Sideline Behavior Tips and Questions for the Car Ride Home

Guidelines for Soccer Parents:

• Cheer
• Relax and Let Them Play
• Yelling Directions = Distraction
• Remember, They Are Your Kids
• Have Reasonable Expectations
• Meet with the Coaches.

Sideline Behavior:

• Children want cheerleaders to applaud their success, not adults yelling instructions. Think of the soccer field as a playground and not as a sports venue.
• What’s appropriate at a sport stadium with adult athletes is NOT appropriate for young children at play.
• Focus on the process of playing and not the outcome.
• Please know that any inappropriate conduct towards any other player, parent, referee, coach, ect. on the soccer fields will not be tolerated; and may result in ejection from the premises.

Good Questions on the Way Home:

• Did you have fun today?
• What did you think you did well today?
• Did you learn any new moves?
• Did you make new friends today?

ADDITIONAL PARENT EDUCATION RESOURCES:

PROJECT PLAY: The ASPEN Institute: Parent Resources (Click to learn more)

SOCCER GUIDE:  Top Advice For Parents (Click to read the article)

US YOUTH SOCCER:  Parent Resources (Click to access resource guide)

US Olympic Committee: American Development Model:  The American Development Model is a concerted effort between the United States Olympic Committee and its National Governing Bodies of sport to apply long-term athlete development principles in a way that resonates with the culture of sport in the United States