Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association
Civility Program
"Think About It…"

SCENARIO 6

Age: U10

Gender: Male

Level: Second Division

Situation:
Throughout the entire first half the home team has been "trash talking", cursing and gesturing to the opposing players. The comments are frequently audible to all coaches and parents. For example, just as an opposing player is about to shoot, a defender two yards away yells "miss it". The "offending" side's parents show overt complacency despite being obviously aware of the players' "language".

Special Circumstances:
1. The coach of the team on the receiving end of the comments calmly attempts to ask the referee to intervene.
2. The parents of the team on the receiving side, though obviously bothered, do not get "involved".

Food For Thought:
1. Consider the age of the players.
2. Consider the "Laws of the Game".
3. Is the language a result of escalating tensions?
4. Is possible escalation reason enough for intervention?
5. Who can do what?
6. Who SHOULD do what?

What Would You Do?
As a parent
As a coach
As a player
As a referee

Supporting Materials
1. Fortanasce, V. (2001). Life lessons from soccer: What your child can learn on and off the field - A guide for parents and coaches. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster.
2. Goodman, G. (2000). 101 things parents should know before volunteering to coach their kid's sports teams. Chicago, IL: Contemporary Books.
3. Hochevar, G. (1989). Who's coaching your kids? Washington, DC: Safesports Publishing Company.