Make sure your child attends both practices and games. Attendance and timeliness teach responsibility and foster team spirit. Provide the necessary equipment so your child may play safely. Get involved. Volunteer to assist the coach when and where you can. Understand each child's athletic ability is different and will be different as they grow. Try not to compare. Let your coach discuss calls with the referees. Attempt to relieve the pressure of competition...not to increase it. Applaud good plays by BOTH teams. Accept the results of the game. Encourage your child to be gracious in victory and turn defeat into victory by working toward impovement. Follow the rules of the field. Exemplify good behavior.
THE COACHES
A coach can be many things to different people. A coach is a teacher, a mentor, and a role model. Sometimes a friend and confidant. Most of all, a coach must be positive. The traits of a positive coach are:
Puts players first. A positive coach wants to win but understands that he/she is first and foremost an educator with the development of his/her players as his/her top priority. He/She understands that children go through developmental stages and uses age-appropriate coaching strategies. The coach values the long-term welfare of the players more than looking good as a coach. The coach avoids the trap of thiinking the game is about him/her rather than for players. Where winning is in confilict with the long-term benefit of the children, a positive coach has an unwavering commitment to what is best for the athletes.
Develops character as well as skills. A positive coach uses the crucible of competition as a virtual classroom. The coach seizes upon victory and defeat as teachable moments - opportunities to build on his/her athletes' self-confidence and positive character traits such as determination, courage, empathy and commitment. The coach wants to win, but even more, wants to transmit lessons that will carry over into the rest of the athletes "lives". The coach is loyal to players and reluctant to "give up" on them, especially "at-risk" athletes who have the most to gain from participating in sports.
Coaches for mastery. A positive coach coaches for mastery rather than victory, which the coach sees as a by-product of the pursuit of excellence. The coach focuses on effort rather than outcome, learning rather than comparison to others and recognizes that mistakes are an important and inevitable part of learning and encourages an environment in which players are willing to risk making a mistake. The coach is committed to becoming the best coach possible and continually seeks to improve his/her own effectiveness.
Refuses to motivate through fear, intimidation, or shame. A positive coach establishes order and discipline in a positive manner. Many coaches are positive when things are going well and the team is winning. A positive coach works to remain positive even through losing streaks. A coach recognizes that it is often when things go wrong that a coach can have the most positive impact and teach the most important lessons. Regardless of the adversity, the coach refuses to demean oneself or the players by resorting to fear, intimidation or shame. The coach always treats athletes with respect regarless of how well they perform.
Creates a partnership with players. A positive coach resists an authoritarian role in which player are conditioned to please the coach. The coach involves the team members in determining team rules. The coach recognizes that communication is the lifeblood of effective relationships and works hard to establish clear and effective two-way communication with the players. The coach seeks to win the cooperation of the players through encouragement and treats them as partners working together to achieve mutual goals.
Honors the game. A positive coach feels an obligation to the sport being coached. The coach loves the sport and shares that love and enjoyment with the players. The coach feels privileged to be able to take part in the sport. The coach respects the opponent, recognizing that a worthy opponent will push the coach and team to do their best. The coach understands the important role that officials play and strives to show them respect even when he/she disagrees with their decisions. He/She values the rich tradition of the sport and works to honor the spirit as well as the letter of its rules. A positive coach demonstrates personal integrity and would rather lose than win by dishonoring the game.
THE REFEREES
Between the exuberance of the winner and the diappointment of the loser, we find a person called a referee. They try to watch every move on every player and call the game to the best of their ability. They are only one person. They will make mistakes. They are our own children. Each referee who has grown up playing in the Woodbridge Soccer Club, so please treat them as you neighbor - because they are!
THE FIELDS
Each team's coaches, players and spectators will take a position on opposite sides of the field during the game. The designated home team has its choice of sides. Coaches, players and spectators must not be permitted behind the goal line during the game. A parent volunteer from both teams is needed each game as linesman. The ball must be 100% over the entire line to be out of bounds. Smoking is NEVER permitted. Pets are NEVER permitted. Foul language, physical violence or the threat of physical violence by any participant will not be permitted or tolerated and will result in immediate expulsion from the field. Please keep the field clean. We are privileged to use and maintain the fields our town (you) own. We want to thank you ahead of time for you involvement in our Club. Whether you child plays soccer for a couple of years or the rest of their life, their time with us should be happy and all of us affect that outcome.
