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"How to Be a Better Soccer Mom & Dad"
1. THE FUN COMES FROM LEARNING AND PLAYING.
Children who play their best and work on improving their skills are accomplishing more than those who care only about winning.
So lighten up.
Don't criticize your youngster for making mistakes.
Focus on accomplishments and effort.
Enjoy the chance to be with your child on the field of play.
2. GET INVOLVED WITH SOCCER.
Come to the games and get to know the players, coaches and other parents.
Volunteer to help with juice lists, car pools, etc.
Take your child to a game or watch one on TV.
Kick the ball around with your child even if you don't have soccer skills.
3. HELP YOUR CHILD LEARN USEFUL HABITS.
Build promptness into your child's pre-game routine.
Make sure your child is ready to play with proper equipment.
During games, don't yell instructions.
Let players make the decisions on the field.
Always be positive.
Support all players, not just your child.
4. PRACTICE GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP.
Children learn by your example.
Encourage your child to play by the rules.
Applaud a good play by either team.
Win gracefully, not boastfully.
Lose without being negative.
Help your child understand the end-of-game handshakes.
5. LET THE COACHES COACH.
They are volunteers who provide guidance and supervised fun for your youngster in a team atmosphere.
Remember they must look out for the whole team, not just your child.
If you have a criticism, save it until after the game, maybe call that evening.
Getting something off your chest is okay, though.
Don't let a concern grow into a resentment.
6. LET THE REFEREE JUDGE THE GAME.
Referees should control the game from the moment they enter the grounds.
They are helping to teach the players about fair play and the spirit of the game.
Don't question their judgment or integrity.
Shouting at a referee doesn't change a decision; it just disrupts the players and the game.
7. KNOW THE GAME AND THE RULES.
Soccer looks simple, but it is a complex, free-flowing, ever-changing game that calls for constant problem-solving by the players.
A helpful guide to the rules is available here .
For all the soccer laws go to the FIFA site ( www.fifa.com).
8. ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO BE A CHILD.
It's only a game.
Kids see soccer as having fun, kicking the ball, making friends.
Playing a sport teaches lessons that bear results later in life.
Remember there's no such thing as a loss if players give their best effort and learn the value of teamwork.
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Team Selection
Fall Season:
Every September the coaches in each division draft teams.
In divisions involving two grades, each team is made up half of one grade and half of the other.
The following fall half the players will automatically move to a new division - thus providing a natural way of changing each team's roster.
It is also our ideal for teams to be balanced competitively.
When the outcome of a game is in doubt up to the last few minutes, we have succeeded.
Overall, we hope no team wins every game, and no team loses every game.
Spring Season:
It is our policy for the fall rosters to remain essentially the same in the spring.
However, in cases where teams appear to be overpowering or where teams appear to be under-competitive,
the Division Coordinators have the authority to transfer players.
Any team that is undefeated in the fall should expect to lose players in the spring;
any team that is winless in the fall should expect roster changes intended to make it more competitive.
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Practical Tips
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All spectators are requested to remain at least 3 feet behind the sideline, so linespeople, coaches, and players have room to walk along the sideline.
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In inclement weather please call your coach to see if the games have been canceled.
Games may also be cancelled because of standing water or muddy conditions.
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Don't leave home without shin guards and a water bottle for your child, whether for games or practices.
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Help your coaches keep track of the balls.
If your child has a personal ball make sure it is marked with indelible ink.
Your child is encouraged to bring the ball to practice.
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Health and Safety
Section will be added shortly.
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