AYSO Region 35 and Area 2J are returning "Silent Saturday" tradition on 10/12/24 (Oct 12th) - an interesting and fun day of games where the coaches and parents all dial it back during the games, and let the players figure out how to play soccer without our voices as a distraction. The idea harkens back to the schoolyard tradition where kids figure out for themselves how to work the game so that they are almost completely unaware that we are there to support them.

The objectives of holding a "Silent Saturday" are:

• To emphasize that the game is about letting the kids play and have fun

• To give the players a chance to play totally on their own

• To help the few parents and coaches who feel they must provide constant direction understand how disruptive it is

• To show all parents that the kids can play well on their own with limited instruction
  

While the vast majority of adult verbal participation is intended to be positive and constructive, the fact of the matter is that games can (and have in the past) become so loud that the players often have difficulty hearing each other on the field. Taking one week off from any verbal interference may help adults gain perspective on just how loud they've been in the past. You will all be amazed at how quiet the field will become.

Spectators
We request that you make no verbal comments about the game or direct any comments to the players, referees or coaches. Clapping IS allowed! Be creative in how you choose to cheer your child’s team – make signs to hold up or bring a rally towel in the team’s color and wave it wildly. There are lots of ways to cheer other than verbally – applaud/clap, but please no horns, whistle or noise-makers.

Coaches
It is recommended that you do not provide any direction – verbal or non-verbal – to players who are on the field. Speak to the team before the match, at substitution breaks and at halftime as you normally do. During the match, speak quietly to players on the bench about the game. If required, quietly call a player on the field over to the touchline to provide tactical instruction. Then let them convey the message to the team.

Players
While on the field, you are encouraged to speak to each other as normal. Continue to support and provide direction to each other, as you have in the past. Substitute players on the bench, should remain quiet and not cheer or provide tactical instruction to their teammates. Lest they simply replace the coach or act on their behest.

Referees
For this special day, referees are asked to monitor the spectators and coaches’ adherence to these guidelines and to offer gentle reminders if the recommendations are not being followed. Continue to verbalize often during the game as you normally do. You are there to help the players have a safe, fair and fun time.