Ask the Coach

This feature was created to help coaches, referees, players, parents, and spectators get answers to questions about coaching from the Region 678 Coach Council.

Use the text box below to submit your question(s). While all questions and answers will be treated confidentially, those of general interest will be posted below for others to benefit from, without the names of those who submitted the questions.

Questions

• Can an individual under 18 years of age be a coach?
• Is heading the ball allowed in the non-competitive divisions?
• If a coach or assistant coach has previously attended safe haven classes (U6, U7 and U8) is it necessary for them to attend to coach or assistant coach this season in a higher division (U10 to U19)?

Answers

How old do I need to be a coach?

Q: Can an individual under 18 years of age be a coach?

A: According to AYSO National Coach Administrator the answer is No, but they may assist the team. Though AYSO appreciates and encourages young people to participate in all aspects of soccer including coaching, an individual under 18 years of age may not be listed as the Head Coach or Assistant Coach on the official roster due to liability purposes. They can certainly assist in training and even making decisions regarding the team, but may not ever be left alone with players and may not be listed on the official roster.

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Heading the ball in Non Competitive Divisions

Q: Is heading the ball allowed in the non-competitive divisions?

A: Technically it is allowed but it is a skill that AYSO National does not have coaches teach until The U12 division. Players at this age should be discourage from using their heads and it is definitely something that shouldn't be practiced, but there are no sanctions against a player if they use their head in a match.

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Coach Safe Haven course - applicable to all divisions

Q: If a coach or assistant coach has previously attended safe haven classes (U6, U7 and U8) is it necessary for them to attend to coach or assistant coach this season in a higher division (U10 to U19)?

A: The Safe Haven course is not division or title specific (coach, assistant coach, team parent or any other volunteer position). Therefore, once you have taken the course you meet this part of Region 678 coaching requirements. Presently Region 678 does not require assistant coaches to take the Safe Haven course. However, taking the course is highly recommended since the assistant coach may be called upon to coach the team without the head coach being present. The course is easy enough to take as Region 678 offers the Safe Haven course on-line on the Coaches page of our website.

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