Spencer County Soccer Association EST. 1998 “Teaching the youth the world’s game one touch at a time”

U6/U8 Coaches handbook & lesson plan

Feel free to make copies of this handbook Spencercountysoccer.com

Spencer County Soccer Association Coaches Handbook and Lesson Plan U6/U8 SCSA Mission Statement: “To improve the lives of Spencer County residents, to teach Judeo-Christian values as they apply to community pride, good sportsmanship, and teamwork. The Association shall include all persons regardless of race, religion, income, or gender with the goal to help them achieve their full potential.” Spencercountysoccer.com SCSA Motto: “Parents make a difference” “Faith, Family, & Futbol” Alan Brentzel – President Andy Mallory Vice President Richard Hood - Treasurer Jennifer Williamson Secretary Angela Muddell - Registrar Referee Assignor Jordan Heuglin Coaching Director U6/U8 Michael Heuglin Coaching Director U10 up Michael Heuglin Parks Director Brian Spencer

553-4650 664-8049 477-2515 724-5888 477-9543 876-6336 407-1214 407-1214 376-9850

Congratulations and welcome to the Spencer County Soccer Association. We admire your willingness to volunteer your time and talents with the goal of making a difference in a child’s life. Regardless of your knowledge of the game or ability to play; you can learn to teach our youth the “world’s game”. With the proper guidance, research, self-motivation, and coaching materials you can develop into a soccer coach that cares, understands, and knows how to inspire all children to love and learn the game. Patience is the key to teaching all youth. If you have any questions, concerns, comments, ideas please contact a board member or director listed above. We are here to help, learn, and work together with all coaches, parents, and players to better our program for everyone. This handbook is intended to help all U6/U8 coaches run a successful practice that teaches proper skills and tactics to all players as to develop them according to the teachings/philosophy of the SCSA. It is recommended that all practices be run each week according to one of the lesson plans. Feel free to change, add, or delete from these lesson plans as to adapt to your teams ability or attention span. You will learn that by simply adding/subtracting balls, players, goals, or pressure you can change these lesson plans to achieve different and/or desired results. A coach should be prepared before every practice by understanding the lesson plan, having the proper coaching equipment, and being motivated at a high level that transfers to the young player. You should give constant encouragement and correct improper techniques or tactics according to the “Freeze Concept”. Constant repetition is very important in teaching the young players, so you should be consistent/persistent in what you say, how you say it, what you teach, and how you teach it. Find a method that works for you and adjust it to fit your players. It is important to recognize how a player learns and when a practice session is going wrong or not as intended. Once you recognize it; change it by having that full proof game that refocuses the players on having fun and learning at the same time. SCSA Coaching Philosophy: We want to afford all children the opportunity to learn to love the game of soccer by instilling the fundamentals of ball control, footskills, tactics, and pure “FUN”. Our goal is to instill the concept in all parents, players, and coaches that our primary focus should be teaching fundamentals and not just showing up for game day. Wins and loses are not important, but how you play the game and grow as a player in all aspects is important. We wish to take the focus away from “game day” and place it truly where it belongs…..back on the individual mastering the skills necessary to remain active in the game for many years and someday make their dreams come true. As the individual grows, the team will follow and therefore produce skilled players that love the game and strive to be the best they can be on and off the field. “We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.”

Please note that this handbook is the property of the SCSA and should be returned to the SCSA after each season to the coaching director!! (1)

Spencer County Soccer Association Coaches handbook and lesson plan U6/U8 U6/U8 RULES: U6 3 V 3 no keeper Four 8 minute qtrs (1-2 min between) (1) coach on field or sideline and behind goal Kick-ins only (Taking place of throwins)

U8 *5 V 5 or 6 V 6 with a keeper Four 12 minute qtrs (1-2 min between) (1) coach on sideline and behind goal Kick-ins only * U8s play 5v5 or 6v6 depending on sign ups each season. You will be notified on this decision each season before it starts

**These rules supersede all USYSA and KYSA rules/regulations **Wins and loses are not a part of recreational soccer, therefore we do not keep scores **No jewelry allowed during a practice or game (Strictly enforced) **Must wear shinguards at all practices and games that are completely covered by socks 1. 50% Playing Time: Each player must have the opportunity to play at least 50% of each game with equal playing time for each player being your ultimate goal each game. **This applies to every child on your roster regardless of ability** 2. Substitute at end of each QTR only, unless necessary during play at which substitutes may be done only at stoppage of play and with referees approval from midline. 3. All free kicks (foul kicks, goal kicks, and corner kicks) are direct kicks which means a goal can can be scored directly from the kick without touching another player from either team except on kick-offs. **All kick offs must be performed with two players (generally with a simple pass) **Any team kicking off directly on goal will result in the opposing team receiving a kickoff. 4. Free kicks awarded to a team inside of their opponents goal box will be taken 3 yards from where foul occurred. 5. A player will be docked (1) QTR if referee calls same player for rough play, pushing, or a tripping Foul (3) or more times in a single QTR (**This is at the referees discretion**) 6. Opposing team must remain a minimum of (3) yards from ball during all free kicks (4 yds for U8). 7. No players are allowed to play the ball inside of goal box area on U6 FIELD only -If attacker infringes then goal kick is awarded. If defender infringes then free kick awarded to attacking team. 8. Opposing team must line up at midline during a goal kick in U6 DIVISION only 9. Goal keepers may handle the ball within their own penalty box and may not handle a ball directly Kicked to them by a teammate (** A keeper becomes a field player when outside of box) 10. Referee is sole time keeper. All decisions are at the referees’ discretion and are FINAL. U6 field U8 field Penalty box Goal box Goal box Center circle S

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D Goal

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Goal S

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Corner kick Touch line (2)

Mid-line

D Goal line

Spencer County Soccer Association U6/U8 Coaches handbook and lesson plan Philosophy: Introduce anything and everything, let the player’s response dictate if you need to keep advancing. If it’s not fun then they will not learn. Keep it simple. What to teach U6: -Footskills: Any touches in any manner on the ball. Most important to teach at this level without the players even realizing it. Your goal should be to allow each player to touch the ball at least 100-150 times per practice. -Baboom: ball between feet, body over ball, lightly kick ball back and forth from left to right foot using instep repeatedly. -Dribbling: moving the ball by kicking/touching/pushing it with feet -Encourage them to touch the ball with all parts of the foot and constantly change direction of the ball (No toes) -Zip: ball in front of body, step over ball with one foot and use other foot to touch ball behind stepping foot with instep. -Turning: (1) stop and drag ball with instep to change direction. (2) stop and drag ball with outside of foot to change direction: -Roll back turn: Place foot on top of ball and roll it back behind you while turning your body with ball and change direction. -Step over: ball in front of body. Legs spread slightly apart, move one foot around ball without touching it and plant that foot back into it’s original starting place. Then take other foot and touch the ball into a direction (usually done with outside of foot). -Scissors: Two step overs in a row then move ball -Toe Tap: Slowly raise one foot and touch the top of ball, then place same foot back on ground and repeat with other foot and continue this over and over while slowly letting them build speed. -Roll over: use the bottom of your foot to roll the ball in a direction by placing your foot on top of the ball and rolling it. -Proper kicking: hop to ball, plant non kicking foot next to ball while pointing it in the direction they want to pass/shoot, and kick with instep or laces (no toes). -Proper dribbling: ball within 2 steps of feet, body slightly bent over ball, push or touch ball with instep. -Dribbling is used to beat an opponent one on one -Pass ball directly to teammate and move away to receive ball back -Pass/shoot into goal and follow ball -Marking: Defending opponent by staying within 1-3 yards of him/her -Always stay between your goal and opponent (Goal side/inside) -Defend balls near own goal by playing ball toward touchlines (outside of field) -Positions: (1) defender and (2) forwards/strikers -Strikers usually score the goals and attack the opposition’s goals -Defenders move as ball moves but typically only go up to midline -Maintain shape: Players should place themselves in a triangular shape with their teammates by moving as their teammates move. -Shielding: Keeping your body over the ball or between the ball and defender in order to maintain possession and keep ball from defender. -Receiving: as ball comes to player, the player should slightly raise foot from ground and allow ball to bump into arch of instep to deaden the ball and therefore control the ball. (3)

Spencer County Soccer Association Coaches handbook and lesson plan What to teach U8: -Foot skills: same as U6 but add following: -Two foot skill moves in a row (Combination) -Receive with outside of foot only when touching the ball immediately to a direction you want to go quickly -Allow them to make up their own moves -Ask them to learn, perform, and master 2-3 moves -Dribble/Pass: using inside, outside, and shoe laces of foot to dribble/pass -Pass directly to teammate’s feet or pass to where you want teammate to go….usually done by passing ball to open space and allowing teammate to run to the ball to beat defenders. -PASS & MOVE to open space or support position -Marking: Goalside & Inside: Goalside means between own goal and opponent. Inside means keeping your body directly between own goal and opponent. Defend the opponents by staying within 1-3 yards of them to deny them from receiving the ball -Defending: Always approach opponent who has ball very quickly, then slightly hesitate in front of them to force opponent to stop, pass, or slowdown. You should defend by approaching the opponent with your body and feet at a slight angle…………never square to them which allows them to pass between your legs or move you off balance. -Maintain shape: Form triangular shape with teammates when attacking or defending. -Support in possession of ball: Being in a position that allows you to receive a pass from a teammate when your team has possession of the ball. All players should move to a position that allows them to be open for a pass. -Support without possession of ball, therefore defending: Being in a position that allows you to back up your teammate if he gets dribbled/passed around by opponent or being in a position that allows you to intercept a pass by an opponent. -Communication: All players should talk on the field to let their teammate know where they are at and where they are going using proper terms. “Drop”: pass ball backwards to teammate “Square”: pass ball to left or right to teammate “Through”: pass ball over defenders or through defenders “Split”: pass ball between two defenders to open space “Ball”: used to call for ball when open “Back to”: used to tell teammate you want ball back after you pass it “ 1-2”: used to tell teammate to pass it and then move to get it back -Trapping: Receiving the ball and controlling it with any part of their bodies -Usually done with their chest, thighs, and feet -Juggling: Keeping the ball in the air without allowing it to touch the ground by using all parts of their bodies except the hands. -Set goals of 1-2 juggles………to eventually 10 and more -Work with feet and thigh combinations first (easiest to learn and control) -Allow the ball to touch the ground between juggles in order to learn it -Positions: (5v5) (2) strikers/forwards, (2) defenders, (1) goal keeper. -Strikers usually score and move ball to attack. Midfield supports strikers and defenders by staying centered. Defenders defend goal and move with ball up to the midline. (6V6) add a midfielder (4)

Spencer County Soccer Association Coaching in a nutshell 1. What is a coach? A person who can effectively teach soccer in order to develop a player’s technique, psychology, and tactics of the game. A. Set up the condition and environment for learning through actions and words, B. Facilitate and make the learning FUN therefore instilling the LOVE for the game C. Demonstrate enthusiasm on and off the field. D. Demonstrate respect for the team, opponents, referees, parents, spectators, and to act as a role model. E. Understands who they are coaching and constantly gives positive feedback as well as constructive correction F. Listens, observes, and sets realistic goals for themselves, players, and teams 2. Facilitator and team organizer A. Parent/player meeting 1. Your philosophy (have fun, teach, how, why) 2. What you hope to accomplish this season 3. What is expected of the parents A. Get players to practice and games on time and prepared B. Be supportive of their children and the team C. Respect all players, coaches, other parents, and referees by cheering only from the sides D. De-emphasize winning/losing E. We want to teach their child to love the game F. Emphasize skills/techniques over tactics G. Assistance to help the child develop good training habits at home H. Communicate practice/game/snack schedules, and picture day etc….. I. Player equipment: ball, shoes, covered shinguards, water, and proper clothing J. Procedure for behavior problems B. Safety 1. Proper warm up, safe playing area, first aid kit/first aid knowledge, hydration, equipment, rest/ breaks, injuries, and surroundings………Prevention is first concern 2. R I C E A. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation B. Care for bruises, strains, sprains, broken bones, blisters, cramp, and heat exhaustion 3. The practice A. Introduce and describe the topic (Today we will work on dribbling) (dribbling is moving the ball w/ feet B. Demonstration: clear simple picture of what is to take place (show, speak, do it) C. Key on the “how to” points D. Quickly organize and explain the activity and conditions E. Allow players time to play and do not over coach F. Corrections: Freeze the individual or team play……..give feedback and demonstrate correction….allow the team and individual to give feedback or self correct G. Evaluate: does your practice show in the games……….change accordingly 1. Technique: “how” to perform a skill A. Most important at all age groups and needs plenty of ball touches B. Learned through game-like activities which are FUN C. U6-U10 learn best through self discovery 2. Psychology: development of a positive attitude about all aspects of the game A. Important for all age groups and essential for teaching the love/respect for the game 3. Tactics : “when”, “where”, and “why” to use the techniques/skills and play the game A. De-emphasized for the U6/U8 divisions due to lack of skills/technique B. Decision making is observed- NOT stopped to analyze, describe, or dissect in U6/U8 C. U10 and up: use the freeze method to correct 4. Fitness A. normal flowing practices will provide U6/U8 with the necessary physical fitness B. U10 and up: extra running (short/long) and aerobics/anaerobic F. Proper Corrections 1. Reasons to stop the practice A. Questions by the players, natural stoppage, necessary correction, something good happens 2. Freeze method : convey quick, clear correct information 3. Restart exercise A. Allow player or team to self correct B. Rehearse correction (slow speed first, add speed, increase pressure) C. Put back into game – begin practice with reason for stoppage

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4. Assessment and/or adjustments A. Is my coaching having a positive/negative effect on the game. practice, players B. Identify specific problems (technical, tactical, physical, psychological) C. Put into large game and make practice as game realistic as possible G. Practice in a nutshell 1. Warm-up : Set a positive tone……….start slow and build up…..with or without ball A. Recommend controlled dribbling with an exercise (push up, stretch) every so often 1. Aerobic exercises and stretches 2. Always warm up before stretch out 2. Individual activities: work on certain skill individually 3. Small group Activities: small sided games related to individual activities 4. Large group activities: Brief demonstration and game-like session 5. Cool down (light exercise and static stretching) ** This changes when working with U6/U8 to using item 1-3 above** Teaching Technique (all stages work on same technique) A. Fundamental stage 1. No pressure from opponent 2. Begin at slow speed and work towards execution at top speed B. Match Related exercise 1. Introduce pressure of an opponent 2. Incrementally add pressure and restrictions based on player C. Match Conditions 1. All restrictions taken off 2. Small sided realistic games with corrections A. Dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting, heading, goalkeeping, defending, and attacking 1. Body mechanics (body part positions) 2. Balance (weight on foot or lean direction 3. Vision Teaching Tactics (all stages work on same tactic) A. Unrestricted Space 1. Simple activity with no restrictions on space, technique, or pressure B. Restricted Space 1. Set boundaries, number of players, and restrictions (this adds pressure) 2. Set a goal and keep score to give players a goal to reach C. One Goal with Counter 1. Small sided game which allows players to compete to reach a goal D. Two Goals 1. Small sided or large sided game with no restrictions A. System of play (formations) 1. U6 1-2 U8 2-2 U10 3-2-1 U12 3-2-2 U14^ 4-4-2 B. Strategy: how you want to attack and defend C. Player decisions: no set plays………game is free flowing……players react per the opposition and their own teams movements Defense: to slow, stop, or take-away the ball from attackers A. Immediate chase……..Delay………Depth (rear support)…………Balance (field coverage)…….Concentration (compact in strong side)……..Control/Restrain (challenge to force a movement or take-away) B. Pressure: 1st defender or closest player must pressure the ball to prevent penetration of attacker 1. 2nd defender(s) must position for challenging the ball or denying the pass 2. All other defenders must position to stop penetration by marking and control middle (COMPACT) Attacking: to advance the ball and score A. Penetrate: 1st attacker (player with ball) must penetrate the defense by dribbling or passing B. Support by others: 2nd attackers must support 1st attackers by positioning in front, sides, and rear C. Moving: move without ball to pull defensive players away from ball. Move with ball to pull defensive players away from goal 1. overlap to create space and confuse the defense or off balance them D. Width: use entire field especially side to side (SPREAD OUT)

** Note: The SCSA monthly meeting is held the 2nd Sunday of each month at Ray Jewel Baseball Park. We value your input and look forward to your participation in the meeting. (6)

Soccer Glossary

ASSISTANT REFEREE – Person, often a parent volunteer who assists the referee, one assistant referee is assigned to each touchline. Their primary responsibility is to indicate when the ball is out of play or when the whole of the ball crosses the whole of the touchline or end line. The assistant referee also signals which team has the right to put the ball in play again by using their flag to show the direction of play for the restart. Positioned to call offsides. CHARGING - A method of unbalancing the player who has possession or is attempting to gain possession of the ball. The maneuver of using a shoulder (actually from the elbow and up to and including the shoulder) against the opponent's shoulder to gain an advantage; permissible only when the ball is playable (i.e. within three feet). CLEARING - The act of moving the ball out of the vicinity of one's own goal by throwing (goalkeeper only) or kicking it (generally up the sideline). CORNER KICK - A kick made by the attacking team from the corner arc on the side of the field where the ball went out of play. A corner kick is awarded when the ball is last touched by a defender and goes over the goal line without resulting an a goal. Opponents must be at least ten yards away from the ball when the kick is taken. A goal may be scored directly (without being touched by another player) from a corner kick. CROSS - A pass in which the ball is kicked from one side of the field to the other side. DANGEROUS PLAY - Play that is likely to cause injury. Examples are high kicking, playing while lying on the ground, or playing the ball while it is in possession of the goalkeeper. DEFENDER - Also called fullback. A player who functions primarily in the defensive third of the field and whose major role is to repel attacks on the goal by the opposing team. DIRECT FREE KICK - A free kick from which a goal can be scored directly (i.e. without being first touched by another player). It is awarded for substantial infractions of the rules. Opponents must be at least ten yards away from the ball (opposing players may stand on their own goal line between the posts), but the player taking the kick may do so without waiting if he/she wishes. The ball is not in play until it has traveled its own circumference. The ball must be stationary when kicked and the kicker may not touch the ball a second time until it has been played by another player (of either team). DROP BALL - A ball held by the referee and allowed to fall directly to the ground between the two opponents. The ball is in play after it touches the ground. A drop ball restarts the game after play is stopped for no penalty situation (e.g. after an injury). The ball is dropped where it was last in play or at the nearest point outside the penalty are. A goal may be scored directly from a drop ball.

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EQUIPMENT - All-purpose shoe with square or rectangular cleats are not permitted. No hard cast is permitted. No jewelry is permitted, including watches, bracelets, necklaces, hair clips and earrings. If players intend to get their ears pierced, we suggest that they do so a month before games begin, or after the season is over. FORWARD - Player who functions primarily in the attacking third of the field and whose major responsibility is to score goals. FREE KICKS - Infractions result in free kicks awarded to the offended team. They are either direct or indirect kicks. On a direct free kick, the kicker can put the ball directly into the goal for a score. On an indirect free kick, another player on either team must touch the ball before it can score. The referee will indicate an indirect free kick by holding one arm directly overhead. A penalty kick is awarded for a direct free kick infraction committed by the defense in its own penalty area. This call is determined by the position of the defending player; the ball need not have advanced into the penalty area. FULLBACK - see Defender GOAL - A one point score occurring when the whole of the ball passes entirely over the goal line, between the vertical goal posts and under the horizontal crossbar. A goal is not scored if the ball was not touched by another player (of either team) after an indirect free kick, goal kick, kick off, or throw in. GOAL AREA - Area (20 x 8 yd. on a full size field) marked within the penalty area, and directly in front of the goal, from which all goal kicks originate. GOALKEEPER - Player who functions primarily in the penalty area and whose major responsibility is to prevent the opponents' shots from entering the goal for a score. The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to touch or pick up the ball with his/her hands, and may only do so when the ball is in his/her penalty area. The keeper is the team's last line of defense. GOAL KICK - Taken by any defending player to restart the game after the ball goes out of play over the end line, having last been touched by an attacking player. It may be taken from any point within the half of the goal area nearest where the ball went out. All opposing players must stand outside the penalty area. To be in play, the ball must leave the penalty area (inbounds); otherwise the kick is taken again. HALFBACK - see Midfielder INDIRECT FREE KICK - A free kick from which a goal cannot be scored until the ball is touched by another player. It is awarded for technical and minor infractions of the rules (see Summary of the FIFA Laws of the Game, Law XII, this section). Opponents must be at least 10 yards away from the ball (opposing players may stand on their between the goal posts), but the player taking the kick may do so if he/she wishes. The ball is not in play until it has traveled its own circumference. The ball must be stationary when kicked.

INFRACTIONS - Conduct infractions are listed elsewhere. "Handling" the ball prohibits intentionally playing the ball with the hand or arm. Accidental contact is not an infraction. No player, except the goalie, is allowed to put himself or other in danger of injury; thus the rule against dangerous play. Most calls for dangerous play are the result of a high kick or a low head. High kick is defined in relation to the other player's head, not the kicker's waist. You can't kick the ball while you are on the ground in traffic because you place your head in danger. If, in the judgment of the referee, the team offended by an infraction has a clear advantage which could lead to a scoring opportunity, the advantage rule may be invoked with the clear call of "Advantage, play on!" and a forward sweep of the hands. KICK OFF - Officially begins the game at each half and restarts the game after a goal has been scored. The kick-off must travel toward the opponent's goal. The ball is in play when the ball is kicked and moves in a forward direction. The ball must go forward into the opponents half of the field and is in play after rolling its own circumference. The player kicking off must not play the ball again until another player of either team has played it. If the ball is kicked backward, then it never went into play and the kick is retaken. If the kicker touches the ball a second time without another player touching it, then the opposing team is awarded a free kick. Opponents must be at least 10 yards away from the ball in their own half of the field when the kick off is taken. LINESPERSON – Now called assistant referees. See assistant referee. MARKING - Guarding or covering an opposing player with or without the ball when he/she moves into your area of play. MIDFIELDER - Player who functions primarily in the center or neutral third of the field and whose principal job is to link the defense and the attack through ball control and passing. OFFSIDE - Offside is defined as occurring at the moment the ball is played by one of the attacking players to a teammate. To be in an offside position the player must be: in the attacking half of the field, even with or behind the ball, even with the second to last defender (normally, but not necessarily the goalie and a fullback). A player is penalized if in an offside position and if, in the judgment of the referee, the player is: a) interfering with play or with an opponent, or b) seeking to gain an advantage by being in that position. A player is not declared offside a) merely by being in an offside position; b) if he/she receives the ball directly from a goal kick, a corner kick, a throw in, or a drop ball; or c) if the ball is last played by an opposing player. OUT OF BOUNDS - The ball is in play unless the entire ball passes beyond all of the sideline (touchline) or goal line (end line). If the ball is out over the sideline, the team opposite the last touch throws it in. If the ball is over the goal line and not in the goal it is (8) kicked off the ground by the opposing team

from the corner if last touched by a defender, or from the goal area if last touched by an attacker. A corner kick can go directly into the goal for a score. If the goalie, in possession of the ball, falls or rolls into the goal carrying the entire ball overall of the goal line, a score results. If play is stopped for any reason while the ball is in play, it is restarted with a drop ball. PENALTY ARC - The arc at the top of the penalty area; no player may be within this area while a penalty kick is being taken. PENALTY AREA - Large area, 18 x 44 yd. on a full size field, in front of goal in which any of the "direct kick" fouls by the defending team result in a penalty kick. Also limits the area where the goalie can use his/her hands. The penalty area includes the goal area. PENALTY KICK - Awarded to the attacking team if the defending team commits a direct free kick violation within the penalty area. Penalty kicks are taken from the penalty mark. All players of both teams except the kicker and opposing goalkeeper must remain on the field of play outside the penalty area and penalty arc. Goalkeepers are allowed to move laterally along the goal line while waiting for the kick to be taken. The player taking the kick must kick the ball forward and may not touch the ball a second time until another player of either team has played it. A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick. For any infringement of the penalty kick rules by: a) the defending team, the referee will allow the kick to proceed, but if a goal does not result, the kick will be retaken; b) the attacking team, other than the player designated to take the kick, if a goal is not scored it will be disallowed and the kick retaken; c) by the player taking the penalty kick, committed after the ball is in play, an opposing player will take an indirect free kick at the point where the infraction occurred. The referee's whistle always starts the taking of a penalty kick. Any penalty kick taken prior to the referee's whistle will be retaken using the referee's whistle as the proper start for the kick. PENALTY MARK - A mark on the field from which penalty kicks are taken; also called the penalty spot. It is located 12 yards from the goal line, equally spaced between the goal posts. REFEREE - The official who is in complete charge of the soccer game. The safety of the players is the referee's main concern. He or she is responsible for keeping time, enforcing the Laws of the Game (see Summary of the FIFA Laws of the Game, this section), stopping and restarting the game for penalties or injuries, cautioning or banishing offenders (including coaches or spectators) and ending the game, if necessary. All decisions by the referee are final! The referee is assisted by two assistant referees. SUBSTITUTIONS - KYSA rules dictate that each player must play at least half of each game. ((Recreational Only) Coaches,

Coaches, Players, Parents/Spectators and Referees

however, are permitted to substitute only in certain situations, including: half-time (quarters for younger players), after a goal is scored, on a goal kick, on their own throw-in, or after an injury (for the injured player). TACKLING - A method of gaining possession of the ball by use of the feet. Unnecessary roughness and use of the hands are not permitted. THROW IN - Taken to restart the game after the whole of the ball crosses the outside edge of the touchline. The throw in, taken by any member of the team that did not touch the ball last, is taken at the point where the ball went out of play. The thrower must face the field and throw the ball with equal strength by both hands, in one continuous motion from the back of the head and over the top of the head. When the ball is released, the thrower must have some part of both of his/her feet on the ground on or behind the touchline.

It is a privilege to be a part of the United States Soccer Federation, United States Youth Soccer Association, and Kentucky Youth Soccer Association. My action shall always reflection credit upon these organizations and their affiliates.

Coaches:

SOCCER GOVERNING BODIES

FIFA – Federation Internationale de Football Association – the world governing body for soccer. Known best as the sponsor of the World Cup and the originator of the “Laws of the Game” FIFA can be reached on the world wide web at http://www.fifa.com. USSF - The United States Soccer Federation is the national governing body for soccer in the United States. The Kentucky Youth Soccer Association is a member of USSF. The USSF offers a wide diversity of programs for all levels of soccer in the United States. Kentucky YSA offers two USSF programs Coaching Education and Referee Education. USYSA – The United State Youth Soccer Association – a cooperative association of the 55 State Youth Soccer Associations in the United States. Kentucky YSA is a member of the USYSA and offers many USYSA programs such as The American Cup, Olympic Development Program, TOPSoccer, Snickers National Championship and others. The USYSA is a member of the USSF Youth Council. The USYSA can be found on the World Wide Web at

www.usyouthsoccer.org.

Kentucky Youth Soccer -a cooperative association of the 81 local Youth Soccer Associations in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Information can be found on the World Wide Web at www.kysoccer.net The Kentucky Youth Soccer Association maintains a state office at: 443 South Ashland Avenue, Suite 201 Lexington, KY 40502 Phone: 859-268-1254 Fax: 859-269-0456 Email: [email protected] Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Easter Time. SCSA – Spencercountysoccer.com

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Coaches and assistance coaches are expected to maintain a higher level of sportsmanship, professionalism and integrity both off and on the field. Coaches’ primary responsibility is for his/her players to have fun, to develop soccer players and to instill a passion for the game. Your performance as a coach is not measured in win and loses but rather in what you teaches your players in terms of technique, sportsmanship and fair play. Coaches must maintain respect for the game as well as the referees. Coaches are charged with the responsibility of controlling their players and parents at all times during a match. Coaches lead and teach by example; your players will be a reflection of you. Coaches and assistance coaches are expected to have a basic knowledge of the game and to purse licensing that will allow them to better develop their players. Coaches and assistance coaches should use positive reinforcement when dealing with players, never use foul or abusive language and never abuse a player mentally, orally or physically. Coaches and assistance coaches are expected to have respect for the authority of the referee and his/her assistance’s. They will not harass, abuse or berate the referee during or after the match. They shall not enter the field of play with out the referee’s permission. Coaches and assistance coaches are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship both off and on the field. They are to teach his/her players the rules of the game, rules of fair play and proper match behavior.

Parents/Spectators:

Parents/Spectators must set the example for the children by exemplifying the highest standards of sportsmanship. Parents/Spectators participate in a match by watching, cheering and supporting the efforts of all participants of the match. Soccer must be Fun. The game is for the children, their participation and enjoyment of the game is the most important element. Parents have responsibilities to the coach, team and soccer organization they are a part of. Parents/Spectators must have respect for their coach, all children on the team and the authority of the referee and his/her assistance’s. Parents/Spectators are expected to have respect for the authority of the referee and his/her assistants. They will not harass, abuse or berate the referee during or after the match. They shall not enter the field of play with out the referee’s permission.

Spencer County Soccer Association Lesson Plan Tips and Key Tips: -The activity name usually describes the lesson plan, but you may want to come up with different names in order to help you remember or understand the lesson plan -Read the “Organization” box and refer to the “Activity” box when laying out the practice area with cones. If a measurement is not given than you can assume “3 feet” -Some lesson plans require a set number of participants, but most can be adjusted to any #. -If you have more participants than needed by the lesson plan, then allow those extra players to work together doing something similar while working them into the lesson plan activity. -Lesson plans are easy to change or adjust by doing one or several of the following: -removing players, removing goals, removing balls, enlarging area, shrinking area, Adding players/defenders, or adding stipulations (one touch only etc…) -The “Organizational” box usually has keep points to increase the difficulty of the plan -The “Key Coaching Points” tell you what to look for and what to correct during the session. -Understand that the “Key Coaching Points” as this is what you want the players to understand. -Playing areas are usually set up with cones at four or more corners, but you may place more cones around the area to help the players know the area they have to work in. -Always look for ways to improve the plan and adapt to your age group and/or ability **Remember…. If your topic is “Dribbling” then you should only correct and/or coach the players on that topic throughout the practice session. This prevents confusion and allows the players to stay focused on what you are working on. **It’s very important to keep the practice session focused on the “topic” -Keep it fun, adjust accordingly, and ask questions if you need help. Key: = cones/discs

= passing

= any player

= running

= defending player

= goal/gate

= opposing player

= direction

= dribble

= defined area with cones

= “C”/coach……”D”/defender…..