Parent Guidelines

Parent Guidelines

DURING PRACTICES, WE ASK THAT PARENTS:

  • Do not coach their child.
  • Stay away from the perimeter of the field and watch from a distance. Our coaching staff wants to run sessions efficiently without parental distractions.
  • Save questions until the end of practice. We are always willing to answer questions. However, we want to stay fully engaged on the sessions and the organization of the players.

DURING GAMES, WE ASK THAT PARENTS:

  • Let the players play and the coaches coach. Do not yell instructions to dribble, pass, or shoot.
  • Stay on the opposite side from the coaches and players.There is a parent sideline and a player/coach sideline.
  • Do not stand behind or near the goals. This is a distraction to our keepers, players, and opponents.
  • Do not come over once game starts. Release the player to their coach for pregame, halftime, and post game activities.
  • Respect the 24-hour rule. Parents may be tempted to voice their concerns immediately after a game. Coaches are instructed to avoid any detailed discussions until the day after the game.

REFRAIN FROM SUGGESTIONS THAT INTERUPT PLAYER, TEAM, AND COACH DYNAMICS.

Coaches observe parents giving suggestions during these moments:

  • Team warm ups– A time where the player needs to be with teammates and coach, not parent.
  • Water Breaks – Players are asked to keep water close to them to avoid parent interference.
  • The shoelace trick– Parent will call their child over to tie shoes, not releasing the player entirely to their coach and team. Players can tie their own shoes or have the coach help.

WHAT WE SEE MAY BE DIFFERENT THAN WHAT PARENTS SEE

Coaches are working on various topics at practices and have a set of goals they are trying to achieve at games. It is common for parents to try and correct things other then those that the coach is accentuating at a certain time.

GUIDED DISCOVERY

The staff is expected to let players make their own choices in order to encourage risks and have them find solutions to certain game situations. Although coaches will be vocal at times, they shouldn’t “direct” every move. Players don’t need to hear their coach’s voice at all times.

Parents who yell out instructions while a player is trying to make their own decisions, fall into a reverse dependency trap.

AVOID NEGATIVE COMMENTS TOWARD PLAYERS, PARENTS, AND REFEREES

Competitions may reach tumultuous moments where composure is tested and the reason for playing can be lost. We ask that parents refrain from any negative language that may be witnessed from other clubs. Please help safeguard SABA’s reputation.

Consequences for negative comments include:

  • Suspension of parent from practices or games
  • Removal of player from SABA if conduct interferes with positive team dynamics

CONSEQUENCES FOR PLAYERS AND PARENTS WHEN GUIDELINES ARE NOT FOLLOWED

Parents should only encourage the team and the players. Any comments to other players can result in parents being suspended from attending games. Continuous coaching instructions from the sideline will cost your child playing time.

IN CASE OF INJURY

In case of and injury, coaches will handle it and call parents over if needed.  Please refrain from entering the field unless coaches ask for yourassistance. If an injury occurs when parents are not present, the staff will make sure to follow up after the game or practice. Serious injuries will be communicated immediately.

PARENTS SHOULD….

  1. Ensure players have all the proper gear so that they are able to participate at all practices and games.
  2. Encourage their child to be responsible for their equipment so they do not blame parents. Players should pack their own gear.
  3. Ensure players get plenty of rest the night before the game.
  4. Support proper nutrition prior to games. We still see players eating poorly close to game time. This affects a player’s performance level that parents may blame on other areas. Performance begins with proper fueling.