Happy Tuesday

YTS Families,

I hope you all had an enjoyable Labor Day Weekend.   With our games approaching this coming weekend I will try to accomplish two things in the post.  Firstly some general reminders about what to expect for game days and then a couple of videos which will make you think about your actions on the sidelines.  

Game Reminders:

• Double check field location and game time
• Always check weather hot lines to make sure game has not been canceled
• Make sure your son/daughter has both uniforms with them - start to make them accoutable for their soccer bags.. even if you have to double check
• Always be early.. rather than rushing to get to field.. it just makes life a great deal easier on your child
• Wish you child good luck, tell them to compete and have fun
• Once the game kicks-off there is very little you can do.. so sit back in your comfy chair and enjoy watching your child compete

Please remember we are not focused on the outcome or the score of the game.  Of course we want for the players to show a strong desire to compete and of course we want for each player to want to win each game they play.  Our focus is more on the process.  The process is how the players apply themselves during the game.   The players will be excited about playing their first game of the season.

Sideline Reminders:


 We expect parents to set a good example on the sideline for other parents, players and of course our club as whole. So with that said some friendly reminders below.

• Please refrain from coaching your child or anyone else's child during the game.  Your intentions maybe positive but please don't do it.  This includes hand signals.  The players must be allowed to make decisions independently
• Please do not question the officials.  At all times show them the respect they deserve.  We use some younger officials for our YTS games as they can gain very valuable experience.  Please be supportive.  I see parents every week trying to make every call for the referee.  Like the players officials must be able to make their own decisions.  Sometimes they may miss an offside call.  Trust me it is not the end of the world.  Especially seen as though we do not keep standings in YTS.
• Simple rule of thumb.. "If you don't have anything positive to say please don't bother saying it." especially around the players
• Per a previous point do all you can to enjoy watching your child compete. 

Now for he fun part.  Below are two video's to make you think about being a soccer parent.  

The first video shows an overbearing parent on the sideline communicating with the official! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0qGeADPzAs

The second video is another overbearing parent on sideline communicating with his son!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=ZRcv-ZRMCXI&feature=endscreen

Both videos are short please take the time to watch them as they will make you think about your role as a parent on the sideline. 

Thanks for reading the blog and should you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me at

Paulf@caslemail.com