Introduction

This season, AYSO Region 138 is holding its very first Silent Saturday, joining a long-standing tradition practiced by other AYSO regions across the country. This will be observed only by our 10U, 12U, and JH/HS divisions. On May 2, 2026, coaches, parents, and spectators will step back, stay quiet, and let the players run the show. No sideline coaching. No yelling instructions. Just soccer.

Regions nationwide have been doing this for over a decade with overwhelmingly positive results. We're excited to try it here in Brigham City.

This isn't about restricting your enthusiasm. It's about giving your kids something rare: the chance to think, communicate, and make decisions completely on their own.

What Is Allowed and What Is Not Allowed

Here's a quick reference for everyone at the field:

💡 Why Does It Work?

When adults go quiet, something interesting happens: the kids get loud. They call for the ball. They organize themselves. They figure it out. You'll hear your players in a whole new way.

Games can get noisy enough that players genuinely struggle to hear each other on the field. One quiet Saturday can be a real eye-opener for coaches and parents alike. And that perspective has a way of carrying over into the rest of the season.

Here's another way to think about it: if you were in the middle of a task at work, would it help to have someone shouting at you about every decision? Of course not. So why do we accept that on a soccer field? Players learn the game by making their own decisions, trying things, and yes, making mistakes. When we're constantly directing them, we take that away.

👀 For Spectators

• No verbal cheering or comments of any kind while at the field. This includes instructions, encouragement, and commentary directed at players, coaches, or referees.
• Clapping is always welcome and encouraged.
• Get creative: bring signs, rally towels, or pom-poms to show your support.
• No noisemakers of any kind: no horns, whistles, cowbells, or air horns.

🧢 For Coaches

Coaches are expected to fully understand the purpose of Silent Saturday and to communicate it clearly to their players and families before game day, at practice.

• Before the game and at halftime: coach as normal.
• During play: stay silent. No verbal or non-verbal direction to players on the field.
• On the bench: you may quietly talk to players waiting to sub in, but do not use them as a relay to deliver instructions to the field. That defeats the purpose.
• Use the game to observe. Take notes. You will likely notice things about your team you've never seen before. Save your coaching points for halftime and the next practice.
• Each coach is responsible for managing their own sideline. If a parent on your side is struggling to stay quiet, step over and give them a kind reminder.

⚽ For Players

You are encouraged to talk to each other as much as you want. Call for the ball. Tell your teammate to spread out. Celebrate a good play. Organize yourselves. This is your game, and today more than ever, your voice on the field matters.

🟡 A Note on Referees

Managing the sideline is primarily the coach's responsibility, not the referee's. If conduct becomes a repeated issue during the game, referees may pause play to issue a warning.

Thank you for supporting your players and helping us make this a great experience for everyone in Brigham City.