WSA + MYSA Pre-Season Meeting Template

Agenda

• Welcome: Thank parents for attending and reiterate the purpose of the meeting — to align expectations, ensure clear communication, and create a positive environment for the players.

Coach & Staff Introduction

• Who am I? (Head Coach)
  
  

  • Job
    
    

  • Family
    
    

  • Soccer/Sports Experience (focus on coaching & leadership roles; transparency if limited)
    
    

• Additional staff (assistant coaches, managers, etc.)
  
  

• CORI / Safe Sport Certified: Confirm completion of background check, concussion training, and SafeSport training for player safety.

Ice Breaker

• Invite parents to briefly share their goals/expectations for their child’s soccer season (3–5 minutes).
  
  

• Coach notes responses and addresses relevant points during discussion.
  
  

Coaching Philosophy & Season Focus

• Overall approach to the game and building a healthy, enjoyable team environment.
  
  

• Season focus: Describe the developmental priorities (technical, tactical, physical, mental/social).
  
  

• Playing time: Minimum of ~50% playing time for all players per game (recommended guideline).
  
  

• Emphasis on development over results, fostering love for the game.
  
  

What Parents Should Expect from the Coach

• Professionalism: Coach will be on time, prepared, and organized.
  
  

• Communication:
  
  

  • All updates (schedules, weather, cancellations, changes) via GameChanger.
    
    

  • Weekly game update includes:
    
    

    • Time & location
      
      

    • Jersey color
      
      

    • Key focus points
      
      

• Session planning: Training sessions designed to align with age group core competencies.
  
  

• Open communication: Coaches available within a set window (e.g., after games) for parent questions or concerns.
  
  

What the Coach Expects from Parents

• Use of Game Changer App
  
  

  • All communication through Game Changer.
    
    

  • Parents expected to check app regularly.
    
    

• Attendance & Availability
  
  

  • Update player attendance by Wednesday each week for games.
    
    

  • Allows coach to finalize roster and add players if necessary.
    
    

• Player Preparedness
  
  

  • Arrive on time.
    
    

  • Bring water.
    
    

  • Dressed properly: athletic clothing, cleats, shin guards, weather-appropriate gear.
    
    

Behavior & Codes of Conduct

• Mass Youth Soccer Codes of Conduct Review- LINK HERE
  
  

  • Player Pledge & Parent Pledge.
    
    

  • Expectations of parents, players, and spectators.
    
    

  • Consequences for misconduct.
    
    

• Referee Respect Policies
  
  

  • 531-9 updates: sanctions for misconduct toward referees.
    
    

  • Mass Youth Soccer Spectator Misconduct Policy.
    
    

• Sideline Expectations
  
  

  • Coach: Model respect for players, referees, opponents, parents.
    
    

  • Parents:
    
    

    • Positive support only, no sideline coaching.
      
      

    • Respect referees and opposing teams.
      
      

    • Focus on effort, improvement, and enjoyment, not just results.
      
      

Discussion Points

• Schedule conflicts
  
  

• Player needs around training (shin guards, water, weather-appropriate gear).
  
  

• Communication platform: All coach–player communications must include a parent or another registered adult.  Utilizing GameChanger is the best solution for all communication
  
  

Closing

• Reiterate shared values: development, respect, teamwork, and fun.
  
  

• Thank parents for their partnership in creating a positive environment.