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“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.”

Please also read the TSSAA Guidelines for Spectators

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