Official Rules Update

Thank you for your interest in being a soccer coach this season! 

First step is to make sure that you are registered in Sports Connect (formerly Blue Sombrero) as a volunteer. Please log into your Sports Connect account (or register for an account) and click on the Volunteer button on the left.  Add yourself as a volunteer to the program you have available, follow steps and submit.  Once this is done we can officially allocate you to the team and add you to the roster of coaches for the background checks.

Next step is to complete your TWO background checks and the certified concussion course. Based on our Risk Management policy with the City and FYSA every Fall, we are required to complete both, regardless of whether you have coached in a previous season. It is extremely important that your first and last name match what you submit in Blue Sombrero, the City, and the FYSA background checks. There could be a delay if they do not match.

• City of Palm Beach Gardens: You can access the background check here. The cost is covered by the Soccer Club. You must submit your order before closing out at the payment screen. Please click here for instructions on the City background check.

•  FYSA/GotSoccer: The state of Florida requires all coaches to complete their background check, the CDC Heads Up Concussion and SafeSport courses on GotSoccer. The link with your login credentials will be sent once you are registered in Sports Connect and are assigned a team. You will need to access the background check and learning center tabs on GotSoccer. Please click here for instructions on the FYSA background check and courses.

Please note that you will not receive the required background check emails or City approval until you are a registered volunteer in Sports Connect.  Sending an email does not meet the registration requirement. 

Basic Rules for Handling a Kids’ Soccer Team (from SoccerPilot.com)

• The coach should be aware of his role model function.
• The kids should be praised time and again and never criticized openly.
• The coach should set limits and remain consistent in enforcing them.
• Even inferior plays should be addressed positively.
• The kids should never be compared among one another in the team or with other teams. The kids should develop their own personality and performance comparison can cause great psychological  harm. Wrong action can make the kid feel inferior and underachieving.
• Kids grasp more than one thinks. Never take a superior stance while talking to the kid.
• A coach finds his team great and never talks negatively. The kids are not responsible for frustration experienced by the coach.

FIFA has set up basic rules for kids soccer, which are to be more stringently followed by young kickers:

• Kids soccer means playing, and playing means fun!
• The most important thing for kids is to be with their friends!
• Each kid should get an equal chance to play!
• Teach kids to handle both winning and losing!
• More drills – less matches!
• Kids soccer should be varied and designed versatile!
• Teach them to respect the opponent and the referee!
• The games are for kids and not for adults!