Preseason Checklist

DRAFT NIGHT

• Sign up for or review practice days, times and fields. Notify Commissioner if coaching multiple teams or age groups.
• Fill out Coaches Application, sign and TURN IN (if not already done)
• Verify registration forms to roster, make corrections (keep one roster and TURN IN second roster to commissioner, if two provided).
• Get keys to shed and lock boxes
• Get proper size # game ball (if not available arrangements will be made to get it to you)
• Get first aid kit (if not available arrangements will be made to get it to you)

AFTER DRAFT NIGHT

• Contact assistant coach(es), and team mom ASAP. Assign responsibilities as per guidelines.
• Contact team parents and inform them of practice days, times and fields. This can be done via a letter or e-mail (see sample coaches letter) however some type of follow up should be performed to make sure your players received their information (return e-mail or call players).
• Develop roster list of player’s names, parent’s names and phone numbers to distribute on first practice day.
• May want to hold a parent meeting (may be at first practice) to review Code of Conduct, game schedule, equipment, where to sit on game day, etc.
• Have Assistant Coach fill out Coaches Application (if not already done) and give to Commissioner or send to SSC, PO Box 255, Schererville, IN 46375. Review Asst. Coach packet with them.

FIELD DAYS – Rohrman Park, Stephens Park, East Park/Suncrest Park

• This is where we get the fields ready for practices and games. Arrange for at least one representative from your team to be present at all field days. It can be a coach, team parent, a parent, or parents. Even older players are welcome. The more help the quicker it will get done.

FIRST PRACTICE

• Distribute coach’s letter (if not already done), roster list with parent names and phone numbers, and game schedule.
• Review Code of Conducts
• Team Mom gets team e-mail addresses (see form) and sends to SSC, PO Box 255, Schererville, IN 46375 or e-mails to kickers@scherervillesoccer.org.
• Check with parent's regarding names on uniform shirts (See lettering form).
  

UNIFORM PICK-UP

• Coaches are responsible for picking up their team uniforms. Time and place will be provided typically at the coaches meeting. If you cannot be there please make arrangements with your asst. coach or team mom to pick up your uniforms.
• Get SAY packet

BEFORE FIRST GAME

• Review necessary equipment and attire for games.
• No jewelry
• Must have shin guards covered by socks (coaches please demonstrate)
• Team jerseyh tucked in and worn as outer most layer
• Soccer shoes - if wearing cleats must be rubber cleats with NO toe cleats (as in baseball shoes)
• Review with parents and children the referee check procedures:
• Coach will line children up on field
• Referee has each child raise up foot and show bottom of shoe (cleat check)
• Referee has kids knock on shin guards (shin guard check)
• Referee inspects for jewelry, etc.
• Review where and when games will be played. Have players at field at least 15 minutes before the game
• Review where parents and spectators need to sit on game day. Please encourage your parents to cheer on all players and remember the parent’s code of conduct.
• Review where kids need to sit on game day.
• Inform the parents (and remind coaches) that the referees are players in training. They are not professional referees. However just like professional referees they will miss calls or make calls you don’t agree with. If you have an issue take it up with the Director of referees. Do not approach the referee in a negative or intimidating fashion.

DURING SEASON

• Notify Commissioner of any changes to roster for database.
• Remember that Incident Reports MUST be turned in to a Board Member within 7 days of the incident.
• Referee Cards at end of games must be signed.
• HAVE FUN WITH THE KIDS!!!!

END OF SEASON

• RETURN Player Evaluation form to Commissioner by last game.
• RETURN First aid kit, key, game ball, and Coaches Handbook to Commissioner after last game