Why not start the season and take the pledge to be more encouraging at your kids match. This way you commit to implementing a healthier and sustainable pathway to success, which falls on the shoulders of everyone involved with Kids Sports – especially Parents.
TCD wants to insure that Kids Sport can be enjoyed in a safe and positive environment. Remember that football and all sport provide kids with the opportunity to develop, their Technical, Physical, Tactical (older) and social skills.
Winning is not the number 1 reason they get involved.
Parents are continually asked by clubs to get involved and be a supportive spectator, here is one way to can be just that.
I here by pledge to provide positive support, praise and encouragement for my child participating in this game, by following the Parent Pledge.
- I will let my child play and have fun in a safe environment.
- I will let my child choose the sport(s) he/she wants to play.
- I will get my child to and from training/matches on time.
- I will remember that the game is for kids and not for adults.
- I will let the coaches take responsibility for instructing and teaching my child.
- I will refrain from making negative comments about my child’s coach in my child’s presence. I understand that everyone is trying their best and sometimes people make mistakes. By doing this I understand this will avoid planting negatives thoughts in my child’s head that can negatively influence his/her motivation and sports experience.
- I will focus on using sports to teach life lessons to my child and his teammates.
- I will teach my child what it is to be a ‘Winner’. A winner is someone who gives their best Effort, always want to Learn and does not let Mistakes, or fear of making mistakes stop them from improving.
- I will provide positive encouragement to my child and his or her teammates and will never ridicule or yell at my child for losing a game or competition.
- I will limit my comments during the game. The game can be a very chaotic experience for my child, especially trying to deal with the fast-paced action and having to listen to teammates directions, as well as blank out, all the sideline noise and focus on things the coaching staff are saying. I will not at to the confusion.
- I will set an example to always respect the game and encourage my child to remember the ROOTS (Respect for the Rules, Opponents, Officials, Teammates & Self). I will never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour towards any official, coach, player or spectator.
- I will be in control of my self and my emotions on the sideline and pledge to stay quiet if I have nothing positive to say.
- I will ensure the trip back home in the car is a positive one.
- I will always say things like, ‘I love watching you play’ and ‘Did you have fun?’ and “Did you do your best?’ to my child after their game.
- I will always make sure my child has fun. I understand that the top 3 reasons kids play sport are to 1. Have fun 2. Make New Friends. 3. Learn new skills and that far less than 1% of all participants ever make it to the professional level of the game.
- I will not live my dreams through my child.
Yes, I commit to making my child’s sport experience a Healthy and Enjoyable one!
DOWNLOAD The Parent Pledge, sign it and hand the top half to your child’s coach. Have a great season supporting your child’s team!
Next post is the ‘Player’s Pledge’
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