Parents
Overview
CJSL’s Parent Page is designed to give families one clear place to find the most important match-day expectations, sideline standards, safety guidance, and league procedures.
Our goal is to support a positive game environment for players, referees, coaches, and families—so every match is safe, respectful, and development-focused.
Parents play a major role in setting the tone on game day. This page outlines what to expect, what CJSL expects, and where to go if you have questions before or after a match.
For questions, families should contact their team’s coach or club administrator first.
Sideline Project
The Side Line Project is a parent education initiative designed to improve the game-day environment for players, referees, coaches, and families. CJSL is committed to creating a match environment where players can develop, referees can do their job safely, and families can enjoy the game. This initiative supports that mission by helping parents understand the powerful role sideline behavior plays in a child’s development, confidence, enjoyment of the game, team culture, and overall match safety.
Youth soccer is meant to be a learning experience. Players learn best in an environment that is calm, supportive, and respectful. When sidelines become overly emotional, instructional, or confrontational, it distracts players, places unnecessary pressure on referees, and shifts the focus away from development.
The Side Line Project reinforces a clear and simple standard: parents support, coaches coach, referees officiate, and players play. A parent’s role is to encourage effort, support sportsmanship, and model composure—especially in competitive moments.
When parents lead with respect, the game improves for everyone.
Plan to arrive early enough for parking, warm-up, and check-in. When families arrive on time, it supports a smooth kickoff and reduces sideline stress for players and coaches. Always confirm arrival time with your coach.
Parents and spectators must remain on the designated spectator side. Team benches and coaching instruction must remain separated from spectators to keep the match controlled, respectful, and safe for players and referees.
CJSL expects a respectful sideline focused on player development. Cheering is encouraged. Confrontation, referee criticism, and negative behavior are not permitted. Parents should support players and allow coaches and referees to do their jobs.
No. Parents should not approach or address referees before, during, or after a match. Any concerns should go to your team coach or club administrator.
If a parent is directed to leave due to misconduct, they must comply immediately. Failure to comply can impact the match and may lead to league review and disciplinary action.
CJSL enforces a strict Zero Tolerance Policy for misconduct directed at referees. This applies to parents and spectators as well as coaches, players, and team staff.
For details, visit the official policy page: CJSL Zero Tolerance Policy on Misconduct Towards Referees
CJSL match-day standards include sideline placement, sportsmanship expectations, and league procedures used across all CJSL competitions.
For details, visit the official Game Guidelines page: CJSL Game Guidelines
CJSL 4v4 D-League is a developmental environment. Parent behavior should support learning, confidence, and enjoyment—not results.
- Cheer for effort and sportsmanship
- Do not coach from the sideline
- No comments toward referees or opponents
- Remain in the designated spectator area
Sideline Course Requirement
Completion of the Side Line Project course is required for CJSL parents to ensure that all families:
Understand CJSL’s sideline expectations
Are aligned with Zero Tolerance standards
Recognize how parent behavior affects players and match officials
Help create a safe, supportive, and development-focused game environment
The course is brief, informative, and designed specifically for parents. It is not punitive—it is preventative. Education is the most effective way to reduce sideline issues before they occur.
By requiring this course, CJSL is setting a league-wide standard that prioritizes player development, respect for officials, and a positive match-day experience for everyone involved.