Attached are games for Week 2 in NEFL Grounds Navan.

As it is first weekend of month this will be the first Silent Side line Soccer, which was implemented successfully last season.

The vast majority of the children preferred these Saturdays when there was silence from the side lines as they enjoyed their games more.

Please ensure coaches, parents and supporters adhere to requirements laid out in document.

All that should be heard are the children communicating with each other, facilitators’ whistle and ripples of applause when a goal is scored, a great save, a good pass, individual skill and when game ends. Be fair to both teams.

Note:

There have been a number of changes in some age groups from Week 1 and we would expect team entries to stabilise in October.

Silent Side line Soccer

The rules for Silent Side Line soccer are always available on our website under the coaching league menu here are the rules in full

Silent Side line Soccer takes place for all NECSL Coaching League games in the NEFL grounds and St. Pat’s School on the first weekend of each month throughout the season.

The main aim is that with Silence on the side-lines there is no external pressure put on the players. The players are free to have fun and enjoy playing soccer.

On “Silent Side line Soccer” the coaches and parents should be silent on the sidelines. Sometimes as a coach and as a parent, we can become over enthusiastic and yell out constant instructions like “pass, shoot, clear the ball, move, are you blind referee etc.” With the side-lines quiet and no coaching from the line, this will let the kids make their own decisions on the field, and they will be able to talk to each other. The children will decide who will take the free kick, kick in, penalty etc. The silence will encourage children to communicate to each other. The players have the chance to make their own split-second decisions on the pitch and learn by them whether the decision was successful or not. This also gives them time to think and focus on what they are about to do.

“Silent Side line Soccer” may appear extreme, but it is time to give the game back to our young players. Keep an open mind. Ask your children how they felt about not getting yelled at from the sidelines. Think how you would feel in their shoes.

“Silent Side line Soccer” objectives:
• To re-emphasize that the game is about letting the players play and have fun.
• To give the players a chance to play totally on their own.
• To eliminate the verbal questioning of the referees’ decisions.
• To help the few parents and coaches who feel they must provide constant direction, and to understand that the players can play very well on their own with limited instruction.
• Way of measuring the player development within the team over the season.

How does it work?

• No Shouting Instructions.
• No Shouting at the ref.
• No Shouting at the opposition.
• No directing or advice from adults at any time.
• Absolutely No shouting when a player is about to receive the ball or pass it.
• Silent at all times even when a team scores (only clapping allowed).
• Clubs should select 1 side-line supervisor with each team to keep people calm and explain the process.
• Coach to speak to players at halftime and when making changes ONLY.

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 and may feel intimidated.
So…let’s sit back, suck on a lollipop, save our vocal chords, and enjoy the game. The only sounds to be heard are the children playing, the referee’s whistle and applause from the side-lines for both teams.

Coaching League Fixtures Week 2 – 2nd and 3rd October