Creating the Best
Environment
U8 Pilot Project
Outdoor 2016
Ontario Soccer Association Player Development
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Creating the Best Environment
As coaches and parents it is important to remember that the game does not
centre on us and that the game actually belongs to the young players. We must
never forget that these young players are children and your behavior and support
in creating the optimal pressure-free learning environment is key for the success
of their development.
It is important that parents understand their roles and responsibilities in creating
a fun and relaxed environment where our young players can enjoy soccer which
emphasises skill acquisition, enjoyment, and social and emotional development
through participation.
This initiative has been created to safeguard the positive experience for our
young players.
Ontario Soccer Association Player Development
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Scoring Guidelines:
Coach Behaviour & Attitude
When observing coaches behaviour & attitude this section is worth 5 points. Each component is worth 1 point towards
the overall section total of 5. Should the coach be deemed to have fallen below the expectation of a particular
component then they will lose the associated point. E.g. If the coach is considered to be humiliating his players (-1
point), and constantly arguing with the Game Leader (-1 point) then the total section score will be 3/5.
Component
Explanation
Aggressive with his/her own
players for mistakes on the field
Any demonstration of anger of negativity towards his/her team for mistakes made. E.g.
yelling at a player for missing a tackle or shot. This includes the use of an aggressive tone
when interacting with his/her players.
Humiliating players
Any action which belittles a player is considered humiliating. E.g. Substituting a player based
on a mistake. Singling out a player for individual criticism in front of his/her peers.
Coaching players by constantly
calling the next move (over
coaching)
We must allow our young players the freedom to make their own decisions and develop the
ability to think for themselves. Coaches must refrain from directing every move a player
makes during a game. However, coaches should be allowed to interact with their players
throughout the game. This preferably happens after a passage of play (once the player has
made the decision for his/herself).
Aggression towards the opposing
players or coaches
Any negative or aggressive interaction between a coach and the opposing team. This can
include arguing with or threatening the opposing coach or players.
Constantly arguing with Game
Leader
Although coaches can interact with the Game Leader all communication must be done in civil
and respectful manner. It is not acceptable to constantly harass the Game Leader by
questioning/arguing every decision made.
Ontario Soccer Association Player Development
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Scoring Guidelines:
Players Behaviour & Attitude
When observing players behaviour & attitude this section is worth 5 points. Each component is worth 1 point towards
the overall section total of 5. Should the players be deemed to have fallen below the expectation of a particular
component then they will lose the associated point. E.g. If the players are considered to be taunting their opponents (-1
point), and arguing with the Game Leader (-1 point) then the total section score will be 3/5.
Component
Explanation
Aggressive behavior
Although do not want to curb the enthusiasm of our young players and we must allow them to be
competitive, we must not allow this competitiveness to become aggressive. Deliberate attempts to
injure an opponent or become physically involved off the ball (punch, slap, push or kick) are
considered aggressive behaviour.
Arguing with Game Leader
Players should not be constantly questioning the decisions or arguing with the Game Leader. This
includes surrounding the Game Leader following a decision or consistently protesting call’s. Players
are allowed to communicate with the Game Leader, however all communication must be in a
respectful manner.
Obscenities
Any verbal or physical demonstration of vulgar or inappropriate behaviour. This includes the use of
inappropriate language such as cursing , use of hand gestures and even spitting in the direction of
an opponent.
Taunting or being abusive to
opponents on the field
The demonstration of unsporting behaviour such as the use of derogatory language towards an
opponent based on a perception of superiority. This includes taunting or humiliating opponents
based on the score of the game and name calling.
Disrespectful behavior towards
players or coaches
Includes arguing with coaches or teammates. Constantly pointing the blame or criticizing
teammates for mistakes made. Communicating with teammates in an aggressive manner.
Ontario Soccer Association Player Development
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Scoring Guidelines:
Parents Behaviour & Attitude
When observing parents behaviour & attitude this section is worth 5 points. Each component is worth 1 point towards
the overall section total of 5. Should the players be deemed to have fallen below the expectation of a particular
component then they will lose the associated point. E.g. If parents are considered to be displaying obscene behaviour (-1
point), and arguing with the Game Leader (-1 point) then the total section score will be 3/5.
Component
Explanation
Aggressive behavior towards
players for mistakes on the
field
Any demonstration of anger of negativity towards any player for mistakes made. E.g. yelling at a
player for missing a tackle or shot.
Humiliating Players
Any action which belittles a player such as singling out a player for individual criticism or making
negative comments regarding a players ability or performance.
Coaching players by calling next
play
Although parents are encouraged to support the young players 100% no instructions should be
provided at any point during a game. Interaction and instructions from parents on the sideline only
serve to confuse the player and distract them. E.g. Calling for players to “shoot”, “pass” etc. is
unacceptable. Not only are parents interfering with the players ability to develop decision making
skills, the instructions may be contradictory to those coming from the coach. Parents should cheer
and applaud good play, and encourage the players on the field, however anything more is
considered “coaching” and is unacceptable.
Aggression towards opposing
players or Game Leader
As parents we must remember that all players regardless of team the represent as children. Parents
should acknowledge the ability and effort of all players in a positive manner. Any negative or
aggressive interaction with opposing team, such as arguing with or displaying threatening behaviour,
is unacceptable.
There should be no interaction between parents and the Game Leader. All decisions made on the
field are final and any negative interaction from parents not only are inappropriate, but serve as a
bad example to the young children.
Obscenities
Any verbal or physical demonstration of vulgar or inappropriate behaviour. This includes the use of
inappropriate language such as cursing , hand gestures, or any lewd or suggestive comments. 5
Ontario Soccer Association Player Development
Creating the Best Environment: Q&A
Question 1: What is Creating the Best Environment Program?
A: The Creating the Best Environment is an OSA Player Development initiative designed to monitor and safeguard the positive
experiences of our young players at the Grassroots age groups (U4-U12)
Question 2: Why is this necessary?
A: As coaches and parents it is important to remember that the game does not centre on us and that the game actually belongs to the
young players. We must never forget that these young players are children and your behavior and support in creating the optimal
pressure-free learning environment is key for the success of their development. Unfortunately many coaches and parents still let
themselves down by becoming overly involved.
Question 3: How will this form create a better environment for our players?
A: We hope that adults will be more conscious of their behavior if they are aware that it is being directly monitored by others.
Question 4. Who completes the scorecard and what happens next?
A: The scorecard will be completed by an official from the opposing team (coach, assistant or team manager) and is submitted to the
district office along with the game sheet. If the District Association discovers any alarming trends developing across a number of
scorecards then further steps will be taken to an action plan with those involved. Likewise, teams who have been identified as “Creating
the Best Environment” can be recognized for their achievements at the seasons conclusion.
Question 5: When does this Initiative begin and what happens afterwards?
A: Creating the Best Environment will be piloted in both Durham Region Soccer Association, and Hamilton & District Soccer Association
during the 2016 outdoor season. This Pilot project will only be for U8 Festival teams. The OSA will work with District Associations
throughout the 2016 outdoor season to determine the initiatives level of success, and develop future implementation across the
province.
For more information on Creating the Best environment please email [email protected]
Ontario Soccer Association Player Development
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