sideline etiquette and code of conduct

Negative spectator sideline behavior can have a detrimental effect on players, referees, coaches, and other spectators. During any youth game you will see a parent sideline with a variety of different approaches on how to cheer on their young and developing athlete. While all parents want to see their player succeed, it can be very tricky to find a point where you are giving your player encouragement and support and not overstepping your role as a parent on the team.

sideline etiquette

As soccer is a very passionate sport and many times the passion of the moment can overtake sound logic, here are tips that can help keep things in perspective in the moment:

• Allow players to play, referees to officiate, and coaches to coach. The spectators role is to watch and cheer their players. Negative comments towards opposing players, referees, or your own players ruins the game for all involved.

• Avoid coaching from the sideline. Coaching instruction comes from the bench on the opposite side of the field. A spectator’s job is to cheer and watch.

• Never comment on, talk to, or scream at the referees. Most referees in Colorado are young and impressionable and are learning just as the players are. The referees have no stake in a youth game are doing the best job that they can. Your comments and conduct towards a referee bogs the game down and doesn’t help anyone.

code of conduct

Click the button below to download a PDF of the code of conduct, which serves as a general overview of how spectators should conduct themselves on the sideline of a soccer game.

Your club may have a code of conduct specific to your club in addition to the one below.