GUIDE FOR PARENTS
As a parent, you play an important role in promoting your child’s happiness and success in soccer and sport in general.
Your expectations and behaviour have a significant bearing on your child’s attitude and behaviour while participating in soccer.
Parents/Guardians should not:
Ignore or dismiss complaints or concerns expressed by a child which relate to his/her involvement in soccer.
Ridicule or shout at a child for losing a game or making a mistake.
Allow their children to turn up for matches without the regulation club gear (shorts, socks, etc) and proper boots and shin-guards. Remember, the players are representing the club when on the pitch – they must wear the right colours.
Treat the club as a child minding service.
Take safety for granted.
Put undue pressure on any child to please or perform well.
Support and encouragement from you will contribute to your children having:
A sense of personal achievement An enjoyment of soccer Improved physical fitness
Higher self-esteem
A greater level of skill
Improved social skills
Parent/Coach co-operation
It is important that you establish contact with the individual responsible for coaching your child.
Encourage Fair Play at home and do not instill a “win at all costs” attitude in your children.
Applaud skill and effort on the pitch.
Be positive or be quiet, negative comments are counter productive.
Conduct yourselves in such a way which promotes the definition of Fair Play.
Be prepared to be asked to leave by officials or sport personnel if your behaviour is contrary to the definition of Fair Play.
Respond promptly to all texts/emails regarding attendance at training and matches. Do not assume coach is aware of your schedule.
Undesirable behaviour may include:
Insulting players, personnel, e.g. name-calling.
Shouting at or coaching players during matches.
Arguing with, or shouting abuse at officials.
Suggesting or encouraging cheating, aggressive or "dirty" play.
Placing undue or inappropriate criticism on a player, causing the player unnecessary or unhealthy levels of stress. Behaving with physical aggression towards another person (actual use of force or the threat of use of force).
Approaching coaches during matches to raise concerns. This can be done afterwards or before/after training.
Any "harassment" type of behaviour.
Please do:
Communicate any concerns you may have to the coach.
Give the coach help when asked.
Support the coach’s and referee decisions.
These individuals are only doing the best they can and they need your support not your anger.
Inform the coach about any illness, injury, holidays, etc.
Make an effort to attend training and games.
Make sure your child has appropriate equipment/clothing/refreshments. It is the policy of Railway Union FC that each player should bring their own water bottle to matches and training sessions.
Parental Involvement in Soccer
There are many ways in which you can become involved in your child’s sport. You may find yourself trying to juggle commitments to make time for your child’s sport. Be realistic about the input you are able to make.
You could:
supply or organise transport to and from practices and competitions.
assist coaches with supervision during sessions, if requested.
wash sports kit.
help out with administration.
assist with the organisation of special events/activities.
Find out what your child wants from soccer, and help set realistic targets to achieve this. This may involve controlling your own aspirations.
Remember Soccer is about:
Fair play Fun Participation
Development of skills
It is important to:
encourage but not force your child to be active.
know when your child is ready to play.
encourage healthy lifestyle habits.
attend training and games.
promote and teach Fair Play.
teach your child to treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, colour, sex or ability.
help children to set realistic targets.
help children with decision-making.
Most importantly:
“Lead by Example”