Courtesy AYSO Region 153

AYSO soccer encourages positive self-esteem, discipline, personal responsibility, teamwork, acceptance of and learning from disappointment and success, and perseverance. It is also an enjoyable game to watch as well as to play. We believe that quality soccer can and should be developed and that it can and should be fun. Therefore, the emphasis of our program is not on who wins but how did the individuals and teams develop and did they have fun in doing so. We want for all particiapnts to reach their full, age-appropriate potential and to enjoy themselves in the process.

As spectators, we must all realize that the players are trying their very best and deserve our very best in the way of support and encouragement. Negative comments have no place on the field or on the sidelines. We need to recognize that the effort of each player is 100% well intended and encourage each player to maintain that effort.

Allow the coach to be the sole source of coaching during the game, communicating tactical or technical adjustments to the players. As a coach, be sure that your coaching during the game is limited, positive, and instructive. Giving play by play instructions to the players thwarts their ability to put into effect the lessons you have stressed in practices and disallows them the opportunity to think on their feet.

An important aspect of the AYSO program is sportsmanship. Our children need to experience:

1. the fun of hard fought but fair competition
2. winning graciously
3. losing graciously
4. improving one's abilities through practice
5. learning the social skills involved in becoming a member of a team, and
6. acknowledging good play by teammates as well as opponents

One of the ways in which our children can learn and continue to have these experiences is by our demonstration of good sideline behavior. Our children learn by watching our conduct. Keep a positive outlook and demonstrate it by supporting the coaches, the players, and the referees, in spite of any mistakes they may make during the course of a game.

Thanks to Tucson Region 153 (Where We Borrowed This)