Youth Sports – the importance of good parenting and putting fun first

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Youth Sports has become a cultural phenomenon these days. According to a Michigan State University study, over 70 percent of kids quit sports by age 13. Think about that. For professional sports, that is the equivalent of losing one potential Peyton Manning a week. In addition, there is no way of knowing the impact on the talent pool of business leaders and other professions where continued sports participation helps develop critical life skills.

The City of Maricopa Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department has taken great strides to ensure the youth sports experience remains positive. We offer t-ball, coach pitch baseball, Jr. Suns Basketball, NFL Flag Football, recreational soccer and competitive soccer. Starting in 2008, we’re going to offer ASA Girls Softball, youth in-line hockey and junior golf. We began as a small department offering just one sport: flag football. Since then we’ve grown our department, and over 3,000 children have participated in our sports programs in just three short years. We have a very good program, but we also recognize areas where we can get stronger and, ultimately, we will.

Our program has been designed to teach the fundamentals of all sports in a positive and fun environment. Professional Football Coach Tom Landry said it best: “The greatest contribution that sports can make to young athletes is to build character. The greatest teacher of character is on the athletic field.” You’ll notice several differences between our program and others.

1. We’re non-competitive.
2. We won’t keep or publish scores.
3. We put fun first and winning-losing last.

The most important reason kids cited as to why they to play was to have fun. Winning (much to the surprise of many adults) was tenth on the list, according to the Michigan State University survey. The same survey also looked at why children stopped playing sports and responses such as “I was not having fun, I lost interest and it took too much time” were cited as top reasons.

It’s critical that we understand our responsibility as true role models to our children. Coach and parent behaviors have a direct and significant effect on the benefits children receive from sports and, most importantly, the fun they experience through active participation. All coaches and parents will adhere to the City of Maricopa’s PRL Resource Handbook, Youth Sports Bill of Rights and respect the right of our children to have fun.

We have seen hundreds of “new youth sports parents” walk into our program since we opened our doors in 2004. Some get it, and others don’t. But we’re not pointing the finger of blame at those who don’t get “it.” Instead, we view this as an educational opportunity. As a parent, it’s extremely important for you to understand the following principles.

· Understand the daily pressures a child faces. Youth Sports should be an outlet and place for a player to have fun. Encourage your child and allow him or her to have a good time.

· Remember that your child learns more from your actions than your words. Practice good sportsmanship by being respectful to players, parents and coaches on both teams.

· Parents should appreciate the efforts made by both teams. There is nothing wrong with applauding a good play made by the opponents.

· Parents should support the coach, as long as the coach follows proper coaching guidelines. Parents should understand that most coaches are volunteers. It is inappropriate for a parent to coach a player who is on the field. Not only does it devalue the coach, it also confuses the player.

· Parents should not embarrass their child by calling attention to themselves through loud or rude behavior.

· Don’t be a coach–be a parent. Offer encouragement and positive reinforcement. A sure way to dampen your child’s enthusiasm is with constant criticism.

· Parents should encourage discipline by having their children arrive on time for practices and games.

· Parents should help their children realize that belonging to a team requires commitment. Regular attendance and being prepared are necessary for the team to function smoothly.

· Parents should volunteer their services whenever possible. This shows the participants the value of being a team player.

· Parents should respect the officials and their calls. It is okay to disagree, but inappropriate to disparage.

As Director of this program, you have my full support in ensuring the youth sports experience–from the first practice to the end of the season party–brings a smile to every child’s face. We’ll accomplish this together so our children can learn new skills, make new friends and, especially, have fun.

Happy Sporting.

Photo by Joyce Hollis