How To Manage Game Day
During the game itself, the coach must wear multiple hats, including encouraging and motivating players, while maintaining a positive atmosphere and ensuring fair player rotations. Off the field, communication should remain concise and be individualized. After the game, the coach becomes a source of emotional support and advice, offering consolation when appropriate, emphasizing the broader perspective of wins and losses, as well as promoting hygiene and facility cleanliness. Wrapping up the day, coaches should inform players about upcoming training sessions, ensure game reports are signed, and oversee a safe and organized journey home. On game day, a coach's role extends far beyond the field, encompassing decision-making, teaching, communication, organization, and fostering a positive sports experience for young athletes.
Before the Game
- Set a date, time and meeting point and inform the children or their parents in a timely manner. Sometimes this can be delegated to a parent or assistant coach. This can be done by email, or in a chat group, with the expectation being players or their parents respond to ensure everyone has received and understood the messages. Communication is important, especially during summer when players may be on vacation, for example.
- Clarify the transportation details for an away game.
- Inform the children or parents about what sports gear to bring. Coaches should, if possible, carry spares of things like shinguards in case someone inevitably forgets! They should also remember things needed for the game such as game sheets, a pump, etc.
- Conduct a brief pre-game meeting (approximately 5 minutes). Encourage and generate enthusiasm during this time.
- Avoid overloading the children with too much information.
- Bring enough balls (and cones, if using them) and leave enough time for warm-up
- Consider safeguarding guidelines
During the Game
- Encourage and cheer on the players.
- Focus your coaching/feedback on what was emphasized during training to continue the learning process
- Avoid negative remarks
- Act as a moderator with parents who criticize or shout at the children from the sidelines.
- Employ a rotation system when substituting players in and out: All children should have equal playing time if possible and be given the opportunity to play in different positions.
- Refrain from criticizing the referee/ the officials.
- Set a positive example by being enthusiastic and sharing in the children's enjoyment.
At Half-time/during breaks
- Offer drinks! Water always is good!
- Speak less and make concise and precise statements.
- Address each child individually.
- Do not overwhelm their concentration. Remember: Motivate before informing.
- Finally, perform a ritual for team spirit. This could be, for example, all players forming a circle, or holding hands, and loudly chanting something like a motivating phrase.. Ideally, the kids themselves determine what this will look like.
After the Game
- Encourage and comfort the children after a loss.
- Always put the outcome of the game, whether a win or a loss, into perspective.
- Pay attention to hygiene and cleanliness, check to make sure no belongings have been forgotten, and leave the facilities clean.
- Inform the children about the next training session.
- Sign the game report (if needed).
- Ensure a structured and safe return journey.
- Thank officials, opposing coaches and parents.
Conclusion:
- Coaches handle scheduling, communication, and logistics before the game.
- During the game, coaches encourage, avoid negativity, and buffer parental criticism.
- Fair rotations, individualized feedback, and team rituals motivate and build camaraderie.
- Coaches provide support, emphasize perspective, and ensure safety after the game.