Sep
3
As a parent of a child involved in youth sports, it’s likely that you have probably noticed how serious and intense many leagues can be like today. In fact, many parents have told me that they sometimes feel as though they are watching mini-professional athletes playing to win at all cost, instead of seeing kids learning, growing, and maturing through the athletic experience. As the emphasis on winning continues to be paramount in many youth sport leagues, it is important we maintain a healthy balance and take time to identify “teachable moments” in sports where kids can learn respect and sportsmanship.
Interestingly, while we often hope for our children to win with grace, lose with dignity, and always display appropriate sportsmanship to teammates and opponents, when we as adults model terribly inappropriate behaviors all of these hopes quickly become diminished. Sportsmanship encompasses far more than begrudgingly shaking an opponents hand after a game, it involves everything you do from the moment you arrive at the park until the time you leave. Sportsmanship is a prosocial behavior that your child can learn through sports, as well as apply to all relationships outside of sports, too.
The following is a list of tips for parents, coaches, and kids to consider so that good competition and mutual respect for one another can occur at the same time.
Parents
• Cheer, don’t jeer! It is very appropriate for you to cheer and encourage your son or daughter while playing sports, but it is never appropriate to make negative remarks to (or about) other kids on the field.
• Control your outbursts. As a sports fan, it is almost impossible to not experience human emotions – including anger and disgust – while watching a game. For some people keeping these emotions inside is not that difficult, but for others it is almost virtually impossible. If you cannot control your emotions, consider alternatives such as sitting further away so as to not disturb others, or in more serious cases, consider talking to a professional
• Model appropriate behaviors. Think about what you say, how you say, and even your body language. Remember, kids see everything and learn from how adults conduct themselves!
Coaches
• Try to encourage kids at all times – even the kids with below average skills. Everyone likes positive reinforcement, so try to keep an eye out for opportunities to praise kids, even if it’s just for their effort.
• Keep your cool when dealing with officials. Oftentimes officials take the brunt of frustration when the games don’t go our way, but most officials get paid almost nothing and are doing their best with the training they have had.
• Look at your opponents as challenges instead of enemies. In fact, talking about the other teams positives can inspire your team to try to improve.
Kids
• Treat all fellow athletes, coaches, and officials with respect. This means playing hard but playing fair, and when things don’t work out in your favor be sure to learn healthy ways to deal with the negative consequences rather than becoming angry, upset and letting yourself get out of control
• Find opportunities to pick one another up and offer praise and encouragement to teammates. Sometimes hearing a compliment from a fellow teammate can be even better than getting one from the coach!
• Show your appreciation to all the people who make your athletic experience special! Be creative and be sure to say “thanks” to your parents, coaches, and officials for all the hard work they put into making your league a fun and exciting place to be!
Dr. Christopher Stankovich is a national expert in the field of sport performance science, and offers educational products and services designed to help kids, coaches and entire athletic organizations maximize the athletic experience. For more information please visit www.drstankovich.com
Sep
1
27th Annual Siesta Key Triathlon on Siesta Beach
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27th Annual Siesta Key sprint triathlon & duathlon. Come race on Siesta Beach ranked 2nd in America’s Most Beautiful Beaches for 2009. The race is well known for a terrific post race party featuring the hospitality of the Sarasota Sharks Swim Team and outstanding volunteer support to cheer you on to your best finish. The race benefits the YMCA… Continue reading
Aug
28
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota “Day for Kids” September 25th
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Boys & Girls Clubs of America created a special day, called “Day for Kids,” to foster stronger relationships between adults and children by educating them on the importance and value of spending meaningful time together. Day for Kids provides the opportunity for every adult to take a break, celebrate and renew their commitement to children.
DAYS FOR KIDS
Please join us for “Day for Kids”
Aug
27
PRE-SEASON
ESPN Kick Off Classic
(19) Manatee 48- (2) Plant 10
Southeast 14 - Tampa Hillsborough 12
Braden River 34 - Cardinal Mooney 14
Aug
27
Your Child’s Team is Not a Babysitter!
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As a sports-parent, you are already aware of the time commitment that is often necessary when it comes to your child and his or her team responsibilities. Today’s youth sport leagues often involve many practices and games, long travel, and sometimes even year-round responsibilities. Needless to say… Continue reading
Aug
25
Its time for our annual Fantasy Football League to start. If you are interested, we are playing. If you would like to own a team in our league, email info@sportsfamilymag.com and instructions will be emailed to you. Last years winner won a PING Driver that we pulled out of the prize closet. This year the closet… Continue reading
Aug
23
Mark your Calendars: August 27th Tailgate Party and Kick-off Classic vs Plant (televised on ESPN)
Filed Under High School Football, Youth Sports | Leave a Comment
Your invited you to The Manatee High School Kickoff Classic on Friday evening, August 27th as we take on Plant High School. Kick-off is at 7pm and ESPN will be televising the game. Don’t miss the excitement as the ‘Canes make their season debut on national television!
Come out early and
Aug
22
Plant vs Manatee in the ESPN KICKOFF CLASSIC
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Its a re-match of last years championship game. Manatee is ranked 19th in ESPN Rise’s Preseason Fab 50 while Tampa Plant is ranked second. Friday Night Aug. 27th the Manatee-Plant game, which will be broadcast live on ESPN from Hawkins Stadium, is part of the network’s new ESPN Rise High School Football Kickoff.
For more information visit the… Continue reading
Aug
20
Sport Specialization: Is it the Right Choice for Your Child?
Filed Under Family Events, Uncategorized, Youth Sports | Leave a Comment
Have you ever stopped and wondered whatever happened to the three-sport letter winner?? In the “old” days of athletics only just a few years ago, many young athletes successfully played multiple sports, leading to the achievement of earning multiple varsity letters in high school. Interestingly, a new trend
Aug
19
“Through An Umpire’s Eyes”
Filed Under Baseball, Youth Sports | 1 Comment
Donald Jensen was struck in the head by a thrown bat while umpiring a Little League game in Terre Haute, Indiana. He continued to work the game, but later that evening was placed in the hospital by a doctor. While being kept overnight for observation, Jensen wrote the following letter:
Dear Parent of a Little Leaguer: