There have been some rule changes within US Youth Soccer over the past couple of years.  Part of these changes includes how and when we begin contact between the ball and a player's head.  Although a concussion happen at any age the intent is to limit the exposure.  Additionally, we are now requiring all of our volunteer coaches to take the CDC Heads Up Concussion Training, the link is provided below;

http://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/training/

It is our philosophy that all children should be active.  However, at each level there needs to be a certain structure,along aspects of the game that should be focused on.  With that in mind we would like all coaches to strive to teach the following skills at the appropriate level;

http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/coaches/smallsidedgames/

            U4/U6:  Dribbling the ball around the field, passing the ball, kicking the ball, learning no hand ball except goalie.
         
            U8 :  Shooting the ball in the net, passing with inside of foot, proper throw ins, learning the 7 positions (goalie, 3 offense positions as forward & 3 defense positions as fullback) , giving 10ft. of space for corner kicks, in-direct/direct & throw ins.  ***NO HEAD BALLS at this level.  Additionally, at the end of the season remind players in 2nd grade that in the next year they will not be playing co-ed and will be competing against other clubs***
 
            U10:   Defense line keeps the ball on the side of the field or back up the field from going in their goalie box, offense line  (left or right forward)  cross the ball in the middle of the opponents goalie box, offense line understands off sides, all the soccer players understand the difference between a goal  kick /corner kick and why, learning how to trap a soccer ball & the different ways of trapping a soccer ball. Reminding the players of proper throw ins & 10 ft. from corner kicks, in-direct/direct kicks, & throw ins, during the pre-season or before games begin. ***Please note that in the coming season there are some changes at this level that will affect goal kicks and other aspects of the game at this level.  However the most important change is NO HEAD BALLS.***

           U12:  The differences of in-direct & direct kicks, cannot score on a in-direct. (we will have copies for review posted soon) Remind the players about 10 ft. from kicks (corner kicks, goal kicks, in-direct/direct kicks, & throw ins. Proper throw ins, off sides, different ways of trapping the soccer ball from throw ins, positioning in front of the ball, goal or corner kicks, what the defense line as full backs should do & offense line as forwards should do as players on the field.

Please note that these are suggested guidelines.  We appreciate all the time that you as a volunteer coach give to the program.  It is not our intent to tell you how to coach your team.  What we are trying to do is work towards uniformity in the club so that we have one message as players will spend up to 9 years in the program.