Silent Saturday

Silent Saturday is an AYSO initiative designed to create a more focused, positive environment for players. On this pre-designated game day, all spectators—coaches, parents, and others—are asked to remain silent during the game. The date(s) will be announced to everyone in advance. The goal is to let the players and referees take center stage, allowing kids to enjoy the game and make decisions on their own, free from external pressure or coaching from the sidelines. It’s a great opportunity to encourage sportsmanship and support players in a quieter, more respectful way.

OBJECTIVES OF SILENT SATURDAY

To emphasize that the game is about letting the kids have fun and play.
To show that kids can play well on their own with limited instruction.
To help the few parents and coaches who feel they must provide constant direction, understand how disruptive it can be.
To give players the chance to trust their skills and instincts without sideline input.
To encourage leadership skills among the individual players as they have the unique opportunity of giving their own instruction on the field.
To encourage a sense of true teamwork as the players must learn to rely upon one another and communicate with each other accordingly.
To support our volunteer referees, both youth and adult, by eliminating sideline interference and comments.

SOME BASIC RULES

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.

Silent Saturday fosters a positive, supportive environment that helps develop not only athletic skills but also emotional and social growth for young athletes. Thank you for supporting this AYSO tradition and helping make it a great experience for everyone!

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Pleasant Hill/Martinez Soccer Association

Silent Saturday

OBJECTIVES OF SILENT SATURDAY

SOME BASIC RULES

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Pleasant Hill/Martinez Soccer Association