For the Coaches

The following are suggestions that can be used to establish communication with your teams' parents and help manage their expectations:

Parents Meeting
1. Meet with the parents at the first practice.

  • Explain your philosophy
  • Review how you will     substitute players
  • Review how a players'     positions are determined
  • Determine parent responsibilities - banners, snacks, etc.

2. Review the three "Let the Kids Play" rules for viewing games.

3. Establish from which location spectators are allowed to view games. (review league guidelines)
  • Soccer - Games cannot be viewed from behind the goal.
  • Soccer - All spectators must be 5 yards off the sideline.

Substituting Players
The only fair way to substitute players is to allow all the kids to play the same amount of time, the kids and the parents will see this as fair. Establish a system with pre-determined substitutions, therefore your only game time decision is where to position the players. This is an easy system to defend because it is fair.

84% of 8-10 year olds surveyed would rather play on a losing team then sit on the bench of a winning team.

Positions
To help the kids learn all aspects of a sport it is beneficial if coaches allow kids to play all positions. Develop a rotation that allows all kids opportunities to play different positions throughout the year.

Being a Role Model
The head coaches sideline behavior sets the tone for how spectators react to the game. If the coaching staff tries to dictate play with constant verbal instructions and hollers at players throughout the game, others will inevitably follow that lead.
     - Discuss the game with players when they are on the sideline.
     - Focus on the positives and encourage the kids.
     - Games are for taking notes on what needs to be covered at practice.
     - Recall how your favorite schoolteacher treated you.
     - Do not over-coach, the less said the better.
     - Most of all "Let the Kids Play".

Spectators
Most parents will be grateful that you have taken the time to coach their kids and most will be respectful at the games. Almost all will support you if you are respectful and fair to their children.

At the first practice, it is still important to reestablish the spectator rules that were signed at registration. If your league has implemented the "Let the Kids Play" program, tell your parents that "Let the Kids Play" is a league wide system and everybody is expected to follow the guidelines.  At all games Have your "Let the Kids Play" merchandise visible, the on field visual reminders are difficult to ignore.

At the first game, make sure all spectators are sitting in designated locations. The first spectator that violates the rules, address them and let them know that they are violating one of the rules. Subtle ways would be to point at your shirt or banner or give the spectator a "Let the Kids Play" agreement to review. If you have a vocal parent or an assistant coach that supports your efforts, ask them to monitor the sidelines for you.

And, don't forget to have fun.

For information on related topics please visit the following sites:

The NFL's Seven Principles of Youth Sports
By Koach Karl