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Kids, Sports, and Parents - an Explosive Triangle?

Youth Sportsmanship One of the first things that pop into my mind when I imagine my child playing afterschool sports is safety. Will my child be hit by a ball while playing softball or baseball? I hope she doesn't get kicked with a soccer ball so hard that it knocks her down. Will other children be kind and supportive while playing the game? How about the coach? Will he or she strengthen my child's morals by enforcing fair rules and practices? These are the main points that first come to mind when allowing my child to take part in group sports. These SHOULD be the only points that need to be thought of.

Unfortunately, there are parents who are ruining sports for children - parents who feel that it's more important for their child to win the game, rather than to lose fairly. These parents are not only messing up their child's chance at being a part of something that's important to THEM, but they are giving them the message that it's ok to display such negative behavior. When parents display anger and agressiveness toward other people, it creates a lasting impression not only on their children, but on every child that is unfortunate enough to be a witness to such a violent act. What they don't realize, is that their actions will inevitably come out in their OWN children's behavior.

What ever happened to "It doesn't matter whether you win or lose, but how you play the game"? I remember being told when I was young, "It's only a game, you're supposed to have FUN". Shouldn't this be the standard in children's sports? Maybe parents should not be allowed to "get involved" as much as they do. A possible solution? If parents choose to let their children get involved in afterschool sports, they should show their support in that choice. Parents should help teach their children the proper way to behave as a part of a team. Is it possible for parents to just sit by and let their children play - no matter whether they're winning or losing? This seems to be a problem for some.

Youth Sportsmanship There have been too many instances of parents getting involved and losing control at their children's game -- too much unnecessary violence. Heated arguments, yelling matches, physical beatings, and yes...even death have occurred. Parents must stop giving their children the message that this type of behavior is acceptable.

Parents need to listen: Children have feelings and parents need to listen to their concerns about playing sports.
Give direction and support: As a parent, it is your job to be there for your children before the game, and give cheers for the opposing team during the game.
Praise their children:After the game, parents need to tell their children how good they've played and behaved, no matter whether they won or lost the game.
Good sportsmanship: is something children will carry with them throughout life, not only during recreation and sports, but in the working world as well.
Parents should not allow improper behavior, and should make sure their children's coach does the same.
Watch for signs of negative behavior: Both parents and coaches need to watch for signs of negative behavior, and immediately put a stop to it.
Don't assume your children enjoy sports: Parents should never forget to ask, "Did my child enjoy playing the game?". After all, if a child isn't enjoying playing sports, parents need to find out why. No child should be forced to play sports.

Youth Sportsmanship Last year a league outside of Cleveland held a "Silent Sunday", where parents could not get involved during the game - no yelling to their children, arguing the call of the officials, etc. This past February, Jupiter Florida parents were required to sign a pledge to behave at games, hoping to prevent violence and show their support for peace. Are these the answers? Some parents don't think this is enough. Some may think it's too much. Whatever the answer, we must do everything we can to teach our children that violence is not acceptable in sports. Good sportsmanship should be a part of our children's lives - we owe it to our children's future.

Here are some helpful checklists relating to youth-sports and sportsmanship:

Youth Sports Checklist Keep track of your child's games with this checklist!
2 Sportsmanship Checklists & Information for Kids Here's some good information on how to teach children how to be good sports. There is information for parents and 2 checklists for your child to follow.

Read an article from Parenting Coalition International, Inc.:

Increase in Parents Involved in Sports Rage

Below are a few Internet sites and articles that deal with the topic of children's sports, sportsmanship, and parental sports rage:

How to Teach your Children Youth Sports and Sportsmanship - Articles, checklists, & more!

Ten Commandments of Sports for Parents

Below are a couple of related books that deal with children and sportsmanship. Use Amazon.com's secure server to order:

Let's Play As a Team: - P. K. Hallinan. Ages 4-8. Buy it now through Amazon.com's secure server! Click HERE or on the image of the books to give this gift to yourself or someone else!

Good Sports: Winning, Losing, and Everything in Between: - Therese Kauchak. Ages 9-12. Buy it NOW through Amazon.com's secure server! Click HERE or on the image of the books to give this gift to yourself or someone else!

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