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Youth Sports Sidelines Etiquette for Soccer Parents.

Many coaches will agree that the hardest part of their job isn’t actually the coaching aspect of soccer but unbecoming Sidelines Etiquette for Soccer Parents.

If parents can stick to cheering vs coaching from the sidelines, coaches and young players will get somewhere safely. The idea is for parents to sit on the sidelines and watch the game. And to let the children playing on the field participate free of commentary.

Why youth sports drive parents crazy?

Youth soccer competitions are often emotionally charged events, with children, parents, coaches, and officials most likely to reporting emotions ranging from anxiety and stress through to enjoyment because of their involvement. One of the sources for the negative emotions and experiences associated with youth sport is the behaviours displayed by spectators on the sidelines.

Etiquette 1: Cheer, don't coach. Avoid yelling specific instructions and issuing commands. This can be extremely confusing for a child and possibly contrary to the coach's instructions.

Etiquette 2: Avoid running up and down the sidelines shouting. If you want to follow the action, make sure that you don't distract the players or block the view of other spectators.

Etiquette 3: Keep some comments to yourself. Do not speak out to the referee or linesmen. Unless they are complimentary, do not direct comments to members of the opposition.

Etiquette 4: Stay away from the goals. In many youth leagues, standing behind the goal is prohibited.

Etiquette 5: Stand, or sit, at least 2 to 5 meters back from the sidelines (touch lines). Again, this is a rule in many youth leagues.

Etiquette 6: Demonstrate good sportsmanship by applauding exceptional moves by the opposition, is much better than " Shout, why, why, get that ball."

While enthusiasm and cheering can be inspiring, and it is natural to get caught up in the emotion of the game, soccer parents should take care to follow proper sidelines etiquette.