Jerseys - Which side out?
As a rule of thumb, when two ABSC teams are playing each other, the home team, or the team listed first for that match, wears the blue side out, and the visitor, or the team listed second, wears the yellow side out. For example, Team 1 vs Team 2: Team 1 is the home team and wears the blue side out. This is a very loose rule for the Under-6's!
Game/practice schedule
Under-6's usually do not have a weekday practice, but have a 90-minute time slot on the field on Saturday to be used like this: the first 30 minutes are used for warm-ups, instruction from the coach and drills. Then, after this 30-minutes prep, you start the game. Games are two 20-minute halves with 2 quarters per half with a brief half time for the switch. Ideal play time scenario:
Begin First Half
Play 10 minutes
3-5 minutes rest
Play 10 minutes
(end of first half)
5-7 minutes rest (half time)
Begin Second Half
Play 10 minutes
3-5 minutes rest
Play 10 minutes
(game over)
Total game playing time: 40 minutes
The Under-6 teams will find their Saturday game schedule at www.mysoccerleague.com.
Click on Schedules link under the banner at the top of the page.
Select Alameda-Contra Costa Youth Soccer League and click on GO.
Click on your division (Under-6 Coed) to view your division schedule.
To get your team schedule, click on your team link on the schedule page.
Officiating the games
There will not necessarily be anyone from ABSC or the league on site to officiate at the Under-6 games. Coaches introduce themselves to each other and choose which half of the field to use for warm-ups (or the team that shows up first just starts practicing on one half). IMPORTANT: Coaches then arrange to start the game on time so that it will be finished on time, and the field will be cleared and ready for the next teams at their start time. Games are played width-wise on a field instead of length-wise, as the chalk markings will indicate. If a game starts late, it must still end on time so the following teams can start on time. Coaches and/or team parents take turns officiating and directing play during the games.
Micro-soccer
Each Under-6 team divides in half, and two games are played simultaneously, usually 4 vs 4 or 5 vs 5. 6 vs 6 is too many players; in this case, rotate players in so that all get equal playing time. A parent can assist the coach in watching the clock and choosing players to rotate out. Players can be 'loaned' to the opposing team if necessary to even things up. After half time, the teams switch places and play against the other half of the opponent's team. Parents are encouraged to applaud good effort and Micro-soccer play from both teams, support both teams and de-emphasize the importance of winning. The purpose of micro-soccer at this age is to guarantee the maximum number of touches on the ball per player, to teach passing and dribbling options, to teach combination play (1 vs 1, 2 vs 1, etc). Micro-soccer is also used as a practice method for older levels of play including college and professional, so it will provide a foundation they will benefit from long-term.
Team manager and Assistant Coaches
Under-6 Coaches, please ask the team parents if one of them is willing to serve as Team Manager (a position that earns the ABSC parent the $100 volunteer deposit back). The Team Manager organizes the snack/drink schedule and distributes it to the parents. The parents take turns bringing the refreshments to the games (a job that does not earn them the $100 back). There may be functioning drinking fountains somewhere near your field; however, they may not be convenient to use at half time, so it is best for each team to have their own refreshments handy, and garbage bag. The Team Manager polls the parents to see if a season-end party is desired and what arrangements people want (picnic on site after final game, pizza party?) and/or medallions/certificates for players which can be ordered online (Riherds.com is one source), and/or thankyous/recognition for coaches. The Team Manager serves as the communication person for the team parents (changes in schedule, messages from the coach, etc.) so the coach can focus energy on coaching, hauling equipment, and so forth unless the coach wants to do the communication himself/herself.
Please also recruit an assistant coach. S/he may help by hauling equipment for you, and/or helping direct the kids through drills and warm-ups, and/or filling in for you on a weekend you cannot be there, and/or officiating one of the small-sided games, and/or other ways you might need help to provide a positive and fun experience for the kids. This job earns the asst coach the $100 refund of volunteer deposit, but only if they specifically establishes with you that they are there to perform this role and get registered (for free) with the registrar.
Fields
Please note that there are no bathrooms available at Fairmont field, and the bathrooms at Canyon Trails field will be opened before each game, but will lock if the door is allowed to shut.
Volunteer refunds
ABSC coaches, at the end of the season, please request a refund of your $100 volunteer deposit by going to www.sportability.com/refunds, and your refund will be credited to your credit card. Alternatively, you may request the refund in writing with the refund form at http://www.abscsoccer.com/misc_info.html and a check will be mailed to you within a month.
If you are a new Under-6 coach, some of your opposing teams will have seasoned coaches who can guide you in the things I may have left out here.
Enjoy the season!
-Julie Anderson
ABSC Administrator
510-526-3912
absc.admin@comcast.net
posted 8-26-06
