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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]This is just my opinion, but [b]I think if they are under 18 and/or not getting paid to play soccer, then spectators should keep their criticisms to themselves.[/b] Especially to other peoples' kids. Half the time the criticisms aren't even correct. If you think the kids on the team get motivated by it, sure shout some general encouragements or compliments after a good play. Otherwise say it under your breath or not at all.[/quote]

That's the best standard I've seen in the responses thus far -- if the player isn't either over 18 or getting paid to play, don't shout instructional criticism from the sideline. It's at least a logical framework between extremes. (Of course, all players are "other peoples' kids" except your own.

There's frequently a lot of criticism of U.S. soccer as being a rich kids' sport; expensive pay-to-play leagues that crank out mediocre players that cannot compete with the best in the world. Sometimes people talk about the role "soccer culture" plays in that outcome.

I wonder what the youth soccer culture is like in Europe and South America in particular, where the majority of great soccer players come from. Are they insulated from sideline criticism until they're 18? Or do they grow up learning to ignore 99% of it and maybe consider the 1% of it that may be logical and beneficial to hear?

Closer to home, in sports where Americans are more successful -- what's the youth basketball experience like for kids who grow up to be our most successful basketball players? Are the inner-city basketball court sidelines hushed and polite? Or does trash-talking from all and sundry play a role in developing mentally tough players driven to succeed?

It's interesting to hear all the perspectives on this.[/quote]

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