Things You Should And Things You Should Not Do As A Soccer Coach

  1. Positive encouragement and instruction of your players from the sidelines (the coach's box) is allowed. Negative criticism, hostility, abuse or anger are things you should not do. You are a role model and must set the example of good sportsmanship and insist upon it from your team.
  2. Cheering when the other team makes a mistake is bad. Cheering when the other team makes a great play is good.
  3. Never criticize the referee. It is a tough job. If an appealable mistake is made, talk to the referee and then the Director of Referees after the game. Remember, you are the role model and must set the standard for behavior. It is good to thank the referee and linesmen after the game.
  4. You should stay 2 steps back from the sideline during games so you don't block the Assistant Referee's view of the line.
  5. Don't run up the score. It's not good for either team if the game is a mismatch, but sometimes it happens. If your team gets 5 goals ahead, you should be a good sport & do one of the following:
    • Put your weakest scorers up front (use this as an opportunity to let them be forwards).
    • Try someone new in goal & at fullback
    • Pull a player off the field & "play short". If it is still a mismatch, pull off another player.
    • Tell your players they must complete 5 consecutive passes before shooting
    • Tell them they can only take shots from outside the Penalty Box (i.e., practice chip shots, lofted shots at the top of the goal or power shots).