Parent Corner
Everything you need to enjoy game day, support your player, and navigate the BYSA season with confidence.
Welcome
Being a Great Soccer Parent
Your presence on the sideline matters more than you might think. Research consistently shows that how parents behave at games has a direct impact on how much kids enjoy sports — and whether they stick with them. This short video is a great place to start.
What kids want from you
- Cheer for the whole team, not just your child
- Let the coaches coach — your child hears two voices at once
- Celebrate effort and attitude, not just goals scored
- Stay positive after mistakes; kids read your body language
- Ask "Did you have fun?" after the game, not "Why didn't you score?"
What to avoid on the sideline
- Shouting instructions during play — it breaks a player's concentration
- Questioning referee decisions aloud — it models poor sportsmanship
- Comparing your child to teammates
- Pressuring kids to play through pain or illness
- Discussing team selection or playing time loudly at games
BYSA Standards
Parent Code of Conduct
Every BYSA family agrees to these principles when registering. They exist to make the game better for every child on every team.
- I will provide positive support and encouragement — not pressure — for my child in youth sports.
- I will not yell at or argue with referees. BYSA has a Zero Tolerance Policy.
- I will never use profanity at any BYSA game, practice, or event.
- I will treat referees, opposing parents, and opposing players with respect.
- I will place my child's emotional and physical well-being above any personal desire to win.
- I will not force my child to participate in soccer.
- I will support coaches and officials to ensure a positive experience for all players.
- I will insist on a sports environment free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.
- I will encourage good sportsmanship at every game, practice, and event.
- I will remember that the game is for youth — not for adults.
- I will ask my child to treat all players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect.
- I will do my best to make youth soccer fun — because that's the whole point.
Game Day Prep
What Your Player Needs
Keep it simple. Here's what every player should bring to every practice and game, plus what's helpful to have.
Soccer Ball
For practice — see the size guide below. Your team's game balls are provided by BYSA.
Shin Guards
Mandatory at all levels. Must cover from just below the knee to above the ankle. Size by shin length, not age.
Cleats or Sneakers
Cleats recommended for Grades 1+. Pre-K/K: sneakers are fine. No metal studs — molded cleats only.
Soccer Socks
Must fully cover shin guards. Your team jersey/uniform includes matching socks — bring them to every game.
Water Bottle
Bring water to every session. Staying hydrated is especially important in warm weather. Label it with your child's name.
Layers
Sweatshirts or jackets may be worn under the team jersey (number and color must remain visible). Hoods tucked in.
Ball Size by Program
| Program | Grade | Ball Size |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-K / Kindergarten | Pre-K, K | Size 3 |
| InTown | Grades 1–4 | Size 3 |
| Travel | Grades 5–8 | Size 4 |
Ball sizes follow US Soccer / ECYSA standards for age-appropriate play.
Game Day
Weather & Cancellation Policy
How you'll be notified
All cancellations and delays are sent via TeamSnap. Make sure your notifications are on. If you haven't heard anything — the game is on.
- Travel games: decision by 7:30 AM on game day
- InTown games: decisions by 7:30 AM and 11:00 AM
- No notification = game is on, go to your field
What can cause a cancellation
- Lightning or severe thunderstorms
- Dangerous field conditions (flooding, ice)
- Extreme heat — referees may pause for water breaks
- ECYSA may cancel or reschedule travel games independently
- Check ecysa.org for travel schedule changes
Know the Landscape
Understanding BYSA Programs
Not sure what ECYSA means or how travel soccer works? Here's a plain-English breakdown.
InTown Programs
Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grades 1–4
- Games and practices stay in Beverly
- Focus is on fun, fundamentals, and making friends
- Grade 3–4 may also play in our Cross-Town league vs. Salem & Danvers teams
- No tryouts required — all registered players are placed on a team
- One practice per week + Saturday games
Travel / ECYSA Programs
Grades 3–4 (top tier) through Grades 7–8
- ECYSA = Essex County Youth Soccer Association
- Teams travel to towns across Essex & Middlesex Counties
- Multiple skill tiers — recreational through competitive (MTOC)
- Two practices per week + Saturday travel games
- Top teams (MTOC) require registration for both fall & spring seasons
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund?
Is financial assistance available?
Is there a discount for multiple children?
Who needs to attend tryouts?
Could my child be cut from the program at tryouts?
What's the difference between ECYSA Travel and Cross-Town at Grade 3–4?
What if my child wants to register for only one season?
My child can't make tryouts — what do we do?
How do I communicate with my child's coach?
What if my child forgets a piece of required gear at a game?
My child wants to stop playing mid-season. What should I do?
Helpful Links
Resources for Soccer Families
Trusted organizations and tools to help you support your player beyond the sideline.
Mass Youth Soccer
mayouthsoccer.orgThe state governing body for youth soccer in Massachusetts. Find weather advisories, player development resources, and registration info for coaches and players.
Players & Parents →ECYSA
ecysa.orgEssex County Youth Soccer Association — the league that runs all BYSA travel games. Check schedules, standings, weather advisories, and game-day updates here.
Visit ECYSA →Soccer Parenting Association
soccerparentresourcecenter.comA parent education platform with videos, articles, and courses on sideline behavior, supporting your child's development, and building a positive team environment.
Via Mass Youth Soccer →The Sideline Project
thesidelineproject.comA 15-minute guide to sideline behavior used by youth soccer associations across Massachusetts. Take the pledge and help make every sideline a positive place for kids.
Take the Pledge →US Soccer Learning Center
learning.ussoccer.comFree parent and player resources from US Soccer — including age-appropriate development guides, so you understand what your child is working on at each stage of the game.
Player Development Info →BYSA Fields
Beverly, MADirections and details for all BYSA home fields in Beverly, including North Beverly Elementary School, Beverly Middle School, and Cooney Field.
View Fields & Directions →Get in Touch
Key BYSA Contacts
Not sure who to contact? Start with the general contact form and we'll route your question to the right person.
Parent Corner
Welcome to the BYSA Parent Education Corner. In this section you will find videos and articles that will help you to understand your role as a parent on the sidelines and help support your child's development.