Silent Saturday Oct 24, 2009

The CSA/OPRA Rec League has decided that Saturday, Oct 24, 2009 will be Silent Saturday at McAlpine Elementary fields. We ask that all coaches, players, parents and spectators support the true spirit of youth soccer on Silent Saturday!

It has been found that kids are often confused and embarrassed by the sideline input from enthusiastic coaches and fans. While the intentions are often good, the effects can often undermine a child’s self esteem and possibly cause a child not to want to participate or play their best. Silent Saturday is an effort to allow everyone to experience soccer in a different way– a quieter game with less pressure for the players and the referees! Silent Saturdays have been successful in many soccer leagues across the country including Georgia, California, Massachussetts, Ohio, Illinois to name only a few. Please support your child by following the guidelines of Silent Saturday.

Note: We will be providing all parents with lollipops as a reminder.

Remember it’s all about the kids!

The Objectives of Silent Saturday:

To reemphasize that the game is about letting the kids play and have fun.

To help the few parents and coaches, who feel they must provide constant direction, realize that kids can play very well with limited instruction.

To allow players to take control of their game, make their own decisions & improve communication on the field.

To foster a sense of teamwork among the players.

To eliminate the ever increasing questioning of referees’ calls by coaches and parents.

To take pressure off the players and referees.

Silent Saturday Guidelines:

Parents and spectators may provide support to the players by clapping only (nothing verbal). Parents are also encouraged to make posters or banners showing support for their child.

Parents and spectators may not direct any comments regarding the game to the players or referees on the field or sidelines.

ONE coach per team may provide MINIMAL instruction/correction to players on the field, correcting only the most obvious errors.

Coaches may quietly instruct the players on the sideline.

Players on the sidelines may not instruct field players from the sideline.

Players on the sidelines are encouraged to CHEER WILDLY in support of the players on the field (NO NEGATIVE COMMENTS).javascript:void(0)

Field players are encouraged to talk to and encourage each other on the field.

Please be aware that referees will remind coaches of the Silent Saturday guidelines if necessary. Referees will not, however, enforce Silent Saturday requirements– this is the coaches’ responsibility and we hope that all coaches will want to support the goals of Silent Saturday. So parents, please set a good example and lets make this a fun day for the kids.

Thank you.