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How to be a good sports parent
Your child's fall sports season has likely started, which means you've likely sat through his or her games. Which means it's time to review behavior again.
Parents at games can drive me nuts. I love it when they shout "pass!" while the coach shouts "shoot!" And some parents think they're helping if they can get their kid a hit, a goal or a basket; I say the problem comes when parents look at youth sports as education, not entertainment. Pay your money and yell at the Dolphins if you want; at your kid's game, maybe it's better to bring a lollipop. By the time you take it out of your mouth to yell, the play is usually over.
With that in mind, here are five major points in the The National High School Athletic Coaches Association's parent code of conduct.
1. Be a positive role model through your own actions to make sure your child has the best athletic experience possible.
2. Be a team fan, not a "my kid'' fan.
3. Weigh what your children say; they will tend to slant the truth to their advantage.
4. Don't instruct your children before or after a game -- it might conflict with the coach's plans and strategies.
5. If you as a parent have a concern, take time to talk with coaches in an appropriate manner, including time and place.
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Comments
Thanks for your post nick! I recently wrote about the deeper lessons that sports gives our kids on my blog. http://burburandfriendsblog.com/2007/07/09/what-does-participation-in-sports-really-teach/ As it turns out I write a series of children's books that educate kids about sports, outdoor exploration and active play.
Sometimes as parents we have to remember to take a step back and realize this is a learning experience for us too. Our job is to give them guidance, focus on the positive, the fun of playing the game and then point them in the right direction. Sports is a passion many of our kids will carry with them for the rest of their lives and it can have more influence than people realize.
I also think as parents, we attend the games and we are there to cheer on all of the players no matter what team they are on. Especially when the kids are younger. It models good sportsmanship for our kids.
I recently found a cool website called the positive coaching alliance and encourage parents to check it out as well.
Posted by: Kakie Fitzsimmons | September 11, 2007 9:11 PM