Honoring the Game
As Responsible Sports Parents, we aim to conduct ourselves by a code called "Honoring the Game."
The Honoring the Game Code is simple, but powerful. The elements of the Code are: Rules, Opponents, Officials, Teammates and Self (ROOTS for short!)
Honoring the Game is one of many opportunities where we as parents can lead by example. , When our children notice that we keep our temper in check, for example when an official misses a call, they are more likely to check their own tempers.
Honoring the Game starts with our own self-control. Take a deep breath, remind yourself about the discipline to NOT react, remind yourself that your child is watching you. If you find yourself on the verge of losing control, turn away from the action, count to 20 (or 50!) and take a deep breath. We can do this!
(And by the way – later on, you can use the experience as a teachable moment with your children: "I was pretty upset with what happened, but I controlled myself so I wouldn't do anything that would dishonor the game. And that's an important lesson I want you to learn from sports -- how to develop your own self-control so you will always Honor the Game no matter what.")
Because today's youth sports environment can so often be volatile, and even violent, it is important to prevent any outraged coach, player or parent from boiling over.
For a quick summary, Download: Introducing "Honoring the Game" to Your Children
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