DO:

• Arrive early to the game site and check the safety of field conditions. Draw any concerns to the attention of the facility administrator and/or game officials

• Make contact with the other coach and game official, introduce oneself and wish good game to all.

• Have only properly cleared personnel/assistant coaches in the technical area and bench side of the field. It is suggested the league provide simple ID cards to properly vetted and cleared coaches, assistant coaches and team managers/parents, even for Rec.

• During game keep all instruction and commentary to team positive.

• AS per FIFA rules behave in a responsible manner, with only one coach giving instructions from the team’s technical area at a time. It is recommended a coach stay seated in Team technical/bench area unless giving instructions. It is each league organizations responsibility to demark a clearly designated technical area, (and provide each team with a bench if possible.) Technical area as per CYSA guidelines - PLAYER/COACHES AREA - Twenty (20) yards long. Beginning at the halfway line go ten (10) yards down the touch line into each half of the field.

• During game, demonstrate praise for good play on both teams.

• Be prepared to assist the referee with unsporting behavior from parents, bench personnel, and/or players. (See notes regarding this at the end of section 5, Field Administrators).

• In the event of a lopsided game, the coach of the leading team should consider making adjustments such as rotating defensive and attacking players, and/or playing a player short if the number of subs is manageable.

• Post game, shake hands of opposing team, coach and officials.

• Fill out Referee evaluations card supplied by the league and give or mail in to league official.

DON’T

• Use abusive language or behavior towards any player, coach, parent or official.

• Allow unauthorized adults to reside in team technical area.

• Publicly criticize the match official, ESPECIALLY in front of players or parents - this includes post game, in front of players or parents and not limited to blaming the match official for an undesired outcome.

• Criticize players for perceived mistakes. Players know when they have made a mistake, they should not be publicly called on it. They need encouragement, not criticism, to continue exploring the game without fear.

• Over-directing players while they are on field of play (a constant stream of commentary or instruction.) Let the players own the game. If needed, give guidance when required and then, as per FIFA rules, sit back down on the team bench.

• Enter the field during the game without the official’s permission.