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to support some coaches, especially if a promising team takes a turn for the worse. In such cases try not to undermine the coach. Even if the coach departs the team midway through the season, the successor will have a very hard time remolding the team in strife.

You are not the coach
There is gorge of a difference between cheering and coaching. You can cheer to your hearts content, but be careful that you have not crossed the bridge to the area of coaching. Coaching is calling plays. It can distract the players and annoy them. If you annoy the players you are getting into their mind space and probably compromising their focus on the game. Listen to the words that come out of your mouth, are they cheering or coaching in nature?

It is not your dream come true
As a parent you are there for your child. You are not the player. When your child makes the next level of soccer, it is not your dream come true. It is your child's achievement. That may seem like an easy thing to understand, but some parents apparently get this confused. I have seen even very smart parents planning the moves of their child. That may work for the under teen child but things will change as your child develops.

Let your child also developed his her own dreams. Share in the joy and support your child, even if your child makes a decision that is not exactly buzzing in your mind. Have some discussion all major decisions, but know that you are not the main player.

Respect the officials
How many times have your heard that one. Comments like "good call", "offside", or "penalty shot" from the stands can annoy a referee. I've seen referee call on the coach to make the parents of the players stop making calls' from the bleachers. Do not get adversarial with the referee and don't embarrass your child, your players, and your coaching team, and yourself.

Lose and win gracefully
In a competition you will win and loose. Your team will loose and win. Sometimes it is happens in apparently unfair circumstances. Be graceful in winning and loosing. "It is how you play the game" means something.

Be honest
If a call is made or not made unjustly, so vocalize. Be careful that you are not giving directions or a lecture. Most times the "aaahh" are more effective than barks of indignation. If the team or a player did not play well, there is no need to try and paper over it. Most players and coaches know when game goes badly. Again always be diplomatic.

Injuries
Soccer is not a contact sport, but it is a fast and involved sport. Concussions, sprains, bone fractures, and other injuries happen. If your child is involved, the ages of your child is important on how you should react. "Should" and not "will" react. With the younger child, your presence and comfort is very important. With the older child, the coaching teams lead is more important and you "should" take a back seat to them.

If the injuring requires an ambulance, your advocacy and comforting becomes very important.

Conclusion
Soccer is a great sport. You will get many years of joy, involvement, and opportunities to meet people, relax and cheer on. You as a parent can be a great soccer parent or an embarrassment to your child and the team.

Learn more about this author, Jobie Weetaluktuk.
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