Coaches Meeting Summary (2025-26
Season)
All
coaches are required to thoroughly read and understand the league rules, which
are available online at http://marylandsportsarena.com/rules.htm
. If you have not received your online roster, expect to receive it via email
this week along with instructions. Please ensure that you complete the roster
with all requested information. The system saves automatically, and you should
print the roster once it is finished. Be sure to obtain a parent’s signature where indicated and submit the completed form to the
concession stand. Your online roster serves as your official roster, while the
submitted form acts as the liability waiver.
Players
may be added to your roster up until the start of your sixth game by updating
your roster online. When adding players, you must also submit a liability
waiver at the concession stand for each new addition. Players are permitted to
play on only one team per league, but they may participate in multiple leagues.
There
is ongoing discussion about whether younger players should head the ball. As a
coach, it is your responsibility to instruct your team on heading based on your
soccer knowledge. Heading is not penalized as a foul if the ball contacts a
player's head. Most heading-related injuries occur in older age groups, though
exceptions exist. Ultimately, coaches must make decisions appropriate for their
players’ age and experience.
In
the event of a significantly mismatched game, coaches may add up to three extra
players on the field to balance play and provide more game time. These matches
are recorded as a 6-0 win for the opponent. This approach helps ensure that all
players, especially younger ones, have fun and enjoy the experience, which is
the priority.
Team
schedules are available online at http://marylandsportsarena.com/schedules.htm.
Once posted, schedules cannot be changed
unless a request is missed. If you notice an error in your team’s score, please
email the league organizer directly. Do not leave notes or messages with
referees or at the concession stand. Scores are typically updated every Monday
or Tuesday, or sooner if possible, after all schedules are online.
Sportsmanship
is a fundamental part of player development. Coaches are encouraged to provide
positive guidance and refrain from shouting disparaging remarks at players or
coaches. Never instruct players to foul an opponent. If a game becomes physical
or a player behaves inappropriately, it is the coach’s responsibility to
address and correct the behavior. Dissent towards officials is strictly
prohibited, including from spectators. Coaches should focus on coaching and not
berate officials over calls. Such actions remove coaches from the game and set
a poor example for players. Teams are also responsible for the conduct of their
fans. If there is an issue with an official, coaches must email a concise
report; phone or in-person discussions are not permitted until the incident is
reviewed by the referee association. The league employs a 24-hour “hot head” rule,
which means no contact regarding incidents for 24 hours. Referees are
contracted through the Baltimore Independent Group, which officiates
over 2,000 games annually at the facility. Complaints are forwarded to the
association for investigation and response. All games are recorded, but game
footage will only be reviewed if submitted by the coach. Download footage from
and forward to management if needed. Wait 24 hours before submitting complaints
and never text complaints. All complaints are shared with the teams involved.
Referee
fees are $28 per game for a two-man system and $18 per game for a one-man
system in youth leagues. If only one referee is present, pay that official $18,
even if two were scheduled. Weeknight leagues use two-man systems, while adult
leagues use one-man systems, with $22 paid by each team.
If
you have not paid your league fee, please do so online at http://marylandsportsarena.com/balancepayment.htm.
League fees are due by the first game
and can also be paid by credit card at the concession stand. Prompt payment is
appreciated to avoid repeated reminders about rosters and fees.
If
you or a player arrives late, notify the concession stand. Late arrivals may
enter the field at the next dead ball situation through the front gate by the
concession stand. Do not use the emergency side door in the player's box, as it
leads to an unsafe drainage ditch. Also, avoid using the employees-only door
next to the field, which is reserved for staff and used for storage.
Please
keep soccer balls bagged until you enter the field. Playing with the ball off
the field can result in equipment damage and poses a risk to spectators,
particularly elderly individuals. There have been previous injuries from balls
in the stands.
Parking
is permitted in the arena’s lot (54 spaces) and in the lot behind the Red Brick
Building (40 spaces). Do not park in front of the Red Brick Office Building, as
vehicles will be towed 24/7. The leased lot is behind the building, not in
front. The gravel lot is not owned by Maryland Sports Arena; parking there is
not allowed. Use only the designated lots to avoid towing.
Commercially
prepared food and drinks (such as fast food) are not allowed in the facility.
Sports drinks, water, and homemade food are permitted. Fast food items from
establishments like McDonald’s or Burger King are considered commercial and are
prohibited.
Be
prepared to play during inclement weather in winter. Games will only be
cancelled for major snowstorms. Coaches will be notified of cancellations via
email. Weather updates will also be posted on the league’s webpage at http://marylandsportsarena.com and on
voicemail at 410.538.7300. The league does not follow Harford County Schools or
Government closure policies.
Games
are streamed live and on demand for 30 days through http://marylandsportsarena.com/live.htm
(code msa-18). Parents and coaches can save clips from games.
The
Maryland Sports Arena will host its 7th Annual Harrisburg Heat
Holiday tournament December 26th thru 30th.
Information may be found here http://marylandsportsarena.com/holidaytournament.htm
Additional
training is available for players ages 7 through 12 through the German Soccer
School at Maryland Sports Arena. Sessions for ages 7, 8, and 9 are held on
Tuesdays (http://marylandsportsarena.com/germansoccer789.htm
), while sessions for ages 10, 11, and 12 are on Wednesdays (http://marylandsportsarena.com/germansoccer101112.htm
). The program is designed as a fun, skill-building experience for all levels
and is led by the coach and former German professional soccer player, Dr.
Gunther Glockner. Classes run from 4:30 to 5:20 PM for six weeks and conclude
with a friendly scrimmage.
For
personal training, former Baltimore Blast Championship coach and player Bobby
McAvan offers individual sessions in his studio at the rear of the facility.
For more information, visit http://marylandsportsarena.com/indivtraining.htm.
Best
of luck to all teams, and thank you for participating at the Maryland Sports Arena!