1. Why is this important? Soccer is the fastest growing sport in America for boys and girls Potential to be a great learning experience for the participants Parents play a vital role in their children’s success

2. Ways Parents Sabotage Over-questioning Critical comments Misguided motivation Excessive competitiveness Unrealistic demands Contradictory goals

3. Goals Provide knowledge of the game Demonstrate transferable skills Reveal affirming attitudes that will maximize your ability to be a positive force on the sideline ensure a successful soccer experience for your child minimize the potential of sabotage

4. Objectives Identify and demonstrate appropriate spectator behavior Demonstrate positive influence/force on the sideline and promote team synergy Correctly identify game situations/plays Correctly identify calls/motions by the referee

5. Parental Roles and Responsibilities

6. Making positive contributions No coaching from the sidelines Do not criticize the child’s play Be their best fan and support them unconditionally After the game, focus on the positive aspects

7. Making positive contributions (cont’d) Develop responsibility (for uniform, water, ball, etc) Show respect for the facilities at the game Do not criticize the coach, referee, other parents, teammates or opponents Encourage the child to speak with the coach

8. Making a positive contribution (cont’d) Monitor child’s eating and sleeping habits Help establish correct priorities (i.e. family, schoolwork, sports, etc) Focus on performance, not on the result Support all players

9. Making a positive contribution (cont’d) Understand/clarify coach’s expectations of players Participate and contribute to the group to foster teamwork and camaraderie

10. Game Time Etiquette/Protocol Show up on time (as dictated by coach) Have resources for game and player information (i.e. website, schedules, team roster and phone list, club information numbers, game cancellation procedures, etc) Demonstrate conflict management on the sidelines (i.e. defusing volatile situations) Demonstrate respect/support for all game officials and coaches

11. Coach’s Responsibilities Include… Promote social and moral development Practice a “positive approach” to coaching Provide a safe environment to learn and grow Demonstrate respect for all individuals involved in the game

12. But DO NOT include… Babysitting Waiting for parents to pickup their player Ensuring a winning season Supplying whatever a player forgets Accommodating individual schedules

13. Coach’s Expectations of Parents…. 1. To respect the coaches, referees, players, spectators and opponents 2. To demonstrate positive, affirming actions on the sidelines 3. To support their child’s efforts 4. To NOT coach or berate from the sidelines 5. To participate in the team in a positive manner

14. And Still a Few More Expectations…. 6. To present all misunderstandings or questions directly to the coach at the appropriate time 7. To give their child responsibility for his or her conduct and preparation 8. To have their child to games and practices on time 9. To communicate all schedule conflicts to the coach 10. To NOT interfere with their child’s learning process in any way