Coaches, by their words and actions, can
have a significant impact on the course of a game, the behavior of the
fans, as well as the attitude of the players toward soccer specifically
and team sports in general. In keeping with the recreational and
instructional philosophy of the NJSL, the following guidelines for
coaches are encouraged:
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All players should be given an
opportunity to play offense and defense during the course of the year.
To become a well rounded player, both offensive and defensive play must
be learned.
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All players should get their fair share
of playing time during the course of the season regardless of their
skill levels. Law #3 of the NJSL Supplemental League Rules specifies
that each player should play a minimum of one half per game. It is the
coach’s responsibility to insure each player plays a minimum of one half
to every game.
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The home team coach is responsible for
providing the game ball. Make sure it is the proper size, in good
condition and properly inflated before the game.
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It is
recommended that early in the practice sessions you have a mandatory
parents meeting at the beginning or end of practice to explain the NJSL
philosophy and the importance of good sportsmanship. This is also
a good time to choose (or appoint) an official assistant coach and
schedule a linesmen for the games.
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Coaches are encouraged to make
arrangements to provide oranges for the players at half time of the
games and, if desired, provide team treats for after the game. The
coach is not expected to provide these. At the beginning of the season
set up a schedule for the parents to provide these refreshments.
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The laws of soccer have evolved in a
manner that may seem strange for most Americans. Coaches are not
expected to take an active role in instructing players during the course
of the game. Excessive coaching from the sidelines during a game is
not officially sanctioned and is subject to the discretion of the
referee. The NJSL makes exceptions to this custom in the younger
age groups.
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Coaches of 6 and 7 years old teams are
allowed to provide one assistant coach to instruct players from the
spectator side of the field. This coach must remain on the opposite
side of the field and in the opposite end from the coach. The coach may
give instructions to the players from along the touchline on his team’s
side of the field.
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Neither coach may go beyond the halfway
line or along the goal line. The linesman provided by your team is
part of the officiating crew and may not coach while acting in this
capacity.
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The referee’s power is absolute and
begins from the time he arrives at the field prior to the competition
and does not cease until the referee leaves the field. It does not
matter what calls referees from previous weeks, allowed the current
referee’s word is law.
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If the referee makes a call you disagree
with or do not understand, he or she is under no obligation to
interrupt the game to explain his or her decision; in fact, the laws
of soccer specifically prohibit stoppages in the game to explain calls
as this distracts from the flow of the game.
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No one is
allowed on the field of play without authority of the referee. Should
you or one of your players enter the field of play without permission
from the referee, you may be faced with a yellow card, soccer’s
universal warning that you have committed a no-no.
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The coach
may be held responsible for the conduct of fans, assistant coaches or
players if they are behaving in a manner detrimental to the conduct of
the game. \
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In spite of the doleful tone of the
previous paragraph, the essential charge of the referee is to insure the
game is conducted in a manner that is safe and enjoyable for the
participants and in accordance with the laws of soccer. Learn as much
as you can about the laws and conventions to make your coaching chores
easier. You are encouraged to use the resources made available to you
by the NJSL
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