Parent Tips

Coaching From the Sidelines

A guide for parents

Parents on the sidelines have a major effect on their child's play. Please be sure that the effect is positive. These tips come from long years of experience with youth sports.

First rule: Allow your child to be a child and enjoy the game.

Second rule: Cheer.

The fun lies in being able to play.
Encourage development over winning.

Support the entire team, not just your child.
Cheer the good play of all the players.

Practice good sportsmanship.
Players learn by example and parents set the most powerful example.

Let the players play and the coaches coach.
Don't instruct your child during the game.

You will only confuse the player.

Let the umpires umpire.
Yelling at the umpires does not accomplish anything positive. Consistent yelling may result in the umpire asking you to leave the field.

Be supportive of the coach.
The coach has to deal with a lot of details that are necessary to allow your child to play. Pitch in without being asked.

Learn the rules.

Keep all your comments to your child positive--no matter what the score or how well your child played.
Negative comments from parents are a major reason that children quit sports