Chambersburg Galaxy 
Parents Corner
THEY ARE ONLY CHILDREN!
(Reprint from the Oxford Standard)
Don't curse the athletes down there.
They are our children, you see.
They are only just children you know.
They mean a lot to me.
We did not raise our children, dear fan,
For you to call them names.
They may not be super stars,
It's just a soccer game.
So please don't curse those children down there,
They never tried to lose a game,
They're children and you're a fan.
The game belongs to them, you see,
You are just a guest.
They don't need a fan like you,
They need the very best.
If you have nothing nice to say,
Please leave the athletes alone,
And if you have no manners,
Why don't you stay at home.
So please don't curse those children down there,
Each one's a parent's daughter or son.
Win or lose or tie, you see,
To us they're number one.
Guidelines for Parents Behavior
From the July 5, 2006, issue of The Technical Area
The following is a list of points of emphasis from a handout given to parents with children in the Mount Laurel (N.J.) United Soccer Association. This handout is designed to minimize and eliminate sideline coaching from parents. We hope that you can adapt some or all of these guidelines in this form or another to your coaching situation.
1. Be positive. Be supportive. Cheer for the team. Encourage all of the players. Keep negative comments to yourself, especially those directedat another parent's child. Remember that the players are doing the best that they can and that playing good soccer is more difficult than it looks.
2. Do not coach. Let the coaches make adjustments as they see the need. Many times the instruction from a spectator is exactly the opposite of the instruction given by the coach. Allow the players the freedom to make their own decisions and learn from their mistakes. Spectator statements like "Stay Wide," Clear It," "Pass The Ball," "Get Rid of It," "Move Up," "Move Back," etc., tend to undermine the need for players to communicate with each other.
3. Never address players on the other team, except to encourage.
4. Treat the officials with respect. All officials make mistakes. All humans make mistakes. Let the officials be human. Let the coaches approach the officials if they feel the need. The referee may be wrong, but not as often as you are? Have you ever seen a referee change his mind because a parent shouted at him or her?
5. Do not engage is game-related discussions with parents from the opposing team. We will be playing these teams for many years to come. We want to be known in the soccer community as an organization that has class whether we win, lose or draw. The game score will not be remembered. The argument or inappropriate remarks will be.
6. Leave the game on the field. When the game is over, no amount of comment, question or discussion with the players, officials or coaches can change the outcome. Regardless of the outcome, the coaches will evaluate the performance, reinforce the good things and work to correct the things needing improvement.
7. Keep the game fun. Winning is more fun than losing, but each player shuld enjoy playing because they love the game. Avoid offering bribes or "pumping up" your child. Allow them to become self-motivated. Make sure that you take time to enjoy the game yourself. I have heard comments from some of the team that they dread it when their parents start shouting at the referee. It is noticeable that when some parents get more and more agitated, their child gets more and more withdrawn during the game.
Think about your own job. If you have someone who you knew was going to shout at you every time you made a mistake, wouldn't you stop putting yourself in the position to make thie mistake? That is what happens with some of the players on the team. they would rather not have the ball than risk having it and making a mistake!
AFTER THE GAME:
1. Make sure your daughter does a proper cool down after playing. This should include stretching.
2. Remove wet clothing and shoes immediately after playing. Carry dry gear.
3. Dress appropriately. Particularyly in cool weather, players should cover up to keep their muscles warm.
4. Bring a hat, gloves and a jacket. After games and during breaks in play, players should keep their extremities warm.
5. Provide fluids. Girls should be given fluids right after playing, no matter what the weather. Active players should drink 16-20 oz. immediately after and before playing.
6. Snacks. Girls should have at least some carbohydrates - example, a banana, bagel or sports drink - immediately after playing to speed muscle recovery.
TIPS:
- Line your car. Carry towels or blankets to protect the seats from wet or dirty clothing.
- Bring a cleat bag or something for temporary storage of their cleats.
- Tap out mud from cleats before getting into the car or before putting the cleats away.
- Keep a cooler in the car. This is a good way to ensure quick and ready drinks and snacks.
- Offer praise to reinforce postive behavior.
- Know when to talk and when to be silent. After competitiion or intense practice, read your child's mood.
- Remember that soccer is and always will be, only a game. Seeing the larger picture will help your daughter to see it, too.