playing the game. Games are for fun, so best to let them play. Congratulate your child after a great play.
Parents want to cheer for their children—do give praise but avoid CONSTANTLY calling your child’s name first and then making a comment. This is not helpful and becomes a distraction.
Good: After a good kick, stop, or shot, “Great shot Jamie!” Or “Do that again”
Not Good: “Jamie get the ball,” “Jamie get the ball,” “Jamie go, Jamie go, go”
Parents need to have fun too, so cheers and praise is exciting, but the best way is to cheer and praise after a goal, when the ball goes out of bounds, or during a break. This also includes the coach! It is the responsibility of the coach to ensure that all comments from the sidelines are positive (including from the coach).
-Coach Comments
Do your coaching during practice and at halftime. One or two coaching points during the game is fine, but constant instructions becomes a negative for players on the field and parents watching.
The best attitude is for the coach to be the manager of fun. Instruction is limited (especially during game days) with 100% positive comments.
Games & Coaching
Points to remember for coaches:
1) Coaches and other parents are not allowed on the field or behind the goals.
2) All players must play at least 50% of each match. Coaches need to keep track of playing time.
3) 4 feet from sideline – Chairs, Coaches, Parents, and Players.
4) It is the responsibility of the coach to ensure that all comments from the sidelines are positive.
Substitute if a player gets too tired, has lost contact with the game, or is injured or too tired to continue.
Substitutions can occur at any break in play (out of bounds, goal, injury) by notifying the referee and calling the players first name. The referee will direct the player to the sideline.
U6 Game duration: 4 (8) minute quarters
2 minute breaks after quarter 1 & 3
5 minute half time
Example game: 9:00 kickoff
904 – Substitute 3 new players
9:08 1st quarter break
9:10 2nd quarter start
Starting players return
9:14 – Substitute 3 new players
9:18 Half-time
9:23 kickoff 2nd half
9:31 3rd quarter break
9:33 4th quarter start
9:41 End
Rainouts
Heavy rain Friday and/or Saturday morning “might” require a rainout.
If there is a rainout, an email will be sent to all by 7:30 am Saturday morning.
If there is a rainout, that week’s game will be scheduled for the 1st open rainout date.
Raining but no thunder?
If it’s light rain, games will be played.
If it’s medium rain with already two rainouts, games will be played.
Thunder & lightning? If you can see lightning and hear thunder after counting to 30, everyone must leave the field and seek protection. Play can resume 30 minutes after the last thunder. If thunder continues longer than 30 minutes during scheduled game time, games will be canceled.
Everyone must leave the field if there is thunder/lightning. Remaining on the field may result in death, which has recently happened to one Houston soccer parent.
Parents & Coaches Comments to Referees
Parents and Parent coaches must refrain from complaining out load about referee calls. All referees will make some mistakes, and as the Club employs youth from the Shadow Creek area, they are likely to miss some calls. It is your responsibility to keep a positive speech environment.
If a Parent, Coach, or Player outburst involves abusive language to a referee, another player, or another parent or coach, games suspension will result with possible season or club ban. Please review at the end of this document the Houston Youth Soccer Association Coach & Parent Progressive Discipline System & Shadow Creek Soccer Club Discipline Rules.
Referees who feel verbally threatened have been asked to warn the team's coach and inform Board members immediately. Parents or players who consistently harass a referee can be red carded and required to leave the fields and return to one's car.
<Frequently Asked Questions>
¿When and where are practices?
¿My team cannot agree on a practice day and time, can we switch teams or get a refund?
¿Who will coach our team?
¿What if no parent can coach our team?
¿When and how do we get uniforms?
¿When and where are games?
-Practice field notes-
-Equipment-
¿What size soccer ball per age?
¿After Team Assignments, then what?
¿When and where are practices?
First team meeting is decided by team parents. The location, date, and time is decided by your team. At your meeting you will need to conference with your team parents and decide on practices times. See <Practice field notes> below.
¿My team cannot agree on a practice day and time, can we switch teams or get a refund?
Switching teams or refunds are not allowed. Everyone needs to negotiate the best practice day/time for all. It may be best to meet in person to discuss. Compromise is essential. If you only have one day free, it may not be possible to secure the day you want. If no compromise can be found, a solution could be to practice on Sunday afternoons/evening or to hold 2 practices per week so everyone can make at least 1.
¿Who will coach our team?
Coaches and assistant coaches are decided and drawn from team parents. You will need to conference with your team to decide who will coach and assist.
¿What if no parent can coach our team?
If no one volunteers, decide by lottery. Kids will not enjoy the sport without some practice and leadership. Or, designate one parent to coach per week, but keep the practice time the same each week.
¿When and how do we get uniforms?
Only team coaches or representatives will come to collect uniforms at the time announced above. If no one from your team collects the uniforms, the uniforms will be available on the field at your first game, so make sure you arrive 15 minutes early and each player wears black shorts (and has shin guards)
¿When and where are games?
U5-U10 girls: Saturday mornings anytime from 8 am to noon. York Elementary or Hickory Park
U12 & Up: Sunday afternoon 1:30 - 5 pm. York Elementary or Hickory Park
Only U5 & U6 have consistent schedules each fall.
Under 5 (not 5 before August 1, 2016): Games times 10 or 11 am
Under 6 (not 6 before August 1, 2016): Games times 8 or 9 am
We cannot take specific game time requests.
<Practice field notes>
A) York, Wilder, Kinsgley playground field, South Gate Park (south from Aldi), Sunrise Creek, retention pond field (field across from tennis courts), any shadow creek field you can find, Westside even center, and any public field in Pearland or surrounding community that is not reserved.
<Equipment>
- Pair of small goals for practice, colored vests, cones, and first aid kit.
- Coaching DVD & Positive Team Parenting video link.
- Uniforms: shirt, shorts, socks
- Equipment not provided: soccer ball, shin guards, turf shoes or cleats, water bottle.
¿What size soccer ball per age?
U5/U6/U8 = size 3
U10/U12U = size 4
U14 = size 5 (adult)
¿After Team Assignments, then what?
1) One team parent needs to create an email distribution list of all team parents. Send an email to your team with a simple table (Excel or other spreadsheet seems to paste best into email).
a) Which days and times are best for practice. Each parent should list ALL times available.
If your team cannot agree on one day, you may have to hold two practices or try Sunday afternoons. Changing teams is not possible, so teams have work it out.
b) Practice location. York, Wilder, Kinsgley playground field, South Gate Park (south from Aldi), Sunrise Creek, retention pond field (field across from tennis courts), any shadow creek field you can find, Westside even center, or any public field in Pearland or surrounding community that is not reserved.
c) Select one parent head coach and one assistant coach (spring teams may or may not have a returning coach).
Be considerate of each family’s schedule limitations when deciding as a group your practice times.
NOTE: Most teams don't practice until the week before the first game. Many people will be out of town during spring break and labor day. If you can't get an email response, try calling a team member by phone.
Coach, Parent, Player Discipline Policies & Procedures
Referees have the authority and are expected to warn Coaches of coach or parent/spectator unacceptable behavior.
1. The coach is responsible for player and spectator behavior coming from the team’s sideline.
2. Referee has the authority to end a game early.
3. Entering the field of play without the permission of the referee is not allowed.
Even in a recreation league, it is understandable that emotions and excitement may bring outbursts from players, coaches, or parents, and it may be tempting to complain from the sidelines to the referee.
Repeated complaints are not allowed. The Club encourages the referee to warn the coach.
Shadow Creek Soccer Club member at any in-house, HYSA, or STYSA event
If an outburst involves abusive language to a referee, another player, or another parent or coach, these rules will apply:
-Verbal abuse by a player is automatic minimum 2 game suspension.
-Continuous abusive language after a warning from the referee during a game by a coach/parent/player will result in a minimum 2 game and 2 practice suspension and review by board for possible entire season ban.
-2nd time offense for abusive language will result in automatic entire season ban and possible club ban.
-1st time offense of entering the field and refusal to leave the field will result in immediate end of game and a minimum 2 game suspension of coach/parent/player.
-1st time offense of entering the field and “physical assault” of players or other team parents will result in immediate end of game and entire season ban. Club ban may result at discretion of board.
Coaches, Parents, and Players will be given due process and have the right to appeal any board decision to HYSA and STYSA.
HYSA disciplinary procedures: http://www.hysa.us/index.html / Policies/Rules / HYSA D&P Policy
Coaches are required to maintain control of their players and the team's fans on the sideline.
A coach or an assistant coach may be cautioned and / or ejected by a referee for the misconduct of a fan of the team which he / she coaches.
Ejections resulting from violent conduct including but not limited to the aggression of a player towards an opponent with clearly no intent to play the ball; fighting, hitting or punching will result in a two (2) game suspension.
Team suspensions will be considered for situations including but not limited to any coach, player, substitute or spectator entering a fight in progress or committing an action resulting in law enforcement being called, or entering the field of play without the permission of the referee to participate in an altercation.
