Q & A for Coaches

General Information

Do both Coaches and Assistant Coaches need to submit Adult Registration Forms and obtain a Live Scan?
Yes. Assistant Coaches need to submit the same information as Coaches.

Must Assistant Coaches attend the All Coaches meeting?
No, they are not required to attend. It would be to their benefit to attend and they are invited. The meeting is a great time to learn more about the League and about coaching soccer.

Who should I contact if I have a question about coaching?
Contact Senior Coach Frank Nunez, coach coordinator for Rosegarden P.A.L. Soccer, by phone at 408-286-3760 or by e-mail at fpnunez@sbcglobal.net.

Where can I learn more about the rules of soccer?
To find the laws of soccer and questions and answers about them, go to the FIFA publications section.

Calls on the Field

What is "Offsides"?
First of all, "offsides" is not what many think it is. A player is called for offsides if, in the opinion of the Referee, that player is in an offside position and because of that position has an advantage or can interfere with the ongoing play. A player may be in an offside position and not be part of the immediate play. Such a case is not offsides.

What is "handling the ball"?
It is not called "hand ball". Handling the ball means a player, in the opinion of the Referee, deliberately changes the course of the ball with his hand or arm. For example, if the ball is kicked directly at the head of a player and that player raises his hand to protect the head and the ball hits the hand or arm while the hand is set, such is not "handling the ball". If the hand or arm was in motion and knocks the ball away then it is handling the ball. The key is deliberate change in the course of the ball.