Parent Commitment Letter
Soccer games are as exciting for some parents as they are for their children. That's great. For many of the spectators, however, soccer is a sport about which they know very little. They want to support the team, cheer for the team, and encourage their child. Occasionally, this enthusiasm combines with a parent's lack of familiarity with the game, or lack of knowledge of the Coach's instruction to the team, in a less than positive way.
We do not wish to curb your enthusiasm for the game. We do wish to make sure that your enthusiasm is
directed in such a way which will be helpful, complies with the rules of the game, and is consistent with the Coach's instruction to the team. In this spirit, please keep these suggestions in mind as you attend MASS YOUNG GUNNERS soccer games.
DO NOT YELL AT THE REFEREES - It is our goal to build not only good soccer players, but also good
sportsmen/sportswomen. Your positive, or negative, example at games will either greatly reinforce, or
significantly undermine that effort. The Coach or team captain has principal responsibility, although limited latitude, in speaking with the referee. Let them do their job. And finally, with respect to tournament play, often times one tournament team is given a special award for good sportsmanship. Your yelling and screaming at a game can do much to rob the children of an opportunity to earn such an award.
KNOW THE RULES OF THE GAME - Sometimes, parental ill will towards the referee is based upon
Parents’ misunderstanding of the rules of the game. Common problems are application of the rules governing offside and illegal contact.
ENCOURAGE - DO NOT CRITICIZE - One of our goals is to help your child play good soccer. No less
important is our goal to make every effort to insure that your child has fun. If your child understands the
Club's high expectations, you can best help by confining your talk during the game to positive
encouragement. If possible, be quietly enthusiastic and supportive.
BE THERE - BE POSITIVE – DO NOT COACH - You can never hope to be an all-star parent unless you show
up at games. Regardless of the skill level of your child or the success of the team, go to the games and be supportive. Your job is not to be the coach or expert. Be a fan. On the sidelines, if you cannot say
something positive, do not say anything at all. Even though it is good to be positive, it's not good to over do it. Don't stick out. Be an admirer. Players should not confuse your voice with the public address system.
LET the PLAYERS Play; COACHES Coach, and the REFEREES Referee!!!!!!!!!!!
As the parent of a MASS YOUNG GUNNERS player, I recognize my responsibility to
encourage my son/daughter to fair play.