For every game, there are four roles. YOU CAN ONLY CHOOSE ONE.

1. Athlete
2. Coach
3. Official
4. Fan (the parent in this case)

Each attendee must choose only ONE of these roles and respect the others. 

For the parent:

• Be a positive and encouraging supporter.

• Cheer for good plays on both teams.

• You’re not the coach, so don’t shout out instructions.

• You’re not the official, so don’t offer opinions on the officiating or on a particular call.

• It’s your job to help your child keep it all in perspective. That means keeping everything in perspective for yourself, too

Here are six things to keep in mind when attending your child's game...

1. Avoid ‘coaching’ from the sideline while watching your child’s game

2. Do not criticize the referee 

3. Focus on the benefits of the game rather than the score

4. Think when interacting with opposing fans

5. Don’t stress out over the game

6. Save issues with the coach for the next day



When playing in a game, youth soccer players’ minds are focused on making split-second decisions as they maneuver around and survey the field. Every once in a while, however, a player’s attention may be drawn to his or her hyper parent yelling instructions or making a scene from the sideline. While parents’ actions may simply be the result of wanting the best for their child, their behavior can have a negative effect on their young athlete’s enjoyment of the game.