Champion Parent Note
Guidelines for Sidelines
Parents Play a Pivotal Role in Creating a Positive Youth Sports Culture
Parents play an important role in the youth sports experience. From driving to practice to being in the stands on game day, our support means the world to our children.
Unfortunately, the sports parent today is often vilified, with too many having behaved poorly and contributed to a toxic environment foryoung athletes, coaches and officials. Even if we’re not guilty of the most extreme examples, we’ve all witnessed the parent screaming fromthe sidelines or seen the online clips of parents throwing punches in the stands. These actions ruin the game for our children and have no place in youth sports. As parents, it’s our responsibility to create a positive environment and work diligently to eliminate these issues.
The video provides tips to promote positive sideline behavior and strategies for working with coaches to develop an exceptional culture within our teams. While it may be tempting to think the problem lies only with the extreme behavior other parents, the reality is that all of us can likely improve our own approach in a way that benefits our children. Examine your words, actions and demeanor based on the Guidelines for Sidelines in the above video, then make a commitment to improving in one area during your child’s next game. In addition, consider other ways that you can create a supportive environment for your child, his or her coach, and officials. Are there ways that you can set a positive example, promote the desired environment, or hold others accountable for the expectations set by the team?
Our children need us to be leaders in the effort to establish a fun and enjoyable experience in youth sports. By working together, parents can become an important part of the solution, building an environment where our kids’ favorite games provide an opportunity to laugh, play and grow.
“Parents have the grave responsibility to give good example to their children.”
~ Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 2223
A Prayer for Parents
Father in Heaven, help me to do your will in my role as a sports parent. May I be for my young athlete a source of encouragement and strength.May I help my child to grow in their faith while supporting their development in skill. May I be a positive partner to my child’s coach, supporting them in their effort to teach and develop all the children on the team. May I be positive in my support at practices and games, even when this is difficult, and may my example lead other parents to do the same. In all things may I strive to imitate the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, in their devotion and care for the child Jesus. Through their intercession and in Jesus name I pray, Amen.