Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Hello Coaches,

Please read this message in its entirety.

This past Saturday I was out at WRAL observing several games and have some observations that I wish to share with the community.  In future weeks, I will be sure to visit Wake Forest, Cary, and Garner.

Pre-Game Warmup
By far the most common warm up that I saw on almost every field was a shooting line.  Players would stand in a long line and take turns shooting on goal.  A pre-game warm up should prepare the players mentally and physically to perform in the game.  There should be active moving, changing directions, and multiple touches on the ball.  Players should be put into situations in which they will be exposed to in the game, to allow the players opportunities for success.
Example:  5mins - dynamic movement and warm up.  10 mins- dribbling, turning, passing activity 10-mins possession activity 5 mins - shooting

U9/U10 Goal kicks
Observing several of the U9/10 games, I have a thought that I want to pass along to the coaches to improve the goal kick restart.  Having all of the defenders back to the midline is intended to give the team in possession opportunity to pass and play the ball up the field.  I encourage you to have your kicker pass the ball to a team mate and work the ball out of the defensive half.  I saw too often the keeper trying to kick the ball as far forward as possible, which is not the intent.  If you look to keep possession, your players will benefit.

Numbers on Uniforms
I saw one team that had numbers pinned to their uniforms.  I am not sure if there were any other teams at other locations, but this is not allowed.  Please be sure that the uniforms all have numbers on the uniforms without any safety pins.

Official Printed Rosters
CASL rules require all U9 through U19 recreaton teams to provide a printed "official match roster" to the referee before each game. The reason for this is to be able to track warnings and ejections of players as well as to ensure that only registered players, covered by insure, are competing in the game.  Failure to do so by rule constitutes a forfeit.  I recommend that each coach make multiple copies of their roster and have with them at each game.

Training-Important!!
If you train on a field that is a game field, DO NOT TRAIN IN THE PENALTY BOX!!!  If you need to do something to goals, pull the goal out of the penalty box.  This is the area of the field that takes the most wear, so if teams train in these spaces on their training days, the fields are going to deteriorate for offical games.  Please do your part to protect the fields.  Also, while I am out observing training sessions and I see teams training in these spaces I will ask you to move.

Thank you for all that you do!!!

Bryan Farnsworth
Director of Recreation

Friday, March 1, 2013

Coaches,
Please read this message in its entirety and pass along any pertinent information on to your families.
Well, the season is all set to begin tomorrow!!  With that in mind I wanted to get out a communication to all coaches on a few items that I believe are critically important to having a successful season.  I will be out for the majority of tomorrow observing games, so if you see me feel free to stop me to chat, ask questions, or anything you like.  I am here for you!!!
Important for this weekend:
1.      Regardless of how nice it the weather is today and in the morning, please be sure to check the weather hotline before departing for your game. 
2.      Know exactly what field you match is on and the exact location.  Also, be sure to allow yourself plenty of extra time to arrive before your first game. 
3.      When travelling in and around WRAL soccer center, please slow down.  There will be kids everywhere, so please be extra cautious.
4.      Ensure that if you are the coach for a U9 or older team that you must have a printed copy of your match roster and your match report for the game.  Please do not forget.
Rules:
Please, know and be familiar with the rules for your age group before showing up to the field.  There have been a few changes in both the 4v4 and 6v6 format.  An updated link to all the rules can be located on the recreation blog.
Community:
This item is probably the most important of everything that I wish to communicate with you and will continue to do so this season and in seasons to come.  It is my vision that each coach and team to develop a mindset that the CASL recreation is a community.  Do everything that you can to work together, to compromise with other coaches and teams, to communicate always with respect and professionalism, and most importantly of all, facilitate a positive and enjoyable soccer experience for the players and families.
Something that I expressed at the recreation coaches meeting was that soccer pathway of a typical older CASL player.  While not all of our graduating soccer players played CASL recreation soccer, I can bet that a tremendous majority started playing soccer in a recreation league of some town/community.  At one time the players were dispersed throughout many different recreation teams, competing against one another with their dad’s and mom’s coaching.  Now, many years later, several of these players are playing, competing, and traveling together.  It all starts now in recreation soccer, so we, the CASL recreation community, needs to foster this idea of community while you compete and develop your current roster of youth soccer players.
Code of Conduct:
Simply, if you are a coach, you need to be familiar with the code of conduct.  If you have not read it, read it before coaching this weekend.  You can reference the general code of conduct and the coach’s code of conduct in the CASL Rule Book. 
“Ignorance of the law is no excuse. That's the standard line motorists hear when they say they weren't aware of the speed limit.”