Search this site


Grass Fields Open
Updated:  Apr 15 7:25


Registration is Open


Registration is Open


Registration is Closed


Pick Up Game Fun!
Registration is Closed


Registration is Closed


Registration is Closed


Registration is Closed


Registration is Open


Registration is Open
Registration
is Closed

Leave Message
(650) 735 1493
Response is by email only.  No call-backs.
Parents‎ > ‎

Soccer Sportsmanship for Parents


Soccer Culture
The essence of soccer culture is that it is the player's game.  Once the game is underway the players are expected to make their own decisions, without interference from coaches or spectators.

In a youth soccer game opinions and suggestions such as "Pass the ball", "Shoot", "Watch out" are STRONGLY DISCOURAGED. Cheerleading and acknowledgment, such as "Go Vipers", "Nice pass", or "Good move", are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED. 

In most sports the coach is effectively a part of the team, controlling plays, using a timeout to stop the other team's momentum, instructing a player to run or stay on base and so on.  This is not the soccer way.  

The following comments apply most strongly to U10 and above.

Once play starts there are no practical mechanisms provided by the laws of the game for a coach to influence the outcome, besides position and substitutions.  The players make individual decisions, good or bad, and collectively have to react as a team to the strategy and tactics of the their opponent.  

Many coaches find this situation frustrating, especially if they also coach a sport in which they do have more control.  A common reaction is for the coach to shout instructions.  This style of coaching at the game is STRONGLY DISCOURAGED.


What's the Law?
FIFA law states that a "coach may convey tactical instructions to his players during the match and must return to his position immediately after giving these instructions.  The coach and the other officials must remain within the confines of the technical area, where such an area is provided, and they must behave in a responsible manner".   

AYSO defines the technical area as ten yards either side of the half-way line, the front and back edges being one yard and three yards, respectively, from the touch line.  AYSO also limits coach participation to positive instruction and encouragement.



Referees are volunteers
 The referee controls the game, making the calls and the decisions.  The referee is not required to explain his calls.  The referee's judgement is not only final, it is not to be questioned at the game.  There is no margin for discussion on this: public questioning or complaining about the refereeing is not acceptable, period.  If you transgress this policy repeatedly, the referee should ask you to leave the field, whereupon you will thank the referee gracefully and leave.

If the refereeing is not up to your standards, remember we are all volunteers.  If you believe the players experience of the game is being jeopardized by the referee, email the Regional Referee Administrator with your observations.  We care and will follow up.

It takes a village 
See a team where the players are not being played all over the field?  See an AYSO volunteer or parent not quite with the program?  Concerned that your own child is not having a great experience?  We care.  You do your part and tell us about it, now, while there is still time for us to help reinforce the correct behavior. Anonymously, if you need to.   http://feedback.ayso26.org.

We need to win the game?
Winning IS NOT the goal!  Players having fun and learning is the goal.  Build character, community and connectedness.

Should coaches be silent at games?
No!  Players do like to be praised when they do well.  Praise and affirmation are the "Say" of the "See, Show and Say" coaching style that is taught at AYSO coaching clinics.  There are plenty of opportunities at a game to provide praise and positive encouragement to your players.  It's also perfectly ok to communicate tactical suggestions just so long as the coach is not doing it continuously. 

Teams should play their best players 
No.  Palo Alto AYSO requires all players to be played at least 3/4 of the game, barring special circumstances such as injury. And in divisions until U12, players should be playing several positions, not developing a special position.