One thing soccer fans, parents, and players are known for is Passion. During games it’s important to have game etiquette. We swear by our colors, our team, excuse a bad season, honor the best players no matter who they play for…and it shows in where we spend our money, our conversations, and our time. Our kids can assume these traits too. Passion is a great thing – but it cannot override good judgement or fundamental teachings of the game. Beyond knowing the basic rules and what to expect in playing there are 5 areas I consider to be vital to teaching kids about the spirit of the game [aka Game Etiquette].
Communicate in soccer
Your teammates and coach will appreciate the player who knows the game and how it should be played and then turns that knowledge into loud, directive communication.
Communication lets the other teammates know what is going on and where they need to be [especially if you’re a defender].
Sometimes I have to think and remember that most of what I know in soccer is from learning it from a coach.
Once we know the knowledge it’s easy to think that everyone should know it. I encourage players to ask coaches questions often.
Be consistent for your personal brand
Moody and unpredictable players are not passionate. They have a bad attitude and that distinguishes the talented athlete from the mature competitor.
The spirit of the game is to work harder than anyone else and stay positive.
MINDSET [ATTITUDE] MATTERS… You have to control your emotions and make good choices to protect your personal brand – like this.
My personal story [mini-doc]
My passion is for parents, players and coaches to be more equipped to help our futbol community.
Every week I receive emails and texts with questions about every topic in soccer… It’s fun to be able to help people with their problems and also to hear about their success. I remember going through the same things as a kid…
Now it’s all about helping the new futbol generation [you].
Learn more about me in the video below…
Be a good TEAMmate
Not everyone can be the star forward, scoring goals and getting their name in the newspaper. Not everyone can play 2 soccer positions. Therefore, go where you are needed, even if you don’t ‘get it’. Do what is best for the team and keep a good attitude about it.
If you’re one of the few who is not position-specific or if you see ways someone else can improve their game, then make sure your own game represents stellar work ethic first. Then frame your observations in a positive way.
Be ready to receive the same kind of feedback you’re dishing out. This is part of having game etiquette.
Knowing the rules helps you have game etiquette
Respect the officials, coaches, parents, and other players [yes, this includes the other team too] and the time they put in for free.
Guard your mouth, mind, and moves – not only does no one truly like a bully [and yes a spoiled child can also be a bully] but people of all ages generally do not respect a dirty player.
Players who say ugly and unnecessary personal comments [especially about race or ethnicity or family – you get the idea] don’t last long in a more mature setting.
Remember that as you get older soccer begins to be viewed as having the potential to be a player’s livelihood and threatening that potential with poor sportsmanship is frowned upon.
Be respectful at soccer games
When you choose to respect the game and those around you then you will find that you are well-respected in a return.
Be a gracious loser and a gracious winner… Parents [& kids] remember that the other team is not ‘evil’ or ‘the enemy’ or anything else like that.
While there may be a bad apple on the team the HUGE majority of parents I have met want their kids to learn good soccer, good sportsmanship and good friendships and memories.
Soccer really takes over emotions sometimes, so again be consistent with your actions and words.
Maintain game etiquette while dealing with unacceptable parents
This unfortunately is something we hear about a lot. Soccer parents who are mean on the sideline at either their own kid or the other team.
It’s hard to understand that adults would act with such low class. But it happens and I just want to get it out to who I know, so that you are ready in case you witness it.
What will you do? I’m just saying be ready to have talks as a family before or after these things come up.
Soccer gives us that fast track in terms of dealing with people. We all know that some people are crazy, and all we can do is stay classy and help each other.
Secret fast-track soccer development
For players and teams who want to improve, this is a must. Twenty – thirty minutes a week working on your own.
Get my online ball control courses. A one time purchase you won’t regret.
Watch these 2 video samples for basic skills and for more advanced level players.
You can contact me to send video or ask questions anytime you want for feedback. I love being able to help!
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