SCSA Coaches Page

Opening Letter

Dear Coach,

Swift Current Soccer Association encourages its coaches to develop their coaching skills and become knowledgeable of the game of soccer by participating in the coaches licensing program. The Community Youth Clinic is an introduction to 11-a-side play and is required for all U-12 and U-14 coaches. Coaches must obtain their Community Youth before they can proceed to the Youth Senior. Below are descriptions of the clinics. For SCSA United coaches, coaching clinic fees will be reimbursed by the club. Any questions should be directed to the Coaching Director by calling Anita Evans at (360)778-2527 or email Anita at aevans@sasktel.net

Coaching Clinic Schedules & Locations for the Swift Current and area can be found at:

Saskatchewan Soccer

Coaching Information

Rules for 2007

The SCSC Board of Directors has approved an abbreviated summary of the rules of play for ages U6 through U18.

Coaches Registration

Our youth soccer players are the heart and soul of Swift Current  Soccer Association--but they achieve their dreams under the guidance of a coach. We are always looking to add to our roster of coaches, at all levels of experience and licensing. If you (or someone you know) is interested in making a difference in a young soccer player's life, then complete a Coach Registration form and mail to the address indicated on the form.

Tournament Possibilities

Coaches looking for tournaments this spring and summer should keep looking for updates at the following website. Make sure you have you the required travel documents for your team.

Swift Current Soccer Association is hosting the SouthWest SoccerFest Tournament on May  26th, 27th & 28th/2007. The tournament is open to all Division both recreational and competitive . The concept of the tournament is to allow teams some  games before provincial playdowns start and to have fun. The tournament fee is $300.00/team. The tournament is for U-10 through U-14 both Boys & Girls. Registrations are due by May 15th/2007

Please provide this information to your teams. They can contact me for additional information or questions at sc.sa@sasktel.net or call 306-773-4822

Travel Papers

For help with travel papers contact the SCSA registrar: Anita Evans , 306-778-2527.

Team Sponsors

The registration fee charged each player only partially covers the cost of them playing. Team sponsors make up the difference. Please be sure to read the letter to all coaches detailing your responsibilities in obtaining a sponsor for your team.

Inclement Weather:

Unless you have official word of game cancellations due to weather, instruct your team to report to the field. As you know, the weather changes quickly in this area. We will not play games when lightning is in the area or if the weather makes the fields unsafe. The referee will make this decision after consultation with the coaches. If the President determines that the weather is severe enough to cancel games, this information will be phoned in to the local FM Eagle94.

Risk Management Update

To help insure the safety and well-being of our children, all coaches, assistant coaches, and parent volunteers are required to fulfill a background check through The R.C.M.P. It's not too late. The clearance is good for one year and it's required by the Saskatchewan Soccer Association. It's easy. Forms and more information available at the R.C.M.P. Office.

It Can't Be Stressed Too Often

One of a coach's first responsibilities is to make sure of safe play and know the rules (laws) of soccer. Just as importantly, respect the referee -- no matter how old -- must be shown at all times. Always show encouragement and never resentment. Youth soccer participants are always in the learning stages, including coaches. It is game that never tires for learning opportunities!

Zero Tolerance of Verbal Abuse

Our club is committed to a policy of zero tolerance of verbal abuse. Please contact one of our board members if you have witnessed:

• Illegal activities
• Abusive behavior
• Game misconduct
• Unsportsman-like conduct
• Injury
• Unsafe conditions
• Other concerns that SCSA needs to address immediately

Rosters and Referees

Prior to each game, referees are to receive your roster with signature. If a roster is not made available, they are instructed to not allow game to be played. Make sure you have all of your paperwork with you at each game and practice. Make sure you are in club colors when playing out- of- club. When playing another team, the designated home team surrenders their jerseys in favor of white t-shirts, or other jersey color if authorized. That is the only time to remove club colors.

Coaching Handbooks

Coaching U-6 Handbook
The U6 Module is designed to provide elementary soccer information for the first-time parent/coach to help them provide the most beneficial soccer environment for players 5-6 years of age. The course has been designed to address the specific characteristics of this age group and to present activities and games that are developmentally appropriate.

Coaching U-8 Handbook
The U-8 Module is designed to provide specific information for the parent/coach to help them provide the most beneficial soccer environment for players 7-8 years of age. The course has been designed to address the specific characteristics of this age group and to present activities and games that are developmentally appropriate.

Coaching U-10 Handbook
The U-10 Module is designed to provide specific information for the parent/coach to help them provide the most beneficial soccer environment for players 9-10 years of age. The course has been designed to address the specific characteristics of this age group and to present activities and games that are developmentally appropriate.

Community Youth License Course
The emphasis of the Community Youth Program is on coaching players 11-14 years of age. It is a certificate of 8-a-side and 11-a-side play and is intended for those coaches who are planning the transitional stage from coaching recreational soccer to competive soccer. The course is best suited for those coaches with several years experience and is a requirement to coach competitive soccer. The Community Youth program focuses on coaching points and the teaching of technique, with an introduction to the Principles of Play (attack and defense). The "CY" program also provides elementary information on the management and preparation of a team.

Community Senior License Course
The attendees of a "CS" course fall into two distinct categories:  coaches who are using the course to prepare for the National "B" License and those who are using the course to qualify for a particular level of coaching within the Province. Many of the latter are not required to further upgrade

The "CS" course is for coaching players 14-18 years of age and emphasizes observing mistakes and providing information to correct the mistakes. A majority of the course schedule is devoted to practice coaching and practical examinations. Candidates will be examined by the analysis of the instructor for their knowledge and understanding of tactics and methodology.

Based on how well they do in the "CS" License course, candidates then can earn their National "B" License