Soccer parents should be seen and not heard

One of the most welcome developments in schoolboy soccer this year has been the 'Silent Sideline Weekend' initiative.

This is where parents and coaches alike are urged to let the kids play the game without the distraction of expert advice or criticism being shouted from the edge of the pitch. However well intentioned, loudly expressed words of encouragement often have the effect of intimidating the youngsters and hampering their development as players.

Skills: kids should be allowed to enjoy the game. STOCK PHOTO

As a father of two sons involved in schoolboy soccer, I am happy to report that the majority of parents, coaches and supporters generally behave in an exemplary manner. But there have been some exceptions.

I've witnessed unacceptable behaviour from a minority of parents over the years. Some can be incredibly critical of their kids and you shudder to think of what the car ride home is going to be like if the result doesn't go their way. You'd wonder if they are trying to live their own unfulfilled sporting dreams through their children.

I recall one particularly nasty incident when a parent positioned himself directly behind the goalkeeper - his son - and shouted instructions in his ear for most of the match. For the rest of the time he hurled abuse at the young referee and almost came to blows with the coach from the opposing team who had asked him to calm down. It was an uncomfortable spectacle for the kids. They just wanted to play the game that they loved and weren't really all that bothered about the final score.

Young soccer players need to make their own judgements and mistakes. It's how they learn to progress. The coach can offer them constructive advice at half time or when the match is over. They should be able to communicate with each other on the pitch without being drowned out by deafening roars from the sidelines.

It's a sad fact that a number of referees have quit schoolboy soccer due to intimidating and thuggish behaviour by some parents. There should be zero tolerance by clubs for this type of behaviour. I imagine it's a problem not just confined to soccer.

When it comes to letting your kids enjoy their sport, it should be a case of parents being seen and not heard.