Training Attendance and Registration

Attendance must be registered at every training session. This gives you oversight of who trains regularly and helps you follow up when someone has been absent several times. Register attendance before training starts – either on paper you transfer afterwards, or digitally while players warm up. If a player misses three sessions without notice, call the parents that same evening. Don't wait until the next training.

When parents report dropout, ask specifically what didn't work. "The time doesn't suit" or "too much driving" is information you can use when planning next season. Write it down.

Playing Time and NFF Guidelines

The Norwegian Football Association recommends equal playing time for the youngest age groups, especially up to age 12. This means each player should get approximately the same amount of time on the pitch during a match. In practice: if you're playing 7-a-side with 14 players on the squad, rotate substitutions so everyone gets at least two-thirds of the match. Prepare the substitution plan before kickoff – write it down on a sheet with names and positions.

Older age groups can have more variation, but communicate this clearly to players and parents in advance. Explain which criteria apply: training attendance, effort, positional needs. Never surprise anyone on match day.

Coaching Courses and Competency Requirements

To coach organized team football in Norway, you need at minimum the Grassroots Coach 1 course. This course typically takes two weekends and costs around 3000 kroner, often covered wholly or partly by the club. The course gives you basic knowledge about age-appropriate training, safety and communication. Contact your own club or go to fotball.no for registration dates in your county.

Many clubs also require a police certificate for coaches. Apply for this through the club – it takes 2-3 weeks to receive. Start the process well before the season.

Weekly Training Planning

Plan the next session at latest the day before. A training session for 8-12 year-olds should have 3-4 activities of 12-15 minutes each, plus warm-up and conclusion. Write down what you'll do: "1. Warm-up with ball (10 min), 2. Passing exercise in square (15 min), 3. Small-sided game 3v3 (15 min), 4. Finishing 5v5 (15 min)."

If an exercise isn't working, switch after five minutes. Don't spend half the session on something that doesn't engage the players. Always have one extra exercise in mind.

Communication with Parents

Create one channel for team communication – either email, messaging or the team's digital tool – and use only that. Don't spread information across three platforms. Send weekly messages on Mondays with training days, match times and what players should bring. Short and concrete.

When parents ask questions about playing time or squad selection, respond within 24 hours and request a brief meeting face-to-face or by phone instead of long messages. A two-minute conversation solves most things. Never discuss individual players in the group chat.

Match Day Routine and Preparation

You must be at the pitch at least 45 minutes before kickoff. Review formation, starting eleven and substitution plan with the assistant coach or team management before players arrive. When the team gathers 30 minutes before the match, use ten minutes for brief warm-up, five minutes reviewing the opponent and your own tactics, then free warm-up.

Have the match protocol completed before the match. Fill in all players, starting eleven marked, and place the substitution plan next to it on the bench. When you substitute, tick off on the sheet. This prevents anyone being forgotten.

Season Planning and Club Expectations

Clubs typically have two training sessions per week for younger age groups, three for older. Check the club's training schedule and apply for pitch times early – preferably in January for the spring season. Communicate training days to parents before the season starts, so they can plan transport.

Clarify with the club who orders kits, balls and equipment. Some clubs have central ordering, others expect the coach to do it. Ask well in advance – kits often take 6-8 weeks to be delivered.