Dear Parents,

Below are some ideas to help make your childs soccer experiene a bette one:

A. Help your coach run a good team:

1. If you want your child to improve his or her skills and performance, then get the child to practices and give them chances to have fun practicing around home. The parents' primary jobs are to pay, drive, and offer positive support.

2. You can help the team by volunteering for one of the many tasks that make the team run smoothly … coordinating pictures, snacks, first-aid, or a telephone tree, or being an assistant coach or a referee, or what-have you … check with your team coach or team manager.

3. Help your player get ready for practice & games by having the right clothing & equipment. Soccer shoes & shin guards are a must. Socks go outside shin guards and cover them completely. Hat, gloves, leggings, and polypropylene or similar undershirt are often needed for those wet, cold fall days. Yes, yes, soccer is played in the rain. Every player should take a ball and a water bottle (preferably filled) to practice. Remove jewelry (earrings, watches, necklaces, etc.). Pick your child up promptly from practice or a game.

4. Many coaches are working without enough at-practice support. A second parent with some skills really enhances every practice. Even an unskilled parent can go through the drills and small-sided practices with the team. A second adult can encourage a reluctant player along, take a disruptive child out of the way, or help a coach keep things going if a player is ill or injured. Do be sure you and the coach communicate and place final authority with the coach.

5. Everyone agrees that communication is very important. If anything at all is bothering your child, let the coach know as soon as possible. Give him or her the opportunity to adjust to make your child's experience more rewarding and enjoyable.

6. More coaches are needed at all playing levels! If you think you can, then talk to your club about volunteering. Coaching clinics and other assistance is readily available.

B. Expectations for parent behavior at game time:

The emotional involvement of parents and spectators does need some outlet.
While spectators should be encouraged to cheer all kids we should also follow these guidelines during both games and practices to allow a calm & relaxed atmosphere for kids to train & play in.

1. Before the game, there are three things to tell your player: (1) I love you; (2) Good luck, and (3) Have fun. Leave the coaching to the coach & the game to the player. Do not bribe player to score goals!

2. Cheering encouragement is fine, but you should not instruct (i.e. coach) the players in any way. It confuses the children, hampers their ability to play, and undermines the efforts of the coach. Avoid coaching by avoiding commands (e.g.” Get Rid of It” “Boot it”. “Pass It”, “Shoot” “Hustle” “It’s Your Ball”). Avoid running up & down sidelines or hanging around goalposts to offer advice.

3. Be conscious that judgment comments are risky as well (e.g. “Great Pass”, “Good Shot”), as they may be counter to a coach’s instructions or if not technically correct, may reinforce bad playing habits. Positive encouragement can be offered with general comments (e.g. “Way to go” “Great Effort” “Good Stuff”)

4. Be polite to other spectators, including those from the opposition. If you are disturbed by any screaming parent and want to make an attempt to quiet that person, use savvy tactics. Seek to distract that person from yelling or coaching by engaging him/her in casual conversation or let them know about Club guidelines in a non-confrontational manner.

5. After the game, there are three things to tell your player: (1) I love you; (2) it was great to see you play and (3) what would you like to eat? Do not analyze their playing or the game. Promote good sportsmanship. Stress the positives. Rise above the negatives.

C. Respect the referees:

a. Yes, referees make mistakes, but so do the players and coaches. It is not acceptable to yell at the referee. The coach is held responsible for parent behavior and can be cautioned for any spectator’s behavior. Youth soccer is not the time to "chew on" or harass a referee. Also, the youth referee may the son or daughter of one of your business or neighborhood acquaintances. A rude and obnoxious parent often embarrasses him or herself and usually mortifies their child.
b. FYI: Some games are refereed by teenagers. They must be FIFA licensed at grade 8 or above, which requires a week of classes and some practical training. Please respect the Ref regardless of age.

“Remember We Are All Part Of A Club And On The Same Team When It Comes To The Players.”