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[LWRoller]

DK has first real tournament coming up.  As one of the new CPs on the block, I'd love to hear what advice y'all have for us.

The DOs, the DON'Ts, what we wished we would have brought, what we shouldn't worry about bringing, etc...  We'll be heading home each night on this one, but if there are pointers for travel tourneys I'll take those too.

Thanks in advance, guys!

[billybuck]

Bigfoot was one of our first summer tournaments, not much shade to be found. If you will be spending the day at the fields, a light weight canopy, a cooler and some camping chairs can make they day much more pleasant, maybe a blanket for the kids to spread out on...Hopefully the car is not too far away from where you set up, at some point you may have 14 players looking for shade, good times fo sho!!!

[ritz bitz]

More water than you think you'll need, particularly if it is warm.
Healthy between game snacks - bagels, trail mix, subway etc.
Sunscreen, sunscreen sunscreen.
If you and the team are hanging out between games - a quiet activity for them to keep the kids from getting too board and running around and burning up energy they will need on the field.
A good book for you for the down time between games.
An umbrella.

[SoccerFlicks]

Check the game schedules before you leave each day just to be sure a game time or field # has not changed.

Don't bug your coach about your kid's playing time.  Chances are, during tournies, playing time is different.  There are several games to get through in a very short time, so your starters may not play for as long a normal when subbing begins - coaches are keeping in mind stamina - most teams don't train for stamina and prolonged endurance - you do, however get that at Tynecastle  :~) .  Some tournies have specific subbing rules so you might want to read over those rules - also helps to know what rules the tournies are following in general.  In the rules, you will find out how tourney points are awarded and how teams progress to the semi and final games.  Sometimes it just does not make sence at all!

Don't plan any swimming events during tourney weekends - takes up way too much energy.

Prepare lots of pasta.

Consider staying at a nearby hotel if drive times are two hours one way or more.  This will give you a place to rest out of the sun between games, help better ensure you at at the games ontime, and may even be less expensive considering gas costs.

Remember not all the refs have a ton of experience.  During tournies, lots of refs are needed, and this might be the timeframe for training new refs. So mistakes might be plenty - give em a break.  :~)

[Squash]

Duct Tape..... for yourself and the rest of the parent who will and do yell stupid things 

[SoccerFlicks]

Duct Tape..... for yourself and the rest of the parent who will and do yell stupid things 

A bag of lolipops works too!!

[Squash]

Duct Tape..... for yourself and the rest of the parent who will and do yell stupid things 

A bag of lolipops works too!!

So does a beer tilted back but I always get kicked out by the tourney people for some reason. 

[Squash]

I have found one of the best things you can do is not talk too much about the game to your DS or DL after a loss. They prefer the old.....want to go see a movie tonight or how about we go to your favorite place to eat.

Kids truly hate their parents giving advice after losses...... the best thing to do is find the things outside the game they love and offer to do them with them.

[Crystal Ball]

Don't forget your Cameras and charged batteries!

Money for tournament goodies like sweatshirts, sweats and T's.  Those always added on an extra 50.00 at least..

[Left Foot]

I have found one of the best things you can do is not talk too much about the game to your DS or DL after a loss. They prefer the old.....want to go see a movie tonight or how about we go to your favorite place to eat.

Kids truly hate their parents giving advice after losses...... the best thing to do is find the things outside the game they love and offer to do them with them.

Please listen to Squash on this! DD is 19. When I asked her what her worst memory about soccer was she said it was post-game discussions/criticisms during the car ride home. She said that was the only time she ever wanted to stop playing.

Also, don't just bring a bunch of water to the fields and call it good but MAKE SURE YOUR KIDS HYDRATE well before ANY game. You can't make up for a lack of hydration the day of a game or even the preceeding day. Give'em a water bottle to have around them all week. It will soon be a habit. To this day, you rarely see my DD without a water bottle within reach.

AND, I know that some folks will disagree, but we swear by a drink called Endurox. It replenishes Glycogen and other things in your body after physical exertion which prepares you for further competition and prevents soreness. If you don't like the taste, mix it with something they like. Must be taken within 30 minutes of the game. Don't worry, I don't own stock in the company or sell the stuff, I've just seen it used successfully by kids playing at a high level for a number of years.

The tent is a good idea, just make sure someone else volunteers to lug it around! 

On really hot days, wash cloths dipped in cool water to drape around your players necks at half time or when they come off of the pitch work really well. And on the same note, ice baths at the hotel at the end of a day playing games help prevent soreness as well. Use the hotel tub or get a cheap inflatable pool that you can recycle.

[West Sider]

As others have said, refueling is key.  Begin drinking extra water a day or two before; chocolate milk right after the game to replenish carbs and protein.  Sit with the kid beforehand to review the schedule and develop a plan for what / where to eat between games.

When travelling, I'm a big fan of planning a social event for the parents one night... we've done wine tastings or served drinks after dinner.  Turned out to be a great way to build community and connection, and the kids appreciated us being out of their hair.

[4theFun]

Some Great Points from above worth highlighting/expanding:

   Enjoy the time with your child, their team-mates and their families.  Look for something good/especially enjoyable about each one.  Have fun!  It goes fast, you'll blink and your youngest will be U18 and you'll be in your last season...
  
  Tournaments are often the first place Brand New refs see any game time, there is often Ref mentoring going on... be VERY gentle with these Refs in training and young Refs.  We need them!  If your team scores more goals, any poor calls the refs make won't matter in the end.  Oh, and many of these young refs will be on the pitch in next weekend's Soccer Tournament - "we are them and they are us."

   Staying warm and dry can be as big a challenge as staying cool.  Be prepared for both.  You may find that in one tournament you have memories of a sudden soaking and a sunburn.  Canopies can solve for both.

     Hydration, hydration, hydration - if its hot, ice chips and an ice shaver with a splash of 100% juice can be a fun way to hydrate when the kids can't seem to stomach another bottle of water. A sport drink post game for older/bigger kids is ok - but the electrolyte strength is often too strong for smaller bodies and should be minimized (some is ok - just not too much).

     Post Game replinishment - Chocolate Milk is an awesome option (within 30 minutes post game)  just be sure that the ice chest is cold enough to keep the milk safe or spend a little more and buy shelf stable chocolate milk that doesn't need to be refrigerated.
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20100604/chocolate-milk-refuels-muscles-after-workout

     If you have healthy snacks and mini-meals readily available, and if junk food is not, its amazing that the players will snack on healthy options and be really happy about it... colorful veggies and fruit served as finger foods (orange slices, regular or frozen grapes, melon, bananas, apple slices) nuts (or maybe trail mix), dried fruit (raisins, apricots, pears), mini-sandwiches on whole wheat or bagels or pita bread, cream cheese, nut butters, lean meats,   graham crackers, granola bars (although  not the fakey candy bar type).  Mix it up over the tournament days and you'll be a big hit.  Parking away form the tournament  villages has helped us avoic super greasy/super sugary foods that are usually available for purchase.

Oh yeah, and did I say enjoy every minute.. it goes fast.
    

[sissy]

I have found one of the best things you can do is not talk too much about the game to your DS or DL after a loss. They prefer the old.....want to go see a movie tonight or how about we go to your favorite place to eat.

Kids truly hate their parents giving advice after losses...... the best thing to do is find the things outside the game they love and offer to do them with them.

Please listen to Squash on this! DD is 19. When I asked her what her worst memory about soccer was she said it was post-game discussions/criticisms during the car ride home. She said that was the only time she ever wanted to stop playing.

Also, don't just bring a bunch of water to the fields and call it good but MAKE SURE YOUR KIDS HYDRATE well before ANY game. You can't make up for a lack of hydration the day of a game or even the preceeding day. Give'em a water bottle to have around them all week. It will soon be a habit. To this day, you rarely see my DD without a water bottle within reach.

AND, I know that some folks will disagree, but we swear by a drink called Endurox. It replenishes Glycogen and other things in your body after physical exertion which prepares you for further competition and prevents soreness. If you don't like the taste, mix it with something they like. Must be taken within 30 minutes of the game. Don't worry, I don't own stock in the company or sell the stuff, I've just seen it used successfully by kids playing at a high level for a number of years.

The tent is a good idea, just make sure someone else volunteers to lug it around! 

On really hot days, wash cloths dipped in cool water to drape around your players necks at half time or when they come off of the pitch work really well. And on the same note, ice baths at the hotel at the end of a day playing games help prevent soreness as well. Use the hotel tub or get a cheap inflatable pool that you can recycle.

Sage advice!!  Doesn't matter the sport, they absolutely HATE it.  It's a work in progress for me and find that I do much better with recaps Where all I can say is,  Did you have a good game/practice?...That's good, want something to eat?

[Squash]

I have found one of the best things you can do is not talk too much about the game to your DS or DL after a loss. They prefer the old.....want to go see a movie tonight or how about we go to your favorite place to eat.

Kids truly hate their parents giving advice after losses...... the best thing to do is find the things outside the game they love and offer to do them with them.

Please listen to Squash on this! DD is 19. When I asked her what her worst memory about soccer was she said it was post-game discussions/criticisms during the car ride home. She said that was the only time she ever wanted to stop playing.

Also, don't just bring a bunch of water to the fields and call it good but MAKE SURE YOUR KIDS HYDRATE well before ANY game. You can't make up for a lack of hydration the day of a game or even the preceeding day. Give'em a water bottle to have around them all week. It will soon be a habit. To this day, you rarely see my DD without a water bottle within reach.

AND, I know that some folks will disagree, but we swear by a drink called Endurox. It replenishes Glycogen and other things in your body after physical exertion which prepares you for further competition and prevents soreness. If you don't like the taste, mix it with something they like. Must be taken within 30 minutes of the game. Don't worry, I don't own stock in the company or sell the stuff, I've just seen it used successfully by kids playing at a high level for a number of years.

The tent is a good idea, just make sure someone else volunteers to lug it around! 

On really hot days, wash cloths dipped in cool water to drape around your players necks at half time or when they come off of the pitch work really well. And on the same note, ice baths at the hotel at the end of a day playing games help prevent soreness as well. Use the hotel tub or get a cheap inflatable pool that you can recycle.

Sage advice!!  Doesn't matter the sport, they absolutely HATE it.  It's a work in progress for me and find that I do much better with recaps Where all I can say is,  Did you have a good game/practice?...That's good, want something to eat?

It is a well know fact that when I played I received a RED CARD for stopping in the middle of play, turning to the stands, and telling my father to "SHUT THE #UCK UP". His constant instructions had finally gotten to me.... the problem was getting the RED meant I was out of the game and instantly taken to the car. That may have been the worst ride home ever, but the result in the end was perfect. He never said another thing when i was playing or after the games!!! 

[letemplay]

My only question after the games now is "did you have fun?" They know if they've had a bad game and the input from mom in the car is not what they need.

Did you have fun?  What do you want for dinner?

Thats it!

[SteMichelleMom]

Watch your behavior with the coach & parents. Be careful with your alcohol consumption if you choose to do that.  Don't think that you can become an insider by cozying up to anyone, especially the coach. Keep a respectable (social) distance from the coach and parents. Remember, this is only your DDs team this year. It may or may not be "your" team next year. Same with the other parents. Many will be gone next season seeking greener pastures (hard to see now but it will happen). So, have a pleasant time and make sure your DD has as much fun as possible. Keep it all positive and completely avoid chit chat that involves talking about other players, parents or the coach.  Keep it all in perspective. Most of this soccer stuff will end once your DD hits high school or college so keep the memories positive.  Stay respectful and neutral. I've been doing this a long.....time. Best advice I can give ya.

[Night creature]

 :police:Do not argue with the other teams parents, eveybody sees things different. Had a couple of parents try to start a fight with one of our parents a couple of years ago. Never know who you are getting into it with, he may arrest you.
 >:(Do not scream instruction across the field at your kids, saw a very nice family kicked out of a club because dad would yell across the field instructions and said it ws his right to call his kid a lazy so and so.
 ;DLeave your kids alone after the game, like everyone else has said. Say nice game or what ever but dont break it down right after the game let them be, they will like you and you will like them.

 :PListen to your kids when they do talk, One of mine said it was time he did something else. He finished the season then moved on to another sport, they may just not be that into it.

 :-\Do not argue about playing time with the coach, give it a little time before asking questions a day or two, then grill him, you will not remember usually why you were so mad by then anyway.

 :oDo not scream at the ref or offer him your reading glasses since you will go, not him, as will your coach. Also it maybe your kid doing that someday.

 :drinks:Be supportive of your team. do not scream( get that player off the field they suck. ) Have seen and heard it.

 8)Remember your daughter may not be the next Mia or David B, but does not mean they cannot have fun, So do not treat them like it, let them have fun and enjoy the game.

 

[EWSoccer64]

Just to add to what everyone else is saying, and since you said this will NOT be an overnighter/travelling tournament -

Look for a way to have the entire team have lunch or dinner together at least once during the tournament.   A major reason for tournaments is to have teams - particularly young teams - bond.

Kids - particularly younger ones - will not drink enough if the drinks are warm.   Make sure that you have a way to keep your supply of liquids cool, or just keep buying overpriced water and gatorade.   Personally, I am big fan of chocolate milk after a game.

Win or lose, offer praise and encouragement.  This is your, and your kids, first real competitive tournament.  Have fun, enjoy it.  Make tournaments something that the kid is looking forward to in the future.

[scrmummy]

Blow pops or suckers. These can be for the parents who need to keep their mouths busy doing something besides yelling, or for younger siblings who are bored and need a treat to make it through another game.

[lugnut]

Put an umbrella, an old shower curtain, a scrub brush and some small trash bags in the trunk of the car.  Now leave them there until the end of the U-18 season.  Maybe not this tournament, but someday you’ll be thankful you did.

Ask questions.  During the game, ask the other parents.  After the game, ask your DK.  Hey, almost everything I know about soccer is the stuff my kid has explained to me.

Best advice--be positive and compliment often.  Thank the Ref, the ARs, the folks running the tournament, coaches, the volunteers helping with parking, etc, etc.  You can even say nice things to the opposing players and/or their parents. 

[SoccerFlicks]

Put an umbrella, an old shower curtain, a scrub brush and some small trash bags in the trunk of the car.  Now leave them there until the end of the U-18 season!!!

*LOL* I love it!  So true!

[Turner b1kr]

cheer when both teams make good plays.  And, try not to sweat fouls - especially at the younger levels.  Your dd/ds will both get fouled and foul other players, and the intent is rarely bad.

[NKSoccerFan]

Go out of your way to say hi to some of the other parents.  It's great to talk to people coming from out of the area.

Must reiterate - wear sunscreen - epecially on cloudy days.  It's not the quality of the sun that will get you - it's the quantity.  It'll sneak up on you when you are out all day in it.

[scottydog]

For me, the most important thing to bring to any kids sporting contest is perspective.
They are just kids.  This is only a game. 

My DD couldn't tell you what bracket she was in at Bigfoot last year, but she can tell you exactly who we camped next to and who went swimming in the Pilchuck river on Saturday night.

A very wise coach once told me that the only questions I was allowed to ask my kid after a game were "Did you have fun?" and "Where do you want to eat?"  From that point on, I was only to talk about soccer if I was answering a question asked by my DD.  It has worked so far.

No matter what the weather forecast says, bring an extra pair of shorts and a T-shirt and bring a good rain jacket.

Bring lots of your own food and drinks.  It gets expensive and unhealthy to eat at the vendor tents.

[wghdawg]

"A very wise coach once told me that the only questions I was allowed to ask my kid after a game were "Did you have fun?" and "Where do you want to eat?"  From that point on, I was only to talk about soccer if I was answering a question asked by my DD.  It has worked so far."

I had a similar talk from a more experienced CP, but with one addition.  My post-game mantra is now:  "Did you have fun?  I love you!  Are you hungry?"  Very hard to do at times, but good game or bad, I try.  When DD is ready to talk about it, she will bring it up.

[onetouch]

"A very wise coach once told me that the only questions I was allowed to ask my kid after a game were "Did you have fun?" and "Where do you want to eat?"  From that point on, I was only to talk about soccer if I was answering a question asked by my DD.  It has worked so far."

I had a similar talk from a more experienced CP, but with one addition.  My post-game mantra is now:  "Did you have fun?  I love you!  Are you hungry?"  Very hard to do at times, but good game or bad, I try.  When DD is ready to talk about it, she will bring it up.

Taking criticisms is part of the experineces. I don't think any DK should be shielded from criticisms. We as CP's can do it in a productive way. Just pick your moment and spot.

Also, is there a difference in DD and DS in these situations?

[Left Foot]

"A very wise coach once told me that the only questions I was allowed to ask my kid after a game were "Did you have fun?" and "Where do you want to eat?"  From that point on, I was only to talk about soccer if I was answering a question asked by my DD.  It has worked so far."

I had a similar talk from a more experienced CP, but with one addition.  My post-game mantra is now:  "Did you have fun?  I love you!  Are you hungry?"  Very hard to do at times, but good game or bad, I try.  When DD is ready to talk about it, she will bring it up.

Taking criticisms is part of the experineces. I don't think any DK should be shielded from criticisms. We as CP's can do it in a productive way. Just pick your moment and spot.

Also, is there a difference in DD and DS in these situations?

Yeah, from your coach, not your stupid parents. Go ahead though and don't listen to the collective wisdom of regular folks and experts alike. Someone will be there to take your kid's spot on the team when they tell you that you can stick your stinkin' soccer where the sun don't shine.

[scottydog]

Yeah, from your coach, not your stupid parents. Go ahead though and don't listen to the collective wisdom of regular folks and experts alike. Someone will be there to take your kid's spot on the team when they tell you that you can stick your stinkin' soccer where the sun don't shine.
[/quote]

Thank you Left Foot!!!  Couldn't have said it better myself.  That's what I pay the coach for.  And I would hope that the coach would use constructive teaching and encouragement in much higher doses than criticising.

I know my job.  It is to be the best dad in the world.  As far as my DD is concerned that includes being a cheerleader, a protector, an encourager, and loving her unconditionally.  I will always encourage her to improve, but that does not include criticising. 

[LWRoller]

Thanks for all the great responses, guys.  Lots of good reminders plus things I hadn't considered yet.  Keep 'em coming!

[SaraBellum]

On really hot days we've put a damp towel in a ziploc bag in a cooler- it stays wet but not soaking and it is cold. A cooler with wheels. I love my chair with the canopy top- make sure you have a chair for your player not just you.

Shoes to wear between games.

You might want to assemble a kit- liquid bandages, blister kits- moleskin- the first aid tape with a little padding, extra pre-wrap and hair bands (no not your fav Motley Crue cd), a water bottle, first aid scissors, foot powder, ibuprofen, gum,bee sting kit, claritin,sunscreen and footpowder. DD keeps all this in her bag at all times. The water bottle is a smallish one but it's nice to know it is there as a back-up.

SOCKS!- Clean dry socks to change into. Spare jersey- always have one of each color your team wears so if you have to change it is there. I save the plastic zip bags that sheets or pillow cases come in- they keep them dry and clean and are more durable than a ziploc. This should always be in players bag.

You can buy a case of chocolate milk at costco- kirkland brand- individual boxes do not need to be refrigerated and are organic/healthy.

MAKE SURE YOUR SUNSCREEN IS SPORTS- SWEAT PROOF- if not it will get in their eyes and that sucks.

Baby wipes, hand sanitizer, chap stick.

Tournaments are not the place to 'break in' new cleats.

Dress in layers- you'll be cool in the am and hot in the afternoon and you never know how far your car will be from where you are- it could be a hike. Check the weather and plan for it.

Window markers for the car- my DD and team mates loved jazzing up the windows.

Mapquest for restaurants and plan a team meal-- italian.