Food For Thought

 

Attitude Toward Winning And Losing

Winning will take care of itself within the limits of your players talents.

Wanting to win is inherent - so keep the victory in its proper perspective. Do not stress winning, rather the fun of 

playing.

Winning is important but more so is the striving for maximum effort and improvement.

Children And Sports

 

Some children show early interest to compete, many do not, observe the child's response to competitive situations. 
Many who are not ready compete because of urging by parents, friends and coaches. 
Adults can turn practices and games that are fun into contests.

Sportsmanship 

Children will remember what you did long after they have forgotten what you said.

Aims And Goals For The Season

Success as a coach cannot be measured by win/loss record - but by players achieving to reach their individual potential. 
 Set attainable goals:

    1.   Self discovery

    2.   Self improvement

    3.   Enjoyment

Games should only be used as barometer to check team and  individual improvement.

The ultimate goal is to have the children value soccer for itself  and the rewards inherent in the game

Sideline Behavior

Do your coaching in practice and bear the fruits of your labor during the games. 

Know the laws of the game and abide by them

The less sideline response - the less the pressure - the more the  learning.

The players must make instinctive decisions and they must be right - listening to the sidelines will slow down this process. 

Discipline

 Establish (with input of the players and parents) fair rules and regulations to maintain discipline.

 
Define your personal criteria of acceptable and unacceptable behavior. 

Follow the old saying 'Be strict but fair'. Players and parents like to know where they stand.

Rules and Regulations of the  GAA

Coach or team representative should attend all meetings so that nothing will surprise you during the season.

Laws Of The Game

Familiarize yourself with the modifications where applicable.

Prepare Handouts

   Season schedule of practices and games

   Location of the fields

   Time of events

   Arrival time for players

Practice Sessions

   Where will practices be held?

   What time will practice start and when will it end?

   How often will there be practices during the week?

   What are practice session rules?

   What are the aims and goals of practice?

   Can the parents be present during the practice?

   Each player must bring some type of ball.

   Run practices like games; have half-time for water breaks.

   Coach should have ball and demonstrate - players learn more by playing 'copy cat' than by instruction.

   Ensure maximum touches with the ball by every player.

Avoid The Big Problems

   Learn something about GAA (the game, training, laws of the game, etc.)

   Try not to impose adult competitive values on the players.

   Do not take the FUN out of GAELIC FOOTBALL.

   Take advantage of all coaching clinics available to you.

Sportsmanship

 
Sportsmanship should be the cornerstone of everything we teach the children. In this regard coaches are encouraged to:

    1.  Shake hands and introduce yourself and your assistant to both the opposing teams coaches and the referee before each game.

    2.  Do the same thing after the game. 

    3.  A1l players should shake hands after the game.

BOTH Coaches should go to the aid of an injured player when the referee signals the stoppage of the game.

 

Keep informed and strictly observe the GAA Rules of Play.