General Coaching Criteria 

As Head or Assistant Coach, you are one of the most important elements in football. You must be familiar with the concepts, goals, and philosophies of youth football. The knowledgeable, team oriented coach brings success to their program which not only reflects on their own team, but the teams within the league. 

The youth coach is concerned with the player’s grades, citizenship and how effective his/her coaching is to the participants. While winning, as well as, losing is a part of football, a great emphasis must be placed upon sportsmanship and the overall attitude of the team. 

The youth coach realizes that they are not just a coach to their team, and their conduct on and off the playing field reflects on their ability to positively impact their team, as well as, those of the opposing teams. Teach teamwork, cooperation, discipline and demand hard work. Strive to make practice and games a fun and rewarding experience that they will enjoy and be eager to return to next year. 

Youth coaches must keep themselves informed and up to date on the latest training techniques, drills, isometrics, and stretching exercises used for developing young bodies. Know the proper way to instruct blocking, tackling, and stunt techniques to prevent injury. Also, have a general knowledge of first aid. 

It is your responsibility to attend a coaching clinic to assist you in becoming familiar with philosophies and proper and/or new coaching techniques. You must have a thorough knowledge of the rules and policies that govern the Germantown Football Association and the Capital Beltway League. 


Head Coach Criteria

1. Must serve as a role model for the players. 
2. Must have 2 years minimum coaching experience, either as a Coordinator or a 
   Head Coach. 
3. Must have 2 years minimum experience working with children. 
4. Must have fundamental knowledge of the game with emphasis on safety 
   techniques and the ability to develop, teach and continually improve upon
   basic skills (kicking, passing, running, blocking, catching, and tackling). 
5. Must be able to make a full-time commitment to games and practices, 
   including camps and all Coaches’ Meetings necessary for practice,
   preparation and game plan implementation. 
6. Must always be able to maintain a professional and respectful attitude 
   towards referees, opposing teams and coaches, as well as, maintaining a 
   positive and energetic practice attitude. 
7. Must have a coaching philosophy that promotes the following: 
	• Good sportsmanship and positive attitude 
	• Competitive fun environment that does not make winning the priority 	 	  over team effort 
	• Team play and overall development of self-esteem and skills 
8. Must be able to create an environment wherein the players should always look 
   forward to practice and games, and want to play for you again. 
9. Must have the ability to communicate with players, other coaches, referees,
   and parents. 
10.Must be willing to develop and train assistant coaches so that they gain the
   skills and expertise to become future head coaches. 
11.Attendance at coaching clinics to hone skills and expertise.