Northern NSW Football’s Silent Saturday initiative for 2018 will be conducted on Saturday May 26.

The message to all clubs who will be conducting ALDI MiniRoos matches on this day is to encourage all spectators & coaches to “Keep Quiet” and “Just let the kids play”.

This message is especially important to team coaches who have the opportunity to set a great example to their players and the parents by showing that the game is for the players and to refrain from any communication to the referee, instructing referee or game leader.

This initiative covers all ALDI MiniRoos age groups (5-11) with the aim of just letting the kids play and have fun without having to worry about how their performance is affecting the adults on the sidelines.
The objectives of holding a “Silent Saturday” are:

• To re-emphasise that the game is for the players and allowing the kids to simply play and have fun.
• To give the players a chance to play, learn and enjoy the game on their own.
• To completely eliminate the verbal questioning of the referees’ decisions and/or ability.
• To reaffirm to parents and coaches that players do not need constant direction to enjoy their match

Kids have the right to play without having to hear:

• “Wake up! Don’t just stand there!”
• “You have GOT to be kidding me!”
• “Why do I waste my time coming?”
• “Watch the game ref”
• “Kick it ! Kick it !”

Spectators

Spectators are advised to refrain from making any verbal comments on the game or direct any comments to the players, referees or coaches – on or off the field.

Clapping IS of course allowed and supporters are encouraged to be creative in how they  choose to cheer their child’s team – make signs to hold up, bring a scarf in the team’s colour and wave it wildly, there are lots of ways to cheer other than verbally.