All completed forms (and copy of driver's license) must be received  by the Final Registration date.  Volunteers must provide SSN in order for a background check to be performed. (Pre-printed forms are available for returning coaches (from the past year.)

WSA needs Head Coaches to run its programs; each team must have one Head Coach.  Enrollment will be limited if WSA does not have enough Head Coaches signed up by the final registration date.  WSA does not have the resources to try to recruit coaches after registration so there may be no notification to parents if there is a shortage of Head coaches.  Refunds will be sent to those affected, via mail.  If you are interested in coaching your child's team,  please review the Frequently Asked Questions about coaching and submit a Volunteer Application by the Final Registration date.

Hillsborough County Parks & Rec. MANDATORY Coach Certification 2012 Schedule*

The Hillsborough County Parks & Rec Department (HCPRD) will accept the National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA) online training program as an alternative to attending the Hillsborough County Parks & Rec Coach Certification (classroom) program. 

This program allows coaches to access the same training as on-site participants from their home or office PC. The online clinics also offer several features that are not available through the on-site clinics, including realistic graphics to illustrate lessons, exclusive printable materials, and 24-hour-a-day access to the program. Please note that there is a fee for the NYSCA on-line certification program (whereas the 4-hour HCPRD certification (classroom) program is free).  Here is the link to the NYSCA.  WSA must provide the County with a report reflecting the membership numbers and expiry dates for all coaches and assistants in the league--this is a contractual obligation.   Upon completion of the course, please email a copy of the membership # and expiry date to:  volunteers@westchasesoccer.org.

As you embark on your upcoming journey as a coach in the Westchase Soccer program, it is a good time to plan on the essentials for success. These hints are adopted from many years of experience and through guidelines offered by many large governing soccer organization.  You may have additional ideas that may be helpful. We encourage you to experiment with what works best for you and share those ideas with others to promote a supportive environment.

The purpose of a coach is to develop players in a positive image of themselves, their teammates, coaches, game officials and opponents and provide a good role model for players.  Good coaching starts with a good team philosophy that is achievable, realistic and consistent with the age group you are coaching.  Components of a team philosophy may include: having fun, teaching basic skills, rules of the game and good sportsmanship.  After you develop a team philosophy, make a road map to achieve that philosophy and implement that philosophy through your practices.

Next, have a parent meeting to introduce yourself to the parents of your players. Make clear your expectations including, but not limited to:

• Team goals and philosophy. 
• Inform parents of schedules for practices and games. 
• Have parents read and sign Medical Release form.
• Ask for a volunteer Team Parent.
• Remind parents of mandatory equipment requirements for practices and games:  shin-guards and soccer cleats.
• Introduce rules of short-sided soccer.
• Player and parent behavior toward teammates, opponents and officials.
• Encourage them to volunteer for tasks needed to organize the league (e.g. registration, distributing uniforms, etc.) and refer them to the WSA website for information.

Have a similar meeting with your players to establish expectations. With these hints in mind, you will be prepared to start the season. Don’t forget we have the Professional Development Officer available to help you create and implement a roadmap to success.

The current season's rules/guidelines for game play will be distributed at the Coaches' Meeting and a copy will be published below.  Prior to the Coaches' meeting the previous season's rules may still be available below (until it is overlaid with the current season's rules):