Parents

AGES 4-17

Parent Guidelines & Behavior Contract

At AC Fairhill Soccer Club, our mission is to develop confident, intelligent, and respectful young athletes. While coaches develop players on the field, parents play an equally important role from the sidelines.

Together, we create an environment where every player can learn, enjoy the game, and reach their full potential.

The AC Fairhill Parent Commitment

By registering your child with AC Fairhill Soccer Club, you agree to uphold the following standards:

1. Let the Coaches Coach

Our licensed coaches are responsible for instruction, tactics, substitutions, and player development.

Parents are encouraged to:

  • Cheer positively
  • Support every player
  • Trust the coaching process

Please avoid giving tactical instructions during training sessions or matches, as multiple voices can confuse young players.

2. Encourage Effort Over Results

Winning is enjoyable—but development is our priority.

Celebrate:

  • Hard work
  • Improvement
  • Positive attitude
  • Courage to try new things
  • Teamwork
  • Sportsmanship

Success isn’t measured solely by the scoreboard.

3. Respect Everyone

We expect parents to demonstrate respect toward:

  • Coaches
  • Referees
  • Opposing teams
  • Club volunteers
  • Other parents
  • All players

Unsportsmanlike behavior, abusive language, harassment, or intimidation will not be tolerated.

4. Be Positive on the Sidelines

Players perform best when they feel supported.

Instead of coaching from the sidelines, encourage with phrases like:

  • “Great effort!”
  • “Keep working!”
  • “Well done!”
  • “Have fun!”
  • “Keep going!”

Negative criticism, yelling, or arguing creates unnecessary pressure for young athletes.

5. Respect Match Officials

Referees make mistakes—just like players and coaches.

Without officials, there is no game.

Parents agree to:

  • Never argue with referees
  • Never confront officials after matches
  • Model respect regardless of decisions

6. Support Every Player

Every child develops at a different pace.

Please avoid:

  • Comparing players
  • Criticizing teammates
  • Discussing playing time with other families
  • Creating unnecessary competition between children

A strong club culture is built when everyone supports each other’s development.

7. Communicate the Right Way

If concerns arise:

  • Allow at least 24 hours after a match before requesting a meeting.
  • Contact the coach privately.
  • Never discuss concerns immediately after games.
  • Never involve players in adult disagreements.

We believe respectful conversations lead to positive solutions.

8. Be a Positive Role Model

Children notice everything.

Your behavior teaches them how to:

  • Win with humility
  • Lose with dignity
  • Respect others
  • Handle adversity
  • Support teammates

We ask every parent to model the values we hope our players will develop.

Parent Agreement

As a parent or guardian of an AC Fairhill Soccer Club player, I understand that my actions directly influence my child's experience in soccer. I commit to fostering a positive environment built on respect, encouragement, sportsmanship, and player development. I will support the club's coaches, players, referees, and families while helping create a culture where every child has the opportunity to enjoy the game and grow both on and off the field. Together, we build better players, better teammates, and better people.