For more information or more current info, please visit FYSA website.

US Soccer put together one of the best guidelines on youth soccer heat stress.  The article focuses on the factors that put young athletes at risk of heat stress and discusses prevention techniques, fluid guidelines, signs of dehydration, muscle cramping, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  Since we live and play in a hot climate, heat stroke becomes a real possibility when it is above 90 degrees.  This is a must read for all coaches and parents.

Read full article by US Soccer here.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

 Concussions can occur in any sport or recreation activity. So, all coaches, parents, and athletes need to learn concussion signs and symptoms and what to do if a concussion occurs.

• How can I recognize a possible concussion?
• What should I do if a concussion occurs?
• What can I do to prevent concussions in sports?
• Where can I find additional resources?
• Where can I find information about my sport?

US Youth Soccer has thought long and hard about the answer to the question, "Why Small-Sided Games?"

What does "Small-Sided Games" mean? These are soccer games with fewer players competing on a smaller sized field. These are fun games that involve the players more because fewer players are sharing one ball.

All ages can play "Small Sided Games", but it has a definite developmental impact on our younger soccer players. US Youth Soccer recommendations for "number of players" at the various age groups are as follows:

U6 | 3 against 3 no goal keepers
U8 | 4 against 4 no goal keepers
U10 | 6 against 6 with goal keepers
U12 | 8 against 8 with goal keepers
U13+ | 11 against 11 with goal keepers

1. Because we want our young soccer players to touch the soccer ball more often and become more skillful with it! (Individual technical development)

2. Because we want our young soccer players to make more, less-complicated decisions during the game! (Tactical development)

3. Because we want our young soccer players to be more physically efficient in the field space they are playing in! (Reduced field size)

4. Because we want our young soccer players to have more individual teaching time with the coach! Less players on the field and less players on the team will guarantee this! (Need to feel worthy and need to feel important)

5. Because we want our young soccer players to have more, involved playing time in the game! (More opportunity to solve problems that only the game presents)

6. Because we want our young soccer players to have more opportunity to play on both sides of the ball! (More exposure to attacking and defending situations)

7. Because we want our young soccer players to have more opportunities to score goals! (Pure excitement)

These are the reasons why we adults must foster "Small-Sided Games" in our youth soccer programs. The "Small-Sided" environment is a developmentally appropriate environment for our young soccer players. It's a FUN environment that focuses on the young soccer player.
It just makes sense doesn't it?

SOURCE:  US Youth Soccer.com

http://www.nays.org/rateyourcoach/

The National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA) would like to encourage you to evaluate your child’s coach so that your league can better provide a fun, safe and positive sporting experience. Your evaluation serves as a great tool for coaches to attain useful and immediate feedback on how they are performing at anytime during the season. League administrators will have full access to evaluators’ identities and results, while coaches will only be able to see anonymous overall results.

Required: In order to rate a coach you must have a coach’s NYSCA member ID number. You may attain this number by simply asking your child’s coach or League Director.

If your coach is not a NYSCA member, we encourage you to contact your League Director to discuss the benefits of offering the program to the volunteer coaches, including the capability to rate the coaches. Please visit our home page at www.nays.org and click on the coaches’ link to learn about the NYSCA.

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If you are a Coach, becoming part of NAYS is a valuable tool as it provides many member benefits.  All West Pines Youth Recreational Soccer Coaches are members of NAYS and have a member number.