Soccer...The Game is for Kids!
Soccer ... the game is for kids!
What role should the referee, coach and parents play?
Sportsmanship is one of the core values of Utah Youth Soccer, and we pride
ourselves on striving to set the standard for which proper etiquette is adhered.
REFEREES, COACHES and PARENTS together have an enormous impact on the lives
of millions of youth soccer players in the United States – therefore, it is important
to understand how each of us can help serve the best interest of these
impressionable young players.
This document was created in response to an overwhelming number of questions
asked about how the "adults" can more positively impact youth soccer players.
While each parent must be accountable for their actions and teach their son or
daughter to do the same, referees, coaches and parents form a trio of role models
from which many of our young men and women learn behaviors that they will carry
into adulthood. Cooperation, respect and maturity among the adults in soccer will
help to encourage those same qualities in our players.
Referees, Coaches and Parents: Role Models for Life
REFEREES: What can they do to make the game of soccer better for the players?
1. Know the Law and the rules.
2. Be professional; i.e. on time, in proper uniform, prepared, fit, etc.
3. Study the game and the spirit of soccer.
4. Attend meetings, clinics, and seminars.
5. Show respect to players, coaches, parents and spectators.
6. Explain rules, when needed.
7. Help less experienced referees.
8. Play the game to better understand it.
9. Seek evaluation and be assessed regularly.
10.Smile and enjoy the game.
11.Be firm, fair and honest.
12.Remain neutral and be consistent.
13.Accept only the number and level of assignments that can be done well.
14.Know and use proper procedures.
15.Always remain calm.
16.Take each game seriously.
17.Implement good management techniques
18.Show courage and confidence; avoid arrogance.
COACHES: What can they do to make the game of soccer more enjoyable for the
players and easier for the referee to manage?
1. Take a course on the Laws.
2. Be accepting of the referee's decisions.
3. Remain calm.
4. Do not make loud, offensive remarks.
5. Concentrate on coaching, rather than on the accuracy of referee's decisions.
6. Be a role model of fair play.
7. Be positive; avoid confrontation with any official
8. During games, leave the decisions to the players.
9. Attend coaching classes to learn the most effective ways to conduct
practices.
10.Give good guidelines to parents.
11.Set high standards.
12.Be firm with parents at games.
13.Teach skills and fair tactics.
14.Discourage unfair gamesmanship.
15.Communicate with parents often in meetings and social gatherings.
16.Play the game and encourage parents to play and to referee.
17.Referee games.
18.Refrain from post-game club songs/singing/chanting that can be
misinterpreted as taunting.
PARENTS: What can parents do to make the game of soccer more enjoyable for
their children and other people's kids, too?
1. Be knowledgeable of the game.
2. Encourage fair play at home.
3. Be supportive; i.e. be sure the player attends practices – pick him/her up on
time.
4. Attend games.
5. Be positive or quiet at games.
6. Be respectful; expect your own children to be respectful.
7. Focus on good nutrition.
8. Volunteer to help the coach.
9. Become a referee.
10.Play the game of soccer.
11.Be calm and have good manners.
12.Support the coach's and referee's decisions.
13.Encourage communication between coach and parent.
14.Ask your own children to describe his/her role, what new skills have been
learned.
15.Watch practices; focus on new strategies
16.Find soccer videos, watch them with children.
17.Concentrate on praising other people's children during games.
18.Read newspaper articles about older soccer player's successes; provide
models for your own children.