Coaching Children Policy

The Halifax Dunbrack Soccer Club acknowledges its responsibility towards all players attracted to the game of soccer. It is conscious of the role that the sport can play in any young life and its capacity for transmitting values and life skills such as co-operation, respect for others, loyalty, the importance of fair play, acceptance of rules, acceptance of decisions, personal responsibility, self-discipline and the need for teamwork.

The objectives of the Club are to attract young people to the game, develop their appreciation of it, improve their techniques and enhance their personal and social skills as a direct result of their involvement in it.

Halifax Dunbrack Soccer Club cherishes greatly the contribution made by the many volunteers without whom youth soccer would not exist. As a consequence, an integral component of our development plan is a continuing program of coach education for adults. This program seeks to promote the fun, drama and excitement of the game combined with a genuine concern for the welfare of the child.

Participation in this program is considered to be of paramount importance if coaches are to be kept informed about the most innovative methods of dealing with young players within a safe and caring environment. 

The degree to which a child enjoys soccer, and benefits from involvement in it, is dependent wholly upon the type of adult with whom he/she is involved. Implicit in this are the values and ethics conveyed by the coach.

As a coach, the following should be adhered to when dealing with young players:

• Promote fun and enjoyment
• Set examples of good behaviour by not smoking, drinking or using foul and abusive language
• Have realistic ambitions for the children
• Be aware of issues such as overuse, types of injury, maturation rate etc.
• Know the rules and respect the decisions of officials
• Help to provide appropriate dress and equipment
• Praise the efforts of your team and your opponents
• Make children aware of a healthy lifestyle e.g. eating habits, sleep, activity 
• Take the stress out of the game, encourage fair play and skill development
• Positively encourage, never ridicule or shout at children.

Coaches should avoid any situation which may lead to allegations of abuse. These would include:

• Being left alone with a child or children, particularly within changing rooms. Encourage an open environment and enlist the help of parents or others.
• There should always be a male and female coach/adult in attendance if teams are of mixed gender.
• Proper provision must be made for soccer trips that involve overnight stays.
• Avoid unnecessary physical contact with children when demonstrating.
• It is unwise to spend time alone with children anywhere e.g. the car, the changing room, walking home, etc.

If these circumstances are unavoidable, they should only occur with parental or guardian consent. It would also be expected of coaches that circumstances involving horseplay, sexual remarks or suggestions, inappropriate language, touching, or any other activity which society regards as unacceptable when dealing with children, should be avoided.