Honoring the Game Tools
Here are some tools and tips to help you as Responsible Sport Parents Honor the Game:
Teachable Moments
Our goal as Responsible Sports Parents is to try to turn any event--positive or negative--into a teachable moment, including incidents in pro or college sports. Seek opportunities to reinforce the principles of Honoring the Game.
When an incident occurs, whether something covered in the media, or something you and your children experience during their own games, let your kids know what you think about it. Better yet, ask them to talk about it even before offering your opinion.
If our kids come to the conclusion that something is or isn't Honoring the Game and put it into their own words, they are more likely to retain what they have learned.
Game Day Tips
Before the Game
- Tell your children you are proud of them regardless of how well they play.
- Tell them to play hard and have fun and remind them that "nervous is normal."
- Commit to Honoring the Game no matter what others do.
During the Game
- Let the coaches coach. Avoid instructing your child (or other players).
- Fill your child's (and teammates') Emotional Tanks.
- Cheer good plays and good efforts by both teams.
After the Game
- Thank the officials for doing a difficult job.
- Thank the coaches for their effort.
- Remind your child that you are proud of him or her-especially if the game didn't go well!
For a helpful sheet for game day reminders, Download: Responsible Sport Parenting: Game Day Tips
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