Games

⏱️ Game Day Arrival & What to Bring

To help your child feel prepared and focused, we ask that families follow these simple steps on game day:

ARRIVAL TIME

Please arrive at least 20–30 minutes before game time.

This allows time for:

• Team warm-up and stretching

• Coach instructions and lineup

• Players to mentally prepare without feeling rushed

✅ On-time arrival helps the whole team start strong.

WHAT TO BRING

Make sure your child has the following every game:

• Full uniform (jersey, black shorts, black socks)

• Shin guards (worn under socks)

• Soccer cleats

• Size 4 soccer ball

• Water bottle (labeled if possible)

☀️ On hot days, consider bringing extra water or a cooling towel.

QUICK REMINDERS

• Please use the restroom before arrival, especially at fields with limited access.

• If your child will be late or absent, let the coach know as early as possible.

• Label personal items to avoid mix-ups.

• Keep snacks light (no candy or sports drinks before the game).

When in Doubt

Reach out to your coach or team manager before game day if you have any questions!

Game Day Guidelines for Parents

What We Encourage:

• Cheering and Clapping
  Positive energy is welcome! Applaud effort, hustle, teamwork, and great plays — for both teams.

• Phrases that Support
  Examples:

  • “Great effort!”

  • “Keep going!”

  • “Nice try!”

  • “Let’s go, Dallas South!”

🚫 What to Avoid: Sideline Coaching

Sideline coaching is giving instructions to players during the game, such as:

• “Pass it!”

• “Shoot it!”

• “Go to the ball!”

• “Spread out!”

• “Dribble down the line!”

Even when well-intended, it can:

• Confuse players (they may hear different instructions from the coach and parent)

• Distract them from making their own decisions

• Create pressure and reduce enjoyment

Great idea — connecting those two ideas will help parents better understand the bigger picture. Here’s the revised section, combining “No Coaching from Parents” with “Why Coaches Stay Quiet”, so it feels more unified and purposeful:

🚫 Why We Ask Parents Not to Coach — and Why Coaches Might Stay Quiet

We know it’s tempting to shout advice like “Pass it!” or “Shoot!” — but we ask all parents to avoid giving instructions during the game. Here’s why:

🔄 Learning happens in the moments between mistakes and decisions.

If a player is always told what to do, they don’t get the chance to think, problem-solve, or build confidence.

👂 Too many voices = confusion.

When players hear different instructions from parents and coaches, it creates pressure and indecision. It slows down learning — and enjoyment.

🧠 Coaches Might Be Quiet on Purpose

Sometimes our coaches are intentionally silent during the game. That’s not because they’re not involved — it’s part of our teaching method.

A quiet coach may be:

• Observing how a player reacts under pressure

• Letting them make their own decisions — right or wrong

• Measuring awareness, positioning, or growth areas

• Allowing the game itself to teach

🎯 This space is where confidence is built.

Players start thinking for themselves. They begin to “see” the game, not just follow instructions. And that’s exactly what we want.

🙌 Everyone Plays a Role

• Players learn through doing

• Coaches guide through planning, feedback, and observation

• Parents support by cheering, encouraging, and trusting the process

By keeping your voice positive and letting your child think for themselves, you’re helping us develop smarter, more confident players — and happier kids.

Would you like this merged into the full Game Day Guidelines now?

Final Note:

You’re part of the team, too. By cheering without coaching, you’re helping create the best possible environment for our players to grow and love the game.

Thank you for your support!