Volume 20, Issue 35 | May 11, 2021
Setting the Example
In April alone, three separate incidents made national news headlines after parents, coaches and an official were involved in fights at youth sporting events. An Indiana girls AAU Basketball game turned into a "wild brawl" when team coaches and parents got into an altercation with an official. In Michigan, an indoor flag football game turned violent when a coach punched a parent following a disagreement over a call made on the field. Finally, police are investigating a fistfight that ruined the end of a club basketball game in Colorado after a player reported an opposing parent made demeaning comments during a game. It's notable that both the Indiana and Colorado melees included players throwing punches as well as adults.

Perhaps it's not surprising that a young athletes would get involved based on what we know about the influence of parents. Decades of research have found that parents set an important example for their children, particularly in areas of moral development. In short, parents model for their children how to behave in certain situations and children respond accordingly as they grow and develop. Yet too many sports parents continue to set the wrong example, not only in extreme situations like the fights above, but in more subtle ways such as blaming game officials, questioning coach decisions, or making negative comments about opposing players or fans.

It's important to assess our behavior as a sports parent and consider the example we are setting for our own child. Take a moment to reflect on the last practice or game you attended. What did you say and do? Were you positive and encouraging with the young athletes, including your own? Have you ever raised your voice or made negative comments toward officials, coaches, athletes or other parents? Have you disparaged any of these individuals in front of your child in the car or at home? If you're a fan of college or professional sports, it might also be helpful to consider how you react while watching those games. Children pickup on our words and actions in those situations as well, learning what sort of words and behaviors are appropriate in the sports environment.

The good news is, we can have a positive impact on our children moving forward. Whether we identify with some of the negative influences above or have been a model of positive behavior, our future words and actions can make a difference in the lives of our children and on youth sports as a whole. If our self-evaluation reveals areas we can improve, take steps to build positive habits in these areas (see 10 Commandments for Sports Parents below for several examples). If we're already setting a positive example, consider how you can empower others to do the same and stand-up against toxic behavior on the sidelines of practices and games.

Finally, all parents should take time to talk to your children about the right way to behave when it comes to youth sports. Discuss situations that arise during practices or games and talk about how children should handle themselves. If parents are intentional about promoting positive behavior while setting a good example themselves, we can avoid news headlines like those above and get back to a fun youth sports experience that develops virtue in athletes of all ages.
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. ~ Proverbs 22:6
10 Commandments for Sports Parents
Play Like a Champion offers the 10 Commandments for Sports Parents as a helpful reminder of the ways we can create a positive youth sports experience for our children. Too often, we get lost in the heat of competition and forget the game belongs to our children. Whether on the way to an event, during practice or competition, or on the way home, these 10 commandments remind us to thank God for the gift of sports, focus on things like goal setting, and remain positive. Click the link below to access a PDF of these helpful tips, or contact us to request the 10 Commandments for Sports Parents on small printed cards that can be distributed to sports parents in your school or organization.
A Prayer for Sports Moms
With Mother's Day this past Sunday, we want to take a moment to recognize & celebrate mothers! Moms contribute so much to a child's sports experience; from practices to games & everything in-between, youth sports wouldn't be possible without you!
Lord, help me to remember I'm having fun ---
The chaos, the rushing, the meals on the run.
Don't let us forget the equipment we need,
and not get delayed so we don't have to speed.
May I cheer even if my child is benched,
or it's raining or snowing, and I'm cold and drenched.
And may I not right in mid-game stop to think,
"Oh, no, I forgot it's my day for drinks!"
For I know it's important to show my support,
to be there for my kids, as their youth is so short.
I thank you for having this time with them Lord,
for being a Sports Mom is its own reward.
Amen.
Play Like a Champion's "Daily Prayers for Champions" page has been updated! Visit www.playlikeachampion.org/daily-prayers for more than 200 prayers plus resources that can help you and your team grow closer to God while participating in sports.
Play Like a Champion Today Educational Series
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