ROLE OF PARENTS
PARENT AND PLAYER AGREEMENT
The Crossfire Select Soccer Club has a zero-tolerance policy for unacceptable behavior exhibited by parents and/or players while on the sidelines. Players and Parents both signed a Code of Conduct Agreement at the beginning of the season.
The Crossfire Select BOD, as well as coaches, expect these agreements to be adhered to at all times, whether at a practice or at a game. Review the parent and player agreement.
PARENTAL ROLE IN YOUTH SPORTS
Bruce Brown, a motivational speaker on pro-active coaching, has written a series on parent roles in sports. He writes that parents play 4 basic roles during their child's game. We want to provide an atmosphere of support, sportsmanship and encouragement.
Review the following four rules the coaching staff would like you to follow to maximize your child's experience.
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Practice Objectivity: Soccer is a fast contact sport in a confined space that makes it very subjective. The game is perceived by what color jersey your child is wearing. Go to a game where you don't know anyone, and you'll be amazed at what good coaching and refereeing there is.
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Model Appropriate Behavior: We have all seen screaming parents. Remember that you are a role model for your child and that your actions may negatively impact their experience.
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Focus on the Team: Try to avoid having a spotlight on your child throughout the whole game. Soccer is a team sport. It can place additional pressure on your child.
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One Instructional Voice: Release your child to take instruction from his coach. Support, and encourage your child but leave the instruction to the coach.
Hundreds of college athletes were asked to think back:
"What is your worst memory from playing youth and high school sports?" Their overwhelming response: "The ride home from games with my parents."
The same college athletes were asked what their parents said that made them feel great, that amplified their joy during and after a ballgame. Their overwhelming response: "I love to watch you play."
The informal survey lasted three decades, initiated by two former longtime coaches who, over time, became staunch advocates for the player, for the adolescent, for the child.
A successful experience for the athlete involves the communication triangle between the parent, athlete, and coach. If handled correctly with both parent and coach working together for the benefit of the athlete, the athletic experience can be extremely positive. Parents must also realize and be aware that there is a delicate line between support/ encouragement and interference. Everyone in the process, coaches and parents alike, must always remember that kids' needs come first.