World Class Sports Iguanas Soccer Club Pittsburg KS

Iguanas Soccer Parent Expectations

If you've spent any time in the youth soccer scene or youth sports in general, you'll know there's still much to be done to foster a consistently healthy environment where players can thrive and continue to love the game. Being a successful soccer parent requires effort, education, and mindfulness in interactions with their children. It's a skill, much like playing or coaching.

One of the things that we take pride in at Iguanas Soccer is the behavior of our parents. The officials for our league in Joplin, often make remarks that the Iguanas parents are some of the best parents and are very supportive and very rarely cause any issues. Read below to see how we can all work together to continue to hold this high standard.

Iguanas Soccer Parent Code of Conduct

  1. Respect the Coach: Allow the coach to do their job without interference. Appreciate their style and support their vision. Coaches need support and encouragement as they strive to do their best.
  2. Communicate Appropriately: Let the coach know if your child will be late or miss a practice or game, and report any injuries or special circumstances. If you need to discuss a concern or disagreement with the coach, arrange a meeting, at least 24 hours after a game. Never address concerns/disagreements in front of your child, the team, or other parents.
  3. Focus on Effort and Attitude: Encourage your child to concentrate on what they can control, such as their effort and attitude.
  4. Create a Positive Environment: Foster a supportive atmosphere that helps your child reach their full potential both on and off the field.
  5. Give Space: Avoid hovering around your player during practice. Allow players to practice and make mistakes in a stress-free environment. Micromanagement can be counterproductive.
  6. Avoid Sideline Coaching: Refrain from coaching during games. This can confuse players and hinder their development and decision-making.
  7. Model Good Sportsmanship: Show respect for opponents and officials, and applaud good play from both teams. This sets a positive example for players and other parents.
  8. Constructive Post-Game Conversations: Focus post-game discussions on aspects other than the score. Ask questions like: What went well? What didn’t? What did you learn? How will you respond?
  9. Keep It Fun: Ensure your child enjoys their soccer experience, regardless of the level they play at. Encourage competitiveness without making it too intense. Many young players quit due to parental pressure. Keep the atmosphere upbeat and lighthearted.
  10. Think Long-Term: Remember that very few players receive college scholarships or professional contracts. While it’s great to aim for success, it’s more important to embrace the life lessons and teachable moments that soccer offers.

Let the Journey Begin!

This is another helpful resource for parents from US Youth Soccer. Let's all work to be the best soccer parents we can for the benefit or our youth players.