Massachusetts Youth Soccer Club Directors of Coaching Mike Singleton---Director of Coaching Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association

Why have a Director of Coaching? Player development in Massachusetts is lagging behind other states Player development in Massachusetts is lagging behind other states Running clubs is becoming a full-time job for volunteers and many clubs are struggling to do everything that needs to be done – players are struggling because of this Running clubs is becoming a full-time job for volunteers and many clubs are struggling to do everything that needs to be done – players are struggling because of this Beginning coaches need help Beginning coaches need help Board members lives can be easier! Board members lives can be easier!

Why does Mass Youth Soccer recommend hiring a DOC? Player and coach development is our utmost priority Player and coach development is our utmost priority DOC’s are found in all other states and we are behind the times (VA, GA, TX, CA, FL, AL, HI, WI, DE, CT, ME, NE, IN, IL, OR, WA) DOC’s are found in all other states and we are behind the times (VA, GA, TX, CA, FL, AL, HI, WI, DE, CT, ME, NE, IN, IL, OR, WA) It can help improve coaching education at both recreational and travel levels It can help improve coaching education at both recreational and travel levels

What is the role of a DOC? Design a set of coaches selection criteria and hire all the team coaches Design a set of coaches selection criteria and hire all the team coaches Assist the Coaching Committee in designing a Coaches Code of Conduct Assist the Coaching Committee in designing a Coaches Code of Conduct Train and monitor the team coaches and help them plan and implement practice sessions Train and monitor the team coaches and help them plan and implement practice sessions Design and administer a continuing education program for the team coaches Design and administer a continuing education program for the team coaches Conduct age specific coaches clinics Conduct age specific coaches clinics Design coaching manuals for the team coaches Design coaching manuals for the team coaches Bring in experts such as state, regional, and national staff coaches, to present clinics Bring in experts such as state, regional, and national staff coaches, to present clinics

What is the role of a DOC? Act as the technical liaison between the club and the State DOC Act as the technical liaison between the club and the State DOC Create a suitable library of books, videos and articles for all the team coaches to access Create a suitable library of books, videos and articles for all the team coaches to access Create long and short-term seasonal plans for the club and provide guidance to team coaches in designing their own team’s seasonal plans Create long and short-term seasonal plans for the club and provide guidance to team coaches in designing their own team’s seasonal plans Design and administer the team tryouts Design and administer the team tryouts Design the playing format for the in-house recreational programs, specifying the number of players on the field, the duration of games, the number of games, the size of fields, etc. Design the playing format for the in-house recreational programs, specifying the number of players on the field, the duration of games, the number of games, the size of fields, etc. Design the training priorities for each age group and level Design the training priorities for each age group and level

What is the role of a DOC? Assist in the design of a Code of Conduct for the players and for the parents Assist in the design of a Code of Conduct for the players and for the parents Help the club create a policy for team travel that will address supervision requirements and logistical and behavioral issues while traveling to tournaments away from home Help the club create a policy for team travel that will address supervision requirements and logistical and behavioral issues while traveling to tournaments away from home Educate the players and the parents about the playing opportunities beyond the club level, such as the ODP, and encourage the best players to try out for ODP Educate the players and the parents about the playing opportunities beyond the club level, such as the ODP, and encourage the best players to try out for ODP Design a player evaluation/feedback process and form that instructs the team coaches as to how and when to provide feedback to the players Design a player evaluation/feedback process and form that instructs the team coaches as to how and when to provide feedback to the players Design a Player Development Manual for the club Design a Player Development Manual for the club

What is the role of a DOC? Organize supplementary age and level appropriate skill clinics for the players Organize supplementary age and level appropriate skill clinics for the players Bring in experts in the sports sciences, such as a soccer fitness expert, a medical expert, a sport psychologist, and a nutritionist, to make presentations and to assist in the overall program design Bring in experts in the sports sciences, such as a soccer fitness expert, a medical expert, a sport psychologist, and a nutritionist, to make presentations and to assist in the overall program design Identify the most talented players in the club and alert the State and Regional Coaches for possible inclusion in State and Regional Teams Identify the most talented players in the club and alert the State and Regional Coaches for possible inclusion in State and Regional Teams Assist in the design and implementation of a parent education program that would include parent meetings, parent handbooks, handouts, and occasional seminars Assist in the design and implementation of a parent education program that would include parent meetings, parent handbooks, handouts, and occasional seminars

What is the role of a DOC? Report to the Coaching Committee and assist the committee in all its duties Report to the Coaching Committee and assist the committee in all its duties Report to the Club Board and attend the board meetings Report to the Club Board and attend the board meetings Promote the club within the community and help with public relations Promote the club within the community and help with public relations Create, evaluate and summarize game reports to track team development over seasons and years Create, evaluate and summarize game reports to track team development over seasons and years Make all final decisions on player placement, players playing up, and movement within teams from the club Make all final decisions on player placement, players playing up, and movement within teams from the club Assist the club with the technical coaching aspects of a Risk Management Policy Assist the club with the technical coaching aspects of a Risk Management Policy

What is the role of a DOC? Organize and run summer and/or school vacation camps for the club that remain consistent with the club developmental philosophy Organize and run summer and/or school vacation camps for the club that remain consistent with the club developmental philosophy Oversee all travel tournament selections Oversee all travel tournament selections Bring in Referee Instructors to educate the coaches and the parents on the rules of the game Bring in Referee Instructors to educate the coaches and the parents on the rules of the game Select and coach the Recreational All-Star team, if you have one Select and coach the Recreational All-Star team, if you have one Create a college recruiting information program and educate the players and parents on college playing opportunities Create a college recruiting information program and educate the players and parents on college playing opportunities Represent the club at State, Regional, and National coaching seminars and workshops Represent the club at State, Regional, and National coaching seminars and workshops

How can we afford a DOC? Event Cost Players Revenue U6 day---(Wed. 10am, 6 weeks)$7010$700 per season U6 day---(Wed. 10am, 6 weeks)$7010$700 per season U6 day---(Wed. 1pm, 6 weeks)$7010$700 per season U6 day---(Wed. 1pm, 6 weeks)$7010$700 per season U7 technical clinic (7 weeks)$8512$1,020 per season U7 technical clinic (7 weeks)$8512$1,020 per season U8 technical clinic (7 weeks)$8512$1,020 per season U8 technical clinic (7 weeks)$8512$1,020 per season U10 technical clinic (7 weeks)$8525$2,040 per season U10 technical clinic (7 weeks)$8525$2,040 per season (minus $250 for 2nd coach) (minus $250 for 2nd coach)

How can we afford a DOC? Event Cost PlayersRevenue Feb. vacation camp (10 hrs) $125 30$3,750 per year Feb. vacation camp (10 hrs) $125 30$3,750 per year (minus $800 gym and 2nd coach) April vacation camp (10 hrs) $100 30$3,000 per year April vacation camp (10 hrs) $100 30$3,000 per year (minus $300 for 2nd coach) (minus $300 for 2nd coach) Summer Camps (15 hrs/wk $ total$10,000 per year 2 weeks) (minus $2200 in costs) Summer Camps (15 hrs/wk $ total$10,000 per year 2 weeks) (minus $2200 in costs) Total revenue created for DOC yearly salary = $23,910 Total revenue created for DOC yearly salary = $23,910

Salary Considerations National rates for DOCs : $35,000 - $80,000 National rates for DOCs : $35,000 - $80,000 Reasonable rate for MA: $40,000 - $50,000 (include insurance, 503(b), disability) Reasonable rate for MA: $40,000 - $50,000 (include insurance, 503(b), disability) Part-time rate: $20,000 - $25,000 Part-time rate: $20,000 - $25,000 Recommend this be full year job Recommend this be full year job If DOC on fields every weeknight and Saturday in Fall and Spring, need time to make curriculums etc. If DOC on fields every weeknight and Saturday in Fall and Spring, need time to make curriculums etc.

Generation of Salary Funds Clinics, camps, player fees are good sources Clinics, camps, player fees are good sources Fundraising events are not good sources (be careful with tournaments) Fundraising events are not good sources (be careful with tournaments) Summer Camps allow profit sharing Summer Camps allow profit sharing This allows club to raise revenue for fields, goals, financial need cases This allows club to raise revenue for fields, goals, financial need cases

How to find a DOC? State is happy to serve as clearinghouse for resumes State is happy to serve as clearinghouse for resumes We will post positions on our website and send out notification in FreeKick and Baystater We will post positions on our website and send out notification in FreeKick and Baystater You should post on your club’s website You should post on your club’s website If you want to conduct a national search, post information at If you want to conduct a national search, post information at

Examples of National Postings DIRECTOR OF COACHING - NK United (Kentucky) Greater Cincinnati's largest select soccer club, NKUnited, is currently seeking a Director of Coaching to work with our 1500 player select club. This is once in a lifetime opportunity for the right individual to have a tremendous impact on the future of soccer in our area. Interested parties can submit an application to before December 31st. A detailed job description may be viewed at DIRECTOR OF COACHING - NK United (Kentucky) Greater Cincinnati's largest select soccer club, NKUnited, is currently seeking a Director of Coaching to work with our 1500 player select club. This is once in a lifetime opportunity for the right individual to have a tremendous impact on the future of soccer in our area. Interested parties can submit an application to before December 31st. A detailed job description may be viewed at DIRECTOR OF COACHING AND PLAYER DEVELOPMENT (DCPD) – West Omaha Soccer Club (WOSC) and West Omaha Gladiator Soccer Club (WOG) WOSC and WOG (affiliated clubs) in Omaha, NE seek a qualified individual to fill the role of DCPD. WOSC focuses on recreational/developmental teams and players while WOG is for competitive/select teams and players. There are approximately 1,400 players and 125 teams in the two clubs. Applicants should be extremely well organized and possess a USSF A or B license, or an NSCAA Premier or Advanced National diploma. For more information on the clubs, visit and For a detailed job description including compensation information, Mark Berner at Send letters of introduction, resumes and salary requirements to Mark Berner at the address noted, or to 3516 So. 94th Avenue, Omaha, NE DIRECTOR OF COACHING AND PLAYER DEVELOPMENT (DCPD) – West Omaha Soccer Club (WOSC) and West Omaha Gladiator Soccer Club (WOG) WOSC and WOG (affiliated clubs) in Omaha, NE seek a qualified individual to fill the role of DCPD. WOSC focuses on recreational/developmental teams and players while WOG is for competitive/select teams and players. There are approximately 1,400 players and 125 teams in the two clubs. Applicants should be extremely well organized and possess a USSF A or B license, or an NSCAA Premier or Advanced National diploma. For more information on the clubs, visit and For a detailed job description including compensation information, Mark Berner at Send letters of introduction, resumes and salary requirements to Mark Berner at the address noted, or to 3516 So. 94th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68124www.wosc.netwww.wogladiatorsoccer.com

DOC Search Considerations Remember you are hiring a person, not a resume Remember you are hiring a person, not a resume Person should be focused on player and club development not personal glory Person should be focused on player and club development not personal glory Many athletic resumes contain lies Many athletic resumes contain lies State will verify resumes and claims State will verify resumes and claims State will help verify references State will help verify references State will serve on hiring committee if you wish State will serve on hiring committee if you wish

Qualifications of a DOC Possess a USSF ‘A’ or ‘B’ License, or equivalent (NSCAA Premier or National Advanced license). Foreign licensure should be considered as well. Verify all licensure Possess a USSF ‘A’ or ‘B’ License, or equivalent (NSCAA Premier or National Advanced license). Foreign licensure should be considered as well. Verify all licensure Possess the USSF National Youth License. This course goes over specific soccer and developmental issues for each age group from U-6 to U-12 Possess the USSF National Youth License. This course goes over specific soccer and developmental issues for each age group from U-6 to U-12 Have earned a minimum of a bachelor degree, preferably in the education or child development field Have earned a minimum of a bachelor degree, preferably in the education or child development field Possess strong practical coaching experience at the youth level Possess strong practical coaching experience at the youth level

Qualifications of a DOC Demonstrate ability to relate to and communicate with young players of all levels, from recreational to top select Demonstrate ability to relate to and communicate with young players of all levels, from recreational to top select Possess strong practical playing ability at the professional, semi-professional and/or college varsity level Possess strong practical playing ability at the professional, semi-professional and/or college varsity level Possess strong interpersonal skills, solid written and oral communication skills, listening skills, and computer skills Possess strong interpersonal skills, solid written and oral communication skills, listening skills, and computer skills Possess proven ability to influence adults and articulate concepts to large audiences Possess proven ability to influence adults and articulate concepts to large audiences Demonstrate leadership qualities Demonstrate leadership qualities Possess experience in instruction of coaching courses to adults Possess experience in instruction of coaching courses to adults

Qualifications of a DOC Possess integrity and follow morally and ethically sound standards Possess integrity and follow morally and ethically sound standards Possess organizational and administrative skills with good time management Possess organizational and administrative skills with good time management Have a dynamic personality with innovative ideas and strong motivational skills Have a dynamic personality with innovative ideas and strong motivational skills Possess a player development philosophy that is in line with the club’s mission Possess a player development philosophy that is in line with the club’s mission Be responsible and have a mature personality Be responsible and have a mature personality Committed to working a non-traditional schedule of afternoons, evenings, and weekends Committed to working a non-traditional schedule of afternoons, evenings, and weekends

Club Responsibilities Make sure board is fully behind hiring a DOC Make sure board is fully behind hiring a DOC Have a job description and funding completed before hiring (state will provide examples) Have a job description and funding completed before hiring (state will provide examples) Make sure you have soccer knowledgeable people on hiring committee (state will be happy to help this committee) Make sure you have soccer knowledgeable people on hiring committee (state will be happy to help this committee) Have priorities set for incoming DOC to focus efforts upon in first months Have priorities set for incoming DOC to focus efforts upon in first months

Club Responsibilities Provide regular feedback to DOC in first months (state is happy to serve as ad hoc board member for first months to help smooth transition) Provide regular feedback to DOC in first months (state is happy to serve as ad hoc board member for first months to help smooth transition) Do not bog down DOC with administrative duties (i.e. lining fields, cutting fields, scheduling referees, directing tournaments etc. etc.) Do not bog down DOC with administrative duties (i.e. lining fields, cutting fields, scheduling referees, directing tournaments etc. etc.) Decide if DOC should coach a team before hiring Decide if DOC should coach a team before hiring

Summary and Questions Hiring a DOC should help players, coaches, parents, and board members Hiring a DOC should help players, coaches, parents, and board members We need to improve our youth development in the state as we are lagging behind other states We need to improve our youth development in the state as we are lagging behind other states The Massachusetts Youth Soccer State Staff will help in any way we can………….just ask The Massachusetts Youth Soccer State Staff will help in any way we can………….just ask