Sideline Etiquette

Recently I received an email from a soccer coach, asking for advice.  This is what he pointed out:

“My pet peeve at the moment is parents yelling instructions at kids. In the last week all three of my kids have had parents (not me!) yelling instructions at them and what is even worse is that the instructions have been wrong!!  I could go on and on, but this has to be addressed.   Cheer yes, instruct no.”

This is how I responded.

I know the problem and it is not an easy one to deal with.

Three things that could be done:

1. The club should make sure in the information they give the parents before the start of the season that they understand the sideline etiquette.
2. Then in future see if a pre-season parents meeting can be held where that particular topic can be addressed.  In fact, some clubs have the parents sign a Code of Behaviour document.
3. Finally, when all else fails, use the lollipop method.  Parents are briefed as to your expectations as well as theirs and failure to comply with the “yelling” problem results in you, the coach, pulling out your lollipop – ideally golf ball size – and waving it at the erring parent and if necessary, passing it on.  Better keep more than one handy!*

* Suggestion #3 was described to me by another soccer friend of mine, Dan Steelquist, who has been very active in the Whatcom County Soccer Association and the Blaine Soccer Club in Washington State.  Not sure if he ever used the method, but in the right environment it could work well.  In the wrong environment, well…!

What methods have you tried? What approach did you find worked well when confronting this issue?  We would love to your feedback?