Organized youth sports can be very rewarding for children of all ages if everyone handles them the right way. The best and easiest way to do this is to always remember that they are supposed to be fun exercise. If playing the game is fun for your child then they will get the most out of it. Here are some simple things to keep in mind when letting your child participate in organized youth sports.
Let your child decide what they want to play
First, let your child decide what they want to play. Children don’t get into organized sports to become all-stars, earn college scholarships or get to the pros. They play them mainly to be with their friends. So let them decide what they want to play. They know what sports they like and which are fun for them.
Don't sign your child up to play a sport they don't want to play
If your child decides that they don’t want to play a certain sport than don’t sign them up for it. They will only feel like they are obligated to play it. You may feel like you are doing them a favor by signing them up for a team, but you may be doing more harm than good. Youth sports should never feel like a commitment to your child.
Make sure that your child understands what the sport they choose involves
Once your child decides on the sport that they want to play, make sure that they understand everything that it involves. Sit down and talk to them about the commitment to practice, the sacrifices they will have to make for the team and the respect that they will have to show their coaches. And despite what others may say, let your child know that if playing the game is no longer fun for them than they can stop playing at any time. Even during the season.
Let them play with friends first
Make sure that your child plays with friends first. Children need to feel accepted. Just as it is hard for a child moving to a new town and going to a new school, it is hard for them to play and blend in with kids and adults that they don’t know. Give your child an environment where they feel comfortable first.
Sign them up to a local league first
Start out small. If possible, sign your child up to a local youth league first. Let them get their feet wet in a less pressurized environment. This gives your child a chance to find out if they really want to play a sport or not.
It is okay to coach
It is okay to coach your child’s youth team, but know how it will affect them. Some children can handle their parents coaching them while others can’t. As much as you may want to do it, find out from your child if they are okay with you coaching them. Remember they are the ones playing with their friends. The most important thing is that they remain friends after the games are done. And that your child doesn’t feel like they were forced to play for you.
Respect those who volunteer their time for your child
If you do not participate with your child’s team then respect those who do. Respect the coaches and any parents who volunteer. If possible lend a hand from time to time. And let the coaches coach the team. As long as they treat the kids fair and look out for their safety than let them run the show and cheer them on.
Allow your child to grow
Allow your child to grow at their own pace. If they want to play just for fun then let them. If it becomes more serious to them, then encourage them to take it as far as they can. But let them decide how much it means to them, not you. And respect their decision either way.
Teach and emphasize sportsmanship
Make sure that your child learns good sportsmanship. This is most important. If your child does not learn good sportsmanship everyone has failed—the child, the coaches and the parent. By learning good sportsmanship a child remains grounded and never feels as if they are bigger than the game or team no matter how good they become. Make sure they respect their teammates and coaches. Make sure they respect their opponents. Make sure they respect the other parents. Make sure they respect the officials. And make sure they play by the rules at all times. When it comes to sportsmanship, there are no exceptions.
No recruiting
Do not put your child through a recruiting process. Let them pick what teams they want to play for not you or someone else. This includes travel and all-star teams. No matter how many coaches or parents ask your child to play for them, tell them no. Let your child make the decision just as when they first began to play. If they do decide that they want to play for a travel or all-star team than have the same discussions with them about commitment that you had at the beginning.
Make sure your child is having fun
Finally, make sure that your child is enjoying themselves. There is no way they will get the most out of youth sports if they are not having fun. You know your child. You will be able to tell if they are having fun or not. If you see any signs that say they are not, talk to them about it. See if you can come up with a solution. If you cannot maybe it is time for your child to stop playing.
If your child decides that it is no longer fun and they no longer want to play it is best to let them walk away from the game. If they want to come back to it they will. Let them make the decision and be proud of them.
Always remember that youth sports are for your child to have something fun to do. By letting them decide what sports they want to play, teams they want to play for and when they want to stop playing you take the pressure off of them to please you and you make it more fun for them.
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