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ShareThe Scoop from Athletics: Mr. Gregory G. Dennis
Ten Principles of Parenting an Athlete
12/01/07
1. Be positive with your student athlete. Let them know he or she is accomplishing something positive by being a part of the team.
2. Avoid offering excuses for the student athlete if he or she is not playing or you are seeing only limited action. Encourage them to work hard, reach his or her potential and contribute to the team’s efforts.
3. Open criticism of the coaches is unnecessary. By openly criticizing the coaches, your student athlete becomes trapped between the coach’s authority and the parent’s criticism. This situation merely erodes the athlete’s effectiveness and affects their contributions to the team effort.
4. Encourage and support your student athlete’s efforts to follow the team rules and athletic code. Remember: you sign a parent athletic conduct pledge stating your support of the athletic code, its enforcement and its penalties. This is a year-round responsibility and not limited to the athletic season.
5. Emphasize the importance of academics and understand the academic requirements necessary for participation in interscholastic athletic activities. With few exceptions, most student athletes do not receive athletic scholarships. Their future as an active, contributing citizen is determined by their academic abilities, not their high school athletic abilities.
6. Criticizing or showing envy in relation to the failures or successes of other student athletes displays inappropriate behaviors to others. Most are trying their hardest, and they deserve respect for their efforts. Living your life vicariously through your student athlete puts undo pressure on all concerned. Remember: a sport is a game and it’s supposed to be fun.
7. The coaches work with the athletes on a regular basis and they have had the opportunity to evaluate the athlete’s strengths and weaknesses objectively. Focus your energy toward being a supporter of the team and do not waste it tearing the team down. Every team is composed of three groups: athletes, coaches and parents. Be a positive part of the team.
8. Emphasize good sportsmanship with your student athlete. Win or lose, they must show respect for their opponent. Always demonstrate the maturity necessary to show class. In addition, encourage your student athlete to respect the authority of the officials. Remember: Self-respect begins with self-control.
9. Emphasize that “team” must take precedence over the individual. Recognition of individual contributions happens at the end of the lesson. Recognition is directly affected by the success of the team and the individual’s contribution to the team’s success. There is no “I” in the word team.
10. The lessons learned through athletic competition are lessons for life. The skills learned will have great value in the future. Keep sports in perspective.
