Silent Sideline Weekend
Following the successful launch of our DDSL ‘IT’S MY GAME’ campaigns , it is important for the DDSL and its clubs to support and act where possible.
Given the escalation of ‘Behavioural & Respect Issues’ particularly from the sidelines from both Coaches/Parents etc, we are holding a ‘SILENT FOR ALL WEEKEND’ on Friday/Saturday/Sunday28/29th/30th March 2025. We are requesting all clubs support this initiative using their clubs BDO’s to start the culture change required to create the right environment for children in the game.
For the weekend of the 28th March, we want to see ‘IT’S MY GAME’ initiative in action on the sidelines at every match within our League. For this to happen, we need you to help implement in some helpful ways of creating a positive environment on the sidelines to ensure the following happens !
Silent Side lines – Rope of spectator areas if possible
Let the players play and think and learn for themselves.
Let the official’s referee without comment
Let the coaches coach and players learn
Don’t let inappropriate comments, shouting, aggression, physical violence, and laughing at others whilst supporting or coaching a match become the norm!
Change it! Challenge it! Live it!
The ‘SILENT FOR ALL WEEKEND’ is there for a purpose to allow our players play & enjoy their football and stop those who are running children’s football.
REMINDERS
Match procedures for teams(compulsory)
Start-Captains bring ‘’LET US PLAY’’ banner to Centre with both teams. Teams line up Centre approaching from opposite halfway-lines, After toss etc. both teams Cross walk and shake hands.
During– all subs ideally seated in technical area, subs will shake hands as they come on/off pitch at halfway line. No player on until he arrives at halfway line.
Match break (Half time)- teams will gather on opposite sides for duration of break. Only manager/Captain can talk to referee if required – no other club official/person
Match end– Captains will bring team (including Management team) in file to halfway line and both teams will shake hands with everyone concerned including the officials who will be thanked by all. The winning team may stand in two lines and applaud the loosing team if they so desire.
Match procedures for club/Team Officials
Children are encouraged to develop themselves via their own experience on the pitch and therefore no excessive Coaching/shouting at any player will be accepted. As we must set examples-No smoking ,foul language or any encroachment by anyone on the pitch is permitted. Monkey see monkey do!
The Captain only, may ask the management (of his own team) to cease such behavior by his own team or raise the matter with the referee.
Match procedures for Parents/supporters
Remember this is their game -not yours ! therefore what children are exposed to seeing on the sidelines must be of the highest standards. Players will be empowered to not accept sub-standard behavior from anyone including their own parents. We all have a legal duty to protect children -The League, The Club, The Coaches, The Referee and more importantly their parents.
Both sets of supporters will be always assembled on opposite sides of the pitch. No coaching or instructions by parents at any time-this is the managements job, and they should not be undermined in their role-it shows a lack of respect to all concerned including your child.
There is no place for aggression, shouting or screaming in children’s sport and should Children really see their Parents or anyone behave like this at THEIR game.
