Coaching

Coaching Objectives

Springfield FC Coaches will to the best of their ability provide instruction in the proper skills and rules pertaining to the game of Soccer, recognizing that player development is Springfield’s primary goal. Coaches will use positive reinforcement and constructive criticism at games and practices. Coaches will be optimistic and encourage participation of all team members. Coaches will use their best efforts to provide to each player the opportunity for individual growth and development. In addition, basic objectives of a coach will be:

(a) For U9 and U10 age groups which are non-competitive: Coach will make sure that players have fun and develop FUNdamental soccer skills. Coach will introduce them to winning and reinforce good sportsmanship in the face of winning and also losing a match. (b) For competitive divisions (U11 and above): Coach will balance the goals of the team to be an environment for fun, enjoyment and development with winning if possible. Winning games will never outweigh fun, enjoyment and development.

Playing Time

Coaches will ensure fair playing time for all players. Coaches will determine playing time for players based on the situation of each game, but will play all players on the team in each and every match.

In return, travel team players must demonstrate satisfactory effort and attitude to be ensured playing time, in games and practices. Coaches will conform to the minimum play requirements for all players who are at the game, have attended practice regularly and are not injured, as follows:

(a) Ages U9 and U10: Each player will play 50% of the game, rotating positions throughout the season. If a player plays half of the game in goal, they should play 25% of the game on the field.
(b) Ages U11 – U13: At least 25% in each game, rotating positions at the coach’s discretion.

The only exceptions to these rules for all age groups are the following situations where the coach determines the appropriate playing time:

(i) on Elite/A Teams
(ii) In league playoff games or State Cups
(iii) In Ranked Tournaments or Ranked League Games

(iv) Situations where a coach has determined a player has not met game or practice requirements (see below)

It is assumed with the A, Elite, and Premier Teams in U11 and above that players are chosen for their ability and rosters will be smaller to accommodate playing time in an efficient manner.

Players on these teams will also understand that attendance to practices, trainings and games are mandatory. If a player is also playing another sport within season, or with another Club and SFC is their Secondary Club, whether it is Fall, Winter or Spring, and that other sport/Club will take priority over their duties as a player for the SFC Team, then they must notify the Coach and Director, in writing prior to accepting their spot on this team. A coach reserves the right to give a player less than minimum time if they feel their commitment level is not on the same level as others on the team; meaning the player does not attend the majority of practices or games. SFC reserves the right to place the player, after speaking with the coach, SFC Board, and parents on a lower level team within the same age bracket.

Non-Compliance

If a coach or coaches are not compliant with the policies established herein, it will be grounds for the termination of coaching privileges within Springfield FC, after discussion with The Director of Coaching and the SFC Board.

Discipline

Coaches are prohibited from a team imposed discipline of any player or coach on their team. If a coach feels action is warranted for discipline, then the coach must contact, in writing, with an Incident Report to the Director. From there this will be discussed with The Board of Directors to see if there is any action that needs to be taken.

If a player or Coach gets Booked (Yellow or Red Card), the Coach must send a report to The Director within 24 hours of the game. For the most part, Yellow Cards will be treated as such, warnings. A coach still must report them so the Club can keep a record and see if action is needed for a Player or Coach with multiple Yellow Cards. If a Red Card is issued, a Player or Coach was removed from the field, the board will take the Incident Report from the Coach and Referee then decide if further action, a suspension, is needed.