Game-day management: Know the rules. Read your age appropriate league rules to understand field dimensions, standards, and rules for your games. Discuss and teach regulations and work to understand the reasons behind the modifications; for example, understand that the build-out line rules provide the opportunity for younger teams to learn how to play out of the backfield without high pressure. Leverage the training opportunity to develop effectively for the 11 v 11 field, rather than encouraging easy won goals or "tennis match" play on a short field. Familiarize yourself with the Laws of the Game as well. Understanding referee decisions proactively helps keep game-day under control. Print your official roster and deliver 2 copies on game day (1 to the referee and 1 to the opposing manager) - this is a rule that will disqualify the match if not adhered to. Manage your game plan. Map out your game-day strategy (gather attendance proactively, set your lineup and plan your substitutions to avoid game time chaos and ensure equitable play time). Insist upon a safe and respectful game-day environment. Ensure that players understand the expectation to play safely even when stakes are high; a "win at any cost" mentality leads to inconsistent or unsustainable results, reduced skill development, punitive procedures, and injuries. Be mindful of safety concerns like field conditions, weather conditions, concussion or injury protocols. Ensure you are up to date on certifications and education (concussion awareness, safesport, cardiac arrest awareness, etc.) | Sideline management can make or break your season. A positive training and game time environment supports player development - without fear of failure. A negative environment can stall player development and reduce player enjoyment, engagement, and retention in the sport. It is important to set expectations with sidelines and effectively communicate goals so parents can remain positive and supportive of the team and effort that they see, and not only the result. Often, negative sidelines are a matter of people simply not understanding what success looks like. Communicate the principles that you're working on and the tactical improvements that you're working on so parents can reward efforts; ball control, positional awareness, risk-taking (like taking on opponents 1 v 1), or complex strategies (like switching point of attack) are all cheer worthy opportunities that demonstrate learning and lead to goal scoring opportunities eventually. SRSC insists upon a culture of respect on our fields (home and away) and will always support coaches and referees in maintaining supportive sideline etiquette. Club expectations are that referee decisions are respected. Coaches should inquire (appropriately) to understand calls when clarification is needed, but should generally accept referee decisions without debate and encourage players and sidelines to do the same (even if there are disagreements). Acceptance of referee decisions without heavy criticism or debate teaches our players to work through the challenges that they encounter without dwelling on things they can't control - a very good skill. Referee evaluations should be completed. If you feel that game quality or safety was compromised, or if disciplinary action (yellow or red card issued) please report issues/concerns to the club: contact Brianna Warthan (VP Development). Referee shortages impact training and experience norms - constructive feedback from our trusted coaches is so valuable in improving. The Silent Sideline How to handle questionable referee decisions |