👟 Coach & 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.
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 certifications are mandatory to maintain a safe environment for young athletes and to ensure our club is covered by insurance.
Once completed, the SafeSport and Concussion certificates must be uploaded to your profile. If you have any issues uploading them or general questions, contact our REGISTRAR. For coaches already signed up, check out our RULES AND ERRATA page. It is also integral that you understand our zero tolerance policy toward REFEREE ABUSE — click the link and read it fully.
✅ Required Certifications
1. SafeSport Training
SafeSport training is mandatory for all coaches and anyone assisting on the sideline — whether at a game or practice. This program educates coaches on how to identify and prevent abuse, ensuring the soccer environment is free from misconduct. Follow the link below to sign up and complete the course. You will need to enter the training code to gain access.
Sign Up — U.S. Center for SafeSport →Free Training Code: tsVWe36Xa6PS3b5NzOug
2. Background Check
CJSA requires every coach to complete a thorough background check, located within each coach's profile. A driver's license and date of birth are required to be supplied and submitted. This process ensures that only those with a clean and trustworthy record are permitted to coach young athletes.
3. Concussion Certification
In compliance with CJSA regulations, coaches must obtain a Concussion Certificate. This trains coaches to recognize and properly manage concussions — a critical aspect of player safety. Use the link below to complete the training:
CDC Heads Up Training →⚠️ No coach or assistant may interact with players until ALL THREE certifications have been completed, submitted, and approved by CJSA.
This policy is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of every young athlete in our program. There are no exceptions.
Consequences of Not Fulfilling CJSA Requirements
| 1. Ineligibility to Coach | Coaches who do not complete required certifications will not be allowed on the sideline or to conduct practices. This cannot be waived and disrupts the team's training and development. |
| 2. Program Non-Compliance | Programs that consistently fail to meet CJSA requirements may face fines, suspension of games, or revocation of CJSA affiliation — severely limiting the program's ability to operate. |
| 3. Player & Program Disqualification | Teams with non-compliant coaches may be disqualified from CJSA-sanctioned events, tournaments, or leagues — affecting players and families who have invested in the season. |
| 4. Legal & Safety Risks | Non-compliance — especially in background checks and concussion management — can expose the program to legal action if a player is harmed due to inadequate safety protocols. |
| 5. Damage to Reputation | Non-compliance erodes trust from parents, players, and the community — leading to decreased enrollment, loss of sponsorship, and difficulty attracting qualified coaches. |
| 6. Financial Penalties | Failure to comply may result in fines that strain the program's budget, reducing resources for player development, equipment, and operations. |
Impact on Insurance Coverage
| 1. Loss of Coverage | Programs that fail to ensure certified coaches may lose their CJSA insurance coverage entirely — exposing the program to significant financial liability for any incident. |
| 2. Denied Insurance Claims | If an incident occurs and the coach was non-compliant, the insurance provider may deny the claim — leaving the program responsible for medical expenses, legal fees, and damages. |
| 3. Increased Liability | Without insurance protection, administrators may be personally liable for lawsuits — putting personal assets at risk in addition to the program itself. |
| 4. Program Suspension | CJSA may suspend or terminate affiliation of a non-compliant program, resulting in immediate loss of insurance and the ability to participate in any sanctioned activity. |
| 5. Difficulty Obtaining Future Insurance | A history of non-compliance makes it harder to obtain insurance in the future — providers may view the program as high-risk, leading to higher premiums or denial of coverage. |
| 6. Impact on Participants | Loss of insurance may force the program to shut down temporarily or permanently — leaving players without the opportunity to participate in soccer they rely on for development and community. |
To avoid these consequences, all coaches and program administrators must ensure full compliance with CJSA requirements. Compliance ensures the safety of players, the integrity of the program, and the financial protection of everyone involved. Questions? Contact our REGISTRAR.