Beverly Youth Field Hockey is set up to promote the sport of Youth Field Hockey in our community. In doing so, we have expectations for our players, parents and our coaches. These expectations are different than our Code of Conduct.
Our Code of Conduct is established to ensure that our players, parents, coaches and spectators are acting in a manner that best represents our community and what BYFH stands for. Our Expectations is what we look to accomplish and hold the applicable parties to throughout the season.
Player Expectations:
- Players are expected to learn the rules for their age group games and play by these rules.
- We are here to have fun, but not at the expense of other participant’s fun. Play hard, try your best!
- Players are to show proper respect and sportsmanship to others involved in the game including other players, coaches, spectators and especially the officials.
- Winning is not the most important part of field hockey in the Beverly Youth Field Hockey program. Being the best you can be is!
- Do your best always, so you do not let the others of your team down and so your opponents enjoy the best you can give as well.
- Showing up on time consistently with proper equipment to games and especially practices shows you care about the well being of your team.
- Come prepared to play, with a good attitude, water bottle, shin guards, mouth guard, eye protection and clothing suited to weather conditions and rules of the game.
- If you have a concern with a referee, voice it through the coach and if it is with a coach, discuss it privately after a game or practice or at some other mutually convenient time in a positive, calm manner. You can also voice your grievance directly with CO Varnes, Director of BYFH.
- Field Hockey is an excellent activity for promoting fitness and building up a sweat is normal and good for you.
- Team sports provide excellent opportunities to make friends, encourage the building of good character and provide an outlet for excess energy.
- No one player makes the difference between winning and losing. This is a team sport.
Parent/Spectator Expectations:
- All spectators are expected to know the basic rules and expectations for children of the age group they are watching. (see age group expectations) A good idea is to spend a little time getting familiar with the game by reading, watching field hockey or using the field hockey 101 tutorial on this website.
- All participants are here to have fun, including spectators by enjoying their child’s successes on the field. Be positive and supportive to all participants.
- Show support for your child’s team by volunteering for duties and responsibilities associated with the game.
- This is not a babysitting service. Parent are expected to attend practices and games, especially based on their level of play. Please discuss these expectations with the coaches to determine what is best for the season.
- Remember, everyone working with your child is a volunteer. Show respect for their efforts and so will your child.
- Be on time for games and practices with the proper equipment. This shows appreciation for the time and efforts of the coach.
- Be willing to get actively involved in the practices and games if the coach provides the opportunity.
- Sportsmanship is taught by example. Your children learn this from you, the most significant individual in their lives.
- Communication of an idea or concern is necessary at times, so be constructive and respectful and encourage your child to approach the coach if they are having difficulties or concerns. Feedback is always welcomed in a constructive and healthy way.
- Try to focus on what is being done well and not yelling about mistakes of other participants, coaches, or officials.
- Let the coach, coach! Yelling instructions, even if meant well, can confuse and frustrate players.
- Avoid public conflicts. More can be accomplished by communicating to the coach and through the coach to the referee. Other parents and spectators are there to enjoy the game as well without unnecessary stress.
Coach Expectations:
- All coaches are expected to know the basic rules and expectations for their players of the age group they are coaching. (see age group expectations) A good idea is to spend a little time getting familiar with the game by reading, watching field hockey or using the field hockey 101 tutorial on this website, as well as reviewing the league rule card, prior to play.
- All participants are here to have fun, including coaches, by teaching players new skills and helping them reach their full potential. Be supportive, positive a fun environment.
- Understanding that all players are different and therefore the approach for coaching may need to change. Flexibility will help foster a safe and welcoming environment for all players.
- Show support for your team by being patient with the each players ability to learn new concepts and understand coaching techniques.
- Communication is key to an successful organization. Clear communication with players and parents a like will help create the identity for the team. Please discuss these expectations with the team parents/guardians to determine what is best for the season.
- Always show respect for your players, their parents/guardians, the officials and spectators (home and away).
- Be on time for games and practices with the proper equipment. This shows appreciation for the time and efforts of the players and the parents getting them there.
- Sportsmanship is taught by example. Keep negative remarks away from players on the sidelines.
- Try to focus on what is being done well and not yelling about mistakes of players, whether in practices or in game settings.
- Avoid public conflicts. More can be accomplished by communicating directly with the applicable party, whther its another coach, an umpire, a player or a parent.
Additionally, other expectations should be set based on the division.
Kindergarten:
- Coaches should focus on FUN-damentals. Our program is set to have fun, while teaching the basic skills needed to set the players up for future success.
- Coaches should be review materials provided and ensure that week to week they are working on the skills outlined to create consistency across all players.
1st/2nd Grade:
- Coaches should expand on the foundation created through previous experience, while being prepared for new players to the game.
- Instilling confidence in participating in game settings should be developed as the season progresses.
- Assisting with proper game etiquette, expanding individual skill sets, and developing a foundation for team sportsmanship are key components to this division.
3rd/4th Grade:
- Continuing to expand the individual skill set of players, while developing a clear understanding of the game is paramount.
- While the key component of the program is to have fun, developing a healthy competitive environment where players understand good sportsmanship. Learning how to be humble in winning and gracious in losing.
- Coaches will be expected to balance winning with ensuring all players are able to play and develop as needed. Although winning is fun, including all players and helping them develop is even more fun.
5th/6th Grade:
- Coaches are expected to continue to develop individual player skills and starting to identify the player's potential within positions. Identifying if players would make a good defender, goalie, etc.
- Develop game play and install understanding of rules, game play, and more technical components to the game.
- Create healthy competitive environment, where striving to win is met with learning from losing.
- Acknowledge individual performance to push players to strive for their best, but players should be given equal attention in practice and in game settings.
7th/8th Grade:
- Coaches continue the development of players and understanding of the game, the rules and strategy.
- Prepare players for the next level of play. Understanding that not all players will be given equal playing time.
- Competition to fun ratio is the highest at this division compared to all others. HOWEVER, this does not mean expectations are to win at all costs or to prioritize over a safe and fun environment for all.