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Code of Conduct for Parents and Spectators

1. As spectators we will refrain from booing or yelling at officials at any time during a match because we are aware of the following:
 

  1. Such behavior reflects on our part sets a poor example of sportsmanship.

  2. Such behavior reflects negatively on our community, our team, our players and us.

  3. Most youth soccer officials have had limited experience and formal training and do the best job they can, given these limitations.

  4. Most soccer officials make correct calls even though we sometimes see the incident otherwise.

  5. If officials do make incorrect calls during a match, the following circumstances usually apply:

  • The number of poor calls usually balances out for both teams.

  • No one is perfect

  • The officials don't have the same observation point afforded the spectators sitting in the bleachers.

  • An occasional incorrect call seldom affects the outcome of a match.

  • There are more effective channels for correcting poor officiating than verbal abuse during the match.

  • We don't really know how difficult it is to officiate a soccer match until we've run on the 'pitch' in the official's 'boots'.

2. During a match we will refrain from yelling at players on either team because we are aware of the following:
 

  1. They are young people, not soccer professionals, who, due to limited playing experience and great enthusiasm, may make mistakes.

  2. Encouragement and praise should be made in public; constructive criticism is best made in private.

  3. The coach is the best equipped to analyze and correct deficiencies in soccer skills. Our attempts to be helpful in this respect may only confuse the players.

  4. The golden rule applies. Treat other players with the courtesy, respect and consideration, which we want other supporters to show our own players.

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