Inverell’s complex may quieter than usual on Saturday, as parents, spectators and coaches have been encourage to zip it.
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As players take the field for Inverell FC’s junior competition, the club will participate in Northern NSW Football’s Silent Saturday initiative.
The messages to all at the complex will be to ‘keep quiet’ and ‘just let the kids play’.
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 game leaders’ decisions and/or ability.
- To reaffirm to parents and coaches that players do not need constant direction to enjoy their match.
Spectators should 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.
It will be a challenge for all, but a unique way to encourage players to have fun on the field.
