Parents
It can be quite a time commitment to get your player to and from practices and games each week. Seeing your player’s development and enjoyment of the game will be well worth the effort.
Shorelake Soccer Club thanks all parents that donate their time and energy to get kids to practices and games so they can enjoy the game of soccer!
The US Soccer Parent Resources page has information for first time soccer parents and experienced parents alike. Here are some guidelines you can follow to help make your child’s soccer experience positive:
Volunteer to help with the team or league - This is a volunteer-run organization and without parent support, kids can’t play. Keep in mind that coaches and other behind the scenes volunteers graciously give many hours of their time so your child can enjoy the game of soccer.
Respect the coach’s time - Please bring your child to practice and games on time and, if possible, stay until they are finished. Be courteous and inform coaches as soon as possible if your child will be unable to make a game.
Accentuate the positive - Praise good effort in both your child’s team play and their opponents. There may be many mistakes made, but they are learning.
Practice with your child at home - Your young players and their friends will enjoy kicking the ball around with you, and you will gain a better appreciation for how difficult some of the skills are that your child is trying to learn.
Sideline Etiquette
Please help us keep our coaches, referees, and players engaged with the game. Youth sports are about learning the game and learning about life. Sometimes things don’t go your way or are unfair. Please help us maintain a positive environment by doing the following:
Be respectful - Provide a positive role model for your child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy at the games. Always be a good sport on the sidelines. Never argue with referee calls or belittle a player.
Let the coaches do the coaching - There should only be one person giving directions to players. Shouting from the sidelines causes confusion and frustration. Sit back, and enjoy the game, and let the kids play.
A Note about Junior Referees
Many of our referees and assistant referees are kids. We need your help to help get these trainees to the next level. Please offer them a friendly hello before the game and a warm thank you at the end of the game.
They will make incorrect calls from time-to-time, which is no different than the highest levels of the game. Please do not approach them about their calls or to offer advice. Harassment of referees is not tolerated.
If you have any feedback for a referee or questions about refereeing in general, please contact the Referee Coordinator and they will provide the feedback to the referee.