Montclair United Soccer Club

• Develop ability
• Acquire team spirit
• Learn the game
• Set objectives and strive toward them
• Become sports participants
• Build character
• Gain personal confidence and pride
• Most of all – have fun

The following are the rules from the Mid-New Youth Jersey Soccer Association for spectator conduct:

Good sportsmanship is a major objective both on and off the field. MNJYSA may consider disciplinary action against coaches or Clubs who have fan behavior problems. The players, spectators, referee or linesman should not be subjected to poor behavior from the sides. If necessary, a referee may abandon a match due to the conduct of spectators. Our youth deserve the best competition in the best sporting environment.

Spectators, players and coaches should stand back at least 5 feet from the touchline. This important space conveys a sense of detachment from the field of action.

If the referee does not get the cooperation of those at the game to conduct themselves in a sporting manner, the referee may abandon the game and report the circumstances to MNJYSA.

The following guidance from MNJYSA will help parents and spectators contribute to the children's experience:

Soccer is a game involving great freedom for the players. Attempts to control the action on the field from the touchlines are the opposite of what is intended for the sport. Parents and other spectators should not belly-up to the line or run up and down the field along with the play. While a "coachable moment" may be used to instruct players, the players will benefit most from appreciative fans and coaches who can wait until practice to teach.

Soccer is a game of physical contact and one where fouls are sometimes overlooked. There are times when a player of low skill but good strength will prevail against a skilled opponent by strength alone.

Soccer is a game that is given to the referee to control. This control applies before, during and after the game and includes both the players and adults. Most calls made by the referee have to do with the ball going off the field. This is done with the help of an assistant referee (linesman). When a player is fouled and the ball goes to a teammate, the referee has the option of not stopping play to give a free kick to the team already in possession. A foul must be both intentional and advantageous to the fouling team before the referee stops play. This is a difficult concept for the new spectator to grasp.

League soccer is a contest of teams, not an extension of practice time. There are no time outs, no bending of the laws to help a badly losing team, no punishing to fit the crime, no covering up for bad behavior by apologizing to the referee.

Player attitude is a direct reflection of adult leadership. Players, who are a credit to their club, are made that way. While arousal of players is valued in boxing, American football and rugby, it is detrimental to sports like soccer where skill and judgment are paramount.

• Parents, relatives, friends and other spectators, including parents serving as linesmen, are not to coach players. You will confuse, distract or frustrate the player. You may also be contradicting a coach's instructions.
• Spectators are not yell to any children (it may seem odd, but even too much positive reinforcement can be a problem), a coach, the referee or parents of the other teams.

• De-emphasize winning and losing. Children are naturally competitive and will choose how to compete at their age.
• Encourage good training habits at home
• Encourage fair play
• Be supportive -- be sure the player attends practices; pick her/him up on time
• Support the coach's and referee's decisions
• Be open and available to communicate with the coach