Lafayette Recreation Department's 
Coaches Manual 

At this time we may or may not have a coach for your child's team. We are always looking for coaches and volunteers to assist in coaching. If you are interested  or know of someone who may be, please contact Kim Cowles (recreation@franconianh.org) .  Anyone can make a great coach (we will gladly provide any training and assistance you may you need).  

The State of New Hampshire requires ALL our youth volunteer coaches have a Criminal Backgrounds check on file with the Lafayette Recreation Department  (Section 485-A:24).  This has become quite a lengthy process, taking anywhere from 6 -8 weeks minimum for records to process.  Please plan ahead, if you are interested in volunteering please contact Kim for the appropriate paperwork.  

From the Lafayette Recreation Department By-Laws:
"Background investigation and criminal records check -
The Lafayette Recreation Committee shall conduct a thorough investigation into the past employment history and other applicable background, of anyone considered for employment with the Lafayette Recreation Department. This investigation shall be completed upon a condition of employment. He/she shall pay all fees and costs associated with the fingerprinting process and/or the submission or processing of the request for the Criminal Records Check, unless otherwise determined by the Board and when hired will be reimbursed."

Lafayette Recreation Dept Coaches Background Check 
Step 1 - 
Make an appointment to have your fingerprints done.
When you call to schedule a livescan fingerprinting appointment, the operator will explain the fingerprinting process, the required paperwork and the fee you will be charged.  Please call (603) 223-3867
State Police Barracks Troop F, 549 Route 302, Twin Mountain, NH (cash and credit cards not accepted at this time) 846-3333
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
In the meanwhile, print and complete this form:
Criminal Records Background Check
  1. Fill out the top part of the form.  Just Section 1.
  2. Have the bottom part of the form (Section II) notarized.  
  • Payment by Check or Money Order (Checks payable to: State of NH – Criminal Records
  • Combined fees for an FBI and New Hampshire state record check are: $20.75
Once your background check is returned to the Town of Franconia, clean and clear – we will process your reimbursement to you for the $20.75.  Please keep all paperwork that is given to you.  

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All coaches are encouraged to practice the philosophy by providing each child the full right to play.  There is a quote, "I'd rather play and lose than sit on the bench and win." Participants have clearly demonstrated that playing is more important than winning. Sitting on the bench does not meet our objectives. Studies conducted by the National Association for Youth Sports report that when children were asked whether they would prefer to be on a winning team and sit on the bench or be on a losing team and play regularly, nearly 90% of the children chose to play and lose.

Coaches Code of Ethics Pledge

HEAD's UP to Youth Sports!  CDC's information on Concussion and Youth Sports

Helpful Baseball/Softball Coaching links:
Helpful Basketball Coaching Links -
Helpful Soccer Links -
*    Coaching Youth Soccer  - http://www.coachingsoccer101.com/

*    US Youth Soccer Coaching manual 
 www.usyouthsoccer.org

www.youtube.com/user/usyouth

www.ussoccer.com/coaching

*    Coaching Activities for 1st & 2nd graders (U6 - U8 Soccer)

*    Coaching Activities for 3rd & 4th graders (U10 Soccer)

*    Coaching Activities for 5th & 6th graders (U12 Soccer)