1)     PLAYING TIME

a.      Coaches MUST follow the guidelines set by TYSL, TSC, MYSL, and MSPSP

                            i.       TYSL/TSC

1.      Insure that each player receives minimum game time at all regular season games as dictated by respective league rules (Up to U11 is ½ of a game) or 1/3 of a game when it is not specified

                           ii.       MYSL

1.      Players in the MYSL should play a minimum of one-half of each game.  Coaches are required to inform parents of disciplinary issues prior to sitting the player out and should inform the Commissioner if a problem is anticipated.

b.      Some guidelines to help

                            i.       Make sure that the minimum playing time requirements are met NO QUESTIONS ASKED!  REGARDLESS OF RESULTS!

                           ii.       Make sure that if a players time is to be shortened, that the coach has explained to player WHY and HOW TO FIX IT, in a positive and constructive manner.  And that the coach is also prepared to explain this to the parents civilly.  (Cutting playing time should be age appropriate as well – as players get older they are held more accountable)

c.      Communicating with parents

                            i.       Coaches must engage and interact with the parents

                           ii.       Enforce the 24 hour rule in regards to discussing issues with coaches right after games

                         iii.       DO NOT BE EVASIVE AND VAGUE

                         iv.       give specific reasons why a decision was made

d.      Making adjustments

                            i.       Coaches need to take the input of the parents and work their hardest to meet halfway

                           ii.       Hear the thoughts and concerns of the parents and try to adjust NOT CHANGE your style to accommodate

                         iii.       BE FLEXIBLE AND UNDERSTANDING

2)     Structure and execution of training session

a.      Sessions should be ORGANIZED AND PROGRESSIVE!!!!

b.      They should go from small to big

                            i.       No pressure

                           ii.       Pressure

                         iii.       Game situation

c.      Pick one topic and stick to it

                            i.       If your topic is 1v1 defending, only coach the points related to 1v1 defending

1.      Even if player makes blatant error, do not make corrections if it is not related to topic

d.      COACHES NEED TO CONTROL THE AMOUNT OF TIME THEY SPEND SCRIMMAGING

                            i.       Session should be divided into thirds or quarters and it ENDS with a full scrimmage focusing on the techniques learned earlier in the session

1.      1 hour session = 20 max on scrimmaging

2.      1 ½ hour session = 30-35 max on scrimmaging

                           ii.       For younger age groups, the scrimmages should be broken up into smaller sided games 3v3-5v5 to get players more touches on the ball

e.      COACHES AND PARENTS ALSO NEED TO REFRAIN FROM PLAYING WITH THE KIDS DURING TRAINING SESSIONS

                            i.       When you play in the scrimmages you (the adult) cut into the kids time, and more importantly, touches on the ball

                           ii.       When you have to focus on playing, you fail to see the errors you would see if you analyzed the entire field of play

                         iii.       Safety – due to their size adults can easily injure kids