tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35500875140986370392024-03-07T23:49:38.430-08:00Rockstar Soccer This blog is Inspired by the U6 Princess Rockstar Soccer Team.
I met them this fall when I reluctantly became their assistant coach. My hesitation was not for lack of love for the game, but rather lack of confidence in my coaching abilities. I have found the experience energizing as well as immensely enjoyable. I hope that the content of this blog will inspire potential coaches to come forward and volunteer, as well as provide support and direction to those who have already signed on. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323831020908753178noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550087514098637039.post-47233857465823086262014-03-02T22:10:00.002-08:002014-03-02T22:14:58.531-08:00Parent Conduct<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;">I was
doing some research tonight and came across some amazing stats from an August 2001 article in Sports Illustrated for
Kids titled Kids Speak Out: Violence in Youth Sports <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;"><br />
Of over 3,000 children surveyed, it was found that:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;"><br />
- 74% have seen out-of-control adults at their
games.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;">- 37% said they have witnessed parents yelling
at kids.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;">- 36% cited embarrassment as the main emotion
they felt while witnessing bad adult behavior.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">- 4% said they have seen violent behaviors by
adults.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;">I found these numbers staggering at first, though when I
stopped to think about my experience at my children's games over the last
couple of years, they are not surprising. I think it is sad that most
parents come out to games with good intentions, but can so easily lose control.
That this loss of perspective leads to embarrassment, is also
unfortunate. I think that this issue is a major part of the argument in
support of having parents sign codes of conduct at the beginning of the season.
The only way to prevent this kind of behavior is to clearly state that it
is not acceptable and will not be tolerated from the very beginning.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;">Here is a link to a parent code of conduct form from the BC
Soccer Website-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.bcsoccer.net/files/MemberService/BestPracticeGuides/ParentCodeofConduct.pdf">http://www.bcsoccer.net/files/MemberService/BestPracticeGuides/ParentCodeofConduct.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;">Interestingly,
BC Soccer also provides a link to the <i>Respect in Sport Soccer Parent
E-Learning Course</i> on their website.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323831020908753178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550087514098637039.post-34424567271206642522014-03-01T23:23:00.001-08:002014-03-02T21:52:12.512-08:00Strategies for handling bad behaviorOur team has been experiencing challenging behavior from a few of our players. It is distracting and frustrating to the girls that want to play, especially when they find themselves playing short when the others refuse to come on. Unfortunately, they are also young enough that this behavior can be slightly contagious. As a coach I feel like I should intervene, but I struggle with knowing the extent to which I can be/should be disciplining them. I have to admit, I would rather parents intervene, as I am uncomfortable with unpleasantness being associated with such an enjoyable pass-time. We have tried increasing the structure of our team, bringing benches and instituting quicker substitutions. We have also asked parents to intervene as soon as they notice their child not cooperating. Unfortunately, we still are still experiencing participation rates of less than fifty percent. Enough that one opposing team actually complained! <br />
<br />
I did a bit of web searching on the topic, and found one site that suggested the children would be more compliant if the coaches made things more interesting. <br />
<br />
So, now to put a bit more effort in and change things up!<br />
<br />
One helpful website I found was Soccer Coach Canada. Among other things, you can sign up for a weekly newsletter that includes age appropriate drills and games. I can't imagine how useful this will be! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.soccercoachcanada.com/?gclid=CMHP9NSi87wCFQqCfgodiU8Abg">http://www.soccercoachcanada.com/?gclid=CMHP9NSi87wCFQqCfgodiU8Abg</a><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: goldenrod; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 16px/25.6px Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323831020908753178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550087514098637039.post-74077418358122896652014-02-20T14:15:00.000-08:002014-03-01T23:27:02.834-08:00Benefits of Multi-Sport Activity<br />
As the season draws to an end, many of us are debating whether or not to sign up for Spring Soccer. Some people feel that it is a worthwhile consideration, as the more exposure you give your child, the faster their skills will develop and the better player they will be. Others feel that it is important to expose your child to different kids of sports as they will learn different skills, strengthen different muscle groups, and become well-rounded athletes. I'm inclined to let the children decide!<br />
<br />
Here's a post from Athletico Physical Therapy that advocates for multi sport activity-<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.athleticosportsperformance.com/news/article.asp?p=543&s=521&t=The-Benefits-of-Youth-Athletes-Playing-Multiple-Sports-By-Will-Haskell,-YCS-Lev.-II,-ACE-&s2=543&articlesource=250">http://www.athleticosportsperformance.com/news/article.asp?p=543&s=521&t=The-Benefits-of-Youth-Athletes-Playing-Multiple-Sports-By-Will-Haskell,-YCS-Lev.-II,-ACE-&s2=543&articlesource=250</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323831020908753178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550087514098637039.post-14187862233603369362014-02-07T12:47:00.000-08:002014-03-01T23:27:16.344-08:00SportsmanshipLast weekend my daughter got upset with me when I congratulated a girl on the other side for a fabulous effort. I realized I hadn't introduced the team to the basic rules of sportsmanship. This site breaks it down nicely-<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.soccernation.com/good-sportsmanship-cms-455">http://www.soccernation.com/good-sportsmanship-cms-455</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323831020908753178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550087514098637039.post-21856305385179184342014-02-03T21:09:00.004-08:002014-03-01T23:27:55.090-08:00Development Teams<br />
Our league has recently started pulling players in the U8 age group to form an elite team. This team will benefit from increased practicing opportunities with some of the league's top coaches. At first I thought it was a bit early to be ranking the players and giving some more opportunities than others. Then I read this article, and it would seem that the pressure is on to develop skilled players if we are to one day compete with the rest of the world. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/06/magazine/06Soccer-t.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0">http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/06/magazine/06Soccer-t.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323831020908753178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550087514098637039.post-23218074914416638842014-02-01T20:55:00.000-08:002014-03-01T23:29:03.491-08:00Half-Time SnacksMy son asked me today why he's given oranges at half-time. In my search for an answer beyond "it's tradition I think.." I stumbled upon this article which suggests fig newtons would be a superior half-time snack. If it's good enough for Ryan Giggs, it's good enough for me. Still don't think I'll be able to get my kids to eat them though. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://performance.fourfourtwo.com/health/nutrition/the-ultimate-half-time-snack">http://performance.fourfourtwo.com/health/nutrition/the-ultimate-half-time-snack</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323831020908753178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550087514098637039.post-68543998286714568382014-02-01T20:41:00.002-08:002014-02-01T20:43:15.055-08:00Gearing up for Cold Weather<br />
The Princess Rockstars are back outside tomorrow. I suspect participation levels will be greatly influenced by how insulated they arrive to the game. Dress regulations are more relaxed for the younger ones, making it possible to dress them in layers to keep them comfortable. Track pants over base layer under their shorts, sweater and jackets under their jerseys, as well as hats and gloves, will keep their attention away from the cold. Of course, a few of the girls have matching sparkly hats.<br />
<br />
More on tips on playing in the cold-<br />
<a href="http://www.avidsoccer.com/coldweather.aspx">http://www.avidsoccer.com/coldweather.aspx</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323831020908753178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550087514098637039.post-37371875023668842982014-02-01T20:29:00.003-08:002014-03-01T23:29:35.392-08:00More coaching support AppsFound a website that lists and critiques coaching support apps-<br />
<br />
<a href="http://appadvice.com/appguides/show/soccer-coach">http://appadvice.com/appguides/show/soccer-coach</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323831020908753178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550087514098637039.post-57560820198565998992014-01-31T09:50:00.003-08:002014-01-31T09:50:53.693-08:00Substitutions-There's an App for That!Tried the FairCoach app out last weekend. Keeping track of substitutions can be an nuisance, so I tried it out. You're able to enter players, and it will rotate through them for you at intervals. Disadvantages are that you can't change the interval time, and it's hard to account for the U6 temperament that leads them to arrange their own substitutions basically whenever they want. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://faircoach%20on%20the%20app%20store%20on%20itunes/">FairCoach on the App Store on iTunes</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323831020908753178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550087514098637039.post-44141496838789557712014-01-30T20:12:00.001-08:002014-01-30T20:12:34.875-08:00Five years from now they'll only remember the treats?! <br />
An awesome collection of advice for new coaches. Includes a list of what to bring to practices, drills, as well as great tips on how to keep the kids engaged. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nysl.com/Assets/Northeast+Youth+Soccer+Digital+Assets/files/coachingu5u6.pdf">http://www.nysl.com/Assets/Northeast+Youth+Soccer+Digital+Assets/files/coachingu5u6.pdf</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323831020908753178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550087514098637039.post-70334051371138559932014-01-30T19:58:00.001-08:002014-01-30T19:58:15.256-08:00Parent LetterWriting a introductory letter to parents at the beginning of the season is a great way to open communication as well as outline expectations for participation and behavior. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://soccerplaygroup.wordpress.com/2012/08/18/letter-to-parents-from-the-coach/">http://soccerplaygroup.wordpress.com/2012/08/18/letter-to-parents-from-the-coach/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323831020908753178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550087514098637039.post-22038536360623583212014-01-30T19:52:00.001-08:002014-03-01T23:30:15.489-08:00Tips for starting the seasonGreat tips for getting your team organized.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://tiburonsoccer.org/Best_Tips_Coaches/index_E.html">http://tiburonsoccer.org/Best_Tips_Coaches/index_E.html</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323831020908753178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550087514098637039.post-55107884999408791302014-01-25T23:04:00.000-08:002014-03-01T23:31:43.511-08:00Intro to youth coachingGetting ready for our first indoor game tomorrow. This video reminded me that my focus should be on keeping the kids engaged and having fun. Lots of substitutions, and lots of cheering I think. <br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JZmY02xaOo">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JZmY02xaOo</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323831020908753178noreply@blogger.com1