Welcome
Youth soccer is about learning, teamwork, and enjoying the game.
This short program helps players, parents, and coaches understand how game-day behavior supports referees—and how that support leads to a better experience for everyone.
You’ll answer 3 short questions, read a brief story, and then answer the same questions again.
Thank you for taking the time to take part.
Before the Story
Before You Read the Story
Thank you for answering the questions.
Next, you’ll read a short story about a youth soccer game and a young referee.
As you read, think about how the actions of players, coaches, and parents affect the referee and the game.
Page 1 — Game Day
It was game day. Alex wasn’t playing, she was refereeing at her town’s youth soccer game.
As she got ready, she reminded herself why she liked refereeing.
“My job isn’t just the rules,” Alex thought. “It’s to help everyone have fun, stay safe, and play fair.”
Page 2 — The Teams get ready
As Alex arrives at the Field, both teams are warming up…
Coach Finn and Coach Maria laughed with the Orange Team players as they set up cones. “Encourage each other,” Coach Maria said. “That’s how we play our best.”
Across the field, the Purple Team was stretching. “We play hard,” Coach Hugo said, “but we play kind.” Coach Tessa clapped, “Let’s have fun!”
Alex felt calmer. Positive coaches made refereeing easier.
Page 3 — Setting Expectations
Alex called the captains over.
“Hi, I’m Alex,” she said. “I’m here to keep the game fun, safe, and fair. That works best when everyone shows respect.”
Leo nodded. Zoe smiled. They were ready.
Page 4 — A Moment of Safety
The whistle blew, and the game began. Suddenly, Zoe slipped and fell. Alex blew the whistle right away.
Everyone took a knee, Alex asked, “Zoe, are you okay?”
When Zoe stood up, players, parents, and coaches clapped. Because everyone stayed calm and respectful, Alex could focus on safety.
Page 5 — A Tough Call
Later, the ball rolled out of bounds. It was close, and Alex decided to make the call. Alex pointed. “Purple Team ball.”
An Orange player looked disappointed. A parent was about to shoutout but paused and instead provided words of encouragement to the Orange Player.
Alex felt supported. She stayed confident and focused.
Page 6 — Why Behavior Matters
On the sidelines, adults and coaches cheered for all players. “Great try!” “Nice idea!” “You’ll get it next time!”
Alex noticed something important. When adults stayed positive, the players tried harder and enjoyed the game more. Respecting one another didn’t weaken the game. It made it better.
Page 7 — The Lesson
As Alex walked off the field, she felt proud. She understood something important:
When parents respect referees, when coaches stay positive, and when players focus on fun, referees can do their job better. And the game is safer, fairer, and more fun—for everyone.
SURVEY 2 — AFTER READING THE STORY
Now that you’ve read the story: Please answer the same questions again based on what you think now.
FINAL REFLECTION: Thank You for Taking Part
Thank you for taking time to reflect on youth soccer and the role we all play in supporting referees.
Referees—especially young referees—do their best when they feel supported and respected.
Small actions matter:
- Encouraging ALL the players
- Staying positive on the sidelines
- Respecting tough calls (decisions)
To confirm completion, please enter your email address:
The next game is another chance to make youth soccer better—together.
Thank you again for your time and for supporting Town Youth Soccer.