Easton Youth Soccer would like to thank all the parents that donate so much time, energy and financial resources to get kids to practices & games across the state to enjoy the game of soccer! You are a very important part of your childs development and we want to help you along the way. We have started a Parents Section that will be updated as new information becomes available. Our hope is to bring us all together in the common goal to spread a love for the game of socer and develop good people alongthe way.
Here are a few general guidelines to help keep this an enjoyable and productive experience for your child. We understand this is tough to do as watching your child play is very exciting. Most of this is a non-issue for our league, yet, something that is good to be reminded of prior to each season.
1. Leave the coaching to the coaches. Limit on-field comments to encouragement. Don't speak or provide instructions to your child during a game - especially when they have the ball. It is very easy to confuse young players.
2. NO speaking to the referees during a game. The only comments that should be made after a game is to thank the referee for a good game. Refs in the South Shore league are children and learning as well. As coaches we will make sure that play remains safe. The South Shore league has a zero tolerance policy to coach and fan treatment of referees. We don't expect this to be a problem for our league.
3. Now the most difficult one. Limit pre-game and post-game drive-time soccer oriented comments to a minimum. There is too much research that suggests that pre and post game parent critique is more discouraging than it is helpful. Stating good game or good work is fine. Asking if they had a good time is fine. Take your cues from your son/daughter. In addition to avoiding inadvertent discouragement (remember, they hear things differently than what we sometimes think we are stating), this helps avoid confusion when coaches are saying one thing and parents are saying another. This leads to our last item.
4. If there is something that the coaches need to be aware of or you have a concern with, please, let the coaches know later in the week (not on the field during or directly after a game or practice). The coaches are approachable and it is important that everyone feels comfortable letting the coach know if there is a soccer, individual, or team concern with their son/daughter. If not, please speak with EYSL's Director of Coaching, John Barata. Please do not wait until the end of the season to address a concern as it will be too late to recitfy any situation.
Articles for Parents (Compliments of Mass Youth Soccer and US Soccer):
How Can Parents Help?
Motivation of Young Athletes
Promoting Social & Moral Development through Sport
Reacting to Your Child's Performance
Benefits of Summer Camp
Approaching Your Child's Coach
A Child's Perspective in an Adult World
Sports Training- How much is too much?
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Parent Section