U.S. Congress passed a comprehensive law, in 2017 (the “SafeSport Act”), focused on protecting athletes that are minors. In turn U.S. Soccer (and all U.S. Olympic National Governing Bodies – NGB) and its members (Cal South) will be utilizing U.S. Center for SafeSport to meet the requirement of the SafeSport Act to offer consistent training to adult members who are in regular contact with amateur athletes who are minors.

If you are a returning coach, please go through steps 1, 2, and 6 below.  If you are a new coach (head or assistant), there is a six (6) step process summarized below.  Here's a link to Coach Information Packet 2020 that has more how-to details.

1. Notify the age group Division Coordinator and Registrar that you are interested in coaching (See the Board Contacts page.)
2. Register (online) to be a coach. You can find a link under the “Coaches” tab on our website. Coaches will register directly through Cal South (Affinity).
3. Complete the Cal South National Licensing Process (entirely online).  There are four different courses - based on the number of players on the field. You can choose whichever course you feel is appropriate for your coaching situation. It is important to start the process through Cal South so that your Cal South profile will be updated when you complete the course. (For an overview of the process see the Coach Information Packet documents above). The Club will have vouchers to cover the cost.  Or,  SBSC will happily reimburse the $25 fee.  Please contact SBSC's treasurer to request reimbursement. For more information about the courses, visit Cal South's website (Coach Licensing).
4. Complete LiveScan (fingerprinting & background check). Bring two copies of the Live Scan Form (see link below) to a LiveScan Location. SBSC will reimburse the $20 fee. (Note: SBSC will host a LiveScan session at the team pick night in July.)
5. Complete Course on Concussions: SBSC uses a course provided by the National Federation of High Schools (“NFHS”).  Contact SBSC’s Registrar or Coaching Coordinator to receive a link to the course. The course takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.  After completing the course, save the certificate and email to SBSC’s Registrar.
6. Safe Sport Course: Please contact our Registrar (Nicky Germon) for details about how to access the course. The course is free, all online, and takes about 90 minutes to complete.
    

Below are links to documents that will help you get started:

• How to Become a Coach
• Concussion Information and Course (online)
• U.S. Soccer National License Instructions
• Rick Management Process
• Live Scan Form
• Equipment and Materials
• Practice Schedule & Other Information
• Team Parent Responsibilities

The SBSC has a subscription to "Soccer 101" which is a service that send a weekly email to coaches with an age appropriate practice plan.  The plans include diagrams as well as videos.

Below are links to additional resources.

• CalSouth Training Resources
• Soccer Help
• U.S. Youth Soccer

Coach registration will be in Cal South's Affinity Platform "Affinity".  The platform tracks the licensing and risk management status for each coach.  The process should only take a few minutes.

The following link will take you to instructions. 

Coach Registration Instructions

Coach's Bag:  Each coach will be provided a "Coach's Bag" of goodies, which will include soccer balls, mini ball pump, pinnies, cones, goalie shirt and first aid kit.

Uniforms: Game uniforms (with shorts and socks) will be distributed by the end of August.

Game Schedules:  Links to schedules will be published by the end of August.

Install the Sport Engine mobile app (iOS and Android supported) and keep up with the latest schedules, results, news and statistics.  Share photos and videos right from the game and enjoy rosters and player profiles, complete with game-by-game statistics.

You can find more information about how to stay connected to your team(s) on the Coach /  Parent Resource page on our website (under the 'Coaches' tab).

• U.S. Center for Safe Sport: US Soccer formally adopted new Athlete and Participant safety policy on February 16, 2019. Subsequently, Cal South and Affiliate Members must ensure that all Coaches, Administrators and other Covered Individuals complete the required U.S. Center for Safe Sport training and education online course.

• U.S. Soccer National Licenses: U.S. Soccer has adopted and Cal South has implemented a new licenses for recreational and competitive/club coaches.  Recreational coaches will now need to take one of four online courses ("4v4", "7v7", "9v9" or "11v11"). Each course takes about 2-hours to complete. The courses provide age focused instruction in recreational coaching and teaching. Once you have completed one of the courses, you are not required to take another course.
• "F" License Holders:  If you have an "F" license, you will not need to take the National Course.
• Soccer 101: The Club subscribes to a service during the season that each week provides coaches with division specific practice ideas.
• Cal South Recreational Soccer Page:  Cal South has a new page designed to support coaches.  There are links to division specific practice drill ideas (videos).  Click here to go to page.
• Concussion Module:  The State of California has mandated that every coach complete a concussion course. There is no cost for the course. It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.
• Team Pages: The new website platform provides each team with a team page.  In addition, the platform will provide mobile access to your team page.  Stay tuned for more information.

A critical part of a successful season is communication. As a coach, you need to be certain that you, your players, and their parents are all aware of the objectives of the SBSC. Your season will be most successful if you maintain a consistent flow of information throughout the season by working with your Assistant Coach and team parent to provide key information as it becomes available.  Here is a link (Season Preparation) with some suggestions

The SBSC policy is play each player at least 50% of the game time.

This is an award based on citizenship, helpfulness, attitude, loyalty and attendance. Please fill out the Nomination Form for the player that you think best meets these qualifications. If there are any questions, please contact our Award Coordinator.

The Scott Billington Memorial Award honors Scott’s leadership and invaluable contributions made to the community, and in particular to the SBSC.  The recipient(s) are honored for their leadership and selfless enthusiasm and whose contributions to the SBSC honor Scott’s spirit.  The award will be presented at the SBSC Annual General Meeting, which is typically held in late February or early March.  (read more)