ST. PETE RAIDERS

Bringing Soccer to Pinellas County Families Since 1970

Game Day Protocol

A note from Tony Paris

Game Day Protocol

What every Parent should read!

Game day arrives and the excitement mounts! A short drive to the field leaving just enough time to give your child a pep talk on what they need to do today when the whistle blows.  Then standing proud when your child starts to play with no better time to start reinforcing your pre game talk, how exciting!
 The game starts, you get lost in the moment and you start feeding information to your child of, turn, shoot, pass, etc etc. Does this sound familiar? Are you that parent? If so it’s imperative that you read the following text.

What every Parent should read!

Game day arrives and the excitement mounts! A short drive to the field leaving just enough time to give your child a pep talk on what they need to do today when the whistle blows.  Then standing proud when your child starts to play with no better time to start reinforcing your pre game talk, how exciting!
 The game starts, you get lost in the moment and you start feeding information to your child of, turn, shoot, pass, etc etc. Does this sound familiar? Are you that parent? If so it’s imperative that you read the following text.
Although you have every good intention in the world, there is nothing more prohibitive for your child’s development than playing the game for them. This in turn takes away their thought process thus making them reliant on advice from the line to perform a technical skill. You probably have no idea how damaging this is for a youth player.
These decisions need to be the players and the players alone, right or wrong, this is how they learn. This of course is also in detriment to the coaches and their sideline coaching.
So, what is the correct protocol for game day?
Cheer and encourage the team and not just your child... Do not criticize your child, or for that matter anybody else’s. Make them feel special and always be positive. This is not the MLS, or come to that the World Cup, but Youth players enjoying a game of soccer. FYI, Burn out is 75% in all sports at age 14 so let’s keep it fun and keep the Kids playing.
 
Post-game?
No interrogations as to why or what for. But a ride home via a restaurant and positives all the way. No one will remember this game come Monday, so take it for what it is.
The truth of the matter is that if the game is fun and unpressured then the players will perform better and enjoy what they do and keep playing.
“You can be the difference”.
 
Tony Paris
Executive Director
Everton FL (Pinellas/Pasco)

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