Frequently asked questions

Every Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and Team Manager completes the club registration steps. A valid Criminal Record Check (CRC) must be on file. Youth teams should have at least one team official of the same gender as the players. U11–U18 teams play in one of two leagues. This matters because game-day admin can be different: NFYSA: U11 & U12 Division 3 only BCCSL: all other U11–U18 teams

Send a simple welcome message early with training expectations, game-day basics, and how you’ll communicate. Keep messages clear and centralized through TeamSnap. If something changes (field, time, kit, meeting point), send one clear update to reduce confusion.

Fields typically become available for training during the last week or two of August. Coaches are welcome to start in August if they’d like, but it’s completely optional. The expectation is that training is up and running by the first week of school. Timing matters Sessions end at the 55-minute mark, so players can gather belongings, and equipment can be cleared before the next group enters on the hour. Stay in your designated area Keep players within your training space. Please don’t send players for laps around the field (it disrupts other teams' training nearby). Before your field time Teams must remain outside the fenced area until their scheduled start time.

Coaches have access to weekly session plans in the shared Coach Google Drive. Use the weekly plan as your foundation and bring your coaching style to it while keeping the session focus aligned. If you’re unsure how to run a session, scale it up/down, or adjust for your group, reach out to your Technical Lead (listed under Club Contacts on pocosoccer.com).

Schedule checks Check your league schedule regularly. Times/fields can change. The home team is responsible for confirming game details with the opponent. Weather and field status Coaches do not cancel games due to rain. If the field is open, the referee determines playability. Do not change field locations on game day, even if another field looks open. Home game setup (corner flags) For home games, coaches/managers will need to obtain a key from our Equipment Manager to access the corner flag storage container. Please plan ahead so setup is smooth.

Home games only If the referee does not show up for a home game, call our Field Scheduler: 236-662-5854. Referee communication and respect PoCo FC has a zero-tolerance approach to referee and match official abuse. Concerns are addressed through our discipline process, and the club may apply immediate restrictions or removals from the field area when needed Please do not speak to referees about calls during or after the game. If you have constructive feedback, use the club’s Referee Feedback Form so it can be handled appropriately. Linesperson courtesy If you have a volunteer linesperson on the same side as the teams and benches, they should stay in their own half while flagging. Please do not cross into the opposing team’s half. This isn’t a formal rule, but it’s common courtesy and helps prevent unnecessary conflict.

NFYSA (U11 & U12 Division 3 only) No match sheets are required. Only team officials require ID cards. Keep game-day admin simple and focus on communication, player safety, and sportsmanship. BCCSL (all other U11–U18 teams) BCCSL takes administration seriously and there are fines for many avoidable issues. It is the coach and manager’s responsibility to review the Fine Schedule section in the BCCSL rules so you understand what triggers fines and how to avoid them. Game-day admin basics Two match sheets are required for every game, whether home or away. Scores must be reported immediately after the game finishes. Ensure team staff requirements are met and that you can access what you need in the BCCSL portal. Rescheduling and forfeits If you need to reschedule a game, you will need to reach out to your coordinator. This must be communicated weeks ahead of the scheduled game; not the week of. These situations are taken seriously and fines can start at $500 and increase quickly depending on timing and circumstances. Please don’t “handle it informally” with the other team. You must speak with your coordinator. Spectators and benches Spectators should watch from the opposite side of the field from the benches whenever possible. Bench areas are for players and team staff only.