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Kiski Area Soccer League

Kiski Area Soccer League

 

IN-HOUSE COACHING GUIDE

⚽ Welcome to In-House Coaching with KASL! This guide covers everything you need to know about coaching our recreational programs, from field setup to game day responsibilities.

🏟️ Field Setup & Breakdown

⚠️ HOME TEAM RESPONSIBILITY

Unless there is a volunteer to assist with setup/breakdown, it is the HOME TEAM's responsibility to ensure their field is setup prior to warm-ups.

Setup must be completed at least 15 minutes before game time.

✅ Setup Checklist

  • Nets: Set up appropriate goal nets
  • Corner Markers: Place at all four corners
  • Benches: Position team benches
  • Signs: Field identification signage
  • Game Ball: Ensure proper game ball is available

⚽ Equipment Guidelines

🚫 No Wooden Benches: Use portable folding benches only

🥅 U5 & U6: Use Kwik Goal frames

🥅 U7 & U8: Use BowNets

📚 Official Rules & Resources

⚽ Game Rules & Policies

🚫 Prohibited During Games

  • Metal jewelry, earrings, clips, pins, rings, snap buttons, zippers
  • Hooded sweatshirts
  • Orthopedic casts (unless padded and referee approved)
  • Chewing gum during practices or games
  • Parents/coaches by the goals during games
  • Parents on same side of field as coaches

⚖️ Behavior Consequences

Fighting (On or Off Field):

  • 1st offense: Barred from next game
  • 2nd offense: Barred for remainder of season

Unsportsmanlike Conduct:

  • 1st violation: Yellow card warning
  • 2nd violation: Red card ejection

🗣️ Referee Communication

Communication with referees is only permitted:

  • At the beginning of the game (through coach or team captain)
  • At quarters and/or half time

ZERO TOLERANCE for referee abuse - Lifetime ban possible!

👕 Uniforms & Scheduling

Uniforms:

  • In-House: Reversible jersey required
  • Home Team: Wears blue side of jersey
  • Away Team: Wears white side of jersey
  • Shin guards and soccer socks required for all games

Attendance & Punctuality:

  • Expected at all practices and games
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before game time
  • Warm-up required before games/practices
  • Give 3+ days notice for rescheduling

⚽ Age Group Game Formats

🌱 U5 Game Format

  • Players: 3v3 (no goalkeepers)
  • Duration: 4 quarters × 8 minutes
  • Focus: Fun, basic ball skills, participation
  • Equipment: Size 3 ball, Kwik Goal frames
  • Substitutions: Unlimited, on-the-fly
  • Coaching: Positive reinforcement only

🚀 U6 Game Format

  • Players: 4v4 (no goalkeepers)
  • Duration: 4 quarters × 10 minutes
  • Focus: Basic passing, positioning
  • Equipment: Size 3 ball, Kwik Goal frames
  • Substitutions: Unlimited, at breaks
  • Coaching: Simple instructions, encouragement

⚽ U7 Game Format

  • Players: 4v4 (no goalkeepers)
  • Duration: 4 quarters × 10 minutes
  • Focus: Teamwork, basic strategy
  • Equipment: Size 3 ball, BowNets
  • New: Throw-ins start at this age
  • Coaching: Position play, passing concepts

🎯 U8 Game Format

  • Players: 5v5 (4v4 + goalkeepers)
  • Duration: 2 halves × 22 minutes
  • Focus: Goalkeeping, formations
  • Equipment: Size 3 ball, BowNets
  • Build-Out Lines: Used for goal kicks
  • Offsides: Behind build out line only

Build-Out Line: Opponents must retreat when goalkeeper has ball

🏆 U9/U10 Game Format

  • Players: 7v7 (6v6 + goalkeepers)
  • Duration: 2 halves × 25 minutes
  • Focus: Advanced tactics, positioning
  • Equipment: Size 4 ball, larger goals
  • Build-Out Lines: Used for goal kicks
  • Throw-ins: Standard throw-in rules apply
  • No Punting: Goalkeepers cannot punt
  • Offsides: Behind build out line only

Build-Out Line: Opponents must retreat when goalkeeper has ball

🏆 In-House Coaching Guidelines

Development Focus:

  • Fun and participation over winning
  • Equal playing time for all
  • Basic skill development
  • Positive encouragement always

Safety Requirements:

  • Check equipment before games
  • Inspect field conditions
  • Enforce prohibited items list

Communication:

  • Keep parents informed
  • Maintain team contact lists
  • Report issues to board promptly

👨‍🏫 Coaching Guidelines & Responsibilities

📅 Practice & Communication

  • Attend Legends-run practices as much as possible
  • Optional: Hold a 2nd practice night during the week
  • Provide weekly communication to your team
  • Coordinate game times, treat bags, etc.

⚽ Game Day Management

  • EQUAL playing time for all players
  • Rotate positions for learning and development
  • Maintain positive mannerisms - no vulgar language
  • Do not badger referees
  • Encourage positive fair play

🌱 Development & Learning

  • Remember: In-House is developmental/recreational
  • Don't skip fundamentals - proper foundations are crucial
  • Keep it fun - growing numbers = success!
  • Focus on participation over competition
  • Visit PA West and US Soccer forums for resources
  • Use PA West age group handbooks
  • Ask questions - we're here to help!

🛡️ Behavior & Safety

  • Watch the crowds - address abusive language immediately
  • Keep things under control and positive for kids
  • Report inappropriate behavior to KASL Board ASAP
  • Focus on development over winning

🚫 Zero Tolerance Policy

⚠️

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR UNRULY BEHAVIOR

If spectators become unruly:

  1. Address the issue immediately - Don't rely on referees
  2. If behavior persists: Report to a board member
  3. If needed: Contact local authorities

Emergency Contacts

📞 Park Police: 724-830-3567

🚨 Emergencies: 911

📞 Questions or Concerns?

Have questions about in-house coaching or need support? We're here to help!

📧 Contact Us Today

 

Contact

Kiski Area Soccer League
Northmoreland Park Markle Road 
Apollo, Pennsylvania 15613

Email: [email protected]

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