Positive Coaching

As such, all who participate in the program (whether players, coaches, referees or spectators) are required to provide Positive, Instructional and Encouraging (P.I.E.) remarks at all times. Verbal abuse, part of Emotional Abuse which is one of the five forms of abuse recognized, is not tolerated from anyone directed towards anyone.

Would you even think of yelling out instructions of derogatory comments during your child's music recital or school concert? Is it common to heckle actors on stage in youth theater? Then why do many think it is acceptable to do so at a youth sports match? We somehow have let this grow to such at professional sports venues — something that has not gone unnoticed as it really questions whether youth should ever be attending. And something we seem to have developed in our culture during high school sporting events over the years as well. A recent high school coach told our parents that "make no mistake. Our reason here is to win. There will be nothing to stand in that way." Glad my child did not have an interest in joining that sport.

Constant and loud coaching, even when positive, is not considered acceptable either. Soccer is meant to be played by the players. The field for youth is meant to be a place to experiment and fail without fear of verbal retribution there or later. So attempts should be encouraged and rewarded within the overall guidance of the coaches program. Coaches and referees are trained in this but all spectators, especially teammates waiting to play, should be aware and actively participating in this positive manner.

This message is equally if not slightly more important when youth referee's and coaches are utilized. The parents, as exemplary adults, must be aware of and respect the authority we are giving these youth in the role of responsibility thrust upon them.

---