Parent Guidelines

Every sport has its own rules and regulations to try to make the sport as enjoyable to watch and play as possible. One of the main differences between soccer and the other main sports is that there are no time-outs and the game is continuously flowing.

You have all heard all the rules how to act on the sidelines, about being positive, supporting the team, not yelling at the referees and other guidelines that are required in every sport. But when it comes to soccer, what exactly does this mean:

1. We all hear parents..and coaches.. say: "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game."

   Next time you hear yourself or somebody else say that, step back for a minute and see if your actions TRULY back this up.

2. Remember, we all like to win. But keep it all in perspective. Let your child play. As well-meaning as you may think you are, just let the coach, the ref and especially the players have fun!

3. To help make life easier for your coach, the players, and yourself, give support to your child and the team, but do not give orders or direction to the players, even your own. It is up to the coach and the players to make the decisions. Your direction may be different than what the coach wants and this does not help the team and may frustrate your child.

4. Do not publicly question the referee's calls. Try to enjoy watching your son or daughter play. Do not try to alter the game from the sideline by yelling at the referees. The referees really are not biased against your team and they can make mistakes also... just like the rest of us.

5. Help your child work toward skill improvement during practices and during the week. Encourage your child to work hard, exhibit good sportsmanship and have fun during the game.

6. Teach your child always to play by the rules. Cheating breeds more cheating.

7. Do not ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake. Everybody makes mistakes and players will learn by those mistakes. What may seem like an innocent comment to you may be devastating to a child.

8. Never blame a child for losing a game. There are 11 players on the team. No player can lose the game all by himself or herself.

9. Smoking or drinking of alcoholic beverages are prohibited at ALL practices, games and other AYSO-sponsored events.

10. Bring a chair, sit back and relax and have fun!