Story and photos submitted by Nor’West London SC
Silent Sideline Week is a (silent) movement working its way across the face of soccer June 16-22!
Too often in kids’ sports, adults, parents and coaches become overly vocal in their approach to working with young athletes. The game is a time when kids can make decisions for themselves without having adults shout different instructions at them. When adults call out from the sidelines, they’re not just invading the children’s playtime, they’re also preventing children from developing decision-making skills and learning the game in a natural manner.
However well-intentioned, the results are not always positive. With a Silent Sideline Week, coaches and parents keep talking to a minimum on the sidelines. One coach from each team is given the task of instructing (not during the game) and player substitution, while everyone else stays silent – simply watching. Supporters can clap to show enthusiasm, but they are restricted from coaching from the sidelines.
“Sideline shouting is just distracting,” says Chris Loucks, Nor’West’s Technical Director. “We need to educate parents on stages of development. We expect far too much from children at a young age. We must not forget that children are not adults.”
Here’s how it works:
“We want every team in Nor’West to support Silent Sideline Week. Not everyone is going to agree with this idea, but one thing is for sure, the players and referees will!” Mike Corcelli – NW House League Director
“Other Ontario clubs including Strathroy, Windsor and Ajax are already participating and the OSA is very supportive. We’d love to see ALL local youth clubs participate! With the sidelines quiet, players have the chance to make their own split-second decisions on the pitch and learn by them. Instead of being distracted by the stream of noise that usually exists, the kids playing get the opportunity to communicate with one another, deciding who will take the throw-ins, the goal-kicks, free-kicks or the corner kicks, etc. This also gives players time to think and focus on what they are about to do.” Jennifer Jaquith – NW Administrator
Many teams have great coaches and parents who already give minimal instruction and focus on the positives in a game. This exercise is to highlight the over coaching from adults on the sideline across kids sport.
Learn more about Silent Sideline Week: silentsidelines@outlook.com or Tweet @silentsidelines
www.norwestsoccer.com
