·Divisions that include Kindergarten and 1st Grade Players shall play on a small sized field
·The number of players for each match will be six (6) - this can be reduced by mutual agreement if one team does not have enough players
·Coaches can move the goals closer in the event of lesser numbers. Coaches should not play more players on the field at any time as this goes against the theory of "small sided". This will be enforced more in Fall 2011.
Game duration
·All Junior Kickers games are to be held within the time frame listed for each division. The horn will go approximately 1 minute before your time is up to ensure players clear the field for the next game.
·Breaks and half-times are at the coach’s discretion. Please ensure that you do swap sides of the field at half-time as the fields do have a slope
·A horn or whistle will sound to indicate the end of your allotted time. Please line the kids up and have them do high fives before they go off the field for snacks. Snacks should be done off the field to allow for the next teams to start playing
Balls
·Size 3 or 4 balls should be used in all games, coaches should have at least one ball with them for the game. USA have balls available at the field
Coaches & Spectators
·The coaches will occupy one side of the field and the parents will occupy the other. This is to ensure that the players are not playing in a hostile environment with voices surrounding every angle of the field. You can have your assistant and team parent on your sideline to assist with substitutions and shoe tying!
Verbal abuse by coaches or parents to anyone will not be tolerated!
Substitutions
·Substitutions can be made "on the fly." Please do not stop the game every time you make a substitution - just call the player(s) off, send your players in and continue the game. Substitutions can of course also be made at breaks or half-time
Equipment
·Shin guards must be worn by all players and socks must be worn over shin guards
·No baseball cleats are allowed
·NO medical casts are allowed
·Every team will have a team color - please ensure players wear these to all games (they can wear them over some warmer clothing in colder weather)
·Shorts or long pants can be worn
Referee’s
The coaches will act as referee’s or assign a parent to referee the game. The referee/s will ensure that the basic rules are followed, referee’s are encouraged to aloow retakes on throw in’s corners etc to ensure the players experience the correct method of performing the game skills. Caoches are encourgaged not to give penalty kicks where possible. This will make kids feel bad repeat offenders should be warned and asked to take a water break by the parent or coach.
Infractions
The focus of the Junior Kickers program shall be on learning and safety of the players.
·No offside will be called, however coaches shall not allow their players to deliberately take an offside position by "hanging" in front of the opposing goal. Blatant violations such as these should be addressed by both coaches
·Goal kicks may be taken at the top of the penalty box (semi-circle)
·If a ball is kicked by the defense back to the goalie, the goalie may not use their hands - they must kick the ball (however please do not punish the kids for doing so - simply instruct them what they should do next time)
·On illegal throw-ins explain the infraction and give the player second and even a third chance
Game balance / scores:
As teams are not assigned based on ability level there may be some games which are one sided, ways to manage this as a coach include.
putting weaker players as forwards, encouraging players to make a certain number of passes before you score, put less pressure on the other team high up the field, reduce numbers on the field.
All of these are suggestions to ensure that everyone has a positive experience on the program every week. If you have any issues then let Martin and I know.
Other notes
·Please get into the habit of arriving at the field thirty (30) minutes before your scheduled game time, and encourage the parents to arrive at this time also to warm up and take part in some pre-game drills
As discussed previously, the Kindergarten and 1st grade Junior Kickers program is the foundation level of Somerset Hills Soccer Club - it is your responsibility as a volunteer on the program to try your best to ensure that every child has a safe, enjoyable and educational soccer experience. Martin and I will be on hand to assist you with anything you need so please reach out to us at any time.
Thank you!
Alan McClintock and Martin Punt
SHSC Junior Kickers Coordinators
alan@usasportgroup.com and martin@usasportgroup.com
