It’s game day!

Game Day Checklist

Game Day Facilitation Procedure

Coach Responsibilities

  1. Follow the procedure listed below while you referee one field.

  2. Monitor player behavior and support sportsmanship on the field.

  3. Head Coach and Assistant coach should coach different fields. If a Head Coach is also a TTL coach, prioritize the TTL field. 

Soccer Manager Responsibilities

  1. Provide equipment, snack, water, and Game Day Facilitation Sheet. 

  2. Designate which fields Coaches will be leading. 

  3. Greet the parents, direct them to seating areas, and invite them to participate in end of day photo

  4. Run timing of games notifying Coaches when to switch.

  5. Conducting post game reflection, photos, and snack distribution.


Coach “Field Ref” Procedures: Team Arrival and Warm Up

  • Team Preparation: allow for 5 min bathroom break and changing of clothes

  • Equipment Storage: place all student bags and coats in one designated area 

  • Warm Up: See Stretch Poster Linked below

Coach “Field Ref” Procedures: Pre-Game

Review Behavior Rules with Players

  •  Get S.E.T and Go have Fun

  1. Safety: Keep each other safe physically and emotionally! (Shake Hands) Each team has different ages and all skill levels, give space for everyone to play. 

  2. Effort: (Run in Place) Give your best effort and be proud of yourself!

  3. Teamwork: (High Five) Focus on passing, helping each other out, and encouragement.

  4. and Go have Fun: (hands in for cheer) Have fun and play!

  • Review Game Rules with Players (See below)

Coach “Field Ref” Procedures: Game Play

  • Handshake: have both teams shake hands and share their names.

  • Rock Paper Scissors: the team that wins starts with the ball.

  • Water Breaks: ensure all students who use the bathroom or go to the fountain are accompanied by their family member or a UI staff member.

  • Oversee Quality Game Play (freeze game as needed): 

    • Trapping the ball to gain control (not just booting it)

    • Passing 

    • Spreading out

  • Adhering to rules:

  1. Team Size - Never to exceed 7v7 game play at any one time

  2. Pinnies - Have 1 team wear pinnies.

  3. No hands - If a player touches the ball with their hands, stop play and remind them not to use their hands, the ball can then be played as a free kick.

  4. Rotate Goalies - Every 5-10 minutes we recommend rotating goalies.

  5. No Headers - for player safety.

  6. Kick-Off- Begin the game with the following:

    1. Rock, Paper, Scissors - Winning team will start with the ball at the Centerline. Both teams will start on their side of the field.

  7. Restarts:

    1. Free Kick- The opposing team starts with the ball in the same place that the play was stopped. Players move back a safe distance and play resumes. Play a freekick when a player touches the ball with their hands, does a header play a free kick, or fouls another player.

    2. Goal Kick-If the ball goes out of bounds past the end line the goalie kicks the ball to their team once the opposing team is behind the safety line.

    3. Corner Kick- when the defending team kicks the ball out of play behind their own end line, gameplay stops, and one player of the opposing team can kick the ball in from the closest corner to the goal. 

    4. Sideline Throw-In- when a player from either team kicks the ball out of play past the sideline, gameplay stops, and one player from the opposite team throws in the ball from the line to resume play. Both feet must stay on the ground when the ball is thrown in (note: players can kick the ball back in if playing indoors or in a tight/restricted space). 

  8. Goal Direction: Confirm with each team which goal they are trying to score on, and which goal they are defending.

  9. Player Positions: Ensure students are placed in general positions and have an understanding of what their objective is in that position. Recommended player rotations 

  10. Substitutions: Explain how substitutions will work, as needed. Substitutions should occur every 2-3 minutes.

  11. Timing: Give a watch or clock to the students who are out to keep track of time

  12. Rotations: Explain how rotations will work, as needed

  13. Stopping Play: At times, we might pause game play to mix up the teams or make other changes to ensure we are all engaged and having fun! 

Coach “Field Ref” Procedures: Post Game

  • Save time for Reflection: plan to stop Game Play saving at least 5 minutes for reflection.

  • Game End Warnings: give 2 minute and 1 minute warning until the end of the game to give players an opportunity to prepare for ending play.

  • Handshake: stop the game and get into two lines to high five the other players. 

  • Circle Up for Reflection: ask both teams to circle up for the Field Manager to lead a reflection, take photos, and distribute snacks.

UI Soccer Manager Lead: (groups will be combined)

  1. Group Reflections-Soccer Manager Lead

  • Soccer Coaches- Get all players into a circle. Highlight good sportsmanship and positive encouragement you saw during the game. 

  • Take a photo of each team if time allows and invite family members to be in the photo.