CELEBRATION!!!

Your players success on the scoreboard does not translate into your success as a parent, and it doesn’t translate to the success of the coach. A game is nothing more than a quiz (just like in school), we play the game to find out where we need more practice or better understanding, and find out what we are doing well. And for those things we do well – that’s cause for celebration!

To excel, your children must love the game enough to work at it. By constantly focusing on areas of improvements and pressuring them to excel, you can erode the love your athlete has for participating. BUT – You can nurture this love of playing by noticing and recognizing them for specific things they’re doing well. A good leader, and a good parent, always CELEBRATES with their player.

Following these tips, you will set your player up for success in life with a love and passion for a healthy lifestyle in sports and recreation:

Always find reason to compliment their play.

They may still have skills that need work, but everyone (including you) needs to hear the positive comments.

After the Game – Focus on Family Time.

Turn your post game experience into a family focused, family fun time that both you and your player anxiously anticipates. Whether its stopping for ice cream, lunch or going for a swim, take the pressure of the game and celebrate the fun of youth sports.

Compliment all the kids.

Yes, we realize you have a favorite team on game day, but all of the kids on the playing field are part of our community. Its ok to tell another player that they had a great play (or game) and it models the right sportsmanship behavior with your own player.

Help other parents.

As we enjoy watching our kids play, help other parents catch the celebration bug.