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Western Nebraska Football Club Recreational League Coaching Manual

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Table of Contents 1. Western Nebraska Football Club’s Core Values Pg. 12. The 5v5 Initiative Pg.13. What is Recreational Soccer? Pg. 44. Recreational Player Development Pg. 5

Under 6 Developmental Characteristics Under 6 Practice Objectives Under 8 Developmental Characteristics Under 8 Practice Objectives Under 10 Developmental Characteristics Under 10 Practice Objectives Under 12 Developmental Characteristics Middle School and High School Developmental Characteristics Middle School and High School Practice Objectives

5. Recreational Coach Development Pg. 13 USSF Grassroots Coaching Courses Coaching Development Resources

6. Team Management Pg. 177. Planning Your Coaching Session Pg. 198. Game Day Responsibilities Pg. 20 9. Game Rules Pg. 2110. Coaching Requirements Pg. 2511. COVID-19 Information Pg. 25

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1. WNFC’s Core Values Inclusivity: WNFC has a place for you, regardless of your skill or

background.

Intentional skill development: WNFC will help players get better at soccer through structured lesson planning, coach training, and frequent feedback during the season to help coaches and players get from point A to point B, from week to week, and from season to season.

Family balance: WNFC will establish reasonable time commitments to allow kids to be kids, enjoy family dinners, get their homework done, and enjoy free play; ask for reasonable financial commitments that didn’t artificially increase pressure or expectations; and offer a season length that allowed a child to pursue other interests and other sports without guilt.

Promoting lifelong enjoyment of sports: WNFC IS committed to making the youth sports experience so positive and encouraging that every child would want to make sports a part of their life, regardless of whether they chose to pursue the activity competitively or not.

2. The 5v5 InitiativeRationale:

We have seen a decrease in overall skill including the ability to pass and control the ball under pressure in various positions on the field.

Coaching focus has continued to shift away from technical skill mastery and instead has focused on winning and specialization of position. Many coaches focus on the tactical area of the game long before their individual players are able to grasp the

complex concepts of 11v11 soccer. We believe the following model will result in the following which will increase technical skill as well as player recruitment and retention:

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• Small sided games require players to touch the ball more often in a game atmosphere honing technical skill. The number of touches per game per player grows exponentially as size of team and size of field decreases.

• Smaller teams mean more manageable training sessions and the novice coach can learn how to train the technical skills more effectively instead of just managing his/her teams attention.

• In the 5v5 model all players are required to attack and defend and the goalkeeper is a valuable position not only from a defensive stand point but also to initiate attacks and maintaining possession.

• Smaller teams means more teams, the chances to play a different team every week increases interest and competition.

• More teams allows WNFC to create an in-house league, decreasing the need for travel to tournaments as well promoting a fun, competitive atmosphere.

3. What is Recreational Soccer?You have heard the term before, but do you really know what “recreational soccer” is? There are no legal definitions, no US Youth Soccer rules, policies or regulations therefore, for the purposes of this manual, let’s use the following basic definition:

Recreational soccer is a soccer program primarily devoted to the enjoyment and development of soccer players without the emphasis on travel or high-level

competition. The purpose of recreational soccer is to provide an opportunity for the participants to have fun, learn the sport and develop life skills including a

lifelong love of the game.

Therefore:

Access is open to all who desire to participate (The Game for ALL Kids). Emphasis is on active participation (minimum of half game playing time). Objective is for the players to enjoy the experience. Success and excellence are measured in players attracted and players retained. Recreational soccer is all about fun, recreation, love of the game, and winning is not a measure

of success.

Children benefit in many ways from participating in recreational soccer and the chances are good that the children you coach will have fun and a very positive experience. However, it is also important that you understand some of the

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characteristics of recreational play and recreational players. Those characteristics are as follows:

Almost every player and parent will start out in recreational soccer. Two-year age groups are typical of recreational teams so there is a wide range between the

most skilled player and the least skilled player. Wider age gaps create greater differences in physical, mental and social development. Players new to the sport are constantly being introduced into the mix. Enthusiasm and dedication varies widely from the highly motivated to the socially involved. Soccer, for the child who wants to play, is an outlet for energy and enthusiasm. For others it is

an imposed activity, something selected for the child by the parent. Fit and unfit players play together. Participation stretches from always there to when it is convenient. The game is played for enjoyment and not necessarily future playing opportunities on college or

elite teams Many young children start out in soccer. (It has been said that, “Soccer is the first sport that

American children play.”) Soccer is a game, especially at the very young level, where all skill-levels of children can participate and have fun.

Many young children try out many sports at a young age and may jump from one activity to another during the year or even during the same season.

Some of the main characteristics of recreational coaches are as follows:

Virtually every recreational coach will be an unpaid parent volunteer. While an increasing number of recreational coaches played soccer growing up, many others,

especially those coaching the youngest age groups are first time soccer coaches with little or no coaching experience.

4. Recreational Player DevelopmentRecreational Player Development takes place most effectively in environments where coaches facilitate learning in two main ways. The first is through the use of developmentally appropriate activities and games; the second is through the coach displaying a thorough understanding of how young players learn and the developmental characteristics of those players.

Coaching in the Under 6 Age Group

Game Application

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Field Size: 20 yards by 30 yardsBall Size: 3

Roster Maximum: 6 Players on field: 3 Game length: Four equal periods of 6 minutes 1 minute between quarters, half-time 3

minutes. Practice Sessions: No practice during the week teams should use part of their time on Saturday to practice.

Rule Modifications:-No Goalkeepers: No player should act as a pseudo-goalkeeper. Players should be taught to follow the flow of play.

Kick-ins will replace throw ins in all divisions, opposing teams must give the player kicking the ball in 2 yards in each direction.

-Goal kicks: Ball to be placed 1 yard in front of the goal, opposing team must move behind half line. The half line will be used as a build out line.

-No slide tackling

-No free kicks (explain infraction to both teams, restart with drop ball)

-No heading the ball

Coaching ModificationsCoaches are allowed to be on the field of play to coach in a positive manner.

U6 General Developmental Characteristics

• Lots of imagination in games.• Sessions should be no longer than 45 minutes• Need to have 4-6 games for players as they lose interest in activities quickly.• No concept of pace. Can quickly burn energy.• Body doesn’t regulate temperature well.• Equate their quality of play to the amount of effort exerted.

U6 Age Group Practice Objectives

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• Balance and coordination.• Initial introduction into different surfaces of foot that can be used to dribble ball.• Initial introduction into different surfaces of foot that can be used to kick ball.• Nearly all activities have 1 player to 1 ball ratio.

U6 Coaching Considerations

The qualities of a good coach in the U6 age group are patience, good humor, and the willingness to see the world through a child’s eyes. Make sure you are dressed like a coach (no jeans, no suits) and be prepared to play with the children, demonstrate activities, act silly and become involved with the session.


Game Application

Field Size: 20 yards by 30 yards Ball Size: 3 Roster Maximum: 6 Players on field: 3 Game length: Four equal periods of 6 minutes. 1 minute between quarters, half-time: 3

minutes. Practice Sessions: Maximum 45 minute session - 1 per week

Rule Modifications:-No Goalkeepers: No player should act as a pseudo-goalkeeper. Players should be taught to follow the flow of play.

-Kick-ins will replace throw ins in all divisions, opposing teams must give the player kicking the ball in 2 yards in each direction.

-Goal kicks: Ball to be placed 1 yard in front of the goal, opposing team must move behind half line. The half line will be used as a build out line.-No slide tackling-Indirect free kick for all fouls.

-No intentionally heading the ball – indirect free kick awarded to opposing team.

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Coaching ModificationsCoaches are allowed to be on the field of play to coach in a positive manner.


• Still have quite an imagination.• Love activities that they can relate to.• Relate their performance to effort exerted on task or game.• Team identity important, not great at sharing their ball.• Body doesn’t regulate temperature well.• Starting to play because they desire to play.


• Balance and coordination.• More exposure to dribbling with different surfaces of foot. • Initial concepts of individual moves, fakes, and faints.• First exposure to working in groups of twos. Passing and receiving ideas.• Trainings should involve 1 to 2 players and 1 ball ratios and intermix ideas with

these ratios.•


U8 Coaching Considerations Every aspect of play coached in the U6 age must be reinforced at U8. It is the coach’s responsibility to encourage a fear free culture in this age group at practice. Games should only be considered as another fun activity that happens to include a soccer ball. Most of the information you will provide to a U8 player will pertain to each player’s individual relationship with the soccer ball — to want it, how to find it, to feel more comfortable with it, to keep it close, etc.

Consider that kids learn by watching and copying and a good picture of proper technique can be a very powerful learning tool in this age group. Coaches should say things such as, “See if you can make it look like this, and try to do most of your teaching by offering a picture and then set up fun games where the objective of the game is for players to practice certain ways to master that technique.


Game Application

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Field Size: 25 yards by 40 yards Ball Size: 4 Roster Maximum: 8 Players on field: 5, one of which shall be designated a goalkeeper Game length: Two equal periods of 20 minutes. half-time: 5 minutes.

Practice Sessions: Maximum 1 hour session - once per week

Rule Modifications:-No slide tackling

-No intentionally heading the ball - penalty will be a free kick from the point of infraction -A build out line runs across the field. (halfway line). The opposing team must move behind the build out line for a goal kick or when the goalkeeper has possession of the ball.

- After the ball is put into play, the opposing team may cross the build out line and resume play as normal.

-the ball is considered in play after the first touch from the goal kick or the pass from the goalkeeper

-OFFSIDE: There is no offside in 5v5. Offside law does not apply. Teams should self-monitor obvious “cherry picking”, and the referee may, at his or her option, enforce cherry picking. The idea is that players should not cheat.

-GOAL KICKS: From inside the penalty area, the goalkeeper rolls the ball into play. Ball must be played within own half or touch the ground within own half. Ball must clear the penalty area for an opponent to play it. A teammate may play the ball within the PA.

Coaching ModificationsCoaches should incorporate sportsmanship in their training sessions and should set this example during games.

Coaches are no longer allowed on the field during play.


Psycho-motor skills are better developed. Can manage more difficult tasks and activities. Have a more developed sense of self. Love to be part of team environments. Physical differences in boys and girls are noticeable. Starting to think ahead. Intrinsically motivated to play.

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• Dribbling with different surfaces of each foot should be encouraged and expected.

• Concepts of individual moves, fakes, and faints should be encouraged and expected.

• Working in groups of twos and threes is common. • Passing with different surfaces of foot is expected and initial ideas of tactical

application presented.• Receiving with different surfaces of foot and with deception is presented and

encouraged.• Initial introduction to combination play (wall pass, overlap, etc.)• Initial attacking and defending concepts are introduced in trainings.• Goalkeeping is introduced to all players.• Trainings should involve 1 to 3 players and 1 ball ratios and intermix ideas with

these ratios. (ex. Warm-up in individual activities and build to larger numbers. 1v2/2v2/3v2/3v3 etc.) Directional play to zones, targets, or areas should be emphasized.


Remembering that fun is still the number one reason why players to continue in the sport is essential. However, coaches must understand that fun for this age group includes learning new skills, forming new friendships and being part of a team. How can we create an environment that incorporates all these elements? Creating a team identity with a cheer, name or logo and allowing players to work in pairs or small groups to solve soccer problems are just some ideas. Be creative with this and you will see the reward.


Game Application

• Field Size: 25 yards by 40 yards• Ball Size: 4• Roster Maximum: 8• Players on field: 5, one of which shall be designated a goalkeeper.• Game length: Two equal periods of 20 minutes. half-time: 5 minutes.

Practice Sessions: Maximum 1 and 15 minute session - once per week

Rule Modifications:-No slide tackling

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-No intentionally heading the ball - penalty will be a free kick from the point of infraction


-GOAL KICKS: From inside the penalty area, the goalkeeper rolls the ball into play. Ball must be played within own half or touch the ground within own half. Ball must clear the Penalty Area for an opponent to play it. A teammate may play the ball within the PA.


• Pubescence is now becoming a reality for some players.• Ability to sustain complex coordinated skill sequences is demonstrated.• Show ability to creatively solve problems, so games and activities must present

problem solving opportunities.• Start to seek peers that are most like them in age, race, sex, and socioeconomic

status. • Overuse injuries, burnout, and high attrition rates are associated with high-

intensity children’s programs that fail to stress skill development and learning enjoyment.

• Self-esteem influenced by: where they are in terms of puberty, how popular they are, race, religion, social class, clothing, etc.


• Dribbling with different surfaces of each foot should be encouraged, expected, and demonstrated.

• Concepts of individual moves, fakes, and faints should be encouraged, expected, and demonstrated.

• Working in groups of twos and threes is expected on offensive and defense. • Passing with different surfaces of foot is expected and ideas of tactical application

presented.• Receiving with different surfaces of foot and with deception is encouraged.• Combination play is part of trainings and games.(wall pass, overlap, take over, etc.)• Attacking and defending concepts are part of trainings and realized in games.• Goalkeeping is worked on with all players.• Trainings should involve 1 to 4/5 players and 1 ball ratios and intermix ideas with

these ratios. (ex. Warm-up in pairs and build to larger numbers. 2v2/3v2/3v3/4v2/5v3/3v5 etc.) Directional play to zones, targets, or areas should be used so players learn how to manipulate field space.


This is an ideal time to allow players to solve their own problems and learn to think about the game. They have to understand ‘why’ they do things and they need coaches who have the communicative and analytical ability to clearly explain and guide players through the nuances

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of the game. At the same time, coaches need to resist the temptation to throw the kids into the ‘adult’ version of the game just because they seem like little adults. They are still young and the game needs to be broken down for them to digest information. Small-sided soccer is still the main teaching tool.

Coaching in the Under 14-19 Age Group

Game Application

• Field Size: 25 yards by 40 yards• Ball Size: 5• Roster Maximum: 8• Players on field: 5, one of which shall be designated a goalkeeper• Game length: Two equal periods of 20 minutes. half-time: 5 minutes.

Practice Sessions: Maximum 1 and 30 minute session - once per week.

No practice sessions for the high school division.

Rule Modifications:-Slide tackles are permitted.

-Heading is permitted.


-GOAL KICKS: From inside the penalty area, the goalkeeper rolls the ball into play. Ball must be played within own half or touch the ground within own half. Ball must clear the Penalty Area for an opponent to play it. A teammate may play the ball within the penalty area.

U14-19 General Developmental Characteristics

• Huge difference between those who have or have not reached maturity.• Peer pressure and perception can have huge impact on team play.• Coaches now are dealing with coaching personalities and attitudes.• Winning and losing becomes important.• Players start to identify with and choose a sport to play.• They are teenagers, what else can be said? (boy or girlfriends, driving, jobs,

school, hanging out, video games, etc.)

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U14-19 Age Group Practice Objectives

• Still need to practice individual skills.• Tactical play is emphasized. (Forwards, central midfielders, outside midfielders,

defenders, etc.)• Spatial awareness is emphasized on offensive and defensive.• Need to begin to understand roles of offense and defense.• Should introduce principles of attack and defense.• Learning to play different positions and formations is important for players.• Communication by players.

U14-19 Coaching Considerations

This is an ideal time to allow players to solve their own problems and learn to think about the game. They have to understand ‘why’ they do things and they need coaches who have the communicative and analytical ability to clearly explain and guide players through the nuances of the game. At the same time, coaches need to resist the temptation to throw the kids into the ‘adult’ version of the game just because they seem like little adults. They are still young and the game needs to be broken down for them to digest information. Small-sided soccer is still the main teaching tool.

5. Recreational Coach Development“Coaching development takes and lasts a lifetime. Coaches who are forever open to the ‘new’ will always create, grow and improve their

understanding of coaching and the player development process.”A coach’s influence on a young child is very important. The effect that a coach has on a child’s development can last for an extended period of time and a lack of effective coaching is one of the main causes of player attrition. Therefore, it is vital that every coach improve their understanding of coaching and the player development process. The best way to achieve that is through participation in a variety of coach education courses.

The Nebraska State Soccer Association (NSSA) and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) offer a number of coach education courses. WNFC strongly recommends that every WNFC coach undertake a coach education course prior to the start of their first season of coaching, and take additional training courses as the coach progresses through the age groups with their team. This recommendation is true for beginning through experienced coaches.

WNFC recommends that every recreational coach to the Grassroots coaching courses described below:

Introduction to Grassroots Coaching:

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This free introductory module, which represents the first step in the newly revised coaching license pathway, is now the general starting point of the pathway and is the required prerequisite to undergo any of U.S. Soccer's Grassroots Licensing Courses. Coaches who complete the module will also be provided with four complimentary Play-Practice-Play training sessions.

The module takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

For a list of frequently asked questions, please visit: https://supportersclub.desk.com/?b_id=7309

The 4v4 Online Course:A two-hour course that builds on the principles covered in U.S. Soccer's

Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. Specifically, candidates will learn more about U.S. Soccer's Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, Play-

Practice-Play Methodology, the Six Tasks of a Coach, and the characteristics of players aged 6-8. The course will also ask each candidate to reflect on their experiences to develop action steps for personal growth.

Eligibility Requirements:In order to register for the 4v4 Online Course, candidates must have

completed U.S. Soccer's Introduction to Grassroots Coaching module. This module can be accessed here.

Cost:The 4v4 Online Course is $25 and includes access to training sessions

and planning tools in the Digital Coaching Center. WNFC will reimburse any coach who completes this class

Please note: A failing grade will be given for courses not completed within twelve (12) months of registration.

The 7v7 Online Course:The 7v7 Online Course is a two-hour course that builds on the principles covered in U.S.

Soccer's Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. Specifically, candidates will learn more about U.S. Soccer's Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, Play-Practice-Play Methodology, the Six Tasks of a Coach, and the characteristics of players aged 9-10. The course will also ask each candidate to reflect on their experiences to develop action steps for personal growth.

Eligibility Requirements:In order to register for the 7v7 Online Course, candidates must have completed U.S.

Soccer's Introduction to Grassroots Coaching module. This module can be accessed here.

https://dcc.ussoccer.com/courses/available/16/details/1546

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The 9v9 Online Course:The 9v9 Online Course is a two-hour course that builds on the principles covered in

U.S. Soccer's Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. Specifically, candidates will learn more about U.S. Soccer's Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, Play-Practice-Play Methodology, the Six Tasks of a Coach, and the characteristics of players aged 11-12. The course will also ask each candidate to reflect on their experiences to develop action steps for personal growth.

Eligibility Requirements:In order to register for the 9v9 Online Course, candidates must have completed U.S.

Soccer's Introduction to Grassroots Coaching module. This module can be accessed here.




The 11v11 Online Course:The 11v11 Online Course is a two-hour course that builds on the principles covered in

U.S. Soccer's Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. Specifically, candidates will learn more about U.S. Soccer's Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, Play-Practice- Play Methodology, the Six Tasks of a Coach, and the characteristics of players aged 13 and older. The course will also ask each candidate to reflect on their experiences to develop action steps for personal growth.

Eligibility Requirements:In order to register for the 11v11 Online Course, candidates must have completed

U.S. Soccer's Introduction to Grassroots Coaching module. This module can be accessed here.



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How to Advance in the Coaching Pathway

To qualify to take the D course: Two in-person Grassroots courses (one of which must be the 11v11) One online course across any of the four levels (4v4, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11)

Coaching Development Resources

Coaching information is abundant on the internet and is usually the easiest way for coaches to access additional coaching information. Some of the better websites with information relevant to coaching in the U6/U8 age group are as follows:

1. https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/ 2. https://www.nebraskastatesoccer.org/ 3. https://unitedsoccercoaches.org/ 4. http://www.iowasoccer.org/coaches/

6. Team Management

http://www.iowasoccer.org/coaches/

https://unitedsoccercoaches.org/

https://www.nebraskastatesoccer.org/

https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/

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Effective communication and coordination with the parents of your players will make the job of coaching a lot more enjoyable. The first step

is to organize a parent-coach meeting prior to each season.

Your parent/coach meeting should include the following:

Identify your Philosophy of Coaching and Goals for the Season

At the recreational level your philosophy should be something similar to, “Success and excellence for this team will be measured in the number of players who continue playing next season, and how much fun they have during the season. Winning is not a measure of success.”

Collect Player Information

Medical information (asthma, allergies, etc.), family situations that may affect the child’s participation or the ride home.

Collect Parent Information

It is important to be able to reach a parent in case of inclement weather or an injury. Coaches should obtain work and cell phone numbers and e-mail addresses of all parents.

Identify Player Responsibilities

Players must bring an inflated soccer ball and water to every practice. Discuss expectations of the players concerning attitude and sportsmanship.

Identify Parent Responsibilities

Discuss expectations of the parents concerning communication with the coach e.g. what is required if their child cannot attend a practice or game. Emphasize that although you will always remain behind with players if a parent is late; the expectation is that parents pick up their child immediately at the end of practice. In addition clarify schedules, snacks, uniforms, etc.

Address Communication Issues

If parents have concerns, encourage them to call or e-mail you on a non game or practice day and definitely not immediately after a game. Appoint a team coordinator and determine how all team communication will be undertaken.

Parental Sideline Behavior

Identify appropriate and inappropriate sideline behavior and decide together how inappropriate adult behavior on the touchlines will be addressed. Some topics of conversation concerning sideline behavior are as follows:

Children want cheerleaders to applaud their success, not adults yelling instructions. Think of the soccer field as a playground and not as a sports venue.

What’s appropriate at a sport stadium with adult athletes is NOT appropriate for young children at play.

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Focus on the process of playing and not the outcome. Unlike the adult game, kids playing soccer do not see the other team as the enemy.

The other team is full of their friends – friends from their school or their neighborhood. They are likely to be playing together in your backyard or in your den after the game.

• Cheer ANY and ALL success on the field. It DOES NOT matter which player OR team. • Don’t keep score, the kids don’t regard it as that important.• Don’t care who wins or loses, they are having fun and that is the objective NOT

winning or losing.

Sportsmanship Here are six things you can discuss with your parents to show what sportsmanship really means:

• Cheer for all the children, even those on the other team. What a surprising difference it can make on the sidelines and in the stands when parents make an effort to applaud a good effort or a fine play — no matter who makes it.

• Talk to parents of the other team. They are not the enemy. • Be a parent, not a coach. Resist the urge to critique. Children dread their parents

going over their performance in detail, pointing out all their mistakes. Sometimes just being there shows your children what being a good parent is all about. Leave the coaching to the coaches

• Thank the officials. Find a few moments to compliment the officials for their hard work after a game (especially if your child's team loses) you will be rewarded with the pleasure of seeing a surprised smile in return.

• Keep soccer in its proper perspective. Soccer should not be larger than life for you. If your child's performance produces strong emotions in you, suppress them. Remember your relationship will continue with your children long after their youth soccer days are over. Keep your goals and needs separate from your child's experience.

• Have fun, that is what the children are trying to do!

Four Red Flags for Parents• Living Out Dreams — A parent who is continuing to live personal athletic dreams

through his/her child has not released his/her child to the game. • Too Involved -— If a parent tends to share in the credit when the child has done well

in sport or has been victorious, the parent is too involved. • Trying Too Hard — If a parent is trying to continue to coach his child when the child

probably knows more about the game than the parent does, he has not released the youth athlete.

• Too Serious — A parent should realize that he is taking everything too seriously and has not released the child to the activity when the parent:

• is nervous before his/her child’s game. • becomes verbally critical of an official. • has a difficult time bouncing back when the player’s team suffers a defeat.

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• makes mental notes during a game so he can give his/her child advice at the conclusion of the game.

• is evaluating his/her child’s performance on the car ride home. Your child is playing to have fun, not to earn a grade! If he or she had fun, the day was a success.

7. Planning Your Coaching SessionThe Coaching Session

• Session duration: dependent on age division.• Necessary coaching equipment — Cones, pinnies, pump, extra balls. The younger

the player the more equal the ball to player ratio should be (i.e. U6 players should each have a ball, U8 players might have 1 ball between 2 players etc.)

• Session progression - Warm up, fun games, small-sided games. • Player equipment - Ball, cleats, appropriate clothing, shin guards, water bottle.

The developmental characteristics of your player’s age group will have a major impact on the design and content of your training session. The session should include fun activities that encourage players to explore their physical abilities as well as emphasizing exploration and experimentation. There should be no activities where players wait in line to perform an activity or movement.

Coaching Session — General Considerations• The coach should arrive prior to the players and set up the practice area. • Make sure the size of your training area is appropriate to the number of players at

training and the physical capabilities of the players. • Make sure you have pinnies, cones, ball pump, flags or larger cones for goals (or pop

up goals) and extra soccer balls.

Coaching Session Checklist • Are the activities fun?

Players learn better in an enjoyable environment • Are the players involved in the activities?

Players enjoy activities that present an achievable challenge. Activities that are too difficult will frustrate players and activities that are too easy will cause boredom. Players should be engaged at all times, and not waiting in lines to perform an activity.

• Are the activities specific to the game? Sending the players to run around the field to warm up prior to the practice

is not developmentally appropriate and, in addition, boring. Warm up activities should include lots of movement and numerous touches

on the ball. • Is the coach’s feedback appropriate?

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It is important to encourage young players. Positive feedback will encourage players to continue to try.

8. Game Day Responsibilities

• Arrive at the field at least 15 minutes prior to the time you told the players to arrive.

• Make sure you bring player cards, emergency medical information and medical release forms for each player.

• Check the playing surface and equipment for safety e.g. objects on the field, goals are secured. Make sure you have a game ball that is properly inflated.

• Confirm the number of players available. • Organize a warm up for your players – lots of movement – not just kicking on goal. • If you have a referee organize the players for referee check- in if not arrange which

coach or parent will be the referee. • The parent should act as a referee but only to help point players in the right

direction and to help with in and out of bounds.• Let the players play. • Coordinate your player rotation to make sure all players receive equal playing time. • Make sure all your comments are very positive. • Make sure each player drinks water and stays hydrated. • Players should be aware of the direction they are attacking and team shape can be

addressed.• Positions are not necessary and although you may be tempted to leave a player

back to defend the goal this is developmentally inappropriate. • Players must learn to attack as a team and defend as a team.• Under no circumstances should children be made to stand in a position,

stand on a line or in a certain area.

Nebraska State Soccer Association Resources: medical release form, player cards, and coaching code of ethics, as well as other team management resources are available at: www.nebraskastatesoccer.org

9. Game Rules

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No Hands

A couple of points to clarify:

First, the rule for a hand ball includes using any part of the body from the tips of the fingers to the shoulder.

Second, the proper way to look at this soccer rule is that a player cannot “handle” the ball. A ball that is kicked and hits a player’s hand or arm is not a hand ball. This means that the referee must use his or her own judgment to some extent in determining whether or not a hand ball is accidental contact or a purposeful attempt to gain an advantage.

Put another way, the referee must determine if the play was:Ball to Hand (legal)

orHand to Ball (illegal)

Believe it or not, there is also a situation in which the goalie cannot use his/her hands. This is sometimes called the back-pass rule. Goalkeepers cannot pick up a pass that came directly from one of their teammates feet. In this case, the goalkeeper must use his feet. Infraction of this soccer rule will result in an indirect kick from the point of the infraction.

Equipment

• a jersey or shirt (Jerseys are provided by WNFC)

• shorts

• stockings

• shinguards

• footwear

• Shinguards: According to FIFA, shinguards should be "covered entirely by the stockings, made of a suitable material (rubber, plastic, or similar substance), and provide a reasonable degree of protection. This leaves a lot of wiggle room!

WNFC will not allow a person to play or practice soccer without shinguards.

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Footwear: There are no requirements by FIFA that your child have shoes with cleats. Technically, regular tennis shoes are fine - not recommended, but legal.

There is also this general safety clause in the FIFA rules: A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewelry).

– No necklaces, earrings, nose rings, belly rings, bracelets, or tiaras.

– Soft "scrunchies" in the hair are generally allowed as are soft head stockings.

– If a child just had their ears pierced, the studs should be covered with tape or removed.

– Lastly, the goalkeeper must wear colors which distinguishes him/her from the other players, the referee, and the assistant referees.

Start and Restart

A kick-off is the way a soccer game is started or restarted: at the start of a game after a goal has been scored at the start of the second half (or each quarter in younger ages) at the start of each period of extra time, if used

The ball is placed in the center of the field. All players must be in their own half of the field and the opponents of the team taking the kick-off must be at least 10 yards from the ball. This distance is indicated by the center circle on the field and will vary some with age.

• Normally the referee will blow his/her whistle to indicate they are ready for the kickoff. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves in any direction.

• Note that the two-touch rule applies here (see Rule 8).• After a team scores a goal, the kick-off is taken by the other team.

Throw-ins (WNFC uses kick-ins)

A throw-in is taken when the ball crosses a sideline and leaves the field.

The two basic soccer rules for a proper throw-in are to have both feet on the ground and to throw the ball with both hands over the head.

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To clarify, both feet must be on the ground when the ball is thrown.

The player can hop, run, or do cartwheels up to the point where the ball is released but not when the ball is released. Dragging the toes of one foot is considered legal.

For teaching purposes it is common to allow players under the age of 8 to take more than 1 attempt

Corner Kicks & Goal Kicks

A corner kick or goal kick is taken when the ball leaves the field across a goal line– you know, either end of the field with a goal.

If the offensive team kicks it out, play is restarted with a goal kick. If the defensive team kicks it out, play is restarted with a corner kick.

The goal kick is taken from anywhere inside the “goalie box” as it is affectionately called. It can be taken by any player, not just the goalkeeper.

WNFC modification for divisions with goalkeepers: From inside the penalty area, the goalkeeper rolls the ball into play. Ball must be played within own half or touch the ground within own half. Ball must clear the Penalty Area (PA) for an opponent to play it. A teammate may play the ball within the PA.

Goal kicks in division without keepers will be taken with the foot approximately 1 yard from the goal.

The corner kick is taken from – yes, you guessed it – the corner nearest to where the ball left the field.

Direct and Indirect Free Kicks

• Direct and indirect kicks are two primary ways that play is restarted after the referee stops play for an infraction.

• For both of these the ball must be stationary before it is kicked and the opposing players should be a minimum of 6 yards away. The 5 yard allowance is often reduced for the smaller age groups and is left up to the discretion of the referee.

• The simple difference between the two is this: On a direct kick you can score by kicking the ball directly into the goal. On an indirect kick you cannot score. An indirect kick must

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be touched by another player before it can go into the goal –that is the kicker and a second person.

• WNFC modification: all restarts including kick ins and kick offs are indirect kicks. The only exception to this rule is corner kicks can go directly into the goal and penalty kicks.

Penalty Kick

A penalty kick results from a contact foul or hand ball by the defending team within the penalty area – the large box on either end of the field. So it’s a type of direct kick. (This does not apply to U6 and U8)

• The ball is placed on the penalty spot or mark, 12 yards (WNFC Modification 8 yards) in front of the center of the goal.

• All players must remain outside the penalty area and the penalty arc until the ball is kicked. The goalkeeper must have both feet on the goal line until the ball is kicked.

• If after the ball is kicked, it rebounds off of the keeper and stays on the field, the ball is “live” and anyone can play it.

• If after the ball is kicked, it rebounds off of the goal and stays on the field, the ball is “live” and anyone can play it with the exception of the person who just kicked the ball. If the ball rebounds off of the goal and back into play, the person who kicked the ball cannot play it until the ball is touched by another player –otherwise he/she will be called for two touches.

Two-touch Rule

• A player cannot touch the ball twice in a row when putting the ball in play. You will see this called many times in youth soccer. It applies everywhere. You will see it frequently on kick-offs, corner kicks, or direct and indirect kicks. If a kid barely hits the ball and decides to take another swipe at it, that is a two-touch violation.

• This also applies to throw-ins. A player cannot throw the ball in and then kick it.

• The only exception to this rule is on a drop ball restart.

Substitutions

• It is the policy of Western Nebraska Football Club that all players have the opportunity to play at least 50% of all contests.

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• Substitutions for U6 and U8 should be done at the quarter or halftime breaks unless injury or illness requires one sooner. Use common sense here.

• All other divisions will use a "Flying substitution" all players but the goalkeeper enter and leave as they please, all players need to leave and enter the field at the half line, exiting players must be completely off the field before the substituting player may enter. Goalkeeper substitutions can only be made when the ball is out of play and with a referee's consent.

10. Coaches Requirements Thank you for volunteering to coach with WNFC,, under the membership of Nebraska State Soccer. As a volunteer there are a few requirements that must be completed before the season begins. A description of these requirements and links to access need resources can be found on our website www.westernnebraskafc.com under the coaches’ resource tab.

Incident Reports:To report injuries, poor or unsafe field conditions, any unusual incident, or submit a complaint to the WNFC Board. The link to the incident report can be found on our website www.westernnebraskafc.com under the coaches’ resource tab.

11. COVID-19 WNFC in conjunction with Nebraska state soccer number one priority is the safety and health of our members. WNFC’s policies and procedures regarding COVID-19 can be found on our website www.westernebraskafc.com under the COVID-19 Tab.

http://www.westernebraskafc.com/

http://www.westernnebraskafc.com/

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