Soccer Mom Basics

• Definitions
• Rules
• Scheduling/Rosters
• Coaches Gifts
• Nutrition
• Parents

Goalkeeper: position responsible for guarding the team's goal and preventing the opposing team from scoring.

Defender: position responsible for preventing the opponent from having a good shot at the goal and also works to gain possession of the ball for an offensive attack.

Midfielder: position responsible for the "transitional" game from defense to offense and vice versa.

Forward: position responsible for scoring and also assists the midfielder in shifting the play from defense to offense.

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Kickoff: A kickoff is taken from the center circle at the beginning of the game, beginning of the second half and after each goal that is scored.

Throw In: After the ball has completely crossed the side boundary lines - called touchlines - a throw in is awarded against the team that last touched the ball. The throw in is taken from where the ball left the field and must be thrown with two hands from behind and over the head, while both feet are on the ground and on or behind the touchline.

Goal Kick: The goal kick is taken by the defending team each time the ball crosses the goal line and was last touched by an attacking player. The ball may be placed anywhere in the goal area and is not considered back in play until it has been kicked out of the penalty area.

Corner Kick: The corner kick is taken by the attacking team each time the ball is kicked by the defense over its own goal line. The ball is placed within the three-foot arc in the corner of the field (nearest to where the ball went out of play) and kicked into play by the attacking team.

Offside: A player is offside if they are ahead of the ball, except if they:

• are in their own half of the field.
• have two opponents even with or between him and the opponent's goal line.
• are the first to receive the ball from a throw in, corner kick or goal kick.
• are not involved in active play by interfering with play, interfering with and opponent, or gaining an advantage by being in that position.

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Remember that in most leagues the coaches are volunteers. They make a commitment to the sport and players between the work, family and other responsibilities. While you may be tempted to buy a gift certificate to the local sporting goods or soccer equipment store, the coach might enjoy a diversion from soccer and sports, particularly if the season did not live up to expectations. Passes to the movie theater or a gift certificate to a local restaurant are worth considering.

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In many cases, parents are asked to provide a team snack/drink following at least one game during the season. Before purchasing the food and drink consider the climate and nutritional value. Frosted cookies and chocolate milk do not fair well in 90-degree weather, particularly after sitting on the ground in the sun for two hours. Moreover, sugar-ladened sweets don't offer much in the way of replenishment for dehydrated and thirsty athletes.

Cut up oranges or other fresh fruit are ideal along with 100 percent fruit juice or cold water.

Don't, don't, don't offer Munchkins or any snack to the players during the game or between periods.

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Unfortunately, some parents do not share enjoyment of soccer that their children do. Their competitiveness and will to win can become too strong and even detrimental. Screaming at and questioning the commitment of a four- or five-year-old athlete is not productive. These parents need to be reminded gently that it is "only a game." The score, particularly where very young athletes are concerned, is not important.

As the players become more familiar and comfortable with the game, so do the parents. Before long, a parent is yelling out at the players on the field, competing with the coach's direction and requests. Again, they should be reminded to let the coach do the coaching and to offer words of encouragement to the players.

On a more positive note, many proud parents take pictures during the games. Encourage these photographers to periodically take pictures of the other kids and offer copies to the other parents.

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