Manage your personal stress level:

  • Have your game plan ready the night before
  • Have a good meal – don't skip morning coffee but don't have too much  
  • Don’t rush to the field – no road rage   
  • Arrive early enough to set nets - safety walk the field
  • Have team warm ups on auto pilot - Ask assistant to warm up the keeper
  • Relax and try to have fun.  If you are relaxed then your more likely to
    enjoy yourself and your players will too

Your Game Plan 1:

  • Warm Up’s  Break a sweat before game starts
  • Meet the opposing team's coaches - shake hands & get their first name
  • Meet the Ref - get their full name
  • Have your starting team formation already planned
  • Have a back up plan or be ready to juggle the line up for no shows
  • Place players where they have a potential to be successful
  • Don’t over direct during the game, games are for managing not teaching

Your Game Plan 2:

  • Manage substitutes evenly (minimum of 50% play time)
  • No big post game speeches -  leave it for practice
  • Team cheer & shake hands - keep it positive
  • Write down your game analysis & notes about player performance
  • Use this info to help prepare for your next practice

Conflict Resolution:  
    The # 1 way to prevent conflicts is to talk with the other coaches and
    become friendly before the game starts.  Always try to accomplish this
    while your assistant coach is warming up the team.  

But if you find yourself in a conflict:

  • Ask Questions (Coach Jim, you're 5 goals up can we share players?)
  • Do not make demands - be reasonable
  • Stay calm & speak slowly
  • Don't be loud, talk with a low tone
  • Don't make angry or upset body motions - remember everyone is
    watching you and you could be recorded on someones cell phone video
  • Smile and use first names to ease the situation
  • Put yourself in the other persons shoes - Work together
  • Remember they're not the enemy
  • OWN THE PROBLEM AND THE SOLUTION
  • If you can't come to an agreement - don't worry about it so much
  • Worse case, if the other coach is not willing to talk or is being rude you
    must decide if it is a safety concern.  If yes, ask the referee for help to
    resolve the safety incident.  If no, take notes and report the situation later
    to your club.  

TOP CONSIDERATIONS:
  • DO NOT ESCALATE - EVER!

  • IF THE OTHER COACH BEHAVES INAPPROPRIATELY - DON'T FOLLOW IN
    THEIR FOOTSTEPS - RISE ABOVE THE SITUATION

  • ALWAYS EXHIBIT GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP - EVEN IF THE OTHER COACH
    DOES NOT
Preparing for Games