• 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 judgement and interpretation of the rules by the officials
• Realize you are a teacher and understand that the soccer field is a classroom
• Be more concerned in the well-being of your players than in your win-loss record
• Be reasonable in your demands on your players time, energy and enthusiasm – they need other interests too.
• 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 a medically-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 judgement of officials and opposing coaches.
• Don’t publicly question any official’s decisions and never doubt their honesty.