To GUSA Coaches, Parents and Players: 

This season, GUSA is implementing "Silent Saturdays" into our program.  I understand that some of you may not understand the goal of Silent Soccer.  I hope my note below helps. 

The core idea of "Silent Soccer" is to encourage parents and coaches to watch their kids enjoy playing soccer.  Reports from other associations that have tried this idea have been very positive. The kids overwhelmingly have said the game was more fun. Parents admitted to having a difficult time initially remembering the silent part, but also reported being pleased with the results, particularly the happy kids. Our own experiences in the past have proven this to be a great learning opportunity for everyone.  

Our goals are simple: 

1.  Develop our players’ thinking and creative ability to make decisions on the field
without constant sideline intervention. 

2.  To give the players the chance to trust their skills and instincts without sideline input, and without concern that their mistakes will be corrected from the sidelines. 

3.  To foster a sense of true teamwork as the players learn to rely upon one another during play. 

4.  To remind coaches and players that practice is the time for instruction and that games are the showcase or learning (and the reward for practicing). 

5.  To remind everyone that youth soccer is primarily for the purpose of kids playing, learning, and having fun. 

6.  To support the referees and allow them to have fun and make mistakes without sideline comment as well. 

We ask that all of our parents and coaches participate in
SILENT Saturday by following these guidelines: 

1.  Spectators are to be quiet, talking only in normal tones to the people around them. Comments that can be heard by players, referees, or opponents should be avoided. 

2.  Coaches are to be quiet and "let them play," giving only normal coaching instruction
before the game, at the half, after the game, and to players on the
sideline before or after substitutions (this rule should be followed by coaches every week). 

Raleigh deShazo. President.GUSA.