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YOUTH REC - COACHING

Thank you for volunteering to coach! We offer multiple resources to help you coach.


FREE Online Courses

Did you know that you can take FREE grassroots coaching clinic online that will provide you with a certificate of completion? The clinic is offered by United States Soccer Federation on US Soccer Digital Coaching Center. Introduction to Grassroots Coaching just take 20 minutes!. Coaches who complete the module will also be provided with four complimentary Play-Practice-Play training sessions.

 

The New Jersey Youth Soccer 101 website also provides ideas about practices.

Coach Bag

As a parent coach, you will be provided a coach bag, which contains balls, a pump, cones, pinnies, a clipboard, a whistle, a first aid kit, and ice packs.

Coaching Clinics

WWPSA organizes coaching clinics for parent coaches. The sessions will be run by seasonal recreational coaches or Surf coaches and will be available before the beginning of each season. We will announce the date and time once the sessions are scheduled.


Coach Responsibilities and Frequently Asked Questions


What are the key steps and considerations for someone starting out as a new coach? 

For a quick instructional video, click here.

  1. Visit the website: Go to njyouthsoccer.com using a web browser on your computer or mobile device.
  2. Locate the 'Register' tab: Look for a 'Register' or 'Sign Up' option on the top right corner of the website's homepage. This is typically where you can start the account creation process.

  3. Click on the 'Register' tab: Once you find the 'Register' tab, click on it to initiate the account registration process.

  4. Fill out the registration form: You'll likely be directed to a registration form where you'll need to provide some information to create your account. This may include your name, email address, password, and any other required details.

  5. Submit the form: After filling out the registration form, review the information you've provided to ensure it's accurate, then click on the 'Submit' or 'Register' button to create your account.

  6. Verify your email (if required): Some websites may require you to verify your email address by clicking on a verification link sent to the email you provided during registration. Check your email inbox (and possibly your spam or junk folder) for the verification email and follow the instructions provided.

  7. Log in to your new account: Once your account is created and verified (if necessary), you should be able to log in using the username or email address and password you provided during registration.


How do I sign up to coach?
Register on the Youth Rec Soccer Home page for volunteering to coach.
What do I need to do to be a coach?
Requirements are outlines on the Required Training and BG Check page. It is all done virtually on your own time. You must complete it before the season begins or within 2 weeks of being given the instructions.
When do I coach?
For K-2nd grade, Saturday mornings. Your team will practice first and then play a game right after the practice.
For 3rd-12th grade, you will sign up for weeknight practice once a week for a 1.5 hour session. After all teams have one practice slot, you will be able to sign up for another one if you choose.  Games will be played on Saturdays (some weeknight or Sunday games for makeups).
Do I need to show up besides practices and games?
Your team will have Photo Day. Your team will have a time slot and take a team picture. You will have to pick up your coach bag and shirt and return your coach bag. The coach requirements are all virtual.
What if I cannot show up to a practice, game, or photo day?
It is fine if you can not be at every event. If you know you will miss it, please let the team know and ask another parent to step up and help out. Coaches have a coach group on SportsEngine app, you can ask the other coaches for help using the app's chat function. DO NOT TELL THE TEAM PHOTO DAY OR GAMES ARE CANCELED. The league will make the call on those. They will happen even if the coach can not be there.

How to sign up for background check?

Create your account and trigger the background check by following the instructions in the short video

Here are a couple of additional notes as you watch the video:

1.   At ~40 secs in the video, choose Recreational

2.   At ~1:10 in the video, it says to ensure your ID number matches what has been provided.  Choose the option for West Windsor/Plainsboro (with an associated ID number) 

What are the SafeSport training requirements for all coaches in the WWPSA seasonal year?

SafeSport training is an annual obligation for adult members as mandated by Federal Law. For WWPSA, NJ Youth Soccer acknowledges SafeSport Trained, Refresher 1, Refresher 2, or Refresher 3 certificates completed on or after June 1st each year, OR Refresher 4 certificates taken at any time. Please note that SafeSport certificates uploaded and verified in the previous year have been unverified and removed as of June 30th of the current year.

How does a coach submit for a background check in an "Expired" or "None" status? 

A coach that has registered for the new seasonal year, but has an “Expired” or “None” risk status missed the step of submitting a background check. Click here for a helpful video that shows how to access the background check submission step after completing the registration process. To further clarify, the term “Risk Status” is synonymous with a background check.
 

What criteria "must" all coaches meet?

Background Check, SafeSport, and Concussion Training

To ensure the safety of our players, coaches are required to undergo a background check, obtain SafeSport certification, and complete concussion training. If you've coached with us before, the renewal process is straightforward.

You can access the SafeSport training through this link: SafeSport Training Link.

We'll be persistent in reminding you until these requirements are fulfilled. Remember, this is crucial for the safety of our young athletes and is mandated by NJ Youth Soccer, for all coaches part of the entire club.

What are the compliance requirements?

 

All coaches must submit NJYS approved compliance documents and pass a NJYS background check in their Sports Connect account for verification (if not previously verified).


Does coaching count for my volunteer bond?
Yes! Your volunteer bond will be refunded if you coach.
Do I need to purchase any equipment?
You will pick up a coach bag (one coach bag per team) which contains balls, a pump, cones, pinnies, a clipboard, a whistle, a first aid kit, and ice packs. You will return the coach bag at the end of the season. You will also get a coach shirt to keep. It is not mandatory to wear it but helpful to the players, refs and parents.
What are the rules and are there referees?
The rules are posted on the website by age group here.
Only 3rd-12th grade divisions have referees. The coaches run the K-2nd grade division games.
Do my players get trophies?
For K-2nd grade, all the players will receive a trophy. The trophies will be distributed to the teams in time for them to be handed out at the last game.
For 3rd-12th grade, the 1st and 2nd place teams in the playoffs will receive medals.
Are there resources if I need help?
There are practice ideas on the Youth Soccer 101 website. There will be coach clinics at the beginning of each season run by professional Surf coaches. You may be given a 7th-12th grade helper from the Big Brother/Big Sister program.