The reason for Silent Soccer Saturday is to let the players enjoy the game of soccer and make decisions on their own. During the ‘silent’ game, coaches should only provide positive and encouraging feedback and allow players the time to work through issues on the field. Parents should support their players and teams in non-verbal ways, and not by intruding in the game.

Here is how it works: Each season, DC Soccer Club parents and other spectators are asked to cheer players in non-verbal ways (by clapping, etc.), and coaches may communicate with their teams according to specific guidelines (listed below). This applies to all DC Soccer Club Rec teams.

Give the game back to the kids. Let the kids make decisions and play without all of the extraneous verbal accompaniment that too frequently they must endure.

Here are the guidelines for coaches for Silent Soccer:

1.  Before the game, explain Silent Soccer to your players. Tell them that you will talk to them at halftime; but that they should figure things out and talk to each other during the game.

2. Limit the on-field feedback to fairly quiet, positive, supportive comments only.

3. Don’t correct obvious mistakes, as the players know they have made them.

4. Limit the overall during-game feedback. Provide coaching points at the start of the game, at halftime and after the game.

NOTE:  For younger teams where coaches help manage the games and officiate (Pre-K, Kinder, 1st Grade), the coaches may communicate as needed in order to manage the games. Coaches are asked to limit their verbal contributions to the bare necessities.

Here are the guidelines for spectators for Silent Soccer:

1. Before the game, let your child know that you are there to support them, but will not be providing too many comments during the game.

2. During the match, limit general audible support & feedback to non-verbal methods. Clapping is preferred, whistling is great, etc.  Bring a supporting sign or poster!

3. During the match, applaud the players’ hard work and effort!