Consider this.... On any given weekend a Ref could be asked to referee a number of games, and depending on the age of the team, each game will have a different set of rules that they have to remember and apply!

Mod Referees have to address at least three sets of rules -- FIFA, WSYSA and SYSA -- and on top of that, there are different rules within WSYSA and FIFA for the various age groups.

The keeper contact rule is one that is definitely different, and there are four or five different versions within Mod soccer. For example, SYSA's rule for all ages prohibits all contact within the goal area (6-yard box) which is different from the FIFA rule.

Realizing this at our annual Coach's meeting, held each year before the season starts, between our, Club Coaching Director Bill Wilkins, Coach's Rep Kim Huntamer, and Judicial Rep Dave Reichgott, we try to address these types of issues with the U8+ Mod coaches as a preparation of playing games with Goalkeepers.

While we stress about self control, good sportsmanship and patience by the sidelines and coaching staff, we all should be re-mindful each year about the importance of communication with the other sidelines and the Referee(s) before each game.

I recommend that prior to each game both coaching staffs and the Ref, should communicate with each other about the importance of goalie safety, rules on throw-ins, re-dos if any, off-sides being called or not, the length of games, etc. Heck, I still do this at U16, even with adult Refs. A simple word to the wise, communication before the game will often help keep things in order and at the very least educate all parties.

A wise old Ref once asked me, what I thought about critiquing a Ref DURING a game, whether or not it had any positive and or negative effect on the game. As he pointed out, during his lengthy experience on the pitch, more often than not a game will go down hill with regard to a Referee's performance, if coaches/parents continually shout and criticize a Ref about their calling of a game. Communicating BEFORE the game will help educate, but we all need to be reminded to keep things in check with voicing our opinion along the sidelines as players and spectators have big ears. Also I should point out, "heated" discussions between halves or after a game with a Referee are really not productive, in fact this type of "badgering" is why SSRA loses a large number of new young Refs each year. Remember Refs are people too! I will ask that, we all need to lead by example, remain calm, never accuse or pester and be a solid positive role model to all young adults, that includes both players and Refs. Please try to keep this in mind the next time you are out on the sidelines, those young adults we are charged with teaching the beautiful game to are still sponges, regardless of age, if they see or hear coaches and or parents getting out of hand, what will they think?? And how will they act in the future??

Should you wish to note a great experience or comment on a Ref about their performance, you can submit inquires to the Hillwood Referee Assignor, Chase Parker or with SSRA via e-mail, both contact links are on the Hillwood website. Thanks for keeping things positive and moving forward, and remember, Hillwood soccer is just for kicks!

D.J. Yasui President Hillwood Soccer Club

Coaching is a calling, especially at the REC level.  Positions are totally on a volunteer basis, and in some cases you are drafted with little choice or knowledge.  On the Micro level this should not scare you, really, it is a lot of fun, extremely rewarding and great exercise!  Our friends to the south of us with the Woodlawn soccer club came up with some great info for you "new" coaches.  Duncan Munro the President and Mod Soccer Coordinator of the Woodlawn Soccer Club has graciously allowed us to borrow some of his sage advice for new or just beginning coaches.  His shared wisdom is below.-----

----As you can see from Duncan's note he is very supportive to his Club's coaching pool.  In turn I share the same excitement and support.  Kim Huntamer has taken over as one of the HSC Coach Rep's, my former position.  His main focus is to be your eyes, ears & mouth to the HSC Board.  If you have issues or questions please feel free to contact him at: kimhuntamer@msn.com Kim is currently formulating more materials to aid the newbie coach, with his help we should have more for you draw upon, soon.One added item I would suggest to all coaches, hand out an "team expectation" letter/e-mail.  As a newbie coach it is good to start right away with opening lines of communication with your team, not only players but parents as well.  Develop a letter that you can modify from year to year.  List your expectations of what you want to accomplish as a coach.  Provide suggestions on both practice and game day preparations for the player, and recommendations for for parents to "help" their player to meet these guidelines.  In my annual team letter I re-state my player expectations with regards to showing up on time for both practice and games.  Being prepared equipment-wise and health-wise.  I also "remind" our team parents on being supportive to their young players mental and physical health.  Communication is key, both on and off the field.D.J. Yasui, President Hillwood Soccer Club----

Do you have a question about the Offside rule?: Explaining this key element of Mod and Macro level soccer takes some getting use to, an interactive website, click here, helps with explaining this rule.