Coaches
WE NEED SOCCER COACHES
Coaching
Over 200 teams play each season at H.O.T. Soccer, and each team needs a coach. You do not need extensive coaching or soccer experience to step up, just a heart to help build a healthy community by encouraging and empowering our youth.
To become a coach:
- Set up an OttoSport account or register for an OttoSport account, and register for the season as a volunteer.
- Contact your age group commissioner here.
- Register for a GotSport account.
- Complete a background check and Safe Sport training through U.S. Soccer.
- Attend a grassroots coaching class through U.S. Soccer (online or in-person) when available over the next year.
Returning Coaches
RETURNING COACHES
Returning coaches must complete a background check and SafeSport training each year to be eligible to coach.
- Log in to your GotSport account
- On your Dashboard, verify that both your SafeSport and background check requirements have been FULFILLED for the current year
- Follow the "View/Submit" link to fulfill a missing requirement
- Safesport follows a four-year cycle; participants will complete the full, 90-minute course once every four years, with 30-minute refresher courses each year in between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I coach at H.O.T. Soccer if I have never coached before?
You do not need any prior coaching experience to coach at H.O.T. Soccer. All you need is a heart for kids, some understanding, and a little bit of patience. The kids mostly need someone to encourage and believe in them.
Do I need to be familiar with soccer to coach at H.O.T. Soccer?
We do not require any previous soccer experience to coach at H.O.T Soccer. You will find that soccer has many strategic similarities to other sports. You just need to learn basic concepts to get started.
Is there required training?
Per our bylaws, all coaches are required to complete SafeSport training - which takes about 1.5 hours to complete - and a background check prior to receiving their roster. In addition, all head coaches are required to complete a coach training course within the first year of becoming a head coach. A SafeSport refresher course (30 min.) and background check are required annually for all coaches.
What kind of support does H.O.T. Soccer offer coaches?
As a coach, H.O.T. Soccer will connect you with other coaches in your age group, and you will have an Age Group Commissioner to provide you guidance and support. In addition, H.O.T. Soccer regularly partners with the N.T.S.A. to offer grassroots soccer coaching clinics and certifications through the U.S. Soccer Grassroots Coaching Pathway.
How long is the H.O.T. Season?
Teams play 6 to 8 games during the season, depending on the age group. For older players, there is typically an end-of-season tournament in the fall. Games typically take place on Saturdays.
How much time will it take?
Your weekly time commitment depends on your age group. Most teams have one to two practices during the week, and one or maybe two games on Saturday. You will most likely need to spend some time during the week on team communications and planning. All told, you can expect to spend somewhere between 3 and 6 hours per week, on average.
Sideline behavior
SIDELINE BEHAVIOR
Coaches are responsible for sideline behavior.
- It is the Coach's responsibility to maintain a calm supportive sideline.
- If a coach, spectator, or player is required to sit out the next game, the sit-out must be verified by a Board Member.
- If a coach or spectator is given a red card, they must leave the complex immediately.
