Coaching Overview
Coaching Responsibilities At WUSC
Volunteer coaching at Wellesley United Soccer Club involves a few simple responsibilities before, during, and after each season. These expectations are designed to help coaches feel prepared, supported, and confident, while creating a positive experience for players and families.
Before The Season
Pre-Season Responsibilities
1. Complete All Mandatory MA Safe Soccer Coaching Requirements
All coaches must complete their annual Mass Youth Soccer Adult Registration, required background checks, and safety courses. Clearances must be processed before teams are assigned, so completing these requirements early is strongly recommended.
2. Attend WUSC's Pre-Season Coaches Meeting
WUSC holds a preseason coaches meetings each September and April to review rules, expectations, field procedures, communication guidelines, and practice logistics. Meetings run approximately two hours and take place the week before the season begins. Dates and details will be posted on the Upcoming Events page.
During the Season
Responsibilities During the Season
1. Understand Age-Group Rules
Each grade has specific rules for team size, ball size, game length, and modified play (such as offsides and heading). Coaches are expected to review these formats before the season begins so they can confidently manage practices and games.
2. Use TeamSnap For Communication
TeamSnap is WUSC’s primary tool for rosters, scheduling, and communication. Coaches receive access once teams are formed and use it to message families, share game-day details, and track availability. Families rely on TeamSnap for all official weekly updates.
3. Schedule Practices
Coaches lead practices appropriate for their team’s grade level:
- Pre-K to Grade 2: No separate practices (combined weekly practice/game session)
- Grade 3: One midweek practice + one weekend game
- Grades 4-12: One to two midweek practices + one weekend game
Coaches select practice times after teams are formed and field availability is finalized.
4. Reserve Practice Fields
Coaches use WUSC’s online scheduling tool to reserve practice fields and then publish the details in TeamSnap. Field procedures and shared-field guidelines are reviewed during the Pre-Season Coaches Meeting.
5. Use WUSC Weekly Practice Plans
WUSC provides coaches with weekly practice plans to help them prepare efficient, engaging sessions. Additional support is available through Program Directors, Age Group Coordinators, and professional coaching staff.
6. Follow Game-Day Policies & Codes of Conduct
Coaches help ensure games start on time, all players receive meaningful playing time, and field procedures are followed. Coaches also model sportsmanship and help maintain a positive, respectful environment.
As a Massachusetts Youth Soccer member organization, WUSC follows these Codes of Conduct:
7. Manage Game Cancellations & Rescheduling
In-Town (Pre-K–Grade 3)
In-Town coaches do not cancel games. All decisions are made centrally and communicated via email and WUSC’s Twitter account:
- 7:00 AM for morning sessions
- 10:30 AM for afternoon sessions
BAYS (Travel) (Grades 4–8)
If a BAYS home game must be rescheduled:
- Contact the opposing coach
- Update your team in TeamSnap
- Notify Chris Howard
- Provide 10 days’ notice when possible (minimum 7) to avoid referee fees and league fines
8. Manage Lopsided Scores
Coaches help maintain competitive balance. If a game becomes one-sided, coaches should adjust by using weaker-foot challenges, setting passing goals, rotating positions, or emphasizing team play.
In In-Town, mixing players between teams is appropriate. Scores are not kept in Grades 1–2.
After The Season
Post-Season Responsibilities
1. Close Out Team Communications
Coaches send a brief end-of-season thank-you message to families and share reminders about upcoming registration or off-season opportunities.
2. Submit Player Evaluations
At the end of the Fall and Spring seasons (November and June), coaches complete player evaluations for Grades 1-8. Evaluations are due within two weeks of the season ending and help guide development tracking and placement decisions.
Forms are available for:
- Grade 1
- Grade 2
- Grades 3-7
3. Attend Player Review Meetings
In addition to submitting player evaluations, all head and assistant coaches for Grades 3-7 also attend Player Review Meetings each June, led by Age Group Coordinators. These sessions cover development trends, roster needs, and placement considerations for the upcoming Fall season.
Dates and details are posted on the Upcoming Events page.
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