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Our Coaching Philosophy

The coaching staff and officials of LNUSC Club understand that children participate in soccer to have fun. If children don’t have fun playing soccer, they’ll soon pack it in. We never forget that the game of soccer is just that - a game. It’s not about how many wins and losses are accumulated. And, it is surely not about how many trophies are collected. It’s not about how many goals we score or concede. It’s all about enjoying the game and, at the same time, learning and developing soccer and life skills. Proper soccer development requires that children play age appropriate activities, so they are able to experience, comprehend, and execute the game as it relates to where they are at their own stage of physical and mental development. It is about playing in different positions, so the player learns all the skills necessary to develop in the game. It’s about receiving equal playing time, so the players are all given equal opportunity to learn. It’s about learning the techniques of the game through a variety of fun games where players have as much contact with a ball as possible and learn at their own rates.

Philosophy  |  Parents/Care Givers  |  Players  |  Coaches  |  Referees

Code of Conduct for Parents/Care Givers

 • Be your child’s best fan and support them unconditionally

 • When you take your child home after a match or training session, please be supportive and always focus on the positive aspects of their game.

• Develop a responsibility in your child to pack their own kit, clean their boots and take a drinks bottle to practice and games. • Respect the facilities at our opponents’ grounds.

• Do not criticize your child’s coach to your child or other parents. If you are not happy with the coach, you should raise the issue with the coach.

• Encourage your child to speak with the coach. If your child is having difficulties in training or games or can’t attend training etc. encourage them to speak directly to the coaches. This “responsibility taking” is a big part of becoming a mature person. By handling off the field tasks, your child is claiming ownership of all aspects of the game.

• Help your child to focus on the performance and not the result. Remember - winning is not as important as the performance.

• Support all the players in your child’s squad. Do not criticize anyone. Remember – children don’t mean to make mistakes.

• Do not criticize the opponents, their parents or their officials.

• Never audibly dispute a referee’s decision. They will make mistakes occasionally. We all do. If you abuse or shout at the referee you are breaking the rules of the game and risk generating a fine for the club. In extreme circumstances we could even be expelled from the League, be forced to play all our games away or play without any spectators present.

• Parents must not coach from the touchline during matches or training. Leave this to the manager/coach or you may cause confusion and erode your child’s confidence.

• Parents must not enter the field of play. Please remember: "the game is for the children.

It is not for the glory of the coach, manager or parents."

Philosophy  |  Parents/Care Givers  |  Players  |  Coaches  |  Referees

Code of Conduct for Players

Players should:

• Play according to the laws and spirit of the game.

• Be on time and be prepared for matches and training sessions.

• Display self-control in all situations. Never use foul or abusive language - before, during or after a game or training session.

• Train and play to the best of your ability, have a positive attitude, and encourage others to do the same. • Respect the opposition. Treat them as you would like them to treat you.

• Respect the referee. Never dispute his or her decisions. They are only human, and they make mistakes, just like you.

• Turn up for training and matches in appropriate and clean clothing.

• Wear the right sort of footwear (studded boots). Note: we recommend against the use of blades on health and safety grounds.

• Always wear shin guards.

• Clean their own boots/trainers!
Philosophy  |  Parents/Care Givers  |  Players  |  Coaches  |  Referees

Code of Conduct for Coaches and Officials

A coach’s primary responsibility is to make sure that his/her players have fun, develop as footballers and to instill in them a passion for the game.

The performance of coaches is not measured in wins and losses, but rather in what players learn in terms of technique, sportsmanship, and fair play.

Coaches are charged with the responsibility of controlling their players and parents at all times during a match.

Coaches lead and teach by example; our players will be a reflection upon the manager and coach.

Coaches will:

• Use positive reinforcement when dealing with players.

• Never use foul or abusive language and never abuse a player mentally, verbally, or physically.

• Have respect for the authority of the referee, our opponents on match days and the officials of their club.

• Teach your children the rules of the game, fair play, and proper behavior.

• Develop your child’s technique and their decision-making ability.

• Inspect the playing area for hazards and generally make practice sessions and matches as safe as possible for your children. You should be aware, however, that football is a contact sport and your child may be injured. If this happens, we will provide appropriate first aid.

In addition:

• We will not allow a child to take part in a practice session or a match if she is injured.

• We will not leave your child unattended at a practice session or a game.

• We will only allow your child to leave a practice session or a game if a responsible person collects them unless you give written permission for your child to leave on their own.

• We will always be enthusiastic (even in the pouring rain!)

• We will try our best to make the game enjoyable for everyone who takes part – players, opponents, parents/care givers and spectators.

Philosophy  |  Parents/Care Givers  |  Players  |  Coaches  |  Referees

Referee Coach Relationship and Expectations

(a message from the Referee Coordinator to Officials and Coaches)

We all want our players to have fun, and be safe first and foremost, which is explained at coaches and referee meetings.  With that said, we want the LNUSC Referee and Coach relationship to remain strong in support of our growing club.

If a coach truly values the safety of his players, and sportsmanship above winning, then he and the referee are on the same page. If, however, a coach values winning more than the Laws of the Game, he will find himself constantly at odds with the Referee, whose functions are to adjudicate the Laws of the Game, and to maintain the safety of all players.

All referee’s have agreed to be honest, forthright, know the laws of the game to the best of their ability, not to show favoritism, be responsible and honor their position, and to do their best. Sounds like a Boy Scout oath, but it’s true. We may not be able to see everything, or "call all right" all the time, but we will do our best. To foster and strengthen the Referee Coach Relationship, please keep the following in mind during games:

  • The primary focus is player safety and to ensure the kids have fun, while playing the game the proper way (following the Laws of The Game).
  • The referee owns the field. Coaches will respect their position and their calls.
  • Referee’s are to report all carded violations to the Referee Coordinator and/or the Divisional Director, President, or Vice President.
  • Coaches are responsible for teaching sportsmanship and player safety including proper uniform and equipment (no jewelry; no metal showing anywhere, including hair berets, etc). The referee(s) adjudicate these teachings during the game and holds the coach responsible if in violation.
  • Coaches are responsible to know game playing times (length of halves) and should confirm these times with the referee(s) prior to game start. If the coaches have a need to change these times, they will concur with each other prior to approaching the referee(s).
  • Coaches are responsible for their payment to the referee(s) prior to game start.
  • For younger teams, Coaches should know when and how to pull back while ensuring safety of players during the game both on and off the field of play. The referee should not interfere with coaching styles unless they are in violation of the primary focus (first bullet). Referee’s are to report any violations to the Referee Coordinator, President and/or Vice President.
  • Coaches need to be responsible for controlling parents, as well as players.
  • Coaches are responsible for reporting game results to the LUSC Webmaster in order for games scores to be posted and tracked on the website for all in-house games. Either or both coaches should send the communication no less than 48 hours after the game is played. The Webmaster will send confirmation when scores are posted. If you do not received confirmation of posting 48 hours after sending, please contact your Divisional Director or other LUSC Board member directly.

If you have any questions you may review the Codes of Conduct above, visit the Officials Corner , or contact the Referee Coordinator.