PARENTS, COACHES and REFEREES together have an enormous impact on the lives of young soccer players. How can we make soccer a positive and enjoyable experience for our youth players?

Each parent must be held accountable for their actions and teach their children to do the same. Referees, coaches and parents are role models from which our youth learn behaviors that they will carry into adulthood. When adults in the soccer community demonstrate cooperation, respect and maturity, these qualities will be encouraged in the players.

1. Take a course on the Laws.
2. Be accepting of the referee's decisions.
3. Remain calm.
4. Do not make loud, offensive remarks.
5. Concentrate on coaching, rather than on the accuracy of referee's decisions.
6. Be a role model of fair play.
7. Be positive; avoid confrontation with any official
8. During games, leave the decisions to the players.
9. Attend coaching classes to learn the most effective ways to conduct practices.
10. Give good guidelines to parents.
11. Set high standards.
12. Be firm with parents at games.
13. Teach skills and fair tactics.
14. Discourage unfair play and poor sportsmanship.
15. Communicate with parents often in meetings and social gatherings.
16. Play the game and encourage parents to play and to referee.
17. Referee games.
18. Delegate responsibilities.