PGSC: Parents Page
NEW ONLINE PARENT EDUCATION RESOURCE
US Youth Soccer has announced the launch of an interactive online tool to assist parents as they support their youth athlete. Designed for parents in the game of soccer to aid their efforts in growing the spirit without limiting the child, The Parent's Guide.
The Parents Guide is an overview of best practices and philosophy, answering questions ranging from 'How to be supportive soccer parents' and 'How to meet your child's needs' to "The ride home" as well as "Dealing with your child's coach."
In addition to the online presentation, the US Youth Soccer Coaching Education Department and Coaching Committee has created a short quiz to further the educational aspect of the guide. After successful completion of the course parents can personalize the certificate of completion with their name.
"We are proud to offer this educational opportunity to our parents and look forward to additional tools to further our game through the generations of soccer families ahead," said David Messersmith, president of US Youth Soccer.
JUST CLICK THE UNDERLINED TITLE OF THIS ARTICLE AND BEGIN YOUR EDUCATION!
www.usyouthsoccer.org/index.php?&change_well_id=88&url_channel_id=4
Tuesday, October 30
US YOUTH SOCCER ASSN'S SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SOCCER SPECTATORS
1. As spectators we will refrain from booing or yelling at officials at any time during
a match because we are aware of the following:
a. Such behavior on our part sets a poor example of sportsmanship.
b. Such behavior reflects negatively on our community, our team, our players
and us.
c. Most youth soccer officials have had limited experience and formal
training and do the best job they can, given these limitations.
d. Most soccer officials make correct calls even though we sometimes see
the incident otherwise.
e. If officials do make incorrect calls during a match, the following
circumstances usually apply:
i. The number of poor calls usually balances out for both teams.
ii. No one is perfect.
iii. The officials don't have the same observation point afforded the
spectators sitting in the bleachers.
iv. An occasional incorrect call seldom affects the outcome of a
match.
v. There are more effective channels for correcting poor officiating
than verbal abuse during the match.
vi. We don't really know how difficult it is to officiate a soccer match
until we've run on the "pitch" in the official's "boots."
2. During a match we will refrain from yelling at players on either team because we
are aware of the following:
a. They are young people, not soccer professionals, who, due to limited
playing experience and great enthusiasm, may make mistakes.
b. Encouragement and praise should be made in public; constructive
criticism is best made in private.
c. The coach is the best equipped to analyze and correct deficiencies in
soccer skills. Our attempts to be helpful in this respect may only confuse
the players.
d. The golden rule applies. Treat other players with the courtesy, respect and
consideration, which we want other supporters to show our own players.
3. At soccer matches we will refrain from being argumentive or using abusive
language towards supporters of the players on the opposing team because we are
aware of the following:
a. Others are judging us on our actions and words. We will always strive to
insure that the results of this judgment are a verdict of
SPORTSMANSHIP.
b. We will conduct ourselves in such a courteous and restrained manner that
if called upon to do so, we could line up in front of the bleachers after the
match and shake hands with each supporter of the opposing team in the
same way players are expected to do after each match.
4. If our team loses, we will demonstrate our ability to cope with the loss in both
deed and word, because we are aware of the following:
a. In soccer, as in other aspects of life, it is not always possible to win no
matter how supreme the effort.
b. When victory eludes us, we must learn to accept it as graciously as we do
our triumphs.
c. It may be just possible that a loss is due to the fact that the opposing team
played the match better than our team.
d. Our players should learn from our reactions to a loss that:
i. We feel they played their best; which just wasn?t good enough on
this particular day.
ii. They should hold their heads up high; there is no shame attached to
honest effort - win or lose.
iii. There is always something to learn from a loss.
iv. There is nothing gained from brooding; players should be
encouraged to put the match behind them and look forward to the
next opportunity to play.
v. Seeking scapegoats, such as "biased officials", "poor turf", or "poor
performance by one or two teammates" is not a mature or healthy
reaction to the loss. Such a crutch prevents acceptance of reality.
5. Whether away from or at the field, our words and actions should convey a
philosophy of soccer which includes:
a. The real purpose of soccer competition is to have FUN, to be able to
participate to improve skills, to learn sportsmanship, to develop a sense of
responsibility and self-discipline, to develop a group loyalty and
comradeship, to learn to compete within established rules, to accept
decisions of authorized officials, to seek interpretation or change through
proper channels and to develop sound minds and bodies.
