What is expected of me as a parent of a player in one of our soccer programs?

• Does my job as a parent begin and end with bringing my player to and from the game?
• I pay a fee for this program, does that make it a form of drop-off childcare?
• Am I expected to cheer for my player and direct her on the field?
• If I yell at games will my player hear me and know that I care?

Parent DOs

• Be involved with your player and the soccer program she/he is involved in.   
• Make sure you or an assigned parent is present at all practices and games.  
• Learn the rules of the game and explore soccer content.
  
• Offer positive reinforcement and cheers to your player, her teammates, and the other team.   
• Allow the coaches and trainer to provide the only sideline instruction.
• Become a volunteer and become more involved in your player's experience.
• Practice (if you can) with your player off of the field the skills learned during training sessions.   

Parent DON'TS!

• Do not drop your player off at the field without at least making plans for another team parent to remain through practice and games.
  • The weather can be fickle and both games and practices can end early.
  • This is not a baby-sitting service, but a learning opportunity for your player.
  • Skills learned can be practiced by parent and player off of the field.
  • Players tend to perform better when their parents are positively involved.
• Do not cheer only for your player.
  • Soccer is a team sport and all of your player's teammates have earned the praise.
  • Good sportsmanship is a hallmark of our soccer education.
  • Cheer the other team as well and laud worthy accomplishments.
  • Anything other than simple positive phrases become noise and distraction to the players.
• Do not shout directions/instructions to any players on the field.
  • It's the role of the coach and trainer to provide direction and instruction during practice and game play.
  • Conflicting messages confuse the players on the field and hinders the learning process.
  • Limit comments to "great job" and "well done" and "keep going" -- and other positive reinforcements.