Parent Education

Carlsbad Lightning Soccer Club Parent Guidelines

Lightning Soccer Club makes a commitment to you that we will work hard to provide a fun,
educational, and safe environment in which your child’s soccer and their team skills can grow. We will
treat you with respect in our words and actions and expect the same courtesy from our players and
parents.

Basic Guideline for Parents

   • Provide unconditional love and support regardless of the game’s outcome
   • Ensure that your child arrives to all practices and games at the designated time
   • Remain seated in the spectator area during games
   • Do not yell instructions or criticism to any player
   • Make no derogatory comments to players, other parents, fans, or officials
   • Do not interfere with your child’s coach, except to draw attention to an urgent safety issue
   • Let the coach be responsible for your child during games

Practices & Games

   • We welcome you to attend and watch practice, but please remain in the spectator area during practice activities
   • For the good of the team, it is important that all players attend all practices and games. We recommend that
      soccer practices and games not be used as a punishment. If a player must miss practices or games, please discuss
      the situation with the coach.
   • It is understood that school academics are the top priority. Please help your child to organize and prioritize school,
      athletics, and other activities.
   • Please work to be creative in scheduling doctor’s appointments, tutoring, etc. so as to not consistently coincide
      with soccer practice.

Topics that we encourage you to discuss with your child’s coach

   • Both mental and physical treatment of a player
   • Discussing ways to help a player improve
   • Concerns about a player’s behavior

Topics that we ask you to refrain from discussing with your child’s coach

   • Playing time that falls within the Lighting Soccer Club guidelines*
   • Team Strategy
   • Any player that is not your own child

* Play time guidelines: Recreational and AA players will play at least 50% of all regulation games. AAA, Premier, and all
tournament games are at the coach’s discretion. Missed practices and disruptive behavior are grounds for less than
mandated play time.

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Articles for Parents

  Every Child Needs a Booster

  Helping Ourselves Become Better Soccer Parents

  What Makes a Nightmare sports parent and What Makes  A Great One

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