TRSA OUTDOOR U-10 COACHES MANUAL and INFORMATION PACKAGE TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction and General Information Page 01 EMSA Rules for U10 Soccer (2013 version) Page 06 Drills and Activities Page 07
INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL INFORMATION Welcome! Welcome to the TRSA outdoor soccer season! Thank you for volunteering as a soccer coach. This package has been prepared with you in mind as we wish to provide as much useful and practical information as possible for your use to get started. Warning and Tips! Read this Section Before Proceeding: Mini Soccer (U4 thru U10) is a completely different game than that of the U12 thru U18 in that it involves smaller fields, smaller goals, smaller balls, and most importantly smaller players that need to be treated and coached much differently that older children. The player is not only small but he or she is also very young and sometimes this fact gets overlooked as many coaches treat their players as miniature version of a grown up. Children are involved in organized sports for their own enjoyment and not to satisfy the needs of others. Their enjoyment is jeopardized if adults have unrealistic expectations and attitude. Soccer is successful in Canada at the Mini Soccer level for the following reasons: Soccer is activity oriented. Soccer is less expensive than others. Soccer is less violent. Soccer fits into the family and community lifestyle easier than others. Enjoyable and fun activities at these age groups is top priority. The children at this age group are still very dependent on parents and parents must be influential and encouraging their children s activity by being present at games/practices. Parents participation will form the foundation of their children s interest in soccer. Parents and coaches do represent a role model (coach, teacher, mentor, and counselor) and will leave more often a lifelong impression with the children. Fun usually comes with activity. Short spells of activity followed by short rest periods (i.e. water break) should be followed as the concentration level at this age is very short. At these age groups the children are very egocentric and the ball is their very own possession and it will very unwillingly be relinquished. At the Mini Soccer age groups children enjoy physical activity that involves: Running, Jumping, Leaping, Hopping, Rolling, Turning, Bouncing, Kicking, Catching, and Trapping. It is very questionable to label a child at these age groups as a talent or star. The extra talent in soccer is the same exception as a child being perfect in reading and writing.
There is also the advantage that physically strong children do have in this age which gives them the edge in play for a short period of time. What is proven is that soccer coaching applied correctly will produce a very good player in the same manner that good teaching allows students to more easily learn their ABC s in school. The Mini Soccer coach needs to transform his/her knowledge about soccer to the level of the age group. Simple exercise. Small steps. This includes language. Phrases such as attack the ball, cover or make space, play the ball deep ; will be unrecognizable (with the exception of possibly U-10). Be creative, children at these ages really enjoy games that reference animals (i.e. sharks and minnows, British bulldog, etc.) and are coaxed into activities than they are coached. The more creative and entertaining you are the more you ll engage the children to participate in the activities you ve laid out to work on soccer knowledge and skills. It is easy to coach with very little formal knowledge of soccer. Don t be afraid to ask for help from either the TRSA age directors and even from player parents. As your focus will be on coaching do not hesitate to delegate tasks to player parents whether its roles to play during practice or more formal tasks like team manager or photographer. Characteristics of Children at this Age: Attention span lengthens greatly. Capable of problem solving. Sensitive to criticism. Enjoy team sport. Need for ego to be bolstered. Like to be admired for their sport ability. Objectives: Players should continue to develop at higher skill levels the basic skills of DRIBBLING, PASSING, and SHOOTING. Emphasis should continue to be placed on dribbling. By this age the players will understand that the field has dimensions and will be aware of positions (i.e. forward, midfield, defender). At this age passing will become more apparent during games so coaches should start focusing on passing related activities, drills, and games during practices to foster this teamwork skill. First Steps: Once you have received your team contact list please immediately contact your assistant coach(es) and manager and any other noted volunteer for introductions and setting up an initial meeting to divide the tasks. Please do not forget that all parents
should be encouraged to participate and you can also delegate further roles as you and the parents can work out. Please make the initial contacts to all the players as soon as practically possible as many parents will be wanting to know that their child is on a team and will be wanting to know what is happening. The role of the assistant coach will be to assist you in anyway necessary with equipment, running drills, and general support. Regardless All parents/guardians should be encouraged to participate in practice drills with their players. The manager at this age is responsible to contact the team and provide information as necessary throughout the season, but if you cannot get a parent to take on this role it is not too much more work. We suggest you make the initial contact by telephone (your manager can perform this duty if you choose). Whoever makes initial contact at the start of the season they should verify the email addresses as it has happened in the past that email addresses are incorrectly entered onto the TRSA data base. If email is the preferred method of communication during the season this should be explained at the initial contact with the parents and unless you have universal agreement on cc ing please bcc emails. It is very easy for a coach to volunteer and do everything. Don t be afraid to ask for help even with assigning equipment delivery to various parents. A team meeting should be coordinated before the start of the season (or before or after the first practice/game session). It is suggested that your team schedules a short session (30 minutes to 60 minutes) at one of the fields in the Terwillegar Riverbend area. At this session the following can be accomplished: Distribute uniforms (this gets the children very excited to immediately get to wear their new uniform!). Introduction of coaches, players, and parents. Coach to communicate to parents any specific goals of the season and expectations for players and parents. Selection of a team name. Run a few fun practice drills/games.
You or your manager can either have ALL the parents sign up for a snack day(s) or the snack schedule can be set up assigning snack days. Expectations of Parents: Attend all sessions and positively encourage your child, intercede when child is misbehaving or disrupting the team (the coach will not be expected to discipline the children). Ensure their child is listening to the coaches and following their instructions. Communicate to team manager or coach if their child cannot attend a session. If parent cannot attend they must designate someone in a guardian role. Cheering and positive encouragement from sidelines is allowed but negative yelling or shouting instructions (i.e. Johnny get in the open, pass the ball, why didn t you score) should be avoided. The coach will provide any necessary instructions. Ensure child arrives at field with proper equipment and is ready to play including uniforms and shoes properly tied (double-tie if necessary). Equipment: Equipment will be distributed at the TRSA Coaches Seminars. Your team equipment which is generally comprised of: Jerseys and pinnies Balls (just a few, all players should bring their own ball to any practice or game) Pylons / Buttons Goalie Uniform First Aid Kit Pump Schedule, Sessions and Season Duration: The U10 game sessions are held every Monday and Wednesday evenings. It is also recommended that each team have one (1) separate formal practice session per week at this age group (schedule for these to be determined within each team). Formal game schedules will be distributed by the SWEMSA and the games should start the last Monday in April (dependent on City of Edmonton opening fields) and conclude towards the end of June. The season for most teams will conclude with the TRSA U10 Tournament held the 3 rd weekend in June (typically the Friday, Saturday & Sunday around June 22 nd ). This tournament is mandatory for all TRSA teams. The event has been held at fields throughout the Terwillegar Riverbend area, however this year it s anticipated to be at
the Brookfield Fields. Your team will play minimum three (3) games. All children will receive medals at the conclusion of their final game. EMSA this year will have a City Finals for the U10 age group. These have been held the first week in July. Your team will likely be required to complete a Post Season Declaration Form at the start of the season if you wish to participate (details will be provided at a later date to all coaches by SWEMSA). Regular Season Scheduling: When you arrive at the field of play please check the fields for broken glass or any other debris that may cause injury. Game sessions will be comprised of two (2) 30 minute halves with five (5) minute half time break. The games will be 7 v. 7. There are referees at the U10 age group scheduled by TRSA. Do not under any circumstances allow players or parents to abuse officials verbally or physically. We need the referees to gain experience and return to our program next year. Whether you agree or not the EMSA by-laws and rules indicate that it is still the coach s responsibility to control their team s players and parents. This may be something to communicate to all parents at the start of the season. It is the Home team s responsibility to pay the referee ($25.00) at the start of the game + hand in the two (2) white copies of the game sheets for the Home and Away teams. Each team is required to set-up one (1) net and 3 corner flags. Please refer to separate section on Rules for U10 Soccer (from EMSA) enclosed within this package for detailed explanation of rules of the game. Please contact the Mini Soccer Director for any further explanation or interpretation. Please note the following pertaining to the game sessions and helpful hints: Coaches are not allowed on the field of play (referees are assigned at this age group). Coaches are to help referee the game and keep the game flowing. If your team has experienced a game where the other team scored substantial more goals than your team, please ensure you tell the players immediately after the game that they played great, you are proud of them, you saw many super runners and kickers, give them all high fives, etc. Keep it positive and fun!
Children s Equipment Requirements: Children at this age level are required to wear the following equipment: Jersey (supplied by TRSA) Shorts players should wear a comfortable pair of shorts. Specific colours are not mandatory or a concern at this age although the coach may want their team to match. Soccer Ball (Size 4) Each child should bring their own soccer ball. Shin Pads Soccer shin pads are mandatory. Most sports stores carry this item. Socks A comfortable pair that will fit over the child s shin pads. Shoes Running shoes or cleats. Soccer cleats are still not mandatory at this age level. Water Bottle Frequent water breaks occur at this age group. Team Photos There will be no TRSA organized team photos this season. A good suggestion is to pick one (1) date during the season as a photo day and advise the parents to bring cameras to take a team photo that day or to get a parent to volunteer as the team photographer. Rainout Days: The City of Edmonton determines whether fields are open or closed. There are two ways to determine whether fields are open or closed: 1. Telephone: 780-496-4999 Ext.1 2. Website: http://coewebapps.edmonton.ca/external/facilitynotifications/default.aspx?args=4 The phone message indicates that fields will be updated at 4:00 P.M. daily should conditions change but we have found that they at times update the status of the fields even later so please keep checking. Please determine with your team what the best way to inform parents if games are proceeding or not. Many teams leave the responsibility to check up to the parents. If fields are open and when you arrive at the field there is heavy rain or inclement weather the coaches should use their practical judgment at this point. If there is any lightning whatsoever the session should NOT proceed under any circumstances (please refer to SWEMSA Lightning Guideline noted on their website under the Outdoor tab: http://www.swemsa.com ).
Drills and Activities: The drills and activities described on the following pages are simple drills which have been used successfully for this age group over many years. Please take the time to study the planned drills. Feel free to improvise and innovate to cater to your team depending on how they are responding to the drill. Some useful tips to help in any session: Assure each player has his/her own ball for every practice and game. Praise every effort ALL the time. Be enthusiastic. Variety is a must. Establish a pattern of play-rest-play-rest. Be satisfied with very small progression. Be Punctual and encourage your players to be similarly punctual. Look and act like a coach. Communicate well with parents and encourage them to communicate with you. Have fun, fun and more fun. Good luck with the rest of your season! TRSA would like to thank the following for contributions to the soccer drills included in this manual: -SWEMSA (Southwest Edmonton Minor Soccer Association) soccer drills. -EMSA Online Coaching Drills -ICA (International Coaches Association) as donated by Larry Hrycack (TRSA Board Member).
EDMONTON MINOR SOCCER ASSOCIATION U10 CITY WIDE PROGRAM U-10 (7 V 7) SOCCER RULES REVISED APRIL, 2013 LAW I THE FIELD: A. DIMENSIONS: THE FIELD OF PLAY SHALL BE RECTANGULAR. THE PLAYING AREA SHOULD BE 180FT X 120FT (OR IF THERE ARE MINI FIELDS, USE WHAT YOU HAVE, THE DIMENSIONS WILL BE CLOSE. ALSO, MANY GAMES WILL BE PLAYED WITHIN OR ACROSS STANDARD FIELDS) B. MARKINGS: 1. DISTINCTIVE LINES ARE NECESSARY, SIDELINES AND END-LINES. 2. A HALFWAY LINE CAN BE MARKED OUT ACROSS THE FIELD OR OTHERWISE INDICATED. 3. MARKS THAT SHOULD APPEAR ON THE FIELD OF PLAY: a. A CENTER CIRCLE WITH A 18 FOOT RADIUS. b. FOUR CORNER ARCS WITH A THREE-FOOT RADIUS. c. A GOAL HALF CIRCLE OR RECTANGLE FOR THE GOAL CREASE. d. A HALF WAY MARKER. C. GOALS: 1. GOAL SIZE SHOULD BE 8-12 FEET WIDE. (OR WHATEVER SIZE IS AVAILABLE AS LONG AS IT IS THE SAME FOR BOTH TEAMS) 2. GOAL MOUTH SHOULD BE 18 FEET FROM THE CENTER OF THE GOAL, AND MADE INTO A HALF CIRCLE SURROUNDING THE NET. (OR ACTUAL FIELD DIMENSIONS WHEREVER
POSSIBLE). ALSO A RECTANGLE MAY BE USED. 18 FEET OUT AND 10 FEET FROM EACH GOAL POST. 3. THE NET CAN BE MADE OF CONES, FLAGS OR PORTABLE NETS. AS LONG AS THEY ARE THE SAME FOR BOTH SIDES. 4. THE CENTER LINE SHOULD HAVE A CIRCLE 18 FT IN DIAMETER. LAW II- THE BALL: THE BALL SHOULD BE SIZE 4 LAW III- NUMBER OF PLAYERS: A. NUMBER OF PLAYERS ON THE FIELD AT ANY TIME WILL BE 14. EACH TEAM WITH 6 PLAYERS AND 1 GOAL KEEPER. B. SUBSTITUTIONS: DURING ANY STOPPAGE OF PLAY AND AS MANY PLAYERS AS THE COACHES WANT. C. PLAYING TIME: EACH PLAYER SHALL PLAY A MINIMUM OF 50% OF THE TOTAL PLAYING TIME (WHENEVER POSSIBLE). D. TEAMS AND GAMES MAY BE CO-ED (GIRLS CAN PLAY ON A BOYS TEAM) E. GOALKEEPERS MUST WEAR COLOURS WHICH ARE DISTINGUISHABLE FROM THOSE OF OTHER PLAYERS. THE GOAL KEEPER MAY WEAR GLOVES AND TRACKSUIT TYPE PANTS IF DESIRED. F. A PLAYER MUST NOT WEAR ANYTHING THAT IS DANGEROUS INCLUDING ANY KIND OF JEWELLERY. LAW IV PLAYERS EQUIPMENT: A. FOOTWEAR: TENNIS SHOES OR SOFT-CLEATED SOCCER SHOES (USE COMMON SENSE). B. SHIN-GUARDS- MANDATORY C. JERSEY- SUPPLIED BY ORGANIZATION. TRY TO HAVE EVERYONE IN THE SAME UNIFORM INCLUDING SOCKS, AND SHORTS WHENEVER POSSIBLE
D. IN THE CASE WHERE BOTH TEAMS HAVE THE SAME JERSEYS, THE HOME TEAM WILL NEED TO CHANGE OR WEAR PINNIES. E. RELIGIOUS APPAREL IS ALLOWED AS LONG AS IT DOES NOT POSE A DANGER TO THE PLAYER OR OTHERS AROUND THEM. (PLEASE USE COMMON SENSE AND CONTACT THE OFFICE IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS) LAW V- REFEREE: - IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO GET A CARDED OFFICIAL TO OFFICIATE THE GAME, THEN BOTH COACHES NEED TO AGREE ON WHO IS TO REFEREE THE GAME. EACH COACH TAKING HALF THE GAME USUALLY WORKS. LAW VI LINESMEN: NO LINESMEN AT THIS LEVEL LAW VII- DURATION OF GAME: A. THE GAME WILL CONSIST OF TWO 30 MINUTE HALVES. B. THERE SHALL BE A FIVE-MINUTE BREAK IN BETWEEN HALVES. LAW VIII THE START OF PLAY/SIDE OF FIELD: A. PLAYERS AND PARENTS WILL BE ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE FIELD. THE OTHER TEAMS PARENTS AND PLAYERS WILL BE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE FIELD. THE HOME TEAM WILL PICK WHICH SIDE THEY DESIRE. B. THE START OF PLAY WILL BEGIN AFTER THE TWO CAPTAINS AND THE REFEREE MEET AT THE CENTER OF THE FIELD. THE WINNER OF THE COIN TOSS WILL DECIDE WHICH SIDE THEY WILL ATTACK, AND THE LOSER WILL GET THE BALL FIRST. IN THE SECOND HALF THE TEAMS WILL SWITCH SIDES AND THE OTHER TEAM WILL BEGIN WITH THE BALL. C. THE DEFENDING TEAM SHALL BE 18 FEET AWAY; OUTSIDE THE CENTER CIRCLE ON THEIR HALF.
D. THE BALL MUST BE PLAYED FORWARD, AND CAN ONLY BE TOUCHED ONCE BY THE PLAYER PUTTING IT INTO PLAY. ONCE ANOTHER PLAYER TOUCHES THE BALL THEN IT IS FAIR GAME. LAW IX BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY: - ANY BALL PLAYED OUT OF BOUNDS, SHALL BE AWARDED TO THE OPPOSITE TEAM THAT TOUCHED THE BALL LAST. LAW X METHOD OF SCORING: A. GOALS WILL BE AWARDED WHEN THE WHOLE OF THE BALL HAS CROSSED THE GOAL LINE BETWEEN THE GOAL POSTS (PYLONS, FLAGS, NO HIGHER THAN 6 FEET IF NO FULL NETS ARE USED). B. GOALS CAN BE SCORED WITHIN THE PENALTY AREA C. GOALS MAY NOT BE SCORED OFF OF RESTARTS LAW XI OFF-SIDE: THERE WILL BE NO OFF-SIDES. LAW XII FOULS AND MISCONDUCT: KICKS OR ATTEMPTS TO KICK AN OPPONENT TRIPS OR ATTEMPTS TO TRIP AN OPPONENT CHARGES AN OPPONENT STRIKES OR ATTEMPTS TO STRIKE AN OPPONENT HOLDS AN OPPONENT PUSHES AN OPPONENT HANDLES THE BALL DELIBERATELY TACKLES AN OPPONENT BY MAKING CONTACT WITH THE OPPONENT A. ALL FOULS WILL RESULT IN AN INDIRECT FREE KICK WITH THE OPPONENTS 18 FEET AWAY. WITH THE EXCEPTION WHEN THE INFRACTION IS COMMITTED INSIDE THE PENALTY AREA. FREE KICKS OR FOULS WITHIN THE PENALTY AREA
SHALL BE AN INDIRECT FREE KICK TAKEN FROM A SPOT ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE PENALTY AREA DIRECTLY FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE NET. B. THE REFEREE OR PARENT SHALL EXPLAIN ALL INFRACTIONS. AND THE REFEREE OR PARENT MAY REQUEST THAT THE PLAYER BE REMOVED FROM THE GAME FOR AT LEAST 5 MINUTES. A SUBSTITUTE WILL REPLACE THIS PLAYER. LAW XIII FREE KICK: A. SHALL BE CLASSIFIED UNDER - INDIRECT B. INDIRECT MEANS THAT THE BALL MUST TOUCH A SECOND PERSON PRIOR TO IT ENTERING THE NET AND COUNTING AS A GOAL. IN OTHER WORDS IF A FREE KICK IS AWARDED AND THE PLAYER KICKS THE BALL DIRECTLY INTO THE NET AND IT DOES NOT TOUCH A SECOND PERSON ON EITHER TEAM THEN THE GOAL DOES NOT COUNT AND WILL RESULT IN A GOAL KICK. LAW XIV PENALTY KICKS: THERE ARE NO PENALTY KICKS IN THIS AGE GROUP UNLESS REQUIRED TO DECIDE A GAME RESULT FOR A CITY FINALS COMPETITION. LAW XV THROW-IN: A. THROW-INS WILL OCCUR WHEN THE BALL IS FULLY PUT OUTSIDE OF THE PLAYING AREA (SIDE-LINES). B. THE BALL WILL BE PUT INTO PLAY, BY THE PLAYER, WITH BOTH HANDS ON THE BALL. THE BALL WILL BE PUT BEHIND THE HEAD THEN PROPELLED INTO THE FIELD OF PLAY. FOR SOME PLAYERS THIS WILL BE THEIR FIRST TIME THROWING THE BALL IN THIS MANNER, COACHES ARE ASKED TO BE LENIENT, AND HELP OUT THE PLAYERS SO THAT THEY MAY DEVELOP PROPER TECHNIQUES. C. THE SAME PLAYER CANNOT TOUCH THE BALL TWICE IN A ROW IF HE/SHE IS PUTTING IT INTO PLAY. IF THIS OCCURS THEN AN INDIRECT KICK WILL BE AWARDED TO THE NON- OFFENDING TEAM WHERE THE INFRACTION OCCURRED.
D. NO GOAL CAN BE SCORED ON A THROW-IN. LAW XVI - GOAL KICKS: GOAL KICKS: OCCUR WHEN THE ATTACKING TEAM PUTS THE BALL FULLY ACROSS THE DEFENDING TEAM S (END) LINE. THIS WILL RESULT IN THE GOALKEEPER OR ANY OTHER PLAYER KICKING THE BALL FROM ANYWHERE IN THE GOAL AREA. WHEN TAKING A GOAL KICK, ALL OPPONENTS SHALL BE OUTSIDE THE PENALTY AREA UNTIL IT HAS BEEN KICKED INTO PLAY. THE BALL SHALL BE IN PLAY WHEN IT IS KICKED, AND MOVES AND HAS LEFT THE PENALTY AREA. THE PLAYER TAKING THE GOAL KICK MUST NOT PLAY OR TOUCH THE BALL A SECOND TIME BEFORE IT HAS BEEN PLAYED OR TOUCHED BY ANOTHER PLAYER. IF THE BALL IS TOUCHED A SECOND TIME BY THE KICKER, OR ANOTHER PLAYER TOUCHES THE BALL BEFORE IT HAS LEFT THE GOAL AREA, THEN THE TEAM WILL RE-TAKE THE GOAL KICK. LAW XVII- CORNER KICK: A CORNER KICK WILL BE AWARDED WHEN THE DEFENDING TEAM PUTS THE BALL FULLY ACROSS THEIR END LINE. THIS WILL RESULT IN A KICK BEING TAKEN AT THE CORNER CLOSEST TO WHERE THE BALL EXITED THE PLAYING AREA. THE PLAYER TAKING THE CORNER KICK MUST NOT PLAY OR TOUCH THE BALL A SECOND TIME BEFORE IT HAS BEEN TOUCHED BY ANOTHER PLAYER. IF THIS OCCURS THEN AN INDIRECT KICK TO THE NON-OFFENDING TEAM WILL BE AWARDED AT THE LOCATION OF THE INFRACTION.
LAW XVIII - THE GOALKEEPER: THE GOALKEEPER IS ABLE TO USE HIS/HER HAND WITHIN THE GOAL AREA. A GOALIE CANNOT PICK UP A BALL THAT IS DELIBERATELY PASSED TO THEM BY A TEAMMATE WITH THEIR FOOT. A GOALKEEPER CAN PICK UP THE BALL IF IT IS PASSED TO THEM BY A TEAMMATE BY HEADING, SHIN, THIGH, OR CHEST OR IF IT IS UNINTENTIONALLY PASSED BACK BY THEIR FOOT. THE GOALKEEPER WILL HAVE 5 SECONDS TO RELEASE THE BALL, AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PICK THE BALL UP AGAIN UNLESS IT IS TOUCHED BY AN OPPONENT. IF THE GOALKEEPER INFRINGES ON THE ABOVE RULES THEN AN INDIRECT KICK WILL BE TAKEN FROM A SPOT ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE PENALTY AREA DIRECTLY FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE NET. DEFENDING PLAYERS MUST BE 18 FEET AWAY OR UNTIL THE GOAL LINE RECOMMENDATIONS: - BOTH TEAMS AND PARENTS SHOULD SHAKE HANDS AFTER THE GAME. - NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, DRUGS OR TOBACCO SHOULD BE CONSUMED ANYWHERE NEAR THE PLAYING FIELD. - ALL CHILDREN SHOULD HAVE TRANSPORTATION HOME ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT. EMSA TECHNICAL