Parents, Coaches and Referees: Role Models for Life
Parents, Coaches and Referees have an enormous impact on the
lives of thousands of children playing youth soccer in the United States. How
can we best serve the interest of these children? This was created in response to an overwhelming number of
questions asked about how the "adults" can positively impact soccer
players.
Each parent must be accountable for his/her actions and teach
his/her own son or daughter to do the same.
Parents, Coaches and Referees form a trio of role models from which many
of our children learn behaviors that they will carry into adulthood. Cooperation, respect and maturity among the
adults in soccer will encourage those qualities in the children.
Parents: What can parents do to make the game of soccer more
enjoyable for kids?
1.
Be knowledgeable of the game.
2.
Encourage fair play at home.
3.
Be supportive; i.e. be sure the player attends practices 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.
Study the Laws of Soccer.
10.
Play the game of soccer.
11.
Support the coach's and referee's decisions.
12.
Encourage communication between coach and parent.
13.
Ask your own children about what new skills have been
learned.
14.
Find soccer videos to watch them with children.
15.
Concentrate on praising other people's children during
games.
16. Read
newspaper articles about older soccer player's successes; provide models for
your own children.
Coaches: What can they do to make the game more enjoyable
for the players?
1.
Study the Laws of Soccer.
2.
Be accepting of the referee's decisions.
3.
Concentrate on coaching, rather than on the accuracy of
referee's decisions.
4.
Remain calm - Do not make loud, offensive remarks.
5.
Be positive; avoid confrontation with any official
6.
Be a role model of fair play.
7.
Discourage unfair sportsmanship.
8.
During games, leave the decisions to the players.
9.
Attend coaching classes to learn the most effective ways to
conduct practices.
10.
Teach skills and fair tactics.
11.
Give good guidelines to parents.
12.
Be firm with parents at games.
13.
Communicate with parents often in meetings and social
gatherings.
14.
Play the game and encourage parents to play and to referee.
15.
Delegate responsibilities to volunteers.
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.
Be neutral.
5.
Know and use proper procedures.
6.
Always remain calm.
7.
Take each game seriously.
8.
Implement good management techniques
9.
Show courage and confidence not arrogance.
10.
Show respect to players, coaches, parents and spectators.
11.
Attend meetings, clinics, and seminars.
12.
Explain rules, when needed.
13.
Play the game to better understand it.
14.
Seek evaluation from coaches/players.
15.
Be firm, fair and honest.
16.
Be consistent.