COACH AND ASSISTANT COACH RESPONSIBILITIES

We're thrilled that you've decided to explore the possibility of becoming a coach within our soccer program! Your interest in guiding and supporting young athletes is the first step toward making a meaningful impact in our community. Coaching is a rewarding experience, and we're here to provide you with all the information and resources you need to get started.

In alignment with the standards set by the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA), all recreation soccer coaches and assistants are required to complete SafeSport Training, a Background Check, and obtain a Concussion certificate. These three certifications are crucial to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for young athletes, ensuring that every participant is protected and valued but also mandated in order for our club to be covered by insurance.

Once completed, the SafeSport and Concussion certificates must be uploaded to your profile, ensuring that all necessary documentation is in place and readily accessible.   If you have any issues uploading them or general questions feel free to contact our REGISTRAR.  

For those coaches already signed up please check out our new RULES AND ERRATA page.

SafeSport Training

As a key component of the CJSA's commitment to player safety, SafeSport training is mandatory for all coaches and people assisting on the sideline whether its a game or practice. This program educates coaches on how to identify and prevent abuse, ensuring that the soccer environment is free from misconduct. By completing this training, coaches are better equipped to create a positive and safe atmosphere for all players.

LINK: 
SafeSport Training
Free Training Code:  tsVWe36Xa6PS3b5NzOug

Background Check

To uphold the integrity of the sport and ensure the safety of all participants, CJSA requires that every coach undergo a thorough background check which is located within each coaches profile and requires a drivers license and Date of Birth  to be supplied and submitted.  This process is essential in screening individuals who will be working closely with young athletes, ensuring that only those with a clean and trustworthy record are permitted to coach.

Concussion Certification

In compliance with CJSA regulations, coaches must also obtain a Concussion certificate. This certification is vital for educating coaches on how to recognize and properly manage concussions, a critical aspect of player safety. By being trained in concussion protocols, coaches can take the necessary steps to protect players from serious injury and ensure their well-being on the field.

LINK:
CDC Heads UP

These requirements reflect CJSA's dedication to providing a safe, nurturing, and enjoyable soccer experience for all players. By adhering to these standards, recreation soccer coaches play a crucial role in fostering a positive sports environment where the health and safety of young athletes are always the top priority.

Without fulfilling these requirements, coaches are not permitted to engage with players during practices or games. This policy underscores our commitment to providing a safe, positive, and secure environment for all participants in our recreation soccer program.


Please be aware that no individual is permitted to interact with the team in any capacity until AFTER the SafeSport training, Background Check, and Concussion certificate have been completed and submitted to the NECONN club. These documents must then be approved by the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA). This process is in place to ensure the utmost safety and well-being of our young athletes, reflecting our commitment to providing a secure and supportive environment for everyone involved.

                                              IMPORTANT CJSA FACTS

Consequences of Not Fulfilling CJSA Requirements

Failing to fulfill the CJSA requirements can have significant consequences for both coaches and the program as a whole. The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) has strict guidelines in place to ensure the safety, integrity, and proper administration of youth soccer which are carefully adhered to by clubs and enforced and monitored through the CSRP (Connecticut State Referee Program) Here’s what can happen if these requirements are not met:

1. Ineligibility to Coach

Coaches who do not complete the required SafeSport training, Background Check, and Concussion certification will not be allowed to take the sideline or conduct practices. This means they cannot participate in any official coaching activities until all requirements are fulfilled. This ineligibility can disrupt the continuity and effectiveness of the team’s training and development.

2. Program Non-Compliance

If a program consistently fails to ensure that its coaches meet CJSA requirements, the program itself may be deemed non-compliant. This can result in penalties, such as fines, suspension of games, or even revocation of the program's affiliation with CJSA. Such consequences can severely impact the ability of the program to operate and provide soccer opportunities to its players.

3. Player and Program Disqualification

Teams with non-compliant coaches may face disqualification from participating in CJSA-sanctioned events, tournaments, or leagues. This disqualification not only affects the team’s ability to compete but can also demoralize players and their families who have invested time and effort into the season.

4. Legal and Safety Risks

Non-compliance with CJSA requirements, especially in areas like background checks and concussion management, can expose the program to legal risks. If a player is harmed due to inadequate safety protocols, the program could face legal action from parents or guardians. Additionally, failure to conduct proper background checks could lead to incidents that compromise the safety and well-being of the players.

5. Damage to Reputation

A program’s reputation is built on trust and credibility within the community. Non-compliance with CJSA requirements can lead to a loss of trust from parents, players, and the broader community. This damage to reputation can result in decreased enrollment, loss of sponsorship, and challenges in attracting qualified coaches in the future.

6. Financial Penalties

In some cases, failure to comply with CJSA standards may lead to financial penalties. These fines can strain the program’s budget, potentially reducing resources available for player development, equipment, and other essential aspects of the soccer program.

To avoid these serious consequences, it is crucial that all coaches and program administrators ensure they are in full compliance with CJSA requirements. By doing so, they help create a safe, fair, and enjoyable environment for all participants in the soccer program.

Impact on Insurance Coverage Due to Non-Compliance with CJSA Requirements

Non-compliance with CJSA requirements can have serious implications for a program's insurance coverage. CJSA-affiliated programs are typically insured under the association's insurance policy, which provides coverage for liability, accidents, and other risks associated with running a youth soccer program. However, this insurance coverage is contingent upon meeting CJSA's mandatory requirements. Here’s how failing to comply can affect insurance:

If a program does not ensure that its coaches have completed the required SafeSport training, Background Check, and Concussion certification, it may lose its insurance coverage. Without insurance, the program would be exposed to significant financial risks, including liability for injuries, accidents, or other incidents that occur during practices, games, or other sanctioned activities.

In the event of an incident, such as an injury or allegation of misconduct, if it is found that the program or a coach was non-compliant with CJSA requirements, the insurance provider may deny the claim. This could leave the program financially responsible for medical expenses, legal fees, and damages, which could be financially devastating.

Without the protection of insurance, the program and its administrators may be personally liable for any legal claims or lawsuits that arise. This increased liability not only affects the program's ability to operate but also puts the personal assets of those involved at risk.

CJSA may suspend or terminate the affiliation of a non-compliant program, which would result in the immediate loss of insurance coverage. Without this affiliation, the program would not only lose its insurance but also its ability to participate in CJSA-sanctioned leagues, tournaments, and events.

A history of non-compliance and resulting insurance issues can make it difficult for a program to obtain insurance coverage in the future. Insurance providers may view the program as high-risk, leading to higher premiums or outright denial of coverage.

If a program loses its insurance, it may be forced to shut down temporarily or permanently, leaving players without the opportunity to participate in soccer. This can be particularly detrimental to the community and the players who rely on the program for physical activity, skill development, and social interaction.

To maintain insurance coverage and protect all participants, it is essential that programs strictly adhere to CJSA’s requirements. Compliance not only ensures the safety and well-being of players but also provides crucial financial protection for the program and its coaches.