The Role of Parents in Athletics (Source: Bruce Brown)

Three times where parents can help children’s performance and to create great memories BEFORE THE GAME DURING THE GAME AFTER THE GAME

BEFORE THE 1 ST GAME: Parents ask themselves Why do I want my child to play this sport? What goals do I have for her? If there are roles, what role do I want her to play? How will I decide if it’s a successful season?

BEFORE THE 1 ST GAME: CHILD ANSWERS THE SAME QUESTIONS Why are you playing? What goals do you have? What do you think your role will be on the team? What is a successful season?

IF YOUR CHILD’S ANSWERS ARE THE SAME AS YOURS, SUPPORT YOUR CHILD. IF YOUR CHILD’S ANSWERS DIFFER FROM YOURS, THEN DROP YOUR GOALS AND ACCEPT THEIRS.

KIDS MUST HAVE A PASSION FOR WHAT THEY ARE INVOLVED IN. DEVELOP MULTIPLE PASSIONS AT A YOUNG AGE.

NEXT STEP: RELEASE YOUR DAUGHTER TO THE GAME AND TO THE COACH. RED FLAGS: “ We won”- no, “they won”. Trying to solve your daughter’s problems for her. Let her grow! Yelling at an official

Coaching from the sidelines Yelling at your child or someone else’s child during the game Hanging on to a loss longer than your child Your child avoids you after the game due to embarrassment or anger

DURING THE GAME: Be there to bring positive energy Model appropriate behavior One instructional voice (Coach!) Focus on the team Choose one role: player, coach, spectator, official

AFTER THE GAME: Save your analysis Give your child time and space Be a confidence builder- -I love watching you play -I enjoyed watching your team -You are such a good teammate