Coaches & Managers
In order to serve as a coach, assistant coach, manager, or work in any capacity with CSA or a CSA member club, one must complete a background check, a concussion test, and SafeSport training. Below is a chart of the risk management requirements for each role and how frequently they need to be completed.
Completion of these requirements is tracked by CSA through the PlayMetrics software. Please contact your club administrator to create a PlayMetrics account.
COLORADO SAFER YOUTH SPORTS BILL
The Colorado Safer Youth Sports Bill (Safer Youth Sports | Colorado General Assembly) must be implemented by July 1, 2025. The legislation requires coaches to comply with a code of conduct and to complete a background check, including screening for sexual offenses and screening for felony child abuse before they can work with teams or children. CSA and CSA’s member clubs comply with these requirements by ensuring that all coaches and referees complete the risk management requirements listed above.
Under its Safeguarding framework, U.S. Soccer and its affiliated associations and clubs enforce a model prohibited conduct policy, which includes specific codes of conduct that all participants – including coaches – must follow. This policy outlines what constitutes prohibited behavior (like harassment, bullying, discrimination) and mandates clear reporting and disciplinary steps. This policy can be viewed and download at https://www.ussoccer.com/safeguarding.
CSA has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse and misconduct. All participants in the soccer community must play an active role in creating an environment free from emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. In that regard, the CSA Safe Soccer Policy was developed to help all participants detect and report abuse, respond to it and to help prevent future occurrences.
As CSA receives further information from the Colorado Attorney General’s office about the requirements of the bill, all clubs will be notified.
Coaching Education Overview
CSA offers a variety of coaching courses within the Coaching License Pathway through US Soccer, as well as offering diplomas through United Soccer Coaches, with each diploma focusing on a different aspect of the game.
Please read the sections below to learn more about each course and view upcoming courses.
Al Ashton Boys & Girls Advanced Coach of the Year and
Wilmer Vermilye Boys & Girls Recreational Coach of the Year
The annual Coach of the Year award has been given out by Colorado Soccer Association since 1987. The selection process begins with clubs selecting their own club coach of the year in each category and submitting those names to CSA, complete with summaries and accomplishments achieved by the nominee. A committee at CSA goes through each of the nominations to select the state coach of the year in each of the four categories.
All coach of the year nominees are invited to the CSA Awards Banquet, held in conjunction with our Annual General Meeting, where the state coach of the year is announced. Below are photos of past winners as well as a listing of all winners of each award.