Conduct Guidelines for Parents of Youth Athletes
Parent Codes of Conduct in Youth Sports Promote Sportsmanship
Sep 17, 2009
Parents are the most important role models for children and play a vital role in a child's development. It is in the child's and team's best interest if parents adhere to a code of conduct that upholds the highest standard of ethics and good sportsmanship. Youth sports provide a unique opportunity to teach children the value of sportsmanship and offers parents the opportunity to model appropriate behavior.
Benefits of Implementing a Parent Code of Conduct
Implementing a Parent Code of Conduct in any sports program can serve to promote sportsmanship and sends a clear message that it is valued at all levels within the program. Conduct policies should be in place for not only athletes and coaches, but also for parents/ or fans. Setting expectations from the beginning can eliminate a negative emotional effect on children and ensure that the sporting event is fun for everyone.
Guidelines for Parent Conduct With Regard to Youth Sports Programs
Parents of youth athletes should agree to abide by the following guidelines.
- Place the well being of the child before a personal desire to win in order to ensure a child has the best athletic experience possible.
- Inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of the child or the safety of others.
- Be a positive role model and encourage good sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy.
- Support all players, coaches and officials at every game and practice.
- Refrain from engaging in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player or parent such as booing, taunting, using profane language or gestures.
- Never engage in yelling at children/participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.
- Advocate for an environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, alcohol and abusive language.
- Encourage children to play by the rules, respect the rights of other players, coaches, fans and officials.
- Be respectful of officials and coach's decisions.
- Do not instruct a child before or after a game as it may conflict with the coach's plans and strategies.
- Address parental concerns by speaking with coaches in an appropriate manner including proper time and place. Be sure to follow the designated chain of command.
- Remember that a ticket to a sporting event is a privilege.
The overall benefits of youth sports are extensive, and a parent is the most influential person with regard to shaping a child's view on sportsmanship. Adhering to these guidelines will ensure that children are participating in an environment that positively influences their development. All to often the life lessons children learn through sports are not valued, safety is not a priority, and sportsmanship is lost in the quest to be the best. Implementing a Parent Code of Conduct is a step in the right direction towards keeping good sportsmanship alive in youth sports programs today.
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