Your coach is trying to maintain a distraction free environment with a no cell phone rule. The constant ringing (which might include the latest Lady GaGa hit) or beeping of cell phones can certainly disrupt concentration.
The overwhelming majority of my youth soccer players have cell phones that often have email and text messaging capabilities.
Since the advent of the Internet, the possible contact between an adult and child is greater than ever before. Today, coaches must recognize the mutual needs of both parents and children to be in contact when separated.During matches, my players are not allowed to use their cell phones for any reason. Game day requires the utmost concentration in order to perform and must be distraction free. During my practices, all cell phones are off or in silent mode while the session is active. At scheduled down times (i.e. water breaks), my players are allowed to check their cell phones to see if anything is urgent. Afterwards, my players return to training physically and mentally refreshed.
Bio:Ray Selvadurai is the co-director of Coaching for the Manhattan Soccer Club, which has over 800 children in enrollment. In addition, Ray is the owner of Skills on Soccer NYC Soccer Camps, which will begin its third year of operation for Summer 2010, www.skillsonsoccer.com.
