I would like to thank all of our coaches who take the time to instruct and coach each week. It is so rewarding to see our children improve each and every year by people like you, dedicating your time, patience and heart. Please read the important information below and contact the appropriate division coaches should there be any concerns.

I wanted to remind you all that Region 46 plays a 3/4 rule: this means all players need to play 3/4 of every game unless the child got sick or is hurt during the game (this can be marked on the game card by the referee). Also, the goalkeeper must play at least one quarter on the field, i.e. if the child plays three quarters of a game and two quarters are in goal, then one quarter must be on the field. If the child plays the whole game, then the child can play three quarters in goal and one quarter on the field. No ifs, ands, ors. Every child gets field time.

More importantly, if the other team doesn't comply with the rule.  The referee will note the situation on the game card, and at the end of the game a forfeit will be issued to the team that didn't follow the rules.  This is non-negotiable, and the referee is not to be used as the mediator of any pleas or petitions.  If you as a coach notice the situation, contact your appropriate div representative after the game.

Additionally, no coach has the authority to pull their team from a game.  If a situation presents itself and you feel an obligation to make your opinion known --- PLEASE RESTRAIN YOURSELF, AND USE A GAME REPORT (you can find them in the communication box at the field) OR EMAIL ME, THE DIVISION REP, OR BOTH OF US.  Again, please do not take matters into your own hands, and make life more difficult.  There are channels to vent your concerns, please use them.

I have another reminder for you regarding your practice and game day.  The registration forms that you were given for each of your athletes must be at every team function.  This means practice, game day, and a team party.

We will be conducting random checks at the practice fields, and at your game on Saturday.  If there are no forms at practice, your practice is over for the day.  If there are no forms on game day, your game will be a forfeit, and your team will need to go home. These forms are a very important part of the athletes’ lives and safety.  Please take this responsibility serious.  

Also, when your practice is over, NO child should be left unattended while they wait for their ride home. If you, or your team parent wants to invoke a sign out policy (like daycare), I will support you. Again, these children are your responsibility until they're safely back with their parents or guardian.

In every soccer game there are three basic offensive objectives: The primary objective is to score a goal. The secondary objective is advancing the ball, or in simple terms “how you plan to get your goal.” The final objective is to maintain control of the ball.  

The three basic defensive objectives are just as simple: They are as follows: deny the score, delay the attack, and to gain control of the ball. These objectives suggest that a player needs the freedom to make decisions. Their mobility is defined as the freedom to change places with other players on their team.  This is a critical part of soccer. I have watched several coaches, from the U5 arena up to and including the U19 arena, keep players in a single position. This only hurts you in the long run.  Players become complacent.  They will tell you I only play right defender, or left forward. Then during a game, there may be an opportunity for the player to advance the ball, and score a goal.  However, because they lack the confidence to change places, the opportunity to score goes away. This mobility and ability to read opportunities starts at an early age.

Region 46 until recent years played “Micro Soccer” with a forced rotation policy.  This rotation encouraged all players to try new positions.  In the non-competitive arenas, we still have a policy that all coaches need to rotate the children to different positions.  The non-competitive arenas have no standings, or championship trophies, because AYSO National wants us to teach the game of soccer to the children.   They want us to give the children the power, and confidence, to be the best they can be.

We encourage the competitive coaches to continue the practice of rotating the children into different positions.  The skills the players develop while trying new positions will give them greater opportunities as they develop. You as a coach, or parent, can help your children grow, or you can limit their abilities. When it comes to trying out for a tournament team, a club team, a high school team, or a college team, the children need to be versatile. They need to be comfortable playing any position on the field. They need to be comfortable trading places during the middle of a game. Their success is related to our ability to give them the power to develop as an athlete. So again, I encourage you to be disciplined and teach the children that they can be valuable playing any position on the field.

Sincerely, John Stevenson