Welcome to the Parent Resource Center! Whether you’re new to soccer or a seasoned supporter, this page is designed to provide everything you need to help your child succeed on and off the field. Explore the videos and articles that are tailored for young athletes and alike. 

SSA PARENT/SPECTATOR GUIDELINES 

Allowing our players a positive environment to thrive, learn, and develop at soccer is a core value for all members of the Swansboro Soccer Association (SSA). It is critical that parents are involved in their player's development on and off the pitch. However, SSA also encourages a positive and encouraging role that a parent should play. 

Below are a few basic guidelines SSA has developed that are geared towards making a positive and supportive players experience. Parents and/or spectators conduct that is in direct conflict with the guidelines listed may result in disciplinary action, including but no limited to suspension for you and your player.

Let the Coaches Coach!
Only the voices of the coaching staff should be heard during training sessions and matches. You do not know the tactical strategy that the coaches and team have prepared for the match. Parents and/or spectators should not be telling their player to do something. If you are, you are coaching. You may think you are being helpful; however, you do not know what the coach has told them to do during the match. It could be completely different from what the players practice and are being told to do. This situation creates confusion and is not beneficial for the players. All parents and spectators need to do is cheer, encourage, support the players, but do not coach them.

Let the Players Play!
Youth soccer is difficult enough and is made even more difficult when parents are yelling from the sidelines.

Sideline Negativity!
Negative comments regarding players and/or coaches to either team are not beneficial for anyone. For a team to be successful, positivity starts at home. Sideline negativity spreads worse than the flu. If you have an issue, speak directly to your coach. If the issue is not important enough to speak to your coach about it, do not speak about it at all.

Keeping the Sideline Positive!
Positive sideline comments are the only thing we need to hear from parents and/or spectators. You need to be a fan of the game and cheer on your player and team.

Avoid Interactions with Parents from other teams!
In many instances the opposing team parents are there for the same reason, to support and cheer on their player and team. The other team’s parents can be a source of fantastic conversations. Yet, there will be times when there are negative parents it is best not to engage.