Carterville Soccer Association Coaches Information

Operations Administrator – Jason Williams (618) 694-0463

Practices
As a Coach, you will be responsible for scheduling and conducting practices. Although not required, I would try to have at least a practice or two before the games start. This will allow you to meet and become familiar with your players. Once the games begin, scheduling practices will become more difficult, but some coaches will have them throughout the season. The fields will be available for practices on a first come, first serve basis anytime games are not scheduled. If you need help with practices, or need some ideas for drills, let us know.

Equipment
The equipment required for each player is fairly minimal. Shin guards must be worn, and should be covered completely by socks. Cleats are not required, but will be a definite advantage on wet turf. If the kids have cleats, they must be designed for soccer. No metal spikes, or shoes with a toe cleat will be allowed.

Uniform shirts will be provided for the players. They will be required to provide their own socks and shorts (or pants). Shirts should be tucked in during games. One goalie jersey will be provided for each team. It should be worn by the goalkeeper during games to distinguish him or her from the other players.

No jewelry or watches may be worn during games, nor can ear rings be covered, they must be removed. Anything deemed to be hazardous by the referee will not be allowed. Exceptions may be made for medically necessary accessories or religious items that are deemed non-hazardous.

The Ball
Pre-K age division will use a size Three (3) ball and coaches ARE allowed on the field during the game. K/1st division through 5th-6th grade age divisions will use a size Four (4) ball. 7th - 8th will use a size Five (5) ball.

Game Format
Pre-K For the Pre-K Division, the Coaches will run the games. They will be responsible for keeping the game time and refereeing, as well as doing substitutions. The game format for the Pre-K Division will be different than the rest of the league. They will meet at their scheduled time and practice for 15-20 minutes on one half of a field. Following the practice session, they will play a 30 minute game against the scheduled team. (Two 15 minute halves with a 5 minute halftime)
 

Other Age Divisions
The games for all other age divisions will be refereed by at least one official. The coaches will be responsible for substitutions and coaching. The game durations will be as follows:
K/1st division - Four 8 minute quarters (2 min. between quarters/5 min. halftime)
2nd/3rd Grade division - Four 10 minute quarters (2 min. between quarters/5 min. halftime)

Number of Players:
Pre-K NO GOALKEEPER (3V3 Recommended, 4V4 optional)
K/1st Coed and 1st/2nd Boys 5 field players and a Goalkeeper (6 v 6)
2nd/4th Girls 8 field players and a Goalkeeper (9 v 9) (8 V 8 if low on subs)
3rd/4th Grade Boys 7 field players and a Goalkeeper (8 v 8) (7 V 7 if low on subs)

Substitutions: The Referee must approve all substitutions.
For K - 3, substitutions may be made:
1. When the ball is out of play
2. When a goal has been scored
3. When an injury has occurred
4. Between quarters

For 3 & Up, substitutions may be made: 1. By the throwing team on a throw-in
2. By either team on a goal kick
3. When a goal has been scored
4. When an injury has occurred
5. Between halves

Game Procedures
Restarts Use the FIFA restarts at all age levels except Pre-K. They will do kick-ins instead of throw-ins.

Use Throw-ins if the ball crosses the Touch Line.
Use Goal kicks and Corner Kicks when the ball crosses the Goal Line.
Use Kickoffs to start the match and the second half, also after a goal has been scored.

Remember, the player taking the kick may only touch the ball once. For Kindergarten through 3rd Grade only Indirect Kicks will be awarded. For 4th Grade and up, both Indirect and Direct Kicks will be used. This will include Penalty Kicks.
 

Offside
No offsides will be called, HOWEVER, cherry picking should be managed by coaches and discouraged.
 

Authority on the Field
Please keep in mind that although you will most likely be older than the referee, he or she is the authority figure on the field. Their primary objective will be to keep the kids safe during the match. Please respect the calls of the referee, even if you disagree with them. Remember, some of our refs are still learning the game, just as most of the coaches are. If you have an issue with a call during a match, wait until halftime or afterward, and calmly discuss it then. You are setting an example for the kids on your team and for the parents on the sideline. The last thing we need is to have a coach chewing out a 13 year old ref in front of his team and a bunch of parents. If you have any issue with a referee that you feel needs a follow up, please contact Jason Williams (618) 694-0463.

Playing Time
Every attempt should be made to provide equal playing time for all players on each team. Try not to start the same players every game. Injuries If a player is injured, play will continue until the whistle is blown by the referee. The ref should only stop the game if a player appears to be seriously hurt, or if there is blood. If a player is down and the referee doesn’t see him, encourage your team to kick the ball out of play to stop the game. If the game is stopped for an injury, all players should “Take a Knee” until play is about to resume.
 

Successful Instruction
Remember to be encouraging and tolerant of mistakes. Many of you are learning the game along with the kids, so be sure to keep it fun for everyone. Our goals are to teach the kids the game, about teamwork, how to work hard, and to have fun. Players will mimic your behavior, so if you are having a good time, so will they.
 

Sportsmanship
Coaches should never yell at the referees or at any parents. Everything you do should encourage good sportsmanship. Encourage your team to cheer for the opponents when they make a good play. Be sure to have your team line up to shake hands with the other team after every game. Make sure to thank the referees after each game.

Dealing with Players
Make sure to let players know what is expected of them at your first meeting. When you are coaching, they should be listening. They should keep their hands to themselves. Sitting or standing on soccer balls should not be allowed. Absolutely no climbing or hanging from the goals will be tolerated. If you have disruptive players that continue to cause problems after being talked to, have them do pushups or run laps. If the behavior continues, have them sit out; until their parent arrives if necessary.

Dealing with Parents
Consider sending a note home with the players at the beginning of the season that explains your expectations for both the kids and parents. Encourage parents to be supportive of both teams during games. Remind them that they should be setting a good example for the kids too. During games, the parents should be on the opposite
side of the field from the teams. This allows the players to more easily hear the directions from the coach, and keeps the games running smoothly. Advise parents that no one should be on the ends of the fields during games.
 

Questions?
If you have any questions concerning the information presented here or general questions about the league contact Jason Williams or Dave Tolcou (618-713-3724). If you need help planning practices or have questions concerning rules contact Dave Tolcou or Seth Kohlhaas (618-218-6046).