|| COACHING
The FUNdamental ROLE REVERSAL GAME Revolutionizing Sideline Behavior Written by Karl Dewazien
Unleash the power of the “ Role Reversal ” game before the commencement of your 2023-24 soccer season , and witness an astounding transformation in sideline demeanor — a guaranteed spectacle of epic proportions !
Referees are well acquainted with the involvement of coaches and parents in officiating games from the sidelines , which is a persistent issue they face every season . However , envision a revolutionary transformation of the sidelines in youth soccer games .
Despite continuous efforts by soccer authorities to tackle the issue of inappropriate behavior from coaches and spectators on the sidelines , traditional measures — such as signing conduct contracts , participating in silent sideline games , or even resorting to distractions like lolly pops — have failed to bring about significant improvements .
In light of this , I am thrilled to introduce an innovative and exciting FUNdamental SOCCER solution that has the potential to revolutionize the sidelines :
THE “ ROLE REVERSAL GAME ” Imagine a scenario where coaches face reprimands from referees , and parents receive guidance from assistant referees . It may sound unconventional , but that ’ s precisely what the “ Role Reversal Game ” entails . * Apply FIFA Rules with the following modifications :
Referee : Verbally highlight / address coaches Assistant Referee : Verbally highlight / address parents
The Referee passionately addresses the coaches for their players ’ inability to : in attack
Read the Game – Lack of attentiveness as they tend to focus only on the ball
Run to Attack – Insufficient effort in getting into or creating space
Receive the Ball – Poor control on the first touch
Retain the Ball – Losing the ball after too many dribbles
Release the Ball – Inaccurate passes leading to turnovers - Inaccurate / off-target shots wide of the goal or over the crossbar on defense
Read the Game – Difficulty in determining their position on the field
Run to Defend – Failure to move and block potential goal-scoring opportunities
Ready Stance – Not using a defensive stance when engaging the first attacker
RejectAdvancement – Inadequate attempts at delaying the first attacker
Regain Ball Possession – Slide tackling or failing to complete the tackle
10 | Soccer Journal