Role of the Coach, Parents and Administrators

Monday, 19. October 2009 - Dr.L.S.Singh/Dr.K.B.Singh (GW)

Children gain positive experiences through the support and encouragement given by coaches.

It is important to realize that young children should never be exposed to unrealistic expectations. Therefore, the coach has an important role to play in attracting more young people to the game and consequently getting them involved permanently.

During interaction with children the coach is required to provide an environment that is conductive for learning. The emphasis should be on maximum participation and skills improvements for the individual player and fostering good team spirit within the team.


Objective

1.    Football provides opportunities to instill good social values and healthy lifestyle habits into young children, and is instrumental in a child's upbringing. The concepts of 'fairplay' and 'good sportsmanship' are vital elements during participation.

2.    Coaches are strongly advised to place more emphasis on fostering fun and enjoyment, instead of focusing on results and winning matches during training and competitions. In addition, the development of the individual player's fundamental skills and understanding of the game should be the main focus and no importance should be placed on team tactics and particular positions within the team at grassroots level.

Finally, coaches need to remember that player development is a long journey, a process that needs patience. We must be patient in our approach and efforts in order to provide children with the opportunity to mature and fine tune their skills at the pace they are comfortable with.

To ensure that children receive the greatest benefit from their involvement in football, it is strongly recommended that a code of conduct for parents and administrators is adopted and implemented at every level of formalized competition and training.

A code of conduct should reflect the following principles:

• Encourage interested young people to play football.
• Encourage children to develop basic skills and avoid over specialization in one position during their formative years.
• Not to treat the child as if he were a miniature adult.
• Not to scold or yell at a child for taking decisions.
• Never give personal success more relevance than the educational objective.
• Do not assume that a team's success is dependent on the coach's input alone.
• Focus on the young person's efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the match or tournament.
• Teach young people the ideas of 'fair play' and accepting defeat without undue disappointment.
• Encourage young people to always play according to the rules and to respect the officials and coaches decisions.
• At no time should players, spectators and officials be exposed to personal abuse and ridicule.
• Be patient, some children take longer than others to develop.
• Teach young people to appreciate and recognize the value and importance of the coaches, parents and officials.
• Strike a balance between education and football development of a young player.
• Provide the essential nutritional food and proper health care.

(With input from AFC grassroots hand book)