North Portland Soccer Club Coaching Policies

Overview
Volunteer coaches are an important part of the North Portland Soccer Club. All teams include at least one head coach, an assistant coach, and team manager. Each season, coaches must register to volunteer here.  You can complete this process at the same time you're registering your players (if you have kids in the club). Once your registration is submitted, a background check will be completed and you'll need to complete the Federal SAFESPORT Training. 

All coaches MUST register for the Federal SAFESPORT Coaching Program

SAFESPORT  INSTRUCTIONS - 2022

Above is a link to this year’s instructions for SAFESPORT for those who are required to take the course.  Please note that all coaches, admins, team managers, etc., must complete this online certificate to be able to participate with your club.  The instructions provided are for both NEW and RETURNING coaches etc.

For this process to work in a way that is easier on all of us, the information entered into SAFESPORT must match exactly (First Name, Last Name, and Email) as entered by the user to when they registered with your club.  This allows the system to be updated electronically/automatically when they have completed the course without any of us having to interevent manually or uploading information. Thanks!

KEY INFORMATION FOR NOPO COACHES

Coaches will arrive at practice sessions and games at least 10 minutes prior to the time the team is expected to arrive.

1. Two adults (at least one of which has completed a background check) are present at all times during all games, practices and other events. (Coaches should encourage team parents who think they may be actively involved at practices or games to have a background check done at the beginning of the season).
2. Fields will be inspected for hazards before practices and games.
3. Playing in unsafe conditions including lightning storms will be avoided.
4. Players will use proper equipment and gear.
5. Players will stay well hydrated.
6. Coach will not leave until all players are picked up or accounted for.
7. A copy of the Medical Authorization form for each player will be on hand at ALL games AND practices.
8. Players without the appropriate player registration card, if applicable, will not be allowed to participate in games.

CONDUCT

1. Maintain a positive and professional attitude at all times when representing NOPO.
2. Set a high standard for sportsmanship, respectfulness and fair play with all players, referees, parents and coaches.
3. Understand and behave at all times under the standards set forth by mission, philosophies and rules of NOPO
4. Understand and behave at all times under the standards set forth by respective league and organization in which team is participating.
5. Keep updated on PYSA, FIFA, and other applicable rules and regulations.
6. Monitor and manage parent sideline behavior.
7. Communicate with NOPO Head Coach (Director of coaching) with concerns, questions or clarifications.
8. Work closely with a parent manager to facilitate off-field activities of the team.
9. Hold a parents meeting at the start of the season. This can be done before or after a practice or game.

ADDITIONAL COACHING POLICIES:

1. Coaches will complete and pass a Club designated Background Check.
2. Encourage a balance of family, school and soccer
3. Encourage parent involvement in the support functions for the teams. Maintain open communication with parents.
4. It is highly recommended that all coaches complete first aid training
   

COACHING YOUTH SOCCER | GENERAL GUIDELINES & INFO FROM PYSA
You should first make sure that you have fun, because if you are having fun so will your players.  

Look to find some information on how to coach the given age you are working with, coaching education classes and clinics can be found on the Coaching Education link. 

1st (U7) and 2nd (U8) Grade Parent / Coach Brochure (Information on playing time, rules etc.) CLICK HERE

3rd Grade (U9+) and above Parent / Coach Brochure (Information on playing time, rules etc.) CLICK HERE 

A good article by the Oregonian on Winning and pressure in the game Click Here 

Playing numbers on the field: 
U7 | 3 against 3 no goal keepers 

U8 | 4 against 4 no goalkeepers
U9 & U10 | 7 against 7 including goalkeepers
U11 & U12 | 9 against 9 including goalkeepers
U13+ | 11 against 11 including goalkeepers

THE COACHING CHALLENGE
It is estimated that approximately 70% of children quit sports by age 13. 

Good Coaches Strive to… 

• Understand the player's age and ability levels and plan practice activities accordingly.
• Provide for meaningful participation by eliminating lines and including every player in every activity.
• Develop technique in tactical contexts by playing small-sided games and the using relevant conditions to shape learning.
• Follow the 75/25 Rule by keeping drill-like activities to a maximum of 25% of the practice time.
• Balance success and challenge in the activities, by arranging for even-ability teams and making sure the field sizes and any conditions make sense to the skill level of the players.
• Provide for natural tactical transitions from attack to defense and defense to attack.
• Provide for natural and connected transitions between activities.
• Use competition as a motivational tool. What do the players have to do to win and how long is the game?
• Understand the value of limited feedback during natural stoppages.
• Understand the value of extended periods of uninterrupted play.
• Understand the value of excitement and positive reinforcement.
• Balance the volume of coaching information against the natural facilitation of discovery learning.
• Effectively match field space to the ability of the players.
• Vary the range of activities, while maintaining a focus on the key developmental aspects for the age.
• Study the players' body language for understanding and enjoyment.
• Study the players' body language to determine when to move an activity along.
• Show your enthusiasm when something good happens; temper your frustrations when the inevitable mistakes are made.
• Appreciate the slow pace of learning.
• Appreciate that mistakes are necessary and important for learning.