BC Soccer Coaching Philosophy
All coaches should share and work towards BC Soccer’s vision, values and competencies. Our shared aim is to use the power of soccer to build a better future.
As coaches:
– Our values should be responsive to the needs of our players and soccer in general.
– We should be confident in our approach to show courage in our actions.
– We should be open to new ideas and be receptive of other views
– Our work should be inclusive, encouraging everyone to enjoy and love our great game
– Everyone must be accountable to those they work with and to soccer and the community at large.
– We should be challenging in our work and sessions to bring out the best in our players.
– We should be passionate for the game and pass on this passion, encouraging others to develop a life-long love of the game.
– Our shared competencies are those of leadership, taking responsibility and showing direction.
-Our shared competencies are those of leadership and using change to help us meet our vision
– We should be able to communicate and influence those around us, taking ownership of the game. We should also demonstrate achievement and our way and contribution to the game
– We should be innovative in our approach to this important role.
Coaches who successfully complete their Community Coaching Certificate and work towards our shared vision, values and competencies become a part of our team at the British Columbia Soccer Association, which is committed to realizing both the vision, and the dream of Canada winning a major championship.
Courtesy of the English FA
Coaching Competencies and Values
| Resonsive | Achievement | Courage | Change Orientation |
| Understand the needs of players | Knowledge | Set standards | Open to new ideas |
| Make sessions age/game appropriate | Confidence | Raise standards | Encourage players to be open |
| Capability | Do what is right for the game | Encourage players to take responsibility | |
| Independent | No fear of failure | ||
| Understanding | |||
| Proactive | |||
| Independent | |||
| Understanding | |||
| Proactive | |||
| Respectful | |||
| Focused | |||
| High standards | |||
| Inclusive | Accountable | Challenging | Passionate |
| Opportunity for all | To colleagues | Attitude | Love of the game |
| Everyone plays | To your club, or, association | Ethics | Enthusiasm |
| Everyone | To the game | Self improvement | Instill this passion on others |
| To the players | Improvement of others | ||
| To yourself | Open mind | ||
| Use imagination | |||
| Leadership | Communication | Ownership | Innovation |
| Be positive | Not just verbal | Take responsibility | Improvisation |
| Leading by example | Let the game be the teacher | Set an example | Problem solving |
| Role model | Listening skills | Commitment | Development |
| Keep everyone involved | Appropriate language | Empower the players | Thinking ahead |
| Encouragement | No jargon! | Continued education / certification courses | |
| Delegate | Be clear | ||
| Organized and prepared | Make sure that the players understand you |
Fair Play Codes
Fair Play Code for Athletes
1. I will participate because I want to, not just because my parents or coaches want me to.
2. I will play by the rules, and in the spirit of the game.
3. I will control my temper – fighting and “mouthing off” can spoil the activity for everybody.
4. I will respect my opponents.
5. I will do my best to try to be a true team player.
6. I will remember that winning isn’t everything – that having fun, improving my skills, making friends and doing my best are also important.
7. I will acknowledge all good plays/performances – those of my team and of my opponents.
8. I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and show them respect.
Fair Play Code for Coaches
1. I will be reasonable when scheduling games and practices, remembering that young athletes have other interests and obligations.
2. I will teach my athletes to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials and opponents.
3. I will ensure that all athletes get equal instruction, support and playing time.
4. I will not ridicule or yell at my athletes for making mistakes or for performing poorly. I will remember that children play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.
5. I will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the athlete’s ages and abilities.
6. I will remember that children need a coach they can respect. I will be generous with praise and set a good example.
7. I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.
Fair Play Code for Officials
1. I will make sure that every athlete has a reasonable opportunity to perform to the best of his or her ability, within the limits of the rules.
2. I will avoid or put an end to any situation that threatens the safety of the athletes.
3. I will maintain a healthy atmosphere and environment for competition.
4. I will not permit the intimidation of any athlete either by word or by action. I will not tolerate unacceptable conduct toward officials, athletes, spectators or myself.
5. I will be consistent and objective in calling all infractions, regardless of my personal feelings toward a team or individual athlete.
6. I will handle all conflicts firmly but with dignity.
7. I accept my role as a teacher and role model for fair play, especially with young participants.
8. I will be open to discussion and contact with the athletes before and after the game.
9. I will remain open to constructive criticism and show respect and consideration for different points of view.
10. I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my officiating skills.
Fair Play Code for League Organizers
1. I will do my best to see that all children are given the same chance to participate, regardless of gender, ability, ethnic background.
2. I will absolutely discourage any sport program from becoming primarily an entertainment for the spectators.
3. I will make sure that all equipment and facilities are safe and march the athletes’ ages and abilities.
4. I will make sure that the age and maturity levels of the children are considered in program development, rule enforcement and scheduling.
5. I will remember that play is done for its own sake and make sure that winning is kept in proper perspective.
6. I will distribute the fair play codes to spectators, coaches, athletes, officials, parents and media.
7. I will make sure that coaches and officials are capable of promoting fair play as well as the development of good technical skills, and I will encourage them to become certified.
Fair Play Code for Parents
1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.
2. I will remember that my child plays sport for his or her enjoyment, not for mine.
3. I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
4. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is as important as winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game/event.
5. I will make my child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly and trying hard.
6. I will never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
7. I will remember that children learn best by example. I will applaud good plays/performances by both my child’s team and their opponents.
8. I will never question the official’s judgment or honesty in public.
9. I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting events.
10. I will respect and show appreciation for the volunteer coaches who give their time to provide sport activities for my child.
Fair Play Code for Spectators
1. I will remember that children play sport for THEIR enjoyment. They are not playing to entertain me.
2. I will not have unrealistic expectations. I will remember that child athletes are not miniature professionals and cannot be judged by professional standards.
3. I will respect the official’s decisions and I will encourage participants to do the same.
4. I will never ridicule and athlete for making a mistake during a competition. I will give positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort.
5. I will condemn the use of violence in any form and will express my disapproval in an appropriate manner to coaches and league officials.
6. I will show respect for my team’s opponents, because without them there would be no game.
7. I will not use bad language, not will I harass athletes, coaches, officials of other spectators.
Fair Play Code for Media
When I cover games……
1. I will not judge or depict children as miniature professionals. I will respect sport programs for adults differently from those for children.
2. I will feature children who have demonstrated outstanding examples of fair play.
3. I recognize that these children are deserving of coverage and are of as much interest to my readers as those who score points.
4. I will keep isolated incidents of unfair play in their proper perspective – neither ignoring nor glorifying them for shock or entertainment value.
5. I will give equal coverage to girls and boys and will endeavor to help the public understand the importance of this equal coverage.
6. I will remember that children in organized sports often face a lot of pressure to meet unrealistic expectations. I will promote discussion of this and other fair play issues in order to raise awareness and protect children’s rights.