Question Number: 22524

Law 18 - Common Sense 11/15/2009

RE: Rec Under 12

Cary of Orcutt, CA USA asks...

Is there a volume limit on the coach in a game if all of their comments are positive and directed at their own players? Our coach was given a warning at half time of our game for 'being too loud.'

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Cary
You might be surprised to know that some competitions do have a policy on coaches shouting and it is in some competition rule books. We have some 7 a side underage leagues where coaching is banned during the game.
Coaches have to remember that it is not their game but the players. I see and hear many coaches shouting at players even in a positive way but it is usually to do with positioning, passing the ball, trying harder etc. Players should be allowed to express themselves, without having to listen to an adult shouting.
When I was growing up we were fortunate in that we played the game really without adult involvement up to the age of 12. It was our game and we did not have anyone shouting at us. We just played, dribbled, passed, did what we wanted to, sorted out disputes/arguments ouselves. It now pains me to hear some of the shouting at games involving underage players. It is distracting and I see little point in it. It can just be 'reflective glory'
Some of the best coaches I know rarely speak during the game and only coach at breaks. In many academy games in the UK, parents are only allowed to view the game by way of video screens. This is due to the effect that shouting/parent presence have on young players. Also I am aware of a growing number of players that cannot play without instructions from the coach. These player are reluctant to express themselves and there is a fear of not doing what the coach wants.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

A screaming coach can unnerve those around him. I have had screaming parents and coaches who although very supportive, their loud and aggressive darting to the touchlines to scream support or an instruction these actions actually create problems for the young children playing on both sides causing them to cringe or cease to pursue the ball at times. I had such things as screaming LEAVE IT meant as a tactical instruction for say the red player to let the ball go into touch stop a young blue player from trying to stop the ball from going into touch. Mind you most of the issue is the running along the touchline while doing this as opposed to a loud coach from inside his technical area.

I agree 100% with Ref McHugh the philosophy of shouting endless loud instructions is not usually in the best interest of learning or teaching environment for youth, The distraction and needless pressure works against fostering good creative play. Still instilling a sense of understanding I used to scream the word OUT! as a tactical approach to set in stone the mind set for reversing attacking play by leaving opposition in offside positions thus ineffective in upcoming play! I was aware it did annoy some nearby but I used in most often in friendlies and teaching games so by the time competitive play it was a already set into the sweeper and defenders mindset. We beat at least two highly skilled offensive teams using such creative defending tactics and quick set plays to catch them off guard
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

A coach who is always positive and encouraging is welcome to be as loud as she wants in my match. The referee should not be concerned about volume, only content.

Like the others, I prefer the quiet (UK) model for my child's coach. But, there are successful coaches in a number of different styles.