Sideline Etiquette

Two weeks ago I posted a simple graphic I made showing parents where they should sit during a youth soccer game. Its pretty simple and in my mind common sense. Parents should sit directly across from their players at least 5' off of the field even though it should probably be closer to 10' (if you can touch the sideline with your toes, you're definitely too close), never sit behind the goals and stay between the 18's. Ok, on small sided fields its hard to stay within in the 18's but you still should so you kids can make throw ins, referees can see what they need to see and its courteous.

Well, although the overwhelming response was "yes!", "thank you" and "can I share this?" we did have a disturbing number of people demanding where in the "rules" you could find this or say they "will sit where I want until a referee tells me to move". Ok, fine I knew what I was dealing with when I started this page. Parents are ________ (you can fill in the blank). Here is the thing about etiquette, by definition they aren't rules but societal norms, generally accepted social practices that are considered polite and keep you from being considered obnoxious. (yes, dad who stands at the corner flag with your arms crossed looking disapprovingly at your kid, you are obnoxious)

So, the "Etiquette" I share may not be a rule on every field or if it is a rule it may not be enforced to the letter of the law but it is by all standards the generally accepted way parents should behave on a sideline. Just like holding a door open for the person behind you or not peeing on the seat is considered polite so is behaving civil on a sideline.

I genuinely don't think this is too much to ask. But I can't wait to hear what you all have to say.