How to Be a Great Sports Parent

Every youth sports program has parents who make the experience better for everyone around them. They cheer for every child, thank the coaches and volunteers, and help their own kids keep sports in perspective. Being that kind of parent does not require any special knowledge. It comes down to a handful of habits.

Remember whose game it is

The most important thing a sports parent can remember is that the game belongs to the child. It is their experience, their growth and their enjoyment. Parents can support, encourage and guide, but they should not try to live through their child's achievements or push them toward goals that are really the parent's.

Let coaches coach

During practices and games, children need one clear voice giving instructions, and that voice should be the coach's. When parents shout instructions from the sidelines, especially instructions that conflict with what the coach has said, it confuses players and puts them in a difficult spot.

If you disagree with a coaching decision, talk with the coach privately at an appropriate time, not during or immediately after a game.

Cheer for everyone

Great sports parents cheer for every player on the team, not just their own. They celebrate good plays by the other team too. This creates a positive atmosphere and shows children what sportsmanship looks like.

Respect officials

Youth sports officials are often young themselves, sometimes teenagers learning the job, or volunteers who give their time. They will make mistakes. Yelling at officials sets a poor example and drives people away from officiating, which already faces shortages in many communities. Model respect even when you disagree with a call.

Focus on effort and fun

Ask your child whether they had fun, what they learned and what they are proud of, rather than whether they won or how many points they scored. Praise effort, attitude and improvement. These are the things children can control, and focusing on them helps kids develop a healthy relationship with sports.

Support without pressure

Encouraging a child to practice is fine. Insisting on extra training they do not want, comparing them to teammates or expressing disappointment after games can turn sports into a source of stress. Let your child set the pace for how much they want to invest in a sport.

Be reliable

Getting your child to practice on time, with water, the right equipment and a good attitude, is a big part of supporting the team. Letting coaches know in advance when your child will miss practice helps them plan.

Volunteer when you can

Youth programs depend on parent volunteers. Running the concession stand, helping with fundraisers, keeping score or serving as a team parent all make a difference. Volunteering also helps you build relationships with other families and see the program from a different angle.

Keep perspective

It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of a big game or the disappointment of a loss. Try to keep the long view in mind. Very few young athletes go on to play in college or professionally. What they will carry with them are the skills, friendships and memories they gain along the way.

Thank the volunteers

Coaches, board members and event organizers give countless unpaid hours. A simple thank you means more than most parents realize. A handwritten note at the end of the season can make a volunteer's year.

The best sports parents help create programs where every child feels supported and every volunteer feels appreciated. That is a legacy worth leaving.