I ran across this on the internet and needed to share it,

Just something to remember while watching our girls.

-Coach Rob

Offside Rule

I went to a REAL Salt Lake match over the weekend and as per usual, there were some offsides calls.  I overheard some folks talking about the offside rule and while I was eavesdropping, I heard them try and explain it.  It is a relatively simple rule, but is sometimes hard to understand.  So I thought I would try and muddy up the already muddy water.

The offiside line is an imaginary line that is even with the second to last defender (goalie included) or the ball, whichever is closer to the defending goal.  An attacking player is considered in an offside position if he/she is closer to the defending goal than the ball or the second to last defender prior to the ball being played.  If the attacking player interferes with the ball while in that position, then that player is considered offside and a free kick is given to the defending team.  A player is not considered to be in an offside position during throw-ins, corner kicks or if they are in their own half of the field.

So there you go, I hope I cleared up some of the confusion for you.  If not, post a comment and I'll try and clear it up.

-Coach Rob

Team

Congratulations to these young ladies for making it on the Strikers Team;

Anabelle
Olivia
Abby
Gracie
Emma
Kira
Anika
Brynli
Maleah

They are an awesome group of girls and I am lucky to have them.  They should feel proud at what they have accomplished.

-Coach Rob

Coaching Philosophy

My coaching philosophy is a constantly changing awareness of where my players are and where I think that they can be.  That being said, it has some basic foundations that I feel are important if they are to be successful.  Those foundations consist of four main points, have fun, develop skills, play fair and achieve excellence.

• It is my belief that playing soccer, both during practices and games, should be fun.  If it is not fun, players don’t want to come back.  I strive to make each outing a fun and learning experience.

• I believe that the focus should be on long-term player development and personal development.  I am not as interested in winning games as I am the players mastering the basics of the game first and then the finer points of the game second.

• Players should learn to be a good teammate, a good sport, a good winner and a good loser.  Respect for coaches, opponents and referees is just as critical a component to a player’s development.

• I want players to achieve their individual excellence, whatever form that may take.  I want them to feel that they have set out goals and accomplished them to the best of their abilities.

As a coach, it is my purpose to teach and guide these young players.  I am not only the coach, but also a role model and example.  It is important for me to act and behave in a way that is consistent with my philosophy.

-Coach Rob