Sport Parenting#25: Support Your Child's Coach - Or Don't Play.

Recently I watched a junior sport competition - a junior football match.
The coach - like the 99% of junior sport coaches around the world - was a passionate amateur - a volunteer - someone who gives up their time and energy willingly and selflessly to give kids the opportunity to play sport and have fun with their friends.
The coach gave the kids some simple instructions before the game:
"Hey guys - have a great game today. Make sure we're talking to each other and keep working on your passing. Let's go".
Before the game started I noticed two sets of parents "split" - i.e. the moms went to one side of the field - dads went to the other - and they immediately started giving their respective kids detailed technical instructions about where to stand, what to do, how to play etc.
One dad - was yelling out so many detailed, highly technical, complicated instructions that I had to Google what half of them meant!
Later in the game, one side was awarded a free kick. The coach yelled from the sideline, "Hey John. You take it".
On the other side of the field, one of the dads screamed out, "Mark - you take it".
This led to the two boys arguing about who should take the kick.
Parents - if you can not support your child's coach - do not take your child to play in the team. It's that simple.
If you can't just sit on the sideline and support your child's team and enjoy the experience of watching your kids run around outside in the fresh air with a bunch of their friends - don't go to the game.
Here's why:
1. It creates conflict in the child's mind. Who do they listen to? Their mom and dad or their coach?
2. It is the one way I know of to force your child to quit sport. They might put up with your "sideline-coaching" when they're 8, 9 and maybe even when they're 10 but once they hit their early teens, they'll start resenting you - the team and anything to do with playing the sport. Do you really want that?
3. And it's incredibly disrespectful to your child's coach. Remember they are the one who put up their hand to do the job. They've given up their time to help your child learn some new skills, get fitter and healthier and have some fun.
If you can't support someone who's doing that for YOUR child - then you've really got some issues.
It doesn't matter if you've won an Olympic Gold medal, played in the EPL or the NFL or the NBA.
It's irrelevant if you've got a PhD, a Masters degree, written a book about exercise science or been Knighted for your services to Sport.
It's not important that you believe you've got all the answers to how to turn your seven year old into a super star.
When you go to a game or any sporting event to watch your kids play - do just that - WATCH THEM PLAY - shut up!!!! - and support the coach with everything you've got.
Wayne
If you want to hear more about Sport and Parenting, come to one of my Sports Parenting events at my upcoming National Tour of New Zealand - "The Sport Experience - Making Sport Better".
2018 TOUR DATES - THE SPORT EXPERIENCE: MAKING SPORT BETTER.
WELLINGTON SEPTEMBER 9 - 10
HAMILTON SEPTEMBER 11 - 12
WHANGAREI SEPTEMBER 13 - 14
NEW PLYMOUTH SEPTEMBER 15 - 17
AUCKLAND SEPTEMBER 18 - 19
ROTORUA SEPTEMBER 20
TAURANGA SEPTEMBER 21
CHRISTCHURCH SEPTEMBER 22 - 23
DUNEDIN SEPTEMBER 24 - 27
NAPIER SEPTEMBER 28 - 30
Bookings essential for Wellington, Hamilton, Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin events through www.wgcoaching.com/events
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Wayne Goldsmith Coaching
wgcoaching.com
Waynes coaching, thinking and teaching have influenced some of the world’s leading athletes, coaches and teams . He is an inspirational speaker and presenter who is able to educate, entertain , challenge and engage audiences of all ages
With over 25 years experience working with some of the best coaches, athletes, teams and sporting organisations in the world, WG Coaching offers an unparalleled opportunity for you to become the coach you dream of becoming.
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