Coaching Policies & CoC
Coaching Philosophy
RIGHTS:
Coaches must respect and promote the rights of every individual to participate in sport.
Coaches:
∙ Will create an environment where every individual has the opportunity to participate in the sport.
∙ Will create and maintain an environment, which is accepting and free of fear and harassment.
∙ Will treat all children with respect, being positive and constructive at all times to all players and referees.
∙ Promote the concept of a healthy lifestyle on and off the pitch.
RELATIONSHIPS:
Coaches must develop a relationship with participants based on openness, honesty, mutual trust and respect.
Coaches:
∙ Avoid any behaviour that constitutes any form of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional neglect, bullying).
∙ Should promote the inclusion, welfare and best interests of all their athletes.
The St. Marys Minor Soccer Club follows the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) Long Term Player Development strategy which is intended to provide each child with the opportunity for all-around growth and development, within a fun play environment. The role of the St. Marys Minor Soccer Club and its coaches, no matter the level of soccer played, is to help the players to be the best they can be, both as players on the field, and as citizens in our community.
Phase 1: Developing a “Love for the Game” (Age 5 to 7)
Phase 1 is not only the starting place for the program – it is the most important place! The One-with One program provides an opportunity for parents to sign their children at the age of 5. The One-with One uses an age-appropriate, child-friendly environment by starting out with fun, non-intimidating activities and games where the parent and child take the child’s first steps (kicks) in soccer together.
Phase 2: Developing a “Love to Learn” (Age 8-12)
The years between eight and 12 have been called the “Golden Age of Learning”. This is a time when children have become coordinated and well balanced and want to know more and do more. They are inquisitive, but in a very positive way. Phase 2 is the optimum time to develop the skills and to begin to develop the game savvy that will be so important in the later soccer years.
Phase 3: Developing a “Love to Compete” (Age 13 and Above)
Phase 3 is the first time in the LTPD program when the competitive aspect of soccer takes on any real importance. This is the graduation phase – moving into 11 vs 11 play. Even then LTPD downplays a result-oriented approach in the early stage of Phase 3. Maximizing abilities and minimizing deficiencies in a team format is the way for a coach to get results. But in doing so it limits the development opportunities of each player as they get positioned according to their strengths and weaknesses. As the “Team” concept becomes more important, and one team tests itself against another, the coach should be careful not to stifle and stereotype players too early by placing them in permanent field positions.
A more detailed version of this plan is available on the Soccer Canada and Ontario Soccer websites: Soccer Canada Pathways Ontario Soccer Grassroots Ontario Soccer Talented Pathway
Playing Time Policy
It is the policy of the St. Marys Minor Soccer Club that the role of the Club and its coaches, no matter the level of soccer played, is to help the players to be the best they can be, both as players on the field, and as citizens in our community.
Regardless of player caliber, every child should have equal playing time in each game at the Tier 3 Level.
While every effort will be made to ensure equal playing time for each player in each game at the Tier 1 and 2 level, equal playing time is not a given and cannot be expected during each game. Playing time is earned on a practice to practice and game to game basis and is subject to the following:
∙ the player adheres to the teams’ practice schedule and other Club and team rules set out and communicated by the coach;
∙ the player’s effort and dedication at practices meets the requirements of the team;
∙ the player commits to his/her best effort within a game;
∙ the player follows the coaches’ instructions within the team’s system of play, and,
∙ the game situation.
Coaching Considerations & Safety For Children
All coaches are asked to submit a coaching application to the St. Marys Minor Soccer Club. All coaches must participate in a screening process with the Stratford Police Force and must present the screening certificate to the Club.
PERSONAL STANDARDS RESPONSIBILITIES:
Coaches must demonstrate proper behaviour and conduct at all times.
Coaches:
∙ Must be fair, honest and considerate to everyone participating in the session.
∙ Must be a positive role model for athletes at all times.
∙ Must promote fairness and sportsmanlike conduct before, during and after a game and practice. This includes but is not limited to: shaking hands with the opposing coach after each game, having my team members shake hands with the opposing team, encouraging my team members to cheer positively and in a sportsmanlike manner. Coaches will not tolerate negative cheering, trash-talking, abusive language or displays of anger or disrespect by a team.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS RESPONSIBILITIES:
Coaches must commit to ongoing training that ensures safe and correct practice at all times to maximize benefits and minimize the risk to participants.
Coaches:
∙ Will provide a safe and fun environment, which maximizes potential and minimizes risk or damage to the athlete.
∙ Will approach game officials with respect and communicate this expectation to players and fans.
∙ Will use positive language or actions and provide feedback in a positive way that empowers athletes to grow as players..
∙ Will actively promote the positive benefits to society of participation in sport.
∙ Will gain the qualifications appropriate to the level at which they coach.
∙ Will contact SMMSC player safety contact if an injury needs to be reported.
∙ Must take action if they have a concern about the behaviour of an adult towards a child. Actions should include contacting SMMSC player safety contact and working to report, investigate and remediate the issue.
∙ Should communicate with other organizations and individuals in the best interest of the athlete
