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Silent Sidelines

Focusing on sportsmanship and development

SEYO Basketball 2024

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Agenda

What is Silent Sidelines?

Why are we doing this?

What are the details?

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“Sometimes the most important thing you can do is just to observe.”

– Kobe Bryant

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What is Silent Sidelines?

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What is Silent Sidelines?

Spectators are asked to have no verbal input during the entirety of the game.

Players are asked to communicate with each other, make their own decisions, and develop skills in game situations without interference from adults.

Coaches are asked to provide minimal verbal feedback during game play to allow players to lead themselves.

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Why Silent Sidelines?

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Why Silent Sidelines?

Sportsmanship, fair play, and balanced competition

Ensures games focus on player growth and enjoyment

SEYO Mission

Emphasis

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Why Silent Sidelines?

Skills development

Objective #1

Objective #2

Objective #3

Objective #4

Communication

Referee & Scorekeeper support

Growth focus

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Skills development

  • Players rely on their skills and practice repetitions for game situations
  • Builds confidence in the application of their learnings from practice to the court
  • Creates space for parents and coaches to see the skill development in all players

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  • Players take charge, guiding each other without spectator input
  • Deep team culture and dynamics as they collaborate in-game
  • Promotes problem-solving and critical thinking in real-time situations.

Communication

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  • Reduces pressure on referees and coaches, leading to a fairer and smoother game
  • Promotes respect for referees and coaches for decisions and adjustments
  • Focuses attention on players and their development

Referee & Scorekeeper support

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  • Builds a positive, inclusive environment for all participants
  • Reduces anxiety on the game; allowing players to enjoy the court time
  • Emphasizes long-term development over short-term victories

Growth focus

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What are the details?

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What are the details?

When

Week 6 of Winter SEYO season

What teams

All teams participating in Winter SEYO season

Bye weeks

Teams with a bye week will not participate this season

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Guidelines for Spectators

Stay Silent: No verbal comments or instructions during the game

Clap and Applaud: Positive gestures like clapping and signs are allowed

Posters and Banners: Encouraged as non-verbal support

No Noise-makers: Horns, whistles, or noise-makers are prohibited.

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Guidelines for Coaches

Coaches should focus on pre-game talks, substitution breaks, and halftime

During the game, instruction should attempt to be minimal

Encourage players to make their own decisions​

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Benefits for parents and spectators

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  • A chance to observe the game from a new perspective, appreciating the players’ abilities without verbal interference.
  • Focus shifts from immediate performance to long-term development and enjoyment​

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Building Competitive Athletes

Sharp skills & fundamentals

Love of the game

Sportsmanship & teamwork

On court leadership

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Thank you for attending!