What is "Silent Saturday"?
Silent Saturday has been instituted in AYSO Regions throughout the country finding a great deal of success. Its main purpose is to just let the kids play and have fun without having to worry about how their performance is affecting the adults on the sidelines. “Silent Saturday” is a throwback to the old schoolyard days when kids would get together after school and on weekends just to play the sport all day without regard to who was winning and repercussions for poor play and decision-making.
The purpose is to let the players learn and enjoy the game for themselves and with their teammates. Kids need to make their own decisions in soccer, right or wrong, to develop as successful players. This helps them think on their feet during a game and not rely on the instructions their parents or coaches are yelling from the sidelines (which they usually can’t hear, much less process, during the game anyway).
The objectives of holding a Silent Saturday are:
• To reemphasize that the game is about letting the kids play and have fun.
• To support our volunteer referees, both youth and adult, by eliminating sideline interference and comments.
• To give players the chance to trust their skills and instincts without sideline input, and without concern that their mistakes will be corrected from the sidelines in a game environment.
• To encourage leadership skills among the individual players as they have the unique opportunity of giving their own instruction on the field.
• To encourage a sense of true teamwork as the players must learn to rely upon one another and communicate with each other accordingly.
• To remind coaches, parents, spectators and players that PRACTICE is the time for instruction. Games are the showcases for learning.
• To help the few parents and coaches who feel they must provide constant direction, and to understand that the kids can play very well on their own with limited instruction.
Kids have the right to play soccer without having to hear:
“Wake up! Don't just stand there!”
“You have GOT to be kidding me!”
“Watch the game, ref, you might enjoy it.”
“GO TO THE BALL!”
These are all actual comments that have been heard during some of our games. Parents.... Coaches.... just let the kids play and have fun!
RULES FOR SILENT SATURDAY
Spectators
Please be advised that you may not make any verbal comments on the game or direct any comments to the players, referees or coaches - on or off the field. We are not asking you NOT to cheer for your players. We are simply asking you to do so in a silent manner. Clapping, not yelling or cheering, IS allowed. Be creative in how you choose to cheer your child's team - make signs to hold up, bring a rally towel in the team’s color and wave it wildly, there are lots of ways to cheer other than verbally. Noisemakers are not allowed.
Coaches
You may not provide any direction - verbal or non-verbal - to players who are on the field. You make speak quietly to any players who are on the bench, but DO NOT give those players instructions to yell out to their teammates! Coaches may address the players at a normal tone before and after the game, during water breaks and during halftime.
* 5U, 6U coaches will be allowed to provide instruction on the field.
* 7U & 8U coaches may provide instruction to all players, but we ask that you do so quietly and minimally during the game (keep the game flowing but try to let the kids play and figure it out).
Players
You are encouraged to speak to each other on the field. You are free to support each other and provide direction to each other. Players on the bench may cheer freely in a positive manner but may not provide instruction to those on the field.
Referees
Referees have been instructed that if spectators and coaches are not following the rules, the referees are to stop the game and issue a warning. The referee will then have the option to give a second warning if the behavior continues, or to terminate the game.
Let's always encourage and support our players while they are learning and playing the game, but for this Saturday, “Mums the Word!"