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Playing the Sporting Game
12 Tips to Help You Show Support, Encourage and Teach
By Chick Moorman and Thomas Haller
Softball, soccer, basketball, horseback riding, swimming, hockey or volleyball – the sport doesn't matter. The guidelines for parents remain the same. We have tips to help you show support for your child while encouraging and teaching!
1. Find out who will be coaching your child. Has the league run background checks on the coaches? Sadly, in these times the person you least expect could be a predator. Trust, but verify. Is the coach an encourager or a screamer? Does the coach focus primarily on winning or on participation and teamwork? Does he or she let everyone play at least half the game? Does he or she allow team members to play different positions, or are children pigeonholed into one position for the entire season?
2. Make sure your child is competing at his or her level of ability. Is your child over-mounted, riding a horse too hot to handle? Is a travel team over your child's head or appropriately challenging? Are all your child's teammates bigger, stronger and more skilled? It's no fun for children to compete when their chances of success are slim. Instead of pressuring your child to ride the newest horse or join the travel team, encourage your child to find enjoyment on a level where he or she can succeed.
3. Learn the rules of the game. Youth rules are not always the same as professional rules. More knowledge equates to less frustration and less yelling at officials, players and coaches.
4. Remember that winning is only one of the goals of competition. Keep it in perspective. Winning is important; everyone likes to win. Yet playing to one's ability, giving strong effort, exhibiting good spor