The great American pastime is upon us. Spring Training’s call of “play ball” has echoed throughout the land and millions have heeded the call to play, coach and cheer!
Hopefully, those who answer the call to play, do so in the spirit of teamwork, those who answer the call to coach, do so in the spirit of wanting to show and mentor the love of the game and as parents, to support both the coach and the entire team with words and deeds of encouragement.
For those parenting student athletes competing in everything from baseball to rugby and track-and-field, Cal Ripken, Jr.’s book with Rick Wolff: Parenting Young Athletes The Ripken Way (Gotham Books, 2006), is an invaluable resource from preschool to high school.
PARENTS
Focusing on Chapter 3 (pgs. 43 – 78), The Elementary School Years, ages 6-11, Ripken tells in his no-nonsense way, what we should expect of everyone involved in little league play.
For parents, he encourages educating yourself regarding a wide variety of recreational leagues in your town prior to choosing the correct one for your son or daughter. Research these leagues through printed information, web sites and word of mouth to assure a good fit for your schedules and the temperaments of all concerned.
When researching leagues, look for these key items prior to registration:
- Registration dates and information
- Costs
- Length of season
- Location of practices and games
- How coaches are recruited
- Familiarize yourself with league rules
- How teams are selected(Are they pre-selected, or are there tryouts?)
- Equipment you will have to provide
- Is there a medical physical requirement?
After Registration:
- Meet the Coach
- Reassure your child if uneasy playing for someone else other than you
- Support the coach and his mission
- Ask any questions of the coach you may have
- Advise the coach of any medical or special psychological needs of your child
After Season Begins:
- Listen to your child’s concerns and excitement for the upcoming season
- Following the game, resist the urge to explain to child “what he could have done better or differently”
- Have fun!
COACHES
A Sports Illustrated for Kids Magazine poll asked children what they most wanted from their coaches:
- 95% wanted a coach who could increase athletic skills
- 64% would rather play on a losing team for a likeable coach, rather than a winning team for an unlikable coach
- 62% wanted equal playing times for all teammates
- 61% said yelling was okay – as long as it was positive!
- 93% wanted and needed the coaches full support
What happens when the family's preseason excitement wears thin and mid-season, you find yourself in conflict with the coach?
- Above all, Ripken cautions, “maintain a sense of civility.” This, of course, is an excellent policy for any player or parent throughout the competing life of the athlete.
- DO NOT confront coaches directly after the game If you need to discuss something, either arrange to meet him later, or call – never in the midst of other players or parents
- You do not always have to intervene on your child’s behalf
LANGUAGE, LANGUAGE, LANGUAGE
Whether a coach, parent or athlete, watch your language – both verbal as well as physical! Ripken touts the advantages of “Silent Sundays,” when fans and coaches alike keep all yelling, with the exception of polite clapping – to an absolute minimum. These tips and many more like it, including performance improvement for your little athlete and sportsmanship are sprinkled through the remainder of the book.
For more on youth athletics on Suite101.com, peek into one parent's experience here!
