Parents become soccer coaches for some of the most logical and sometimes not-so-logical reasons. The most common reason is because one of your children plays the game, and you want to be around them. Sometimes no one else steps forward to coach the team, and you are thrown into the fray because the team is in danger of disbanding if a parent doesn't do something. Or perhaps you see a challenge of learning a new sport. Or maybe you played the game once many, many years ago, and you want to give something back.

Whatever the reason, coaching children in any sport is a serious responsibility. Anyone interested in learning the basics of the game, anyone on an ego trip, or anyone who is trying to relive those glorious athletic days of the past need not apply.

Unless you are a former college or pro player, few coaches start at a high level of youth soccer. Call it paying your dues or just learning the game.