U10 Soccer -- week 3 notes

[Nick Keenan]

Folks --

Three things this week:
1. Thanks to everyone who has reported scores. I think we're only
missing two games from last week. If you haven't already, please
report your scores. To report the score of a game, go into Korrio and
go to your schedule. If you roll the mouse over the home/away icon
you'll see a menu with an option, "View Event Details." If you click
on that you'll get the page for that game, and one of the options is
"(Edit Event Details)". If you click on that you can enter a score.



2. The forecast is for rain developing in the afternoon on Saturday.

A reminder about our rain policy:
* At artificial turf fields - Tubman and Mann - we will play in rain.
Games will only be cancelled if there are dangerous conditions.

* On natural grass fields - Fort Reno this week - if the field is
closed games are cancelled. I will send out a notice to the division
as soon as I hear of field closures. Fort Reno is managed by DC Parks
& Recreation. Closures are posted on their website at dpr.dc.gov.

* If inclement weather begins after play has started, coaches must
suspend play if: a) the field becomes so wet that play is unsafe for
either children or the field; b) there is thunder or lightning; or c)
there is other severe weather that poses a danger to players. It is
the responsibility of every coach to demonstrate good judgment in this
regard.

The forecast is calling for a small chance of lightning Saturday. If
there is thunder or lightning, players may not be on the field. If
thunder or lightning begins after play has started, coaches must clear
the field immediately. People should return to their cars or seek
other shelter. People should not remain on the field, especially
standing under trees. Play may not resume until thunder and lightning
have stopped for at least 30 minutes.

If weather forces a closure of the field in mid-day and you are
playing with portable goals, please make sure that the goals are taken
down, and then email me for instructions on what to do with them.

3. A note from Stoddert Technical Director, Kate Samsot:

Three things that we need help hammering home with the coaches:

1) Coaches need to substitute players with the referee’s permission at
regular game stoppages – not on the fly. As a reminder, substitutions
are allowed at kick-off, half-time, at a team’s own goal-kicks and
throw-ins, and after a goal is scored. If a team makes a substitution
on its own throw, the other team may also substitute.
2) Coaches need to stay in the “technical area” during games – not run
up and down the entire sideline. (On a regular field, teams are one
side of the field and parents/fans are on the other side.) Coaches
should then stay on their team’s half, and not go between the outer
mark of the penalty box and the endline.
3) Coaching comments during games should be used sparingly. Players
should be allowed to make their own decisions during games – not look
to the sideline for coach approval as to who is taking a throw-in or a
kick. Coaches who chatter to players constantly throughout games tend
to have players who tune them out.


NEXT WEEKEND’S CLINICS AT HEARST:

Goalkeeping Clinics for U8/GU8 2:00-3:00 pm
Goalkeeping Clinics for U9/GU9/U10/GU10 3:00-4:00 pm

Coaches’ Clinics
Skills Games for U7-U8 Coaches 2:00-3:00 pm
Shooting Games for U9-U10 Coaches 3:00-4:00 pm

Please let your coaches know about these clinics – no one needs to
sign up – they should just show up. The goalkeeping clinics are for
the KIDS – the coaches’ clinics are for the COACHES to participate.





Have a great game!

Nick