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Sideline Suggestions Parents Pledge(Document Download) More for Parents

NO DOGS ON THE FIELDS PLEASE!

SIDELINE SUGGESTIONS
(10 Things Kids Say They Don't Want Their Parents to Do)

by Darrell J. Burnett, Ph.D

1. Don't yell out instructions.  During the game I'm trying to concentrate on what the coach says and working on what I've been practicing. It's easier for me to do my best if you save instructions and reminders for practice or just before the game.
2. Don't put down the officials.  This embarrasses me and I sometimes wonder whether the official is going to be tougher on me because my parents yell.
3. Don't yell at me in public.  It will just make things worse because I'll be upset, embarrassed, or worried that you're going to yell at me the next time I do something "wrong."
4.  Don't yell at the coach.  When you yell about who gets to play what position, it just stirs things up and takes away from the fun.
5. Don't put down my teammates.  Don't make put-down remarks about any of  my teammates who make mistakes. It takes away from our team spirit.
6. Don't put down the other team.  When you do this you're not giving us a very good example of sportsmanship so we get mixed messages about being "good sports."
7. Don't lose your cool.  I love to see you excited about the game, but there's no reason to get so upset that you lose your temper! It's our game and all the attention is supposed to be on us.
8. Don't lecture me about mistakes after the game.  Those rides home in the car after the game are not a good time for lectures about how I messed up -- I already feel bad. We can talk later, but please stay calm, and don't forget to mention things I did well during game!
9. Don't forget how to laugh and have fun.  Sometimes it's hard for me to relax and have fun during the game when I look over and see you so tense and worried.
10. Don't forget that it's just a game!  Odds are, I'm not going to make a career out of playing sports. I know I may get upset if we lose, but I also know that I'm usually feeling better after we go get a pizza. I need to be reminded sometimes that it's just a game.

(From Playbook for Kids: A Parent's Guide to Help Kids Get the Most Out of Sports. The Gatorade Company)
 
Dr. Burnett is a clinical psychologist and certified sports psychologist specializing in youth sports. He has been in private practice in southern California for 20+ years. Dr. Burnett is active on the lecture circuit. His publications on youth sports, including It's Just A Game! (Youth, Sports, & Self Esteem: A Guide for Parents), are described at his website, www.djburnett.com  He can be reached at his office, 30101 Town Center Drive, Suite 202 D, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677. (949)-249-2882.  Email:djburnet@ pacbell.net.

Teaching kids how to be good sports: youth-sports.com


YOUTH SPORTS - PARENT PLEDGE
Download file to print, sign & send in.

Quick view of Player's agreement below....


________    I will remember that children participate to have fun, and that the game is for and about kids, not adults.

________    I will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy to players, coaches, umpires, and spectators.

________    I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

________    I will respect the officials and their authority and will not confront them at the game.

________    I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.

________    I will not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct such as booing, taunting, cursing, threats, or physical assaults.

________    I will refrain from any unauthorized coaching of my child or other players during games.

________    I will teach my child that doing one's best is more important than winning.

 I understand and accept the league policy that if I violate the pledge I may be asked to leave the game. I also understand that continued violations of the pledge will result in my being banned from further attendance at games for the remainder of the season.
 
Please put your initials next to each item of the pledge and sign your name below.
 
___________________________________                          ______________
Father/Guardian Signature                                                   Date
 
___________________________________                          ______________
Mother/Guardian Signature                                                  Date
 
 
Darrell J. Burnett, Ph.D.
30101 Town Center Drive, Suite 202 D
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
949-249-2882
email: djburnet@pacbell.net
website: www.djburnett.com