Coaches are the backbone of our soccer programs.

They are all volunteers and are in charge of their team.

Coaches don't need a license; PAL provides a free clinic at the beginning of the season. All coaches and assisitant coaches must fulfill the Milpitas PAL Volunteer Registration procedure according to Calfornia Law that applies to anyone working with children. For more information please contact officer Craig Solis at (408) 586-2538 or e.mail him at policeofficer@milpitaspalsoccer.net.

A few weeks before the first game of the season, the age group coordinators contact the coaches from the previous year as well as other adults who have indicated their availability to coach a team. Once the coaches are selected, the teams are formed by assigning players to each coach based on the particular requests indicated in the signup forms provided that they do not conflict with the PAL regulations. In the absence of such requests, players are assigned to teams based on their past experience in an effort to make the teams as balanced as possible.

At a meeting with all the coaches, the age group coordinators distribute the players registrations together with other materials to each coach.

The coach must then contact each of the players and notify them that they have been assigned to his/her team. It is customary for the coach to call a kickoff meeting with all parents/guardians of the players to clarify what is expected of each individual (players, parents, coach, assistant coaches, referees, spectators ...) throughout the season. It is very important to explain the PAL philosophy and objectives (see our Bylaws) as well as our Code of Ethics in order to minimize the occurrence of unpleasant disturbances during the games.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of items to be discussed at this kickoff meeting:
- Season calendar (number of games, breaks, end of season tournament ...)
- Practice times and place
- Equipment (uniforms, shoes, shin-guards, jewelry ...)
- Code of Ethics and sanctions
- Playing time rules (at least 50% per player per game)
- Fundraising options
- Helping options (snack shack, refereeing, field prep, board membership ...)

Fingerprinting procedures (NEW)

Read the new volunteering procedures in the following documents from the Milpitas Police Department:
cover page,
volunteer screening policy

The forms mentioned in those documents can be downloaded here:
Code of Ethics
LiveScan form
Volunteer registration form

The LiveScan form is a fillable PDF; you just need to complete it with your personal information and print 3 copies before you go to the Police Department.