Interaction during a Match/Training
"Parents not only influence children's socialization into a sport but have a profound impact on the psychological consequences that occur." (Jan. 2006)
Best Practices for a Parent in Youth Soccer
Lend a hand when asked, or even offer assistance, but be sure to respect the coach's wishes.
During a match or a training, the coach and the activity should be the only thing on a player's mind, find ways to avoid attempting to interact or interfere with the coach during these periods.
Express interest, encouragement, and support to your child and their teammates
Be sure to never shout instructions or criticisms from the sidelines, let the players play, the coaches coach and the referees control the environment.
We can not make abusive comments to; coaches, parents, players, or officials. This game is meant to be inclusive, shared, and safe- treat everyone with respect!
Youth Sports provide an educational medium for the development of desirable physical and psychological characteristics, as a parent you must recognize the many ways you can further benefit your child's experience.
The coach, parent and player must work harmoniously to achieve best-case results for the player.
Coaches should do their best to keep an open line of communication between all players, parents and themselves.
Parents must be willing to trust their child with the coach. Coaches often take some of the admiration away from parents as they become role models and positive influences in the child's life.
Coaches provide the keys to both physical and psychological growth in the educational environment of youth sports.
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| Physical |
Psychological |
| Health |
Leadership Skills |
| Athleticism |
Discipline |
| Technical Ability |
Self Confidence |
| Coordination |
Cooperation/Competitiveness |
How can I become more available to my child as a resource?
Learn about the game! Take a coaching education course, watch a match on television, read up on some players, find a way to interact with the game through learning or even playing. You may find yourself in a position to really help your child OUTSIDE of the trainings and matches.
Youth Sports are developmental, there are no expectations to be winning, only to be improving- some parents treat youth sports with the same mindset as professional sports. Professional sports are inherently commercial enterprises with little to no regard for anything but selling tickets and winning titles. The two ideas just do not align in any way.
Youth Soccer, and youth sports in general are for development, of physical, psychological, and social characteristics.
So, respect your coaches, officials, and other parents/players, encourage your child, get involved with the game in any way you can to have a positive effect on their experience.
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