Goals for Everyone !!!

Taken from the CYSA Manual, 2001

Goals for Coaches Treat your players and opponents with respect Inspire a love for the game and the desire to compete fairly Be the type of person you want your players to be Discipline those players on the team who display un-sportsmanlike behavior Respect the judgment and interpretation of the rules by the officials Realize you are a teacher and understand that the soccer field is the classroom Be more concerned in the well-being of your players than in your win-loss record Children play for fun and enjoyment, and winning is only part of this. Never ridicule or shout at the children for making mistakes or losing a competition Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and the principles of children's growth and development. (The CYSA Coaching School Program is designed to help you in this area)

• The length of practices and competitions should take into consideration the maturity of the children
• Avoid over-playing the talented players. The "just-average" players need and deserve equal time. Be sensitive to the less talented, they have potential
• Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of your players.
• Follow the advice of qualified person when deciding when an injured player is ready to play again
• Teach your players that the rules of the game are mutual agreements which no one should break
• Develop respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgment of officials and opposing coaches
• Don't publicly question any official's decisions and never doubt their honesty.

     Goal for Parents

• Attempt to understand and be informed of the playing rules
• Appreciate a good play no matter who makes it
• Cooperate and respond enthusiastically to cheerleaders
• Show compassion for any injured player
• Applaud positive performances by either team
• Avoid heckling, jeering or distracting players
• Avoid using profane and obnoxious language and behavior
• Respect the judgment and strategy of the coach
• Avoid criticizing players or coaches for loss of a game
• Respect property of others and authority to those who administer the competition
• Censure those whose behavior is unbecoming
• Children should not be forced to participate in soccer; they are not playing to satisfy your ambitions
• Children and young people are involved in soccer for their enjoyment, not yours
• Always encourage your child to play by the rules
• Teach your child that effort and teamwork is important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment
• Never ridicule or shout at your child for making a mistake or losing a competition
• Children learn best by example. Applaud good play by your team and by members of the opposing team
• Don't publicly question any official's decisions, and never doubt his or her honesty
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's soccer
• Recognize the value and importance of coaches. They give up their time and efforts to help your child
• Set an example by being friendly to the parents of the opposition
• Emphasize enjoyment and fun
• Praise effort as well as improvement
• Children play organized soccer for their own enjoyment. They are not there to entertain you, and they are neither miniature adults nor professional sportsmen and women
• Don't harass or swear at players, coaches or officials
• Show respect for your team's opponents. Without them there would be no game
• Relax and enjoy the game whether your team wins or not

     Goals for Players

• Treat opponents with respect
• Play hard, but play within the rules
• Exercise self control at all times, setting the example for others to follow
• Respect officials and accept their decisions without gesture or argument
• Wins without boasting, loses without excuses, and never quits
• Always remember that it is a privilege to represent the school and community
• How you play is far more important than winning or loosing
• Play for the "fun of it", not just to please your parents or coach
• Where the rules apply, try to understand them and stick to them
• Control your temper at all times
• Be a good sport. This means appreciating good play whether it is by your team or opponents
• Work equally hard for yourself and your team, your team's performance will benefit and so will your own
• Co-operate with your coach, teammates, opponents, and officials, without them you don't have a game
• Don't go over the top when your team scores a goal by jumping all over each other in celebration, just celebrate your achievement.

This team has the support of dedicated parents, who willingly are providing the opportunity for these young players to learn and develop competitive soccer skills.