Captains Corner

Below lays out what it means to be a Spartan Soccer Captain and the requirements that must be met to achieve and retain that title/role for the club.  Though the coach may have some discretion in the following areas, most are set in stone and are non-negotiable.  It is a privilege and an honor to be named captain, and you will be held to a higher standard.

 

NFHS Captains Course

  • This course must be completed and the certificate turned into your coach before you will receive a captains band and hold the title of "Spartan Soccer Captain".
  • Link to the course: NFHS Captains Course

 

Behavior and Academics

  • Captains should adhere to all codes of conducts as well as team rules and regulations. They should support and encourage this across all team members.
  • Captains can have “0” F’s academically and receive “0” behavior referrals.  Failure to abide will result in loss of captains band.

 

Dedication and Commitment to Team

  • Captains need to attend all in-season and off-season events, training and competition.
  • Exceptions:
  • Academic commitment that can’t be rescheduled.
  • In-season athletics other than soccer (practice/games)
  • Family emergency (Coach will talk to parent/guardian to confirm)
  • Captains should be early to practice and games and be the last to leave.

 

Leadership guide to becoming an effective captain

  • If selected by your coaches and peers, you’ll be asked to take part in a captains leadership program prior to the season.  Captain’s bands will not be given until the program is complete.

 

Actions required by captain

 

  • Communicate with the coach any concerns the players in the team may have.
  • Put forward to coaching staff any suggestions or ideas the team may have.
  • Show guidance and leadership both on and off the pitch.
  • Conduct himself as a role model, working hard during matches and in training sessions.
  • Show good sportsmanship. This includes fair conduct, respect for his team, coach and opponents and demonstrates graciousness when losing.
  • Have a positive, committed and enthusiastic attitude. Others will follow his example.
  • If there are arguments or disputes between team members, a good soccer captain will be able to step in and resolve them in a positive manner (report to coach when necessary).
  • A soccer captain should act as the spokesperson for the team in any communication with officials during a match.
  • He should offer praise and encouragement to other members of the team when they are performing well. This helps to bring out the best in each individual player. He should be an inspiration to his teammates, spurring them on in each game to perform to the best of their ability.
  • Take a leadership role in fundraising.  Take ownership by encouraging participation by all members of the team and being a catalyst for its success.
     

A good soccer team captain should have good knowledge and understanding of how his coach wishes the game to be played, his values and his philosophy. This is crucial in enabling the team captain to exert a positive influence over his team members. Meeting up regularly to discuss these principles is a required commitment that a captain must make.

There are “thermometer” leaders and “thermostat” leaders.  Thermometer leaders react to the atmosphere around them, thermostat leaders set the tone and atmosphere with their attitude and leading by example.  What type of leader are you going to be?