Rules for Spectators Attending a Youth Soccer Match
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1. Keep positive support, encouragement, cheer leading, and general screaming and hollering to a maximum from the bleachers (or the chairs).

Kids need to know that you see them out there on the field. Let them know by positive cheering.

2. Leave the referees and other players alone.

We want to keep this fun for the kids. Nothing brings it down faster than boos. And truth be told, kids are really embarrassed by their parents misbehaving at the game. As for the opposition, treat them the way you wish to be treated; with a sense of fair play.  The referee may be a kid not much older that your child or they may be an adult.  Chances are, they know more about the game than you. Those that do know more about the game know that dissent of the referee is NOT tolerated.

3. Cheer your players, leave the coaching to the coach. Why out-yell the coach?

During the game things are happening to fast to teach. Coaching is done during practice; that’s why it’s important to attend practice. The players need to totally focus on what they are doing on the field. Too many goals are scored on keepers that are distracted by their parent yelling at them to watch the ball. “BILLY! WATCH THE BALL!” “What Mom?” looks at Mom, ball in net. Gee, thanks Mom!

4. Give the players, coaches, referees room to work.

The ball is out of play when it completely crosses the touch line. Players can and do cross the line to play the ball. Give them room to play! Stay on the side lines. Do NOT go behind the goal line. Spectators in this area are VERY distracting to both players and the referee.

5. Remember, it’s ONLY a game.

Kids key off of your emotions. If you had fun watching them at the game, they will be happy. And if they are happy, who cares what the score is. It’s not World Cup! Keep the positives high and everyone will have fun. But, remember, any spectator who gets out of hand will spend the rest of the game in the parking lot. If you have a problem with the coach, wait until after the game, away from the field, to talk to them. Don’t confront anyone in front of the kids. Keep it civil.

6. Remember whom you came to watch. This is for the KIDS!