Silent Support Weekend – Guidance for Managers and Coaches
The Silent Weekend is not about managers and coaches being completely silent. We are still expected to lead, organise and support our teams.
What it is about is tone and behaviour. We are not expected to shout at players, over instruct, or challenge referees and linespeople.
This is how it should be every week, but it is easy to see how expectations and opinions can differ between different managers and supporters.
Before your match, please confirm with the referee and opposition that both the league and clubs are following the Silent Support Weekend, and agree what is expected on the touchline.
Please avoid:
• Over instruction
• Shouting at players
• Challenging referees or linespeople
Instead, aim to:
• Encourage players to think and communicate for themselves
• Observe and deliver calm, positive and considered instructions
• Allow referees to officiate without pressure or interference
Every manager should have received communication from their club about this initiative.
If you feel the opposition’s behaviour is not in the spirit of the game, please let us know so we can follow up with their club and the league. If your league also requires a post match report or form, please make note of it there too.
Let us set the tone by modelling respect, composure and good leadership, not just for this weekend but every weekend.