Albany Herald 20080217f1.htm

ALBANY — It’s a pretty good day on the field when a young athlete can enjoy a little healthy competition and the camaraderie of teammates.

That day is made even better when that boy or girl can look to the stands and see a parent smile affectionately and shout words of encouragement, armed with a stadium soft drink in one hand and a hot dog in the other.

But when that parent makes a scene when the game doesn’t go the child’s way, the day can be ruined for everyone involved.

“It happens from time to time,” Albany Dixie League Vice President Frank Sullivan said in a recent telephone interview.

Such occurrences typically range from taking opposition to an umpire’s decision too far to arguments breaking out between parents of competing teams.

“When it does, we address it,” Sullivan said.

That means the unsportsman like conduct can end with ejection from the premises.

Even so, such undesirable behavior distract others who are simply trying to enjoy the sporting event.

“That takes the joy and satisfaction out of it,” Albany Area YMCA Executive Director Dave Wallis said in a recent telephone interview.

Such unsportsmanlike behavior can also have lingering effects, intended or not.

“I’m sure some of the older kids recognize it,” Sullivan said. “But most of the time, it’s recognized by the other parents.”

According to Wallis, coaches can provide parents with an example of how to behave during competition.

“The parents play off the coach,” he said. “The coach can discourage poor parent behavior.”

Sullivan, who has been involved with youth baseball in Albany for the last five years, has simple advice for parents planning to attend their children’s games.

“I tell them to enjoy it,” Sullivan said. “Pull for your team, and pull for your child. Enjoy the social aspect of the game.”

Wallis suggested that parents also keep their kids’ sports participation in perspective.

“The key is just to be supportive,” Wallis said. “Regardless of the outcome, acknowledge the fact that they’ve opened themselves up to compete with and in front of other people.”

According to Wallis, the YMCA takes steps to make sure both parents and their children commit to behaving in a respectful manner during practice and games.

“We do have a parents’ code of ethics that both parents and their children have to sign,” Wallis said.

That code includes agreeing to encourage all those involved in the activity, agreeing to ensure the experience is fun for the child and agreeing to put the emotional and physical well-being of the child ahead of desire to win.

“It just boils down to the Golden Rule,” Wallis said.

After all, Sullivan pointed out, youth sports are intended to instill principles in participants, as well as teach athletic prowess.

“Certainly, there’s a life lesson,” he said.

BEING A GOOD SPORT

• Enjoy your child’s participation without getting overly ego-involved.

• When watching your child compete, stay positive and energetic. Your attitude affects how your child feels and performs.

• Make the events more fun by befriending other parents.

• Volunteer as much as you can.

• Work with other parents to make sure everyone behaves well.

• Leave coaching to the coaches.

• Communicate with the coach about your child.

• Provide guidance to your children without resorting to force or pressure.

• Emphasize benefits of social and skill developments associated with sports participation.

• Show interest in your child’s participation by helping them practice, attending competitions and asking questions.

• Intervene if your child’s behavior is unacceptable during practice or competitions.

• Keep a sense of humor.

• Don’t focus on your child’s performance.

• Don’t make enemies of other parents.

• Don’t interfere with coaches or the competition.

• Don’t show negative emotions while watching your child perform.

• Don’t compare your child’s progress with that of other children’s.

Source: Michael A. Taylor, U.S.A. Gymnastics National Safety Instructor