Reactions to Inappropriate Behavior

When a Spectator Is Behaving Inappropriately

What are some of the things the coaches can do?

• Send a quick body-language message that you heard it and you don't like it.
• Move close to the spectator, if possible, and engage in non-threatening small talk.
• Explain that the inappropriate behavior is detracting from everyone's enjoyment.
• Ask another person to speak with the misbehaving spectator (assistant coach, team parent, acquaintance).
• Warn in stronger terms that continued inappropriate behavior could result in the referee asking the spectator to leave and you would support the referee's decision.
• Speak with the referee when appropriate to describe the negative effect the spectator's behavior is having on your team and spectators and tell the referee that you will support him/her in taking the necessary corrective action.

What are some of the things the referee can do?

• Send a quick body-language message that you heard it and you don't like it.
• As soon as convenient, position yourself near the touch line and quietly request the coach deal with the spectator.
• Stop the game for a general announcement from the touch line that the match is in jeopardy because of inappropriate spectator behavior and ask spectators to remember they are in an AYSO Kids Zone where unsporting behavior is not tolerated. Request coaches from both teams stand with you just inside the touch line facing the spectators to present a visual perspective that the coaches support the referee.
• Stop the game for a specific announcement to the spectator that if inappropriate behavior continues, he/she will be given three minutes to leave the area or the match will be canceled. Again request the coaches from both teams stand with you to present a visual perspective that the coaches are supportive of the referee.
• Stop the game and give the spectator three minutes to leave.
• If the spectator has not left in three minutes, terminate the game.
  

What are some of the things the opposing coach or opposing assistant coach can do?

• If possible, send a quick body-language message that you heard it and you don't like it.
• Remind your team and spectators that the behavior they are seeing or hearing is inappropriate and inconsistent with the Kids Zone program and ask them to let the other coach and the referee handle the situation.
• Remind your team and spectators to support the referee and to refrain from negative reactions to the inappropriate behavior of the spectator.
• Speak with the referee when appropriate to describe the negative effect the spectator's behavior is having on your team and spectators and tell the referee that you will support him/her in taking the necessary corrective action.
  

What are some of the things other spectators can do?

• Send a quick body-language message that you heard it and you don't like it.
• Move over to the offending spectator and engage in non-threatening small talk.
• Ask the person to help support good sideline behavior (Kids Zone).
• Tell the person how you feel about the inappropriate behavior.
• Ask the person to please stop the inappropriate behavior.
• Ask other spectators to speak with the person.
• Ask the coach to do something because the inappropriate behavior is detracting from everyone's enjoyment of the game.
  

What are some of the things the "regional representatives" can do?

• Regional representatives (board members, etc.) can take similar actions to those
  suggested for parents. They may have greater effect because of their "official"
  standing.

When a Coach Is Behaving Inappropriately

What are some of the things the assistant coach can do?

• Send a quick body-language message that you heard it and you don’t like it.
• Move close to the coach and engage in non-threatening small talk.
• Explain that the inappropriate behavior is detracting from everyone’s enjoyment.
• Ask the coach to take a brief time to cool down off to the side.
• Ask another person to speak with the misbehaving coach.
• Tell the coach that you (the assistant coach) may have to take over the team.
• Warn in stronger terms that continued inappropriate behavior could result in the referee asking the coach to leave and that you would support the referee.
• Bring the situation to the attention of the referee.

What are some of the things spectators can do?

• Send a quick body-language message that you heard it and you don’t like it.
• Move near the coach and attempt to engage in small talk.
• Ask the coach to help support good sideline behavior (Kids Zone).
• Tell the coach how you feel about the inappropriate behavior.
• Ask the coach to please stop the inappropriate behavior.
• Enlist the support of other spectators to speak with the coach.
• Request the assistant coach to ask the referee to do something because the behavior is detracting from everyone’s enjoyment of the game.

What are some of the things the referee can do?

• Send a quick body language message that you heard it and you don’t like it.
• As soon as convenient, position yourself near the touch line and quietly request the assistant coach speak with the misbehaving coach.
• Stop the game for a word in private with the coach. Ask the coach to come onto the field out of everyone’s earshot and ask the coach to help you maintain a positive Kids Zone environment. Remind the coach of the options left to you if the inappropriate behavior continues, and your desire to avoid those options.
• Stop the game and tell the coach if the inappropriate behavior continues he/she will be given three minutes to leave the area or the match will be terminated.
• Stop the game and give the coach three minutes to leave.
• If the coach has not left in three minutes, terminate the game.

What are some of the things the opposing coach/assistant coach can do?

• If possible, send a quick body-language message you heard it and don’t like it.
• Remind your team and supporting spectators that the behavior they are seeing or hearing is inappropriate behavior and inconsistent with the Kids Zone program.
• Remind your team and spectators to support the referee and to refrain from negative reactions to the inappropriate behavior of the coach.
• Support the referee in taking the necessary corrective action.

What are some of the things “regional representatives” can do?

• Regional representatives (board members, etc.) can take action similar to those suggested for spectators. They may have greater effect because of their “official” standing.
• The most effective measures regional representatives can take pro-actively is to aggressively institute programs such as Kids Zone to educate parents and coaches regarding the importance of modeling appropriate behavior at games.
• The most effective measures regional representatives can take reactively is to take swift and stern action against those guilty of inappropriate behavior at games.

When a Referee Is Behaving Inappropriately

Because the referee is the authority figure on the field during games, it is often difficult to effect change immediately during the game and still maintain the respect due the referee’s position of authority. The assistant referees, coaches and spectators should model appropriate behavior for the impressionable young players. When adults disagree with the behavior or actions of authority figures, care must be taken to ensure it is done in a manner that models appropriate behavior for youth. Correcting inappropriate referee behavior is best done after the game following careful examination and review of the circumstances. The regional coach and referee administrator and regional board of directors are sources to address with concerns regarding referee behavior.