Parents have a huge impact on their children’s sporting experience and play in invaluable role in club and community sports.

Where would junior sports be without mums and dads?   Who would take the kids back and forth between practices and games, hand out the half time oranges, find the missing shin pad or mouthguard, wash the uniforms, make sure kids arrive on time, be our coaches, referees, apply first aid, or be a club volunteer?

If not for these Mums and Dads to help most community sport just would not exist.  For that we commend and thank you.

But what happens when we see the odd “ugly parent” or the ones who are just a little too passionate – You know the ones.

The ones screaming on the sidelines, yelling abuse at the referee (who is often a child or teen volunteer), challenging the coach or coaching from the sideline, tearing strips off their child for making a mistake, sometimes they storm onto the field or get into an altercation with a parent from the other team.   Often these behaviours are driven from their own adult ego or wanting to win at all costs.

Data shows that youth are dropping out of sport.   Whilst we recognise there are various reasons for this, research has indicated (as stated by youth) that they are dropping out because they no longer find it fun, the pressure to win or perform, and a lack of confidence.

What we say as parents on the sidelines, in the car ride home, and how we act and behave can have an enormous impact on our children’s motivation and desire to play sport.

Whilst our children may be playing a sports game in a competitive environment, most kids play because they want to have fun, hang out with friends, and learn new skills.  Often kids give up when they no longer find it fun.

Tips for Mums, Dads & Supporters;

• THESE ARE KIDS – No child makes mistakes on purpose.   Help them grow and learn from mistakes, these are a part of their development and improvement.

• THIS IS A GAME – This is not the World Cup and winning isn’t everything.   Kids play sport to have fun, when it stops being fun they stop playing.   Relax and let them enjoy it.

• BE ENCOURAGING – Be their number one fan and supporter.   Focus on the positives and let them know that you are proud of them, no matter what the outcome is.

• OFFICIALS AND COACHES ARE VOLUNTEERS – Officials and coaches are volunteers that give up their time to allow your child to play sport, without them sport wouldn’t happen.   Give them the respect they deserve.

• LETS HAVE FUN – Most children play sport to have fun and play with their friends.   Focus your support on these reasons and allow your child to enjoy themselves out on the sports fields.

Article added: Monday 10 May 2021