After week one, the message has been to ensure we have three qualities on our session.
1) Safety
2) Professionalism
3) Enthusiasm
Environment - Is the area you are using safe?
Check for sharp objects on the field
Check for divots for rolled ankles
Check for others such as garbage, animal excrement or dead animals!
Surroundings - Check for dangers in the surrounding areas.
Is the session close to a road or parking lot?
Trees, woods etc
Areas where players could get lost
Other sports / balls coming into the area - or other people.
Equipment - Do you possess the correct equipment for a safe session
1- Enough equipment so everyone can participate
2 - Clearly mark the areas with color coded areas
3 - Not wearing cleats incase you step on a Childs foot
4 - Clean pinnies / bibs
In the wake of yet another tragic fatality caused by goalposts tipping over, it’s worth all of us reminding ourselves of best practice.
Movable soccer goals can fall over and kill or injure children who climb on them or hang from the crossbar. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has reports of at least 28
deaths since 1979 resulting from soccer goals falling over, and there is a comparable number in the UK. To help prevent deaths and injuries associated with soccer goals, follow these safety guidelines.
l Securely anchor or counter-weight movable soccer goals at all times.
l Never allow climbing on the soccer net or goal framework.
l Always instruct soccer players on the safe handling of, and potential dangers associated with, movable soccer goals.
l Use movable soccer goals only on level (flat) fields.
l Check all connecting hardware before every use. Replace damaged or missing fasteners immediately.
l Ensure safety labels are clearly visible.
l Remove nets when goals are not in use.
l Anchor or chain goals to nearby fence posts, dugouts, or similar sturdy fixtures when not in use.
A soccer coach or teacher has to be a lot of things. Take a look at the list below.
Get to know your players
Make the effort to get to know the player, and not just for their soccer skills. This can pay dividends when trying to understand their wider motivations. The process of asking is a classic motivational tool for the player - it shows you care. Consider getting them to complete a player information sheet that asks them about all areas of their lives.