GCAA Rec Soccer
Coaching Rec Soccer at GCAA
Coaching youth sports is one of the most important ways adults influence the positive development of youth. Beyond the development of strategies and skills associated with a particular sport, a sports coach can ignite a child’s curiosity, teach positive social and team skills, cultivate resilience, promote self-awareness, model integrity, foster resourcefulness, encourage creativity, and nurture empathy.
Did you know? If you volunteer to HEAD COACH, you get one free registration per team coached? (Maximum 2) LEARN MORE HERE!
Coaching Levels at GCAA
We can not form teams without volunteer Head Coaches so THANK YOU to all who have volunteered to be a head coach! The Head Coach is responsible for the team. This includes the lesson plan for the practice. This may seem intimidating but GCAA coaches have access to the MOJO app where you can easily create lesson plans or use lesson plans designed for your level of play and your size team. The Head Coach also is the main person communicating with the team. Much of this communication will be done through the TeamSnap app. The Head Coach is also the person who should communicate with the Referees.
6U-8U head coaches are also the referee for Saturday games. For this reason, we require that each 6U & 8U teams have an assistant or bench coach to supervise the kids on the bench while the head coach is on the field directing players. Only registered coaches can be on the player/coach side of the field. Parents are NOT allowed to just 'fill in' if a coach cannot make it!
10U+ games have paid referees and only coaches are allowed on the player/coach side of the field. Parents are NOT allowed to just 'fill in' if a coach cannot make it!
GCAA Rec Soccer has had to change our coaching credit policy. Unfortunately, many coaches have signed up to get the free registration but then not actually show up to coach.
Head coaches will still receive their coaching credit, but we have decided to issue this credit at the end of the season.
All Coaches Must Complete Risk Management (RM) to Participate. Click Here to Begin the Process.
This process can take up to TWO WEEKS (background checks). You are NOT allowed on the field with players until this is completed, so start as soon as possible!
Once a YEAR, volunteers with NCYSA must complete a background check. GCAA Soccer is sanctioned by NCYSA, so we have to follow their rules. The GCAA Background check for baseball/softball/basketball/volleyball DOES NOT apply to GCAA Soccer. All Coaches and Assistant Coaches must complete the NCYSA background check to be eligible to coach GCAA Soccer.
It is preferred that all levels of play have an Assistant Coach. The Assistant Coach works with the Head Coach to execute the lesson plans for the practices. This may include individual coaching, setting up drills, and being a backup to the Head Coach in the event they are not available.
Assistant and bench coaches are very much valued, however you do not get the registration discount.
All Coaches Must Complete Risk Management (RM) to Participate. Click Here to Begin the Process.
This process can take up to TWO WEEKS (background checks). You are NOT allowed on the field with players until this is completed, so start as soon as possible!
Once a YEAR, volunteers with NCYSA must complete a background check. GCAA Soccer is sanctioned by NCYSA, so we have to follow their rules. The GCAA Background check for baseball/softball/basketball/volleyball DOES NOT apply to GCAA Soccer. All Coaches and Assistant Coaches must complete the NCYSA background check to be eligible to coach GCAA Soccer.
In the 5U/6U & 7U/8U divisions, each team needs a bench coach. This coach is someone who sits on the bench during games. The main responsibility is to keep the kids focused on the game. Your head coach may ask you to keep the game time or help with substitutions. There is no responsibility on practice days.
Assistant and bench coaches are very much valued, however you do not get the registration discount.
All Coaches Must Complete Risk Management (RM) to Participate. Click Here to Begin the Process.
This process can take up to TWO WEEKS (background checks). You are NOT allowed on the field with players until this is completed, so start as soon as possible!
Once a YEAR, volunteers with NCYSA must complete a background check. GCAA Soccer is sanctioned by NCYSA, so we have to follow their rules. The GCAA Background check for baseball/softball/basketball/volleyball DOES NOT apply to GCAA Soccer. All Coaches and Assistant Coaches must complete the NCYSA background check to be eligible to coach GCAA Soccer.
All Coaches Must Complete Risk Management (RM) to Participate
Coaching Resources
Rules of Play by Age Division
Concussion Protocol
Questions? Contact GCAA Rec Soccer
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