Dear Members  & Friends  of CBAA Soccer,

 

I want to thank you for taking the time to read and consider this message about overall conduct during youth sporting events.

 

We have received numerous reports from parents, coaches and from the leagues that we play in that suggest that the number of "bad conduct" incidents involving parents and coaches are occurring at higher rate than "normal" this year. Recent league meetings have been focused on how best to deal with the issue of "bad conduct". The incidents are not limited to any one club, intramural vs. travel, younger vs. older, girls/boys or parents, coaches and referees. Indeed, we are seeing problem behavior in all aspects of the game. Things like verbal abuse of players by coaches, disrespectful language and consistent berating of referees by both parents and coaches, even fist fights between opposing teams (parents, coaches and players).

 

Fortunately, a vast majority of those participating in youth soccer are enjoying the many positive aspects of the sport. Our club's Directors of Coaching have said that the level of play this year has surpassed last year in many categories. We are enjoying a very successful year.

 

Much of the negative behavior that surfaces from time to time can be attributed to lack of patience and frustration. I believe that the best method of addressing the problems is through better education and communication. CBAA has established a partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) to provide an educational resource that is focused on good sportsmanship. Please learn more by visiting the PCA website: http://www.positivecoach.org/ 

 

We are currently working on curriculum that will be available for all members of CBAA Intramural and  Buckingham United Soccer. These sessions will be mandatory for team coaches and we will strongly encourage parent participation in upcoming events that we will be hosting (dates/locations to be determined).

 

Our members do not require a course in sportsmanship to understand the basic principles of good conduct and common courtesy towards others. Many of the people involved in youth sports are unpaid volunteers or receive modest payments and have the best interest of our children in mind.

 

Referees and coaches are serving our youth with the goal of doing their very best to ensure a safe and fair playing environment. The club expects positive parent conduct when interacting with coaches and referees. We have established standards and curriculum for age-appropriate player development and game preparation that coaches are expected to adhere to. Parents should not interfere with practice or game preparation of the team unless specifically asked. Please respect the role of our coaches so that they can focus on activities that benefit the entire team.

 

There is a critical shortage of referees especially younger referees for youth soccer games. The primary reason that younger referees leave the game (and a part-time job), is the abuse they receive from parents and coaches. Ask yourself and then consider your behavior - would you want your teenager being verbally or possibly physically threatened by a stranger at their part-time job?

 

It is almost an American pastime to second guess a referee or coaching decision. A vast majority of our referees and coaches have spent considerable time on training and education and deserve our support. While you may disagree with their judgment on occasion, they are charged with the responsibility for a maintaining a safe environment for our children. Please respect their important contribution to the game.

 

Keep in mind these guiding principles as you enjoy helping or watching our children learning to play the game.

 

Best,

  

Drew Barlow

Conduct Director, CBAA Soccer