“THE ROLE OF THE PARENTS IN ATHLETICS”

·          The coach should ask his/her players how to deal with their parents.

·         Simply ask the kids what they would like their parents to know but are afraid to tell them when it comes to athletic participation. Get written response.

·          Parents cannot deny the message if they love their kids because it came from their sons or daughters

·         What kids feel their parents’ responsibilities are before, during, and after games:

·         Ask yourself why do you want your child to play, what do you expect out of your child, and what role do you expect him/her to have?
• The parents’ answer should be the same as the child's. If not, there is a problem.
• #1 reason kids play — FUN.

·         Once a parent is sure their kid is safe physically and emotionally, they should release them to the coach and let them enjoy the experience (successes and failures) of playing the game.

·         Yelling at an official is one adult screaming at another in a public setting; we are supposed to be teaching kids discipline and respect.

·         During the game, kids stated they need model behavior, poise, and confidence from the parents

·         Kids want parents to learn to watch the game and not concentrate solely on what they are doing.

·         Kids want their parents to focus on the team and team goals and take the focus off of them.

·         Kids want to hear one instructional voice during a game and that should be the voice they have heard all week long — THE COACH.

·         They do not want to hear their parents screaming instructions.

·         They want their parents to “Get Their Own Life.”

·         Kids want their parents to be spectators — not coaches, officials, or players.

·         After the game, kids state their worst experiences have been in the car with their parents.

·         Kids need time and space after the contest. They do not need to be analyzed by their parents or listen to their parents criticize the coach or officials.

·         Kids should never be made to feel that their parents love them more when they play well in a game and less when they have a bad game.

·         Kids need to hear “I love watching you play.”

·         If they did not play, parents should say, “I love watching you be a part of the team.”

GUIDELINES FOR SPECTATORS (PARENTS)

·         Accept and understand the seriousness of your responsibility, and the privilege of being a parent of a student-athlete who is representing the school and community.

·         Remember that school athletics are learning experiences for students and that mistakes are sometimes made.

·         Praise student-athletes in their attempts to improve themselves as students, as athletes, and as people.

·         A ticket is a privilege to observe the contest, not a license to verbally assault others and be generally obnoxious

·         Learn the rules of the game, so that you may understand and appreciate why certain situations take place.

·         Show respect for the opposing players, coaches, spectators, and support groups. Treat them as you would a guest in your own home.

·         Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials. Understand that they are doing their best to help promote the student-athlete, and admire their willingness to participate in full view of the public.

·         Recognize and show appreciation for outstanding plays by either team.

·         Refrain from the use of any controlled substances (alcohol, drugs, etc.) before, and during games, and afterwards on or near the site of the event.

·         Use only those cheers that support and uplift the teams involved.

·         Communicate openly with your son/daughter about being a good sport.

·         Be a role model. You must set an example for the students/athletes.

EXAMPLES OF UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

·         Yelling or waving arms during opponent’s free throw attempt, serve, etc.

·         Disrespectful or derogatory yells, chants, songs, or gestures.

·         Booing or heckling an official’s decision.

·         Criticizing officials in any way; displays of temper with an official’s call.

·         Yells that antagonize opponents.

·         Refusing to give recognition for good performances.

·         Blaming loss of game on officials, coaches, or participants.

·         Name-calling in any form (officials, coaches, participants).

·         Use of profanity or displays of anger that draw attention away from the game.

·         Doing your own yells instead of following the lead of the cheerleaders.