Coaches Conduct

 

DO

  • use encouraging words to players and the referees – be a positive example of good sportsmanship
  • remember that the referees are young and in training – even older referees may be new to the position
  • keep comments positive at all times
  • stay within the coaching area (2 yards behind the touch line; not within 18 yards of the corner of the field for U-9 & U-10, not past the top of the goal box for U-6 through U-8)
  • coach only your players
  • keep control of your side-lines – coaches can be cited if side-line participants are not following good sportsmanship guidelines or the code of ethics
  • encourage your goalie to yell “keeper” when they want the ball – it may keep the players from making physical contact with him/her
  • utilize the Federal Way Soccer Association website for making comments about the referees (see below for details)
  • ask for clarification on issues from the referee BEFORE the game begins, then refrain from speaking to the referee
  • say “thank you for coming out” to the referee, nothing more

 DON’T

  • make derogatory or negative remarks to any player, coach or referee
  • allow parents or players to make any derogatory or negative remarks
  • question the referee’s call or make the call for the referee (i.e. don’t yell “offside” or “that was a hand ball” – the referee is trained and knows the laws of the game)
  • speak to the referee at any time except to thank him/her at the end of the game
  • enter the field during the game except when waved on by a referee due to a player injury

 Referee Comments

All coaches are encouraged to submit “referee evaluation forms” following the game.  The “forms” go to Judy Simone-Johnson (U-6 – U-8) and Ed Borden (U-9, U-10) and they relate the information to the individual referee.  The club appreciates both positive comments and constructive criticism. To submit a form, go to the club website, www.federalwaysoccer.com, click “referees”, scroll down the page and click on “evaluation form”.

 Rule Reminders

  • There is NO slide-tackling at the Mod level.  Please clarify this issue with your players. It is best not to teach it in practice because then the players bring it to the games.
  • At U-8, U-9 and U-10 you must notify the referee when you change goalies (even at half time). If you do not notify the referee, it could result in a yellow card for both the goalie coming off the field and the new goalie going on the field.  Notification of all yellow cards is sent to the league.

 Keep in mind these statistics:

75% of players between 10 – 14 years old quit sports*

71% of new referees within 4 years did not return to the position*

             *Soccer Fair workshops, April 2003

Please make soccer a POSITIVE EXPERIENCE for everyone involved so we retain our players and referees! Thank you!