Always respect the referees - The referees are mostly local kids ranging in age from 12-18, although there a few slightly older referees.  They aren’t perfect, but they are learning.  They earn community service hours for high school graduation or a few extra dollars for each game.  Talking to the referees in anything but a positive manner will not be tolerated.

Familiarize yourself with the basic rules of soccer and how those are applied to the league your child plays in.  Here’s a great write up that shows the 10 basic rules that parents should know.  It even covers offsides, which is always confusing: 10 Rules Parents Should Know.  For a more in depth look at the rules by which we play, check out this great FIFA site:  Laws of the Game.

Have fun - Just in case you forget.  This is about the kids having fun.  Most of the kids I’ve met at the field will tell you they don’t care about winning or losing, they like playing the game and visiting with their friends.  The parents like visiting and socializing too.  So enjoy the games, take some pictures, and bring the grandparents.  If you had any doubts about the kids perspective, look at these faces: