Rules of the game

We call football the beautiful game. That’s because it can bring great moments of joy and beauty. It is also called the beautiful game because it requires very few resources (a field and a ball) and has only a few simple rules.

Because soccer has few rules the referee is responsible for interpreting them. For example the hand ball rule simply says you can not handle the ball. The referee must decide if the player handled the ball or the ball hit the players hand without the player intending to handle it. So while it helps to know the rules it is best to let the referee ref the game as they see fit.

Sideline Soccer Etiquette

Coaches coach, players play, refs ref and supporters should give support.

The following ideas are originally from an article “Sideline Soccer Etiquette”
written by Michael Langlois, author of “How Well Do You Communicate? A Guide to Better Communication.

Parents/care givers, sometimes undercut how much fun their kids have through their behaviour, especially at games.

Here are some things to consider while watching a game:

•    Let the coaches' coach. Don’t tell players to do something different from what their coach is telling them, it’s distracting and confusing for the players.

•    It’s unnerving for young players to perform difficult tasks on the field on the spur of the moment when parents are yelling at them from the sidelines. Let the kids play. If they have been well coached, they should know what to do on the field. If they make a mistake, chances are they will learn from it.

•    Do not discuss the play of specific young players in front of other parents. Negative comments and attitudes are hurtful, unnecessary and bad for team culture.

•    Do your best to support the coach. If you have legitimate concerns with your child's coach - arrange to meet to discuss those concerns away from a soccer field or contact your grade coordinator or the Junior Club Captain. Western Springs has a complaints procedure that is published on the Web this could also be followed for issues that require the attention of the Junior Committee.

•    Make positive comments from the sideline. Be encouraging. Players do not need to be reminded constantly about their perceived errors or mistakes. Their coaches will instruct them, either during the game or at half-time, and during practices. Sometimes players will make that extra effort when they hear encouraging words from the sideline.

•    Avoid making any negative comments about opponents. Bear in mind this distracts from football as the beautiful game.

•    Try to keep interactions with opposition supporters positive. Avoid the 'tit for tat' syndrome.

•    The opponent’s supporters are not the enemy. Neither are the opposition players.

•    Don’t criticise the referee. The referee can make mistakes and sometimes these mistakes will effect the outcome of the game. Refereeing in often a thankless job and nearly always they are trying to be fair and objective.

•    If you blame the referee it signals to the players that it is OK for them to blame the referee. Blaming others is not a formula for success in football.

•    Don’t try to influence the referee to make decisions in your favour. It is against FIFA’s fair play guidelines.

•    Walking up and down the sidelines for long periods of the game is distracting to players and unnecessary- particularly if you’re trying to yell out instructions to players. It can be embarrassing to the player/players involved.

•    We all feel things and are tempted to say things in the 'heat of the moment'. Quickly ask yourself: Will I be proud of what I am about to say tomorrow?

•    The parking lot is not the time to 'fan the flames'. Whether it is a coach's decision, a referee's call, a comment that was made, let it go. Don't harass the coach, or an official, or a parent on the other team after the game is over. Go home, relax, and unwind. Talk positively with your child.

•    The ride home is sometimes as important as the game itself. Make that time a good memory for your son or daughter by discussing as many positives as you can about him/her, her coach, her team, etc.


Positive things to help your child

Here are some positive things you can do to improve your player’s football.

•    Team – Help them understand team culture. Encourage them to go to all the games and practices that they can so they don’t let the team down. Give them positive feedback on their game but also include the team and the coach.

•    Timeliness – Get the players on-time to games and practices, being late lets the whole team down.

•    Equipment – Get the right equipment for your player. Make sure their boots fit, that they have regulation shin pads and the correct uniform. It’s probably better for young players to have a multi-purpose moulded sole or blade boots. Screw-in studs can lead to shin splints when playing on hard ground.

•    Ball – Your child will benefit from having their own ball. Check that their ball is the correct size for the grade they play in.

•    Practice at home - Encourage them to play with friends, to juggle the football and to practice kicking against a wall. Take some time out to practice with them at home or in the local park.

•    Academy – Enrol them in an academy to get them some extra football instruction.

•    Watch games – Take them to some live senior games. Take them to an A-League, NZFC or Western Springs Seniors game at the club. If they get bored – leave. Encourage them to follow football on TV and know who the famous international players are. Give them players to aspire to.

•    Diet and exercise – Give them a healthy diet and balance their computer and TV time with activities that will build fitness.