Fair Play Guidelines
Do’s & Don’ts for Parents and Coaches
DON’TS
1. DON’T shout or scream instructions to the player with the ball. (Such instructions can confuse a player, particularly if s/he is attempting to listen to teammates.
The player must learn to make quick and difficult decisions without interference from others not on the field of play. By the time players find themselves on a
full size field they will not be able to hear you accurately anyway.)
2. DON’T use phrases such as “Boot it”, “Kick it”, “Send it”, "Shoot", “Belt the ball” etc. (First of all, you are violating rule #1; second you are encouraging panic rather than good decision making and mindless kicking rather than possession of the ball.)
3. DON’T try to control the game from the sidelines. YOU CAN’T! (Parents and coaches are not active participants in the game. Soccer is a game played and ultimately controlled by the players on the field. Teach the players to “coach” each other and to rely upon themselves and their teammates.)
4. DON’T try to teach “aggressiveness”. (Aggressiveness is a by-product of confidence. In soccer what is perceived as aggression is merely a reflection of the confidences a player has in his/her own abilities. Teach the skills that generate confidence; encourage players to believe in their skills and themselves. If they do they
will play “aggressively”. If you preach “aggressiveness” as a goal unto itself you will likely reap the opposite of what you seek.)
5. DON’T abuse game officials or show disrespect for the opponent. Referees do make mistakes but they make fewer than most of your players. They are merely human. An opponent deserves respect; they are not the enemy. Remember you are role models. Players learn from your example so set a good one.)
6. DON’T forget Rule Number One!
DO’S
1. DO offer suggestions to players not currently involved in the game. (Brief words of advice are helpful to players who have the time to consider them. Suggestions should be made to players currently out of the game or to those on the field, but far from the ball, who can give your counsel both attention and consideration).
2. DO encourage players to use the skills they are being taught. (Encourage them to use these skills during scrimmages and games. The learning of skills in practice is the first step in the development of any player. Applying these abilities in new or unfamiliar situations is the next. If at first such an approach costs you
goals, learn to accept such setbacks as the price of progress. Do not view mistakes as unacceptable; recognize that each mistake is an opportunity for improvement. Soccer is a game best taught by trial and error. If you teach players that mistakes are unacceptable you will discourage creative decision-making.)
3. DO teach the players to coach themselves on the field. (The players must learn to assist each other in making the hundreds of split-second decisions that each game requires. Only the players can control the game.)
4. DO teach the players the skills. DO encourage CREATIVITY. Encourage them to hold the ball long enough to make good decisions about what to do next. (Although incorporating new possession skills into a game situation often brings failure at first, abandoning the effort in favour of “booting” the ball guarantees that development will be limited. Remember it is easier to pass the ball than chase it!)
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