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AYSO Region 143

Silent Saturday

SILENT SATURDAY IS OCTOBER 2nd 2021

Silent Saturday is October 2nd, 2021 and applies to ALL 9U and above games played on Area 11K fields (Core and EXTRA).

A NOTE FROM REGION 143 COMMISSIONER:  Region 143 wants to hear cheering when a goal is scored.  We believe in what the Silent Saturday program is about and the spirit of the event in letting the kids play without constant coaching from both coaches and parents... LET THEM PLAY!  But, we firmly believe that when a goal is scored, it needs to be celebrated.  So please cheer for the goals while doing our best to observe the other Silent Saturday guidelines.  It can be a really great experience to see the kids just play without all the distractions.

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AREA 11K SILENT SATURDAY

Area 11K will once again observe and participate in Silent Saturday.  We recognize that most parents just cheer for the kids and the kids love that cheering!  However, the loss of cheering for one game is worth it to meet the following criteria:

  • Respect for the game, the opponents and each other.
  • To emphasize that soccer is a "players" game
  • 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 remind everyone that youth soccer is primarily for the purpose of kids playing, learning, and having fun

While constructive, the fact of the matter is that the games have become so loud that the players often have difficulty hearing and communicating with each other on the field.  Taking one game off from any verbal interference may help adults gain perspective on just how loud it has been in the past.  Hopefully, this effect will carry over into games in the weeks that follow.

Silent Saturdays have been tried in communities all over the country.  While there have been mixed reviews on Silent Saturdays, it has been successful overall.  We ask for your support and patience at this event in hopes that the players will have a unique experience of playing soccer, while allowing their coaches, parents, and spectators to sit and enjoy watching their children play soccer.

AREA 11K SILENT SATURDAY
GUIDELINES:

Silent Saturday should not apply to 6U, 7U, and 8U divisions.  However, coaches spectators, and referees should offer a friendly reminder to those whose comments are not Positive, Instructional, or Encouraging.

Coaches and parents/spectators in ALL other divisions 9U-19U are asked to observe the rules of Silence of the day.

No one except the referee(s) and the players can talk during the game.

Coaches should provide minimal direction to players who are on the field.   Coaches are permitted to speak to their players during substitution breaks, at halftime, and before the game.  Coaches may quietly speak to their players on the sidelines, giving them instructions to carry out on the field such as "Joey, I want you to switch positions with Tommy, and make sure Billy gets a chance to do a thrown-in, ok?".  Nothing more.  Giving instructions ACROSS the field is NOT encouraged.

Coaches are expected to fully understand, cooperate, and communicate to every team member and parent what the goal, philosophy, and expected behavior of Silent Saturday is.

Each team is to self-assign a field monitor parent on their sideline of their game.  However, ultimately it is the responsibility for the coach to control his/her sideline.

Parents and spectators are to remain quiet for the duration of the game.  They are not to direct any comments to the player or referee(s) - on or off the field.  It is suggested that those found talking, cheering, or making any verbal noise should be given a lollipop in jest.

Parents and players are encouraged to make posters, signs, and banners,  However, if the poster/sign/banner is in reference to a player, it may show either their name OR jersey #, but not BOTH or it will be in violation of AYSO Safe Haven rules.

Parents are encouraged to applaud/clap - as this is the ONLY way to cheer during Silent Saturday  Absolutely no horns, whistles, or noise-makers.

Let's always encourage and support our players while they are learning and playing the game, but on Silent Saturday - "Mum's the word!"

Have a great Saturday!
Region 143

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AYSO Region 143

5312 Sisson Dr 
Huntington Beach, California 92649

Email Us: [email protected]
Phone : 714-794-5043
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