Youth sports are a fantastic way for kids to stay active, learn new skills, and make lifelong friends. As a result, a great youth sports parent will play a crucial role in this experience. However, our presence, our words, and our attitude can either make or break a child’s love for the game.
Being a great sports parent isn’t about being the loudest on the sidelines or criticizing the referee. It’s about fostering a positive environment where your child can thrive. Here are a few tips to help you be the best sports parent you can be.
A Great Youth Sports Parent Lets the Coaches Coach
This is perhaps the most important rule. A great sports parent trusts the coaches to do their job. Yelling instructions from the sidelines can confuse your child, undermine the coach’s authority, and create a stressful experience for everyone.
- First, trust the coaches to do their job.
- Secondly, If you must say something from the sidelines, keep it simple and positive, like “Great effort!” or “Go, team!”
- If needed, schedule a time to speak with the coach away from the court and other parents.
Where can you find good coaches? We think we have a pretty great team! We’d love for you to check us out.
A Great Youth Sports Parent Focus’ on Effort, Not Just the Score
It’s easy to get caught up in wins and losses, but for a young athlete, the true victory is in their effort and improvement.
- Praise their hustle: “I loved how hard you ran on defence today.”
- Celebrate small victories: “You really worked on your dribbling this week, and it showed in the game!”
- Shift the conversation: After the game, instead of asking, “Did you win?” try asking, “Did you have fun?” or “What was the most exciting part of the game for you?”
A Great Youth Sports Parent is a Role Model for Sportsmanship
Your child is always watching you. The way you handle a win or a loss, a bad call, or a difficult opponent sets a powerful example.
- Respect officials and opponents: Applaud both teams for good plays. Never criticize or yell at referees, even if you disagree with a call.
- Stay positive in a loss: Teach your child how to lose with grace. Remind them that losing is a part of sports and a chance to learn and grow.
- Shake hands with the opposing team’s parents: Show respect to the other team and their families.
The Care Ride Home is a Time for Connection, Not Critique!
The ride home is a sacred space. It’s your chance to connect with your child on their terms. This is not the time for a post-game analysis or a coaching session.
- Start with a hug and a simple statement: “I loved watching you play.”
- Listen more than you talk: Let them lead the conversation. If they want to talk about the game, they will.
- Keep it about them: Remember that this is their journey, not yours. Your job is to support them, not to live vicariously through their successes.
Quick Link: For more about parenting your kids in sports – see this article by Kay Porter Ph.D.
By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure that your child’s experience in youth basketball is a positive and rewarding one. Your support is the greatest gift you can give them, and it’s a gift that will last long after the final buzzer sounds.