PARENT'S PLACE: Kentucky Youth Soccer Association, Inc.

It really doesn't take much to be a great soccer parent, and you can sum it up in one word...Support. However, support in soccer goes a long way, and you need to be sure that the kind of support you are giving, is the right kind.

Support starts by supporting the league. This means signing your child up on time. You need to show up at registration, with the essential requirements, be it a birth certificate, photo, check, or all of the above. Don't call the registrar and tell them that you can't possibly be there on a particular day because your wife is out of town and you can't handle bringing the kids with you. Suck it up; your wife could do it! Don't call two weeks after registration and ask if it's too late, unless you're willing to accept the answer, "Yes, we've closed registration." You can also support your league by volunteering. Had you been in one of the many volunteer positions, you'd realize that a week after registration, the teams are already split up, and you'd realize how much work is involved in setting things up, finding coaches, fields, ordering uniforms, and you'd see how important it is for parents to register correctly and on time.

Next, support your coach. Realize that what makes a coach a good coach, isn't necessarily his knowledge of soccer, as this can all be learned. What makes a good coach, is having good kids, and good parents who respect his rules, and his requirements. Be sure your kids have all the necessary equipment, be sure you bring them to practice and games prepared and on time, and most importantly, don't coach your kids from the sidelines. When doing so, you're contradicting their coach and it is the coach they should be listening to. Obviously, everyone's methods may not mesh with yours and if the coach's doesn't, discuss it with him, in private. Not right after an exhausting game, but set up a time for later, when everyone has cooled down. And if you think you could do a better job, then by all means, sign up to coach next season.

Support the Referees. Believe it or not, most referees have taken classes where they've learned the rules and regulations of soccer. They do actually know what they're doing. Do they make mistakes? Sure they do, but they can't possibly see everything. They're watching sometimes twenty or more players on the field at a time, and their focus is near the ball. They don't have the luxury as you do of sitting on the sidelines, focusing on one or two children. More

than likely they have a better view and understanding of the game than parents do, and if you think you can do better, take a class, get certified and put on a whistle.

A good soccer parent also supports the team. This doesn't mean just your child, but the entire team, and as surprising as this may be, the kids on the opposing team. Every child needs to be cheered for, supported, wished good luck, praised for a good play, good effort, and encouraged to give it a better shot next time. Recognize good plays by all the kids, and take pleasure in knowing that you've put a smile on their face.

Lastly, support your child. Don't focus on the mistakes and the negatives, but encourage them with praise for their effort, their success, and if they fall down, applaud them on how quickly they bounced back up. Don't hollar at them from the sidelines and criticize their mistakes, chances are they're already aware of that and disappointed in themselves as it is. Your child will respect you for your praise during the game, and then they'll be more open to discussing improvements at a later time.

Support is essential for soccer, or any sport, especially when children are involved. Without the support of good parents, good players, coaches, and referees, we wouldn't have successful soccer programs in neighborhoods around the country. Whatever would we do with our weekends without them?