Supportive Sunday is a seasonal event for all NWISL teams. The date for Supportive Sunday is determined by NWISL and is posted on our website calendar as well as communicated by NWISL Reps to their club members. 

This day is a time for players to work on their communication skills within their team; without the issue of having to scream over parents or coaches. On this day, all parents are requested to remain quiet to players and referees with the exception of nontactical (noninstructional), positive cheering. Coaches at all ages/birth years are requested to refrain from joystick coaching; and instead provide as little guidance as possible to their team, preferably during player substitutions. There is a special “Supportive Sunday Guidelines” Page in every Coach Folder and listed on our website with our preferred guidelines.

As parents, grandparents, coaches, referees, and fans, we all need to remember that our words and actions truly matter. Supportive Sundays allow our players to problem solve and play simply for the love of the game while allowing referees to simply manage the match. We can quickly forget that the point of youth sports is the “YOUTH.”  Let’s keep the fun in the game, the joy in the spirit of our players, and remain aware that what we say and do matters.

Regardless of it being a “Supportive Sunday” or any game day – from our recreational program through high school sports – let’s keep the comments positive and the cheering happy. The players will remember what you said and did in terms of how it made them feel for years to come. This also goes for the young referees – remember they are also somebody’s child, please treat them with respect. Thank you for your support in this endeavor!