Sample Soccer Game Day Procedure (U7-U9)

SAMPLE SOCCER GAME DAY PROCEDURE (U7-U9)

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The following sample soccer game day procedure is suggested for Under-7 (U7) to Under-9 (U9) recreational teams. It assumes that there will be quarter breaks to allow for water or substitutions. It is directed at the players themselves, to be discussed with the parents, and then emphasized by the parents and the coach to the players.

Player Preparation

Dressed in proper uniform with additional weather-related clothing, as necessary
Remember shin guards
Make sure shoes will stay tied; for long laces, use a “surgeon’s knot;” double-knot short laces
You may bring your own ball, but usually only team balls will be used; if you do bring your own ball, make sure it is well marked with your last name in permanent ink
Do not wear watches, bracelets, necklaces, dangling earrings, or anything that could scratch someone or catch on anything
No gum, cough drops, hard candy, or anything in the mouth
Remember to bring your water bottle
If it’s your family turn, bring the water kit or snacks
Leave home early enough to arrive at least 15 minutes before scheduled kickoff

Pre-Game

Do not run around, kick balls, wear yourself out, or run the risk of getting hurt
Do not interfere with a game in progress by standing too near the sidelines or by cutting across the field of play
Do stay near the coach
Coach will call everyone together, appoint the captains, and establish the starting lineup
Coach will have you “form up in miniature” to let everyone see their positions. Please do this quickly with no talking
Coach will call for warmups
Coach will tell the captains which goal to defend first, if the team wins the coin toss
Coach determines who plays where for the benefit of the team. Please do not call out to play certain positions. (Please see the coach during practice, however, to discuss trying different positions.)
First goalie puts on different-colored jersey
Captains go to midfield to meet with the referee, determine who kicks off and which goal to defend, and return to report to the team
Entire team participates in team cheer
Starters take the field

The Game

VERY SPECIAL NOTES

Coach may yell instructions during the game and sometimes needs to be very loud in order to be heard all the way on the other side of the field. It is very important that everyone understands that Coach is never yelling because he is mad at anyone and never intends to hurt anyone’s feelings.
The goalkeeper is rarely responsible for allowing a goal to be scored against the team. It is a team game and everyone is responsible for defense when we don’t have the ball. If a goal is scored against the team, no one is to ever say anything blaming the goalkeeper.

End of First Quarter

Get Water
Sit or stand quietly near Coach
Coach gives game instructions or corrections
Coach makes substitutions, including new goalkeeper
New goalkeeper puts on different-colored jersey and reports to the referee
Players form up in miniature
Entire team participates in team cheer

End of First Half

Same as End of First Quarter
Team reminded to switch ends of field and defend other goal

End of Third Quarter

Same as End of First Quarter

Post-Game

Get water quickly or wait until after “handshakes” with opposing team
Line up single-file at midline
“Handshake” with other team is a “low-five” with a gentle touch
You may say “good game” or “thank you,” but nothing else, to the players and coaches of the other team. Derogatory comments or actions will not be tolerated
After “handshakes,” turn away from the line, do not go back down the line again, either to your teammates or the opponent; return immediately to the team gathering on the sideline
Get snacks
Coach will remind you of the next event
Make sure you have everything you brought with you when you leave
Attend the next practice or game!