1.    Observe the SYSL rules

Acquaint yourself with and follow the league rules.
Teach the laws of the game.

2.    Promote good sportsmanship

You are the point of contact between SYSL and the end users. Therefore your conduct reflects on the entire league.
Ensure that the kids, coaches & parents respect the referees whether or not they agree with, or understand the call.
Don’t forget the handshakes and other rituals that reinforce this message.  

3.    Build knowledge of the game

In practices, develop skills with games or drills and reinforce them with scrimmages.
Emphasize drills with many touches; avoid waiting in line drills.
Test progress by observing the games – identify things to work on in future games.
Focus on the fundamentals – passing, ball control, shooting, and defense.
Keep expectations appropriate to the age group you are coaching.
Take advantage of any coaching clinics available to you.
Attending professional games broadens your perspective of the game – see "adult leagues" page on SYSL website.
Take out one of the videos from the extensive SYSL library

4.    Foster the sense of team and teamwork

Ensure players have playing time according to the SYSL rules – see "Competition Rules Overview" on the Rules of the Game web page.
Rotate positions, especially at the younger levels; for goalkeeper rules – see "Competition Rules Overview" on the Rules of the Game web page.
Emphasize player-player communication.  

5.    Safety guidelines

Check over the field before practices and game and remove any trash, rocks, sticks, etc.
Make sure two adults are present at all practices & games – in event of injury, one can stay with the injured player and the other can attend to the rest of the team.
Never leave a child alone on the field at or after a practice or game.

6.    Game Day

Arrive early to set up. Start and end on time.
Parents on one side of the field, five feet from the side line; coaches & players on the other side (except for the junior division). No one is allowed on the end line or anywhere near the goal.
Encourage parents to cheer good plays, but not to yell out instructions – you want to avoid confusing players and to keep the players focused on what you, the coach, are trying to teach.

7.    Referees

Remind players of the role of the referees – they are to help the kids learn the rules of the game and to ensure that play is safe.
Make sure players and parents know they are to listen to the referees, not argue with them – model this yourselves!
There should be no communication between the players and spectators and the referee.
Any necessary communication between the coaches and referees must be respectful and made during stoppages. Absolutely no sarcasm, no harassment and no intimidation.
Remember! Most referees are young and may make mistakes whilst developing but are trained and licensed by the state and there is never any acceptable reason to criticize them. 

8.    Have fun – this applies to you and to the kids.

Be a positive coaching model – mastery of the fundamentals first, and success will follow.
Emphasis should be on effort, learning, respect and love of the game.
Make soccer a positive experience for every child on your team.