Parent/Coach Meeting

Whether you are a new coach or a returning coach it is advisable to hold a parent meeting prior to the start of the season.

The meeting should cover the following items:

1)       Introductions:

§         Coach/Assistant Coach (i.e., Soccer experience, other coaching experience, etc.)

§         Parent

2)       What you hope to accomplish this season:

§         Kids (fun, basic skills, fitness, etc.)

§         Coach (fun, recruiting an assistant, coaching soccer clinics, etc.)

3)       Player’s responsibilities

§         Come ready to practice and play (eating dinner or lunch before games or practice, is not advised.)

§         Listen to your coach.

§         Get along with other kids (be nice)

§         Equipment (water bottle, pumped ball, shin pads, socks, and shoes).

4)          Parents Responsibilities:

§                 Get players to practice and games (car pooling) at agreed time.

§                 Equipment (remind players of equipment needs).

§                 Be supportive of their children and the team.

§                 Do not yell at any player, coach, and referee or at any parent from the other team.

§                 De-emphasize winning-loosing aspects.

§                 Have a good attitude toward the game.

§                 Assistance in getting the child to train on his own at home (basic skills).

§                 Assistance with the phone chain for communication (email addresses)

§                 Provide refreshment, equipment set up and tear down (ice for refreshments can be used for potential injuries).

§                 Assistance in getting medical help.

5)       Game and training schedules:

§         Coach set time and location for practice.

§         Game schedule (provide hand-out).

§         Arrive early to game and practice (i.e., 15 min prior to games).

§         Changes in practice or game times should be communicated by coach (give adequate notice).

6)               Weather policy:

§         Practice- Decide what you will do if bad weather (i.e., if it rains, no practice).

§         Games- if games are to be cancelled, coach will receive a phone call. He should then notify the team. No call from the coach, show up to play game.

7)       First aide, health and safety- Prevention of injuries are our first concern. The goal is to make sure all children are in good physical condition prior to the beginning of the season and each time they enter the practice or game field. Annual check-ups, proper nutrition and hydration are all needs of the sport. Each team should have a first aide kit, plastic bags or towels and ice available at each game.

Remember: Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate (RICE).

8)       Miscellaneous:

§         Awards (end of year team party).

§         Pictures

§         Tournaments

§         Open Discussion

Excerpt from HOT SOCCER website