Coaching Do's and Don'ts

Do

• Communicate often with your players and parents. Tell them what is going on.
• Get help from other parents (assistants, first aid, refreshments, etc).
• Get coach training for yourself and parent volunteers (free from the Dragons) and always strive to improve yourself as a coach.
• Be prepared for practice; make it well-structured, active and fun.
• Be punctual for games and practices.
• If feasible, all players should get equal playing time.
• Be positive, enthusiastic and have fun.
• Dress appropriately.
• At games, ask parents to sit on the opposite side of the field from the players.
• Introduce yourself to the other team’s coach before the game.
• Encourage your team…and the opponent.
• Teach fair play, respect and sportsmanship; set an example.
• Praise good play, creativity, and improvement, not just goals.
• Insist that at least one parent be present for games and practices at the U5 to U11 levels.
• Inform the parent if their child is injured.
• Know the Laws of the Game.
• Review the code of conduct (in the Handbook) with your players and parents.
• Intervene immediately if you detect inappropriate behaviour (bullying, racism, foul language, rough play, etc.) on the part of your players or their parents.
• Focus on individual player development, not on winning.
• Have a proper warm-up and cool-down before and after every activity.
• If you would like to approach the referee to request an explanation of a call (not to argue for a change in the call), please do so in a calm and respectful manner and only at half-time or after the game.

Don't

• Criticize or argue with the referee or the other team’s coach, players or parents.
• Scold a player for making a mistake.
• Run up the score (max. 8-goal spread).
• Make a habit of directing the game from the sidelines.
• Leave a child unattended at the end of a game or practice.
• Try to win at all costs.
• Take yourself too seriously.