Match Day Guides

Coach

• Arrive with enough time to prepare the team before kick-off

• Confirm players are ready, correctly equipped and wearing the correct uniform (including shinguards)

• Organise the warm-up, team talk, formation and positions

• Provide positive, age-appropriate coaching from the technical area

• Encourage good sportsmanship and respectful behaviour towards teammates, opponents and match officials

• Ensure players shake hands/acknowledge the opposition and referee after the match

• Work with the manager to ensure the team follows competition and club rules

• Be responsible for the team's football equipment used on match day and ensure it is collected afterwards

• for U5 - U7 the coach will typically be on field, guiding play.
  From U8 to U12 teams will discuss with opposition as to which coach will be "referee". This role can be shared with a half each in the position on field. If not referee, coach should be on the sideline, guiding directions from there.
  Competitive (U13 and older) have official referees, and coaches are to stay off the field unless invited on by the referee (for an injury or discussion)

Team Manager

• Check the fixture details in advance and communicate kick-off time, venue and arrival time to families. "Whatsapp" is an effective app for team information - Assistance for Team Chat set-up can be given by our committee members

• Confirm player availability and advise the coach of any absences

• Manage substitutions and player rotations, aiming for appropriate and fair playing opportunities. "Coach Any" is a helpful FREE app that can monitor time and substitutions. Competitive divisions substituations and player rotations are handled by the Coach, with the Team Manager assisting where needed

• Complete/check the team sheet or Squadi match-day requirements before the game. (Competitive Only) - Aim to have this submitted 30 minutes before kick-off. If a teamsheet is not submitted before this time, Managers must approach the game day office to inform and have teamsheet reopened for them to submit

• Ensure only eligible/registered players are listed and check any borrowed or fill-in players meet competition requirements

• Coordinate officials or parent duties required for the match, such as ground official where applicable

• Introduce yourself to the opposition manager and assist with any match-day administration

• Help keep the technical area organised, including players, substitutes and team officials

• Ensure parents and spectators remain in the appropriate areas and escalate any behaviour concerns to the appropriate club official rather than becoming involved in disputes.

• Check the score/result and complete any required post-match Squadi tasks. (Competitive Only)

• Communicate important club information to the team after the game and report any incidents, injuries, cards or concerns to the club where required

🤝 Shared Responsibility

The Coach and Manager work as a team. Both represent SESFC on match day and are responsible for helping create a safe, positive and respectful environment for players, referees, opposition teams and families.

Coach = Players & Football
Manager = Organisation & Administration
Both = Culture, Safety & Sportsmanship

Before You Leave the Grounds: count/collect balls, bibs and equipment (Manager is in charge of collecting and washing the team kit each week); make sure every child has been collected by their parent/carer; check the technical area for belongings/rubbish and report any incidents that need club follow-up.