Fostering Good Sportsmanship

1.  Remember that you're the parent. Shout words of encouragement, not directions, from the sidelines (there is a difference!).  You will confuse the player not help.

2.  Keep your comments positive.  Don't bad-mouth coaches, players, or game officials.  If you have a serious concern about the way that games or practices are being conducted, or if you're upset about other parents' behavior, discuss it privately with your child's coach or with a league official.

3.  When you're talking to your child after a competition, it's important not to dwell on who won or lost.  Instead, you might ask your child, "How did you feel you did during the game?"   Or better yet, turn on the radio and take a break from soccer. 

4.  If your child mentions that he or she didn't do well at a particular skill, like throwing or passing, offer to work on these skills with your child before the next game.

5.  Applaud good plays no matter who makes them.

6.  Set a good example with your courteous behavior toward the parents of kids on the other team.  Congratulate them when their kids win.

7.  Remember that it's your child, not you, who is playing. Don't push your child into a sport because it's what you enjoyed.  

8.  Keep your perspective.  It's just a game.  Even if your child's team loses every game of the season it's unlikely to ruin his or her life or chances of success.

9.  Look for examples of good sportsmanship in professional athletes and point them out to your kid.  Talk about the bad examples, too, and why they upset you.

10.  Last but not least, remember the team, show up on time if you’re bringing your player to practice.  Show respect for everyone’s time.  Support the team.  Support your child.

Finally, don't forget to have fun.  Even if your child isn't the star, enjoy the game while you're thinking of all the benefits your child is gaining - new skills, new friends, and attitudes that can help him or her all through life.  Enjoy, they will be in college very soon.