Champions of Character

The following is from A Standard Higher Than Victory: The Role of Parents in Athletics by Bruce Brown, NAIA Special Presenter for Champions of Character.

When parents stop and analyze the athletic experience for their children, the reasons they want their kids to play sports involve providing an opportunity to develop physically, emotionally and to enjoy.  The side-benefits of playing sports include giving kids a good opportunity to learn how to work and get along with others, to take good risks in a public arena and survive, to learn to set and achieve goals by developing positive work habits, to learn how to succeed and fail with dignity, and to develop friendships outside the family unit that can last for a lifetime.

            All adults involved need to do their part and provide the athlete with the help and assistance he really needs to perform well.  As such, parents need to address the following critical issues:

• Ask their children questions about why they play, what their goals and roles are, and then accept young athletes’ reasons as their own.
• Once parents know their children are safe physically and emotionally, they should release them to the experience (the game, the team and the coach).
• During the game, parents should model poise and confidence and keep their focus on the team.
• After the game, parents should give their children space and time and leave them alone.
• Parents should be a confidence builder by maintaining a consistent perspective and not saying or doing anything that will have their children feel like their self-worth is tied to playing time or outcome of a game.

In summary, to help your athlete – before, during and after competition:

√ Before: Know their goals, roles and needs, and accept them.  Release them to the game, their coach and team.

√ During: Model poise, confidence and correct behavior.  Focus on our team.

√ After: Give them all the time and space they need.  Be a confidence builder.