AYSO Mira Mesa Region 285

Silent Weekend

For one special weekend, we quiet the sidelines so players can think, communicate, make decisions, and simply play the game.

Mum’s the Word

Silent Weekend is used in AYSO regions throughout the country. Its purpose is to let kids play, communicate, and learn without constant instructions from the sidelines.

The game itself is one of the best teachers. When players are allowed to make decisions during real game situations, they build confidence, leadership, and soccer understanding.

Objectives of Silent Weekend

Let the Kids Play

Emphasize that the game is about players having fun, learning, and playing.

Trust Their Skills

Give players the chance to trust their own instincts without sideline input.

Build Communication

Encourage players to talk to each other and solve problems on the field.

Support Referees

Reduce sideline interference so volunteer referees can manage the game.

Reduce Over-Coaching

Help adults recognize how constant direction can disrupt player learning.

Encourage Leadership

Give players the unique opportunity to lead, communicate, and support teammates.

General Guidelines

Coaches

Coaching moments should happen before the game, during breaks, at halftime, after the game, or with players on the bench. During active play, let the players on the field make decisions and communicate with each other.

Players

Players on the field are encouraged to communicate with each other, support teammates, and provide direction. Players on the bench may also communicate as teammates, not as a substitute voice for the coach.

Spectators

Please avoid verbal comments about the game or direct comments to players, referees, or coaches. Applause, signs, pom-poms, and rally towels are welcome. Horns, whistles, and noise makers are not allowed.

Referees

Referees are asked to give friendly reminders when needed and to continue helping players have a safe, fair, and fun game.

Guidelines by Age Group

U5 to U6

These age groups are still learning and need more guidance from coaches. Silent Weekend guidelines do not fully apply to these divisions.

Coaches may coach as normal, but this is a good opportunity to be mindful of how much direction is being given. Spectators may cheer, but should avoid sideline coaching.

U8

These players may still need a little guidance. Coaches should use a calm voice and keep directions short and positional.

Spread out

Drop back

Move up

Coaches should not direct the player with the ball. Avoid instructions such as shoot, pass, or dribble.

U10 and Older

Coaches should not provide instruction to players on the field during active play. Let the kids play, communicate, and make decisions.

Coaches may talk to players on the bench and make coaching points before the game, during quarter breaks, at halftime, and after the game. Players on the bench should not be used as megaphones for coach instructions.

What Spectators Can Do

Clap

Applaud positive moments after they happen.

Make Signs

Bring a sign with your player’s name or a positive team message.

Use Pom-Poms

Pom-poms and rally towels are a fun way to support quietly.

Cheer After the Play

Celebrate effort, saves, goals, teamwork, and hustle after the moment happens.

What to Avoid

No Sideline Coaching

Do not tell players to shoot, pass, dribble, clear it, move, or change position.

No Referee Comments

Do not comment on calls, missed calls, or referee decisions.

No Noise Makers

Horns, whistles, and noise makers are not allowed.

No Coach Megaphones

Players on the bench should not be used to relay coach instructions to the field.

Why Silent Weekend Matters

Even when sideline comments are intended to be positive, games can become so loud that players struggle to hear each other and make their own decisions.

Silent Weekend gives players room to make mistakes, solve problems, communicate, and grow. If players seem unsure without sideline instructions, that is a sign they need more chances to make decisions on their own.

Kids learn the game by playing the game.

Thank You for Supporting Silent Weekend

Thank you for helping make this unique part of the AYSO season meaningful for our players. Let’s encourage and support them while giving them the space to learn, lead, and play.

Website Manager

MIRA MESA, SCRIPPS RANCH and RANCHO PENASQUITOS

Silent Sidelines October 3, 2026