Soccer game etiquette 101

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. It 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.

My personal story minidoc 

Learn more about me in the video below.  My passion is for parents, players and coaches to be more equipped to help our futbol community. 

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. Happily 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 and 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 another kid. I just can’t understand either. 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.