Before the Season Starts
Check-off-list for Coaches
Click here to download a list of things to ensure you are ready for your first game.
Background Checks
All teams’ contacts (Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Managers, etc.) must pass a background check every year. All background checks expire in June. Click here for instructions on how to complete a background check. Click here to complete a background check.
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Returning Coaches
Log into your account at the beginning of each season to update your contact information.
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New Coaches
All new coaches will set up an account in GotSport and complete a background check. It can take a few days to come back with a result. When approved, the coordinator will add you to the team. Do not forget to upload a current picture for your coach ID. Click here to set up a coach account.
Assistant Coaches
We encourage all teams to have at least one assistant coach in case of schedule conflicts. Head coaches will determine their assistant coaches. Once you find an assistant coach have him/her sign up and complete a background check. Also, contact your age coordinator so he/she can be added to your team.
Safe Sport
It is mandated by NTSSA for coaches to complete the CDC Heads Up/Concussion Course and Safe Sport Course. Both are available through your coaches’ accounts. These short courses cover how to identify, and handle concussions and to have a safe and respectful environment. You can find step-by-step instructions here.
We ask all coaches to follow the rule of "when in doubt, sit them out" for the safety of our players. Please report any suspected concussions to the DSA board so, we can follow up with their parents. Remember our ultimate goal is to keep everyone safe.
Team Seeding Form
All coaches must submit a seeding form to ensure their team or teams are added to the game schedule along with any exceptions (bye) for that season. Please return the forms to the president. Click here for the seeding form. If the president does not receive your seeding form prior to the seeding meeting; you will be responsible to pay the fee to add your team to the schedule.
Practices Schedules
Teams may practice twice a week for one hour Monday thru Friday. Coaches may pick the days and times; they would like to practice. We will try our best to honor your request but it is not guaranteed. Teams will be assigned half a soccer field to practice on. Sometimes, games are scheduled on a weeknight, and those games take precedence over practice. If a game is on your practice field, you may practice on an open field or space. You can only practice on the days and times assigned to you. Any questions or concerns contact the field coordinator. Click here to request a practice field.
Contact your Players
Once you receive your roster, contact your players.
Uniforms
Each team is responsible for ordering their uniforms. Teams must have matching shirts with a unique number on the back. The unique number must be permanent on their jersey as well as on the game sheet. If you would like to secure a sponsor to help pay for your uniforms, you can but keep in mind DSA uniform policy: uniforms may not advertise any adult subjects, such as alcohol, cigarettes, or weapons. You may order your uniforms from anywhere.
NTSSA/DeSoto Soccer Code of Ethics for Coaches
The code of ethics has been developed to clarify and distinguish approved and accepted professional, ethical, and moral behavior from that which is detrimental to the development of the sport of soccer. DeSoto Soccer Association holds all coaches, assistant coaches, and team officials to the standards of this code. Click here to get a copy of it.