BJSA relies entirely on the efforts of its volunteers so we’d like to thank you for taking the time to coach this season. We couldn’t do this without the commitment and hard work of our parents! The most important message that we can get across to our coaches is that you and your players should have fun. Remember, if your players are smiling and craving more soccer at the end of the season, then you have done your job well!
Following is a list of coaching expectations to help you plan your season:
- Attend the preseason coaches’ meeting (information, uniforms, discussion – about an hour usually on a Saturday morning about a week before the season begins).
- Contact your team (introduce yourself and your assistant coaches, hand out uniforms, schedule, practice night).
- Hold pre-season parent-coach meeting to outline what they can expect from you and what you will expect from them and their kids. Give them a copy of the Parent Expectations as shown above.
- Communicate effectively and regularly with parents regarding schedule changes, cancellations and BJSA correspondence.
- If cancelling a practice or a game, be sure to contact players/parents. Please see the “forms’ section of the BJSA website for game cancellation procedures.
- Attend the Coaches’ Clinic/Meeting(s) at Nassahegan (when applicable) and encourage your assistants to attend as well (1.5 hours in the evening, once per season).
- Arrive on time and participate in the Saturday morning skills sessions (Micro coaches – 30 minutes every Saturday before your game).
- General expectations:
- Arrive early to practice and come prepared.
- Have a practice plan and have your practice set up before players arrive.
- Wear your BJSA coach’s shirt on game days.
- On game day, get in the habit of arriving 30 minutes before game time. During the game, rotate and substitute players evenly. Provide the opportunity for players to develop skills at all positions.
- Be sure all players have been picked up by a parent after practice or a game. No player should be left alone at any practice field or game without adult supervision.
- Foster a love of the game.
- Give positive reinforcement.
- Promote good sportsmanship. Teach players how to win and lose gracefully.
- Respect and support the referees.
- Treat all players with respect.
- Be a leader and set a good example. Coaches are Role Models and must demonstrate positive behavior. Use of abusive or other inappropriate language is unacceptable.
- Be good ambassadors for the town of Burlington.
BJSA Coach Expectations (pdf)