This page has been developed as a aid to new coaches and athletic directors who are starting a new soccer program. We know that each school has its own rules and we are not saying that what we suggest here is the way it must be done. Check with your AD to insure that you follow school policy.

The material enclosed has been designed to make your work as a first year coach easier. Please use it as reference material and modify it to fit your needs. Please call with any questions or concerns.

Prepared by
John Scramling
Tom Mackar
Mark Sattele

A. OSSCA General Guidelines For Public Address Announcers

1. Always check your equipment to make sure it is operating properly.

2. Speak slowly, clearly and distinctly at all times.

3. Organize your pregame announcements, statistics, game notes, promotions
and special announcements BEFORE you turn on the microphone.

4. Act professionally and in an unbiased manner. (Crowd involvement will be dictated by the actions on the field. "Cheerleading" by the P.A. announcer in an effort to "fire up" the crowd or the home team is inappropriate.

5. Remain calm during emergency announcements.

6. Restrict most announcements during the game to dead ball situations. Player names for substitutions, goal scorers, assist providers, refreshment stand location, souvenirs, upcoming games, etc., are best received by the spectators during a natural break in the action.

7. Announce only that which is necessary to enhance the spectator’s enjoyment of the game. When in doubt remember, less is better!

8. Do not "editorialize" about or comment upon any aspect of the game. Do not question officials’ calls, coaching strategies or player decisions made on the field.

9. Do not broadcast a "play by play." Soccer is a dramatic, fast-paced, visual performance of complex skills and tactics which is NOT enhanced by auditory interference over the P.A. system.

10. Always remember, YOU ARE NOT THE ENTERTAINMENT. The spectators came to watch and appreciate the players’ performances on the field. Your job, if properly performed, will result in the spectators not remembering you when the game is finished.

B. Specific Applications Of Guidelines - Pregame

1. Secure lineup sheets from both coaches

a. review proper pronunciations of names
b. determine order of introductions ( reserves, starters, etc,)

2. Refer to OHSAA Sheet

a. Opening remarks
b. National Anthem
c. OHSAA Sporting Conduct Announcement
d. Introduction of officials
e. Introduction of players

C. Specific Applications Of Guidelines - During Game

1. Announce all penalties according to referee’s signal. Remember, penalties are announced by TEAM, not by individual.

2. Announce all substitutes entering the game.

3. Announce corner kicks, goal kicks, free kicks, throw ins, etc. during dead ball time only.

4. Announce goal scorers and assist providers

5. Announce refreshment stand location, souvenirs, upcoming games, etc., during natural breaks in the action.

6. Announce only that which is necessary to enhance the spectator’s enjoyment of the game. When in doubt remember, less is better!

7. Special concerns

a. Give first and last names of all athletes
b. No editorial comments
c. No attempts at humor
d. Don’t talk too much
e. Apply general guidelines

D. Specific Applications Of Guidelines - Postgame

1. Appropriate game warmup

2. Reminder of upcoming events

3. Thank the spectators for attending the game

Date______________Next Match__________________

Top Concerns__________________

Sample Soccer Field Locations

Game site may not be high school no directions are guaranteed. If you know a shorter route, take it and draw it up for next year. Double check directions to make sure you are finding your team: Varsity, JV, or Freshmen. Game sites may be different for the same school. All 6:00 start times or later charge admission. Do not count on refreshment stands or rest rooms.

Wickliffe -
Rt. 2 west exit Rt. 91 south right on Rt. 84 left on rockefeller

Strongsville -
Foltz field ... Rt 615 south to rt 2/90 west to 1-71 south exit rt 82, into strongsville. Stay on 82 to foltz parkway (appx 2 miles) turn left.. Fields on left 1/2 mile

Perry
Rt 2 east becomes rt 20 east right on center rd school on left

North - rt 615 south to rt 2 west, exit rt 91, turn north, turn west on stevens blvd. School 1/4 mile on right

Bay village
Rt 615 south to rt. 2 west to 1-90 west to crocker bassett rd - turn west, cross bassett, school on right

Solon-
Ri 615 s to rt 2 w to 1-27 1 s to 422 alt. Not 480 west
2nd exit is rt 91 go rt appx 5 lights pass rt 43 pass 2nd light
Lee!' to city park on left or behind elemetary school on rt past city park

Brecksville
271 south to 480 west to 77 south to wallings rd turn rt
Left' on broadview rd appx 2 miles turn rt at city hall fields in back

Elyria
I 90 west exit on rt 57 turn south to broad st go east
South on west st east on 6th st

Mayfield -
271 south exit wilson mills turn rt school 1/2 mile on left

Hawken
271 south exit mayfield road east at top of hill left on county line rd
School on rt