As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of youngsters. Through your encouragement and good example, you can help assure that all the boys and girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. In AYSO, young people learn to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and deal appropriately with defeat - all while becoming physically fit and healthy. Best of all, they have fun. What Are Your Responsibilities? Support your child by giving encouragement and showing an interest in their team. Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than victory. Your child will be a winner, even in defeat.   Always be positive. Parents contribute to success experienced by their child and the team by being role models. Applaud good plays by your child's team and by members of the opposing team. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sporting activities.   Be enthusiastic and supportive. Remember that your child is the one playing soccer, not you. It is important to let children establish their own goals, to play the game for themselves. Be careful not to impose your own standards and goals on your child. Don't put too heavy a burden on your child to win games. Children play for the fun of playing.   Reinforce positive behavior. The best way to help a child to achieve goals and reduce the natural fear of failure is through positive reinforcement. No one likes to make a mistakes. If you child does make one, remember that he or she is still learning. Encourage your child's efforts and point out the good things they have accomplished.   Don't be a sideline coach or referee. Coaches and referees are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to help make your child's youth soccer experience a positive one. They need your support too. That means refraining from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. If you have an interest in becoming a coach or referee, we'd love for you to volunteer! (Click Here to go to Volunteer Page.)   Often, in our enthusiasm, we are prone to yell instructions to the players. This often leads to confusion, as these instructions may be contrary to those of the Coach. So please refrain from yelling instructions during the game.   Referees are required to properly conduct a game. While you may not always agree with their decisions, they are final. No useful purpose is served by shouting disagreement or derogatory remarks. Referees are not the bad guys. Treat them and their calls fairly and respectfully.

   RIVER SOCCER