Soccer Parent 101

Make game-day as stress free as possible for your player.

Help them get their uniform and equipment ready the night before.
Give you and your player plenty of time to get the field on time. Running late raises stress levels for everyone!
Encourage your child to play hard and have fun. Move focus away from the outcome of the game.

Allow players to play, referees to officiate, and coaches to coach. The spectators role is to watch and cheer their players. Negative comments towards opposing players, referees, or your own players ruins the game for all involved.
Avoid coaching from the sideline. Coaching instruction comes from the bench on the opposite side of the field. A spectator’s job is to cheer and watch.
Never comment on, talk to, or scream at the referees. Most referees in Colorado are young and impressionable and are learning just as the players are. The referees have no stake in a youth game are doing the best job that they can. Your comments and conduct towards a referee bogs the game down and doesn’t help anyone.

Do not over-analyze the game on the car ride home. Your player is likely exhausted and focusing on details of the game will only cause stress.
Do not criticize coaches, teammates, opponents, or officials.
Focus on positive affirmation. "I really enjoyed watching you play today" is the most important thing you can tell your child after the game.
Let your child drive the conversation.