Hello Town Coaches - it's time for the Spring 2011 season, and the SSC Board would like to extend its Thanks to each of you for volunteering your time, effort and energy to coach the youth of Stoneham in the sport of soccer. Each of you is making a tremendous commitment and contribution to these players and it is very much appreciated.

The following are some important reminders for the upcoming season.

SSC encourages coaches to develop their skills, and will fully reimburse (with a receipt of completion) those who complete a coaching course through Mass Youth Soccer. Please visit their website ( www.mayouthsoccer.org ) for details.
Contact all of the players on your team and welcome any new players to your team. Let them know how you will be communicating with them this season. All the schedules will be posted on the website.
All teams must practice at least once per week (except clinic and U14coed); PRACTICES SHOULD NOT INCLUDE THE USE OF THE LOCKED GOALS!!! PLEASE KEEP ALL CHILDREN OFF THESE GOALS to prevent injury and net damage.
Coaches with the first game on a field need to set up their respective fields with the proper equipment so please arrive at least 15 minute before your game time. If the games do NOT start on time this throws our schedule off for the whole day. The coaches with the last game are required to put the equipment back in the shed.
Ice packs and other First-Aid supplies are in the shed.
Clinic coaches should let new parents know how the program works, with ½ hour of practice and ½ hour of play on Sundays.
Each child should receive equal playing time. They should also experience all the positions (unless a child does not want to play goal; please don't make them).
All coaches should lead by example, maintain a positive attitude, communicate with the parents, and respect each other (DO NOT RUN UP SCORES!!)
If your team is up 5 or more goals, you as the coach MUST to do the following to encourage good sportsmanship: move your stronger players back on defense; encourage passing (5 passes before they shoot); have them take shots with their weaker foot; The Club will NOT tolerate coaches that don't make the attempt to do this!!!
Be aware of the cancellation procedure. You will be contacted by your commissioner and in turn you will then contact your team. Also the cancellation will be put on the website home page as well. This decision is made at 7am by the commissioners.
All coaches and assistant coaches MUST be registered on the website (www.stonehamsoccerclub.com ). If you are NOT registered then you will not be allowed to coach.
Unregistered players may not participate in practices or games for insurance reasons.
For any players who have not previously played soccer please notify the parents that the uniforms can be purchased at Reading Trophy, 660 Main Street, Reading, MA 781-944-7171, prior to the start of the season. FULL UNIFORMS ARE REQUIRED TO PLAY ON SUNDAY
The Referees need to be treated respectfully as well and the club will NOT tolerate abuse from coaches or parents!!!
Town rule reminders: NO PENALTY KICKS IN TOWN GAMES (there are direct free kicks but from outside the penalty area)! There are NO distance restrictions on goal kicks. The restriction on Keeper distributions (throws, punts or drop kicks) needing to hit the ground or be played before crossing midfield has been changed. Keeper distributions must now hit the ground or be played before entering the other penalty area.
SSC will do its best to be sure to have a Board member at the shed on game days in case you have any problems or questions. Just look for one of us in our black jacket or polo shirt.

If you have any problems and/or questions, please contact your commissioner. Thanks again for all your help and we look forward to a GREAT season!!!