Silent Saturday October 5th, 2024
Santa Paula 82 

Silent Saturday is used in AYSO Regions throughout the country. Its main purpose is to allow kids to just play and have fun. Silent Saturday is a throwback to the old schoolyard days when kids would congregate after school and on weekends just to play all day, without regard to who was winning and repercussions for poor play and decision-making. Coaches are requested to communicate and reinforce this with spectators!

The objectives of Silent Saturday are:
~ To emphasize that the game is about letting the kids have fun and play
~ To show that kids can play well on their own with limited instruction
~ To help the few parents and coaches who feel they must provide constant direction, understand how disruptive it can be
~ To give players the chance to trust their skills and instincts without sideline input
~ To encourage leadership skills among the individual players as they have the unique opportunity of giving their instruction on the field
~ To encourage a sense of true teamwork as the players must learn to rely upon one another and communicate with each other accordingly 
~ To support our volunteer referees, both youth and adult, by eliminating sideline interference and comments

The spirit of Silent Saturday is to allow players to make decisions and learn the game. After all, if the child doesn't make their own mistakes, it will hinder their development in the sport. If parents think their children are confused and don't know what to do without sideline instruction, that's an indication that players haven't been allowed to make their own decisions. Players will learn the game by making their own decisions, learning from their mistakes, and continuing to play.

RULES FOR SILENT SATURDAY

Spectators

You may not make any verbal comments on the game or direct any comments to the players, referees, or coaches - on or off the field. No yelling and no cheering. Clapping IS allowed! Be creative in how you choose to cheer your child's team - make signs to hold up, bring a rally towel in the team's color, and wave it wildly, there are lots of ways to cheer other than verbally.

Coaches 

You may not provide any direction - verbal or non-verbal - to players who are on the field. You may speak quietly to any players that are on the bench, but DO NOT give those players instructions to yell out to their teammates! Coaches may address the players in a normal tone before and after the game, during water breaks, and at halftime. 6U and 8U coaches will still referee their games and can instruct players on proper restarts or game play issues, but we ask that you do so quietly and avoid coaching players on the field on game play issues.

Players

You are encouraged to speak to each other on the field. You are free to support each other and provide direction to each other. Players on the bench may cheer freely in a positive manner, but may not provide instruction to those on the field.

Referees

Referees have been instructed that if spectators and coaches are not following the rules, the referees are to stop the game and issue a warning. The referee will then have the option to give a second warning if the behavior continues, to remove coaches or spectators who are not cooperating, or to terminate the game.