Good Sports Etiquette for Parents

Parents love to see their child succeed, and what better way to do that than to sign them up for sports. To be able to sit on the sidelines during a game, or even practice and cheer their child on. But there is an invisible line between good sports etiquette and bad. How do we tell the difference and know when to back off before things get out of hand? Here are a few tips that might help guide you if your unsure if your etiquette is good etiquette.

As with any sport, don't push your child to hard. While sports are a great activity they are also meant to be fun. If you push your child too hard the fun disappears. Sports are supposed to be an opportunity for children to be with friends in a healthy competitive environment. If your child decides that they don't like the sport, don't be too upset with them. They may want to simply try something different, or sports may not be for them. Every child is different. While you may have a vision of that high school star quarterback, your child may thinking of something else entirely.

Cheering is a good way to let your child know your rooting for his or her team. But once again don't be too overbearing. Bad cheering is screaming from the sidelines like a madman, which can have mixed results. Especially if your singling your child out and shouting out orders. This is not good sports etiquette. Neither is it pleasing to the other parents around you. It also makes things harder for your child, coach and team. Shouting out orders confuses your child and makes them concentrate on you instead of their coach. So just sit back and cheer for the whole team.

Another thing is to never argue with the coach. If the coach hasn't put your child into the game yet it's probably for a very good reason. Same goes for if the coach pulls your child out. Everyone wants to play and it's only fair for everyone to be rotated. It won't help you if you argue and scream at your child's coach for not keeping them in for the entire game. Sometimes children, especially if they are younger need the break. Another person you shouldn't argue with is the game referee. While every referee isn't perfect, and some can make the most horrendous calls it is never good to argue or shout at the referee. Hurling insults has never helped anyone and it will only make you look like an obsessed parent in the final outcome.

Running out onto the field is a bad idea too. Sometimes when a player goes down, if it is your child, your first instinct is to run out and make sure they are alright. Don't do this. If it is something serious, the coach and referee will have the child taken off the field and then you can do what it is parents do best for all their children. But that is only if the coach says it's ok. Usually this is alright for younger children. Older children get stuck on the bench while you watch from the bleachers. Unless of course it's serious.

Of course each and every sport, coach, or game has it's different rules. Rules that should be abided by at all times. And while sometimes it's ok to bend the rules don't make a habit of it. The rules are there for everyone and to make things run smoothly.

Also be sure you always congratulate your child after every game. Even if they lost. Let them know your proud of them for doing there best. Also praising them during practice helps them build the confidence they need for the actual games. It is never good to berate your child and tell them what they did wrong. This only makes the child unhappy that they didn't please you. And while it will make them try harder next time, it isn't a very good way to get the positive results you want for your child.

Above all remember that any game is just that. A game. Win or lose the game is meant to be fun for everyone. If taken too seriously, bad things can happen and you and your child won't like the end result. Having fun is the best way to enjoy sports with your child and as they grow older they will enjoy the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with each game. So next time your at a game where your child is playing, cheer them on loudly and enjoy seeing them have the time of their life.