by Sara McGinnis posted in Parenting

Whether they're guilty or not of bad parent behavior, all soccer moms and dads in South Carolina are facing a one-month punishment. No matter if little Jimmy scores his first goal, or young Sally dives to block a shot, there will be little more than whispers on the sidelines come fall.
Announcing the approval of "Silent September" last week, the South Carolina Youth Soccer Association outlined what will and won't fly under their new code of conduct.
"All parents and visitors shall be silent during the game," a letter accompanying the fall schedule explained. "No cheering, no jeering; just enjoy your player and the game that they love."
If you fail to comply, a procedure is in place. The "first instance during a game the referee will ASK the coach to counsel his parents/visitors to remain silent, on the second instance during the game the referee will TELL the coach to counsel his parents/visitors to remain silent, upon the third instance during the game the referee will direct the coach to DISMISS the offending spectator(s) -- if they do not leave or the coach refuses -- then the coach will be sent off."

The a one-month code of conduct for parents and visitors at games was surely created with the best of intentions. A sampling of bullet points from the letter parents received:
-- Children have more need for example than for criticism.
-- Attempt to relieve the pressure of the competition, not in...