1

2

Acknowledgments

This e-book wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of Professor Valerie

Wherley of Scared Heart University, Connecticut, US.

Thank you.

3

List of Contents:

Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction – 5

Chapter II

Helpful or Harmful: Part 1

2.1 The Problem - 9

‘Chapter III

Helpful or Harmful: Part 2

3.1 Parent’s Expectations - 14

Chapter IV

Helpful or Harmful: Part 3

4.1 The Effect - 21

Chapter V

Helpful or Harmful: Part 4

5.1 Becoming a Sporting Influencer - 28

References

4

The Sporting Influencer

5

Introduction

6

1.1 Introduction

Having coached youth and men’s soccer for a number of years, I’ve encountered many

diverse challenges in many forms, yet the most challenging of all are soccer parents.

According to Clark, 2008; Kremer–Sadlik & Kim, 2007 within any given sport

parent(s) have been highlighted as one of the major influences in a child’s level of

enjoyment and participation within a particular sport. Taking such powerful

statements into consideration, why is that we heard such negative stories of abuse

(Verbal & Physical) towards players and coaches? In a study conducted in Indianapolis,

USA called Ugly Parent Syndrome in 2001, 53% of soccer parents admit to witnessing

verbal abuse during a game. Such statements and statistics are overwhelming, which

serves the reason towards why I feel the need to construct such blogs (hopefully a book in the future) 1) highlight the problem and harm of abusive parents on players and

coaches with clear examples 2) Educate the parents on how they should conduct

themselves on the sideline 3) how positive behavior on the sideline can aid a child’s

performance(s), 4) share experiences with coaches within the sporting environment

In no means, am I generalizing soccer parents. I’ve encountered and witnessed many

positive soccer parents that observe the beautiful game at different ages and levels.

However, It only takes one negative parent to highlight the issue and its detrimental

effect on the player and the whole team.

7

References:

Clark, W. (2008). Kids’ sports. Canadian Social Trends, Summer(85), 54-61. Retrieved

from:

http://dsp–psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection-R/Statcan/11-008-XIE/11-008- XIE.html

Kidman, L., McKenzie, A., & McKenzie, B. (1999). The nature and target of parents’

comments during youth sport competitions. Journal of Sport Behavior, 22, 54- 68.

Retrieved from:

http://www.southalabama.edu/psychology/journal.html

Kremer–Sadlik, T., & Kim, J. L. (2007). Lessons from sports: children’s socialization to

values through family interaction during sports activities. Discourse and Society, 18, 35-

52. doi:10.1177/0957926507069456

Ugly Parent Syndrome. (2002). The AusSport Post.

Retrieved from: http://www.aussport.com.au

8

Helpful or Harmful:

Part 1

9

The Problem

10

2.1 The Problem

“Sports parents are more intense and push their kids more now than ever before,” saysBrooke de Lench, executive director of MomsTEAM Institute and author of Home Team Advantage: The Critical Role of Mothers In Youth Sports.

Having coached in Wales, United Kingdom (UK) for many years, I have experience

coaching diverse abilities and many age-ranges from U6 to Men’s University soccer.

Since my arrival to the United States (US) the sideline behavior of parents have become

more evident, as my personal exposure to youth soccer and excessive parental

involvement increases. I’m fully aware that sideline behavior isn’t an issue that solely

exists in the US. Such issues according to extensive research is identified as world-

wide. As the previous blog (SportingInfluencer: Helpful or Harmful:Introduction) stated

such negative approach adopted by parent(s) has a detrimental effect on youth

player(s) participating in soccer. * Note: “Parent(s) will be defined in the blog as any supportive network that observes any soccer activity*

The aim of this blog is to clearly highlight the continuation of over parental involvement

in sport with REAL examples. A key statement to remember is that “Parents” have been

highlighted as a major influence in a child’s enjoyment and involvement in sport. Yet, we

continue to hear such negative stories of verbal and physical abuse from the sideline

towards players, coaches and umpires (Referee’s). With such approach and outlook

towards youth sports, it’s a growing concern that the negativity from parental

involvement will influence their child’s continuing involvement within sport (short-term &

long-term). Being such a sporting influencer, parents need to find an appropriate

balance between allowing a child to enjoy, participate and learn the sport and family

relationships.

Below are a few examples of what I’ve heard and witnessed from the sidelines. I expect

you all have heard and witnessed far more excessive verbal and/or physical abuse from

the sideline aimed at players (both teams), opposition parents, referee’s and coaches:

• “I turned up to see you play” comment towards their own son/daughter (Insinuating a

child’s poor performance, and a parents’ waste of time)

11

• “I don’t know what you lot doing out on the field, not good enough” comment made by

a parent towards the whole team.

• Parents fighting with an opposition team, accusing them of cheating.

• Parents shouting at the coach “It’s your fault we lost today’s game”

• Shouting and cursing at the Referee, as he fails to call fouls.

• Blaming the goalkeeper (GK) for letting in a goal – “YOU SHOULD’VE SAVED IT!!”

• Yelling at the most developed player in the team – “YOU MUST SCORE!!”

• Dictating players decision-making from the sides – “PASS NOW!!! SHOOT!!!” Then

blaming them for a mistake.

The list of examples could be endless, yet we can all relate to them from our own

personal experiences or have witnessed it. We must ask ourselves, what impact are

these comments/actions are having on these individuals participating within the sport?

Short term? Long term?

The negativity demonstrated by sideline parents relates to parent(s) attempting to play

and compete through the eyes of their respective son and/or daughter and, often or not,

the head coach. This approach and behavior reflects upon over-emphasized winning at

all costs mentality, reaching perfection in terms of ability and performance (Unattainable

target) and comparing themselves (Parent v youth player) to their son and/or daughter

i.e “I was better at his/her age” . Research by Frankl (2004) highlighted the excessive

negative behavior by parents has such a detrimental effect on children’s participation

and enjoyment within a particular sport. Additionally, such inexcusable behavior was on

the increase.

It’s been identified and proposed by (Gould et al.) that one of the key strategies to

decrease negative sideline behavior is for an increased amount of ongoing parental

education, also the need for more research to be conducted surrounding the effect of

negative sporting influencers in sport on those participating.

“It’s the introduction of adult values into kids’ games, When I grew up, it was children competing against children. Now, more oftenthan not, it’s adults competing against other adults through their children.” – John O’Sullivan Changing The Game Project

“Belief change is hard”

12

References

Côté, J. (1999). The influence of the family in the development of talent in sport. Sport

Psychologist, 13, 395-417.

Retrieved from: http://journals.humankinetics.com/tsp

Gould, D., Lauer, L., Rolo, C., Jannes, C., & Pennisi, N. (2006). Understanding the role

parentsplay in tennis success: a national survey of junior tennis coaches. British Journal

of Sports Medicine, 40, 632-636. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2005.024927

Gould, D., & Horn, T. (1984). Participation motivation in young athletes. In J. M. Silva &

R. S. Weinberg (Eds.), Psychological foundations of sport (pp. 359-370). Champaign.

IL: Human Kinetics

Ruddy, Z, E. (2014). Soccer Moms, Hockey Dads: Crazy Sideline Stories

Websites: http://changingthegameproject.com/

13

Helpful or Harmful:

Part 2

14

Parent’s Expectations

15

3.1 Parent’s Expectations

Recently I was advised to watch an “Intervention” documentary aired on A&E

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4RMRfpkxxE) about an excessive example of

a sporting influencer placing an overbearing expectations and pressure on his son (Eddie Jr). Eddie’s father (Eddie Sr) was a very talented baseball player himself and

received a college scholarship, however due to family reasons had to refuse such offer.

Eddie Jr inherited a lot of his father’s baseball qualities and immediately became a very

talented left-handed baseball player. Throughout his younger years, all Eddie Jr. tasted

was victory and success, however it came at the cost of his father demands of

“Consistent Excellent Performances” in every game, anything less wouldn’t be good

enough. Eddie Jr quoted that he “continually felt the pressure of his father’s demands” whilst playing baseball, nonetheless the thriving emotion experienced with success

overshadowed everything. Eddie Jr’s success in baseball eventually lead him to acquire

a college scholarship from Duke University. During his college time, he quoted that

“He didn’t have his father there to tell him what to do”, which meant Eddie Jr had

become dependent on someone constantly dictating what he does. Without his dictator

(Eddie Snr )with him in College, Eddie Jr started to become dependent on his talent

which lead to inconsistent performances, this may be an effect on not having the voice-

of-confidence from his father on the sideline, this contrast in performances lead to Eddie

Jr being dropped from his college team. As a result, Eddie Jr began consuming alcohol

and experimenting with drugs. When his father found out of such incidents, the support

for Eddie Jr athletically and personally quickly diminished. Whilst the documentary came

to an end, Eddie Jr admitted that he “never knew how to deal with losing”. It’s clear to assume that Eddie Sr wanted to achieve successes through his son, as he

always wondered what would’ve happened if he went to play college baseball when

given the opportunity. Parents: don’t re-live your past accomplishments or failures

through your son and/or daughter. Let them prosper into their own type of athlete. Are we products of our environment or products of other people’s expectations?

Parents need to be realistic in the essence of, only the minority of sporting participants

make it to elite sport. The latest figures suggest that less than 1.4 all high school

athletes will ever become professional athletes (NCAA, Feb, 2015). As a results, isn’t a

good idea, to allow a child to enjoy participating in sport? Learning skills that are

16

applicable to other sporting environments and life in general.

Let’s consider the role of a sporting influencer:

“The primary role of the parent in youth sports is to provide emotional, financial and provisionary support for their children” (Rowley, 1986).

Parents, as sporting influencers, have a “unique potential to influence this environment” (Randall & MaKenzie, 1987, p. 201) and are not often accurately aware of their

behaviors (Kanters, Bocarro, & Casper, 2008). It’s important to recognise that the

negative impact of verbal aggression is not only felt by the target, but there is evidence

to suggest that regular exposure to background anger is equally distressing for all

children witnessing these types of behaviors (Cummings, 1987; Omli & La Voi, 2009).

There are multitude of reasons of why sporting influencers behave negatively on the

sideline, such as overly-emphasize on winning, winning is the only indication of

improvement and enjoyment, playing through-the-eyes of their son/daughter, comparing

their son/daughter’s ability against other or elite players, pressure of obtaining a college

scholarship and uneducated soccer-parents.

Majority of parents within youth soccer place a greater emphasis on the results of each

game and season, in terms of “Winning”. Parents tend to use “Winning” as an indication

of a player’s development and enjoyment in the sport, which is far from the truth. I

understand from being an active sportsperson and coach that winning and losing are a

key feature of sport that go hand-in-hand and something that WE all as players and

parents thrive to feel. This leads onto the debate of “winning v development”, such

strategies go hand-in-hand. Its something every athlete should experience in terms of

winning or losing. The result of any game doesn’t define one’s ability. However, many

psychologists have stated that those parents who emphasize and demand “Consistent Excellent Performances” and “Winning”, have a higher percentage of children that

suffer from a great deal of low self-esteem, anxiety and potentially drop out of sport

entirely (Children in Sport).

Fabian De Marco, recent YouTube video

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ot7jZt7BjM) creates an analogy in between

acknowledging a player’s development and the stock market. He continues to highlight

that a player “Stock Market Share” may drop over a short period of time, however long

term the same “Stock Market Share” will increase. In terms of development any players

“Stock market Share” will decrease and increase over a period of time, and will re-enter

the continual cycle.

Once you have that image of elite sport, some parents may began comparing youth and

17

elite sport. The outcome of this highly regulated, competitive, structured approach is the

development of a win-at-all-costs mentality for parents and coaches, which eventually

filters down and is embodied in the behaviors of the children themselves (Schuette,

2001). It’s important reiterate, that 1) these elite athletes have been through the process

of development and made many errors and will continue to do so as they attempt to

reach individual excellence. 2) Elite players get paid a monumental amount of money to

produce positive results at any cost, as the soccer world is in the business of making

money.

I continue to hear parents refer to their past accomplishment or training methods

implemented whilst they were younger. Always hear the famous quote “When I

played…..” Certain methodologies worked back then,we MUST recognize that the

coaching and teaching environments have evolved into the modern era, that is

individualised to each player and team. As previously mentioned in the blog, allow your

son/daughter to prosper from the environment, not prosper from a parent’s overbearing

expectations or frustrations . If parents continue to set of unrealistic performance goals

it could have detrimental effects on a player’s motivation and enjoyment (Power and

Woolger 1994).

Take a second to reflect, have you placed any unnecessary pressure on your child or

team? Or did it ever happen to you whilst participating in sport, how did it make you

feel? As parents can we become more open-minded to change our beliefs whilst

observing youth soccer? Next time, you’re standing on the side of a soccer field or any

sporting complex, think of this ”LET THEM PLAY”.

Below, are the seven top reasons that children dropout of sport:

• They are sick & tired of being criticized

• Tired of being yelled at

• Afraid to make mistakes – afraid of being judged

• Lack of playing time

• Too much focus on winning

• Getting cut from a team – at the age of 6, 7 & 8

• The ride home with their parents!!!!

Date of publish: March, 2015

http://krushperformance.com/seven-reasons-kids-drop-sport/

However, there would appear to be consensus that if parents were provided with

information that would enable them to better understand the implications of their own

behaviour, they would be more likely to moderate their actions to help create a more

positive sporting environment for their children (Gould et al., 2006; Kidman et al., 1999;

Stein et al., 1999).

18

References: Cummings, E. M. (1987). Coping with background anger in early childhood. Child Development, 58, 976-984.

Engh, F. (1999). Why Johnny hates sports? Why organized youth sports are failing our children and what we can do about

Gould, D., Lauer, L., Rolo, C., Jannes, C., & Pennisi, N. (2006). Understanding the role parents play in tennis success: a national survey of junior tennis coaches. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 40, 632-636.

Kidman, L., McKenzie, A., & McKenzie, B. (1999). The nature and target of parents’

comments during youth sport competitions. Journal of Sport Behavior, 22, 54- 68

Michael Langlois, 2015 (Twitter Feed). Twitter – @ProspectComm –

Omli, J., & La Voi, N. (2009). Background anger in youth sport: A perfect storm? Journal

of Sport Behavior, 32, 242-260.

Power, T. G., & Woolger, C. (1994). Parenting practices and age-group swimming: A

correlational study. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 65, 59-66.

Randall, L.E., & McKenzie, T.L. (1987). Spectator verbal behavior in organizes youth

soccer: A descriptive analysis. Journal of Sport Behavior, 11, 200-211.

Rowley, S. (1986). The role of the parent in youth sports. In G.R. Gleeson (Ed.), The

Growing Child in Competitive Sport, (pp. 92-99). London: Hoddon and Stoughton.

Schuette, J. R. (2001). Adolescent sports violence – when prosecutors play referee.

Making criminals out of child athletes, but are they the real culprits? Northern Illinois

University Law Review, 21, 515-540

19

Stein, G. L., Raedeke, T. D., & Glenn, S. D. (1999). Children’s perceptions of parent

sport involvement: It’s not how much, but to what degree that’s important. Journal of

Sport Behavior, 22, 591-601.

Kanters, M.A, Bocarro, J. & Casper, J.(2008). Supported or pressured? An examination

of agreement among parent’s and children on parent’s role in youth sport. Journal of Sport Behavior, 31, 64-80.

http://prospectcommunications.com/about/blog/ – Michael Langlois

http://krushperformance.com/seven-reasons-kids-drop-sport/ http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/research/probability-competing-beyond-high-school

http://www.science.smith.edu/exer_sci/ESS200/children/ChildrenR.htm

Intervention Ep – Eddie – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4RMRfpkxxE

20

Helpful or Harmful:

Part 3

21

The Effect

22

4.1 The Effect

Within previous blogs “The Problem” and “Parent’s Expectations”, written under the

Helpful or Harmful category which have been mainly focused upon the sporting

influencer, that reference parents and the profound negativity surrounding sideline

behaviour. “The effect” blog will be centered around the participant(s) that continually

have to deal/ ignore negativity or frustration from the sideline and how it affects them.

We’ve all witnessed an excessive parent on the sideline that continues to yell and/or

instruct their child and sometimes the whole team. As the previous blog “Parents Expectations” explained some parent(s) tend to play through their son/daughter or

posses a very competitive mindset towards youth sport. Regardless of the reason

behind such approach from parents, they should understand what effect this not only

has on their son/daughter but everyone participating.

First and foremost, we acknowledge that parents only want what’s best for their child,

but ask yourself “Who’s playing the game?” As sporting influencers we need to create a

positive learning environment. Constant yelling/instructing from the sideline can be

cause for embarrassment for a participant. The child may feel embarrassed in front of

his/her teammates, coaches, opposing team, and other parents. This can have far-

reaching effects, both on and off the field. Do we think the child will want to return to that

environment again? If uneducated or misguided parents are unaware of what and when

to provide feedback to players, you have two options 1) Don’t yell 2) Ask your child what

they want to hear from the sideline? You’d be surprised with their response(s).

With constant sideline instructing, players become less creative and confident whilst

playing the beautiful game that is meant to be fun and enjoyable. Why do we think this

happens? A major factor, is players becoming anxious to receive the ball and afraid of

making mistakes, as they can anticipate the immediate negative response from the

sideline. If parents actually think that these players can participate within a sport without

making a mistake, they’re setting themselves up for frustration and

disappointment. Making a mistake is a part of the sport, and a key component in how

players develop. We should be embracing mistakes. Isn’t that how we learn not only in

sport but in life? Didn’t we learn how to walk by falling over? Allow the child to discover

how to play, and positively encourage mistakes.

23

Relevant quote from Michael Jordan, that embraces failure:

“I’ve missed more than 900 shots in my career. I’ve lost more than 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning last shot and I missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I have succeeded!”

Have you ever instructed your child and/or team, yelling “Run”, “Get into Space”, “Pass”,

“Dribble”, “Keep scoring and I’ll buy you anything” …the list could be endless. If you’ve

done this, you’re not helping. We should empower our child to take ownership of their

developmental process and enjoyment in sport. When athletes become dependent on

external feedback, they do not learn to use appropriate sensory feedback

characteristics, so they could delays in skill development. Spectators and parents who

consistently provide performance feedback to athletes may be, in fact, hindering their

performance (Blom & Drane, 2008). A child can perceive their success in the sport in

many different forms, not solely by wins and losses. Parents can aid this perceived

success by positive reinforcement. Stop instructing and start encouraging. Do we want

our son and/or daughter to become dependent on us during a soccer game? Let them

play.

Making parents proud is something we all strive to accomplish, however continually

yelling/instructing from the sideline, occasionally feedback that is opposite to the coach

can cause confusion in a player’s mind whilst participating. Firstly, parent’s need

realistic expectations of their son/daughter whilst participating and understanding

success comes in different forms. Placing a child within a confusion situation should

never happen, as the player doesn’t want to disappoint neither his parent or the coach.

Are parent’s really going to jeopardize their relationship with the child, for the perceived

success in soccer? Do you think a player will want to receive the ball, if placed under

such circumstances? Please allow the coach to guide and facilitate a player’s soccer

education and enjoyment for the sport.

The sporting influencer(s) has an opportunity and a choice to reinforce positive or

negative feedback and support their respective son and/or daughter. This element of

social-support is heavily linked with the amount of enjoyment a child perceives for a

particular sport. If parent(s) continue being negative towards their child performances,

he/she will naturally lose confidence and motivation to further participate and create

higher anxiety towards the sport performance. It’s imperative that parents have an

open-mindedness to learn and change their beliefs.

“What Parents Should Say as Their Kids Perform” by Tim Elmore simply shows

the kind of feedback we should provide young sporting participants.

Before Competition: After Competition:

Have Fun Did you have fun?

Play Hard I’m proud of you

I love you I love you

24

Self-reflection is a simple yet effective strategy to identify and change one’s behavior

especially within such a public environment as in youth soccer. Nonetheless, naturally

this creates a defensive response for parents such as “You don’t know what’s best for

my son/daughter” or “I’m only trying to help”. The sporting influencer should take

ownership of their own behavior and allow the child to experience the sport and have

fun. Change belief is hard. I’ll end this with a provocative question “Are you ready to

change for greater good of your child?”

Parents with positive values and expectancies are more likely to exhibit pro-social

behavior and provide support and encouragement (Kanters, Bocarro & Casper, 2008)

They can also be taught to talk with their children about their perceptions of and

preferences for sideline behavior, because the parent-child agreement influences that

child’s sport experience (Kanters et al.,2008.) If the youth sports experience is to be the

best it can be for all participants, not just the highly skilled ones, it is necessary that

adults change their perspective and realign it to what the kids want (Educated Sport

Parent.)

25

References:

Educated Sport Parent – URL: http://educatedsportsparent.com/what-kids-want/

Ian Mamhan http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/10/kids-and-long-distance-running-how-much-is-too-much/380857/

M.R,Weiss (Ed.) (2004). Developmental Sport and Exercise Psychology: A lifespan

perspective. Morgantown, WV

Kidman, L., McKenzie, A., & McKenzie, B. (1999). The nature and target of parents’

comments during youth sport competitions. Journal of Sport Behavior, 22, 54- 68

Schunk, D. H. (1995). Self-efficacy, motivation, and performance. Journal of Applied

Sport Psychology, 7(2), 112-137.

Kanters,A,M.,Bocarro,J., Casper,J.. (2008). Supported or

Pressured?.An Examination of Agreement Among Parent’s and Children on Parent’s Role in Youth Sports. 31 (1), 64-77.

Hellstedt.J.C. (1987). The coach-parent-athlete relation. The sport psychologist, 1, 151-

160

Self – Reflection https://www.understood.org/en/friends-feelings/empowering-your-child/self-awareness/the-importance-of-self-reflection

Blom & Drane, (2008) –

http://www.athleticinsight.com/Vol10Iss3/ParentsComments.htm

Project Play – http://youthreport.projectplay.us/the-8-plays/ask-kids-what-they-want/

26

US Youth Soccer – http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/news/why_they_stop/ http://www.socceramerica.com/article/54474/april-heinrichs-embracing-fits-of-failure.html http://regioniv.usyouthsoccer.org/assets/927/15/Whats%20all%20the%20noise.pdf

Williams, W., & Lester, N. (2000). Out of Control: Parents’ becoming violent at youth

sporting events. Sports Illustrated, 93, 86-95

27

Helpful or Harmful:

Part 4

28

Becoming a Sporting

Influencer

29

5.1 Becoming a Sporting Influencer

The Sporting Influencer blogs have highlighted the “The Problem”, “The Parent’s Expectations” and most recently “The Effect”concerning misguided or uneducated

parents on the sideline and it’s effect on those participating. The previous blogs have

opened our minds to the pivotal role the sporting influencers play in the perceived

success and participation in youth sport. The current blog will be centered around

“Becoming a Positive Sporting Influencer” and the impact it can have on participation

within a meaningful and fun environment.

Research in youth sport parental involvement have echoed the need and importance for

further parental education, for several reasons including 1) Highlighting the current

problem regarding negative parental involvement, and 2) Stressing the importance of

changing the approach towards youth sport by adopting a positive mentality and its

short and long term effect on participation. Educating the sporting influencer can be

implemented in many diverse methods i.e. Parent education evenings and articles sent

to parents via email. Research clearly advocates that parents can positively influence

children’s enjoyment of sports and self-concept development (Brustad, 1996). However,

placing unrealistic expectations as highlighted in the ‘Parents Expectations” blog can

produce negative outcomes from parents and players.

Weiss (2004), stresses that the way parents interpret a child’s involvement in sport

significantly affects the child’s experience. Several researchers have recited a

relationship between the lower levels of parental pressure and greater enjoyment of

athletics (Babkes & Weiss, 1999; Brustad, 1988). These statements leads us onto the

main purpose of the blog.

We must acknowledge and clarify that soccer is a very entertaining game to observe,

and at times we’ve all been guilty of being overly excited on the sidelines. This is a very

natural emotion to experience and express, yet we MUST balance our emotions and

express positive ideals towards the sport, besides solely focusing on goals scored.

Does this unconsciously tell our players/team we will only applaud when you score? A

player will only perceive success by scoring a goal? This will lead us onto what should a

positive sporting influencer act and sound like on the sideline.

30

I’ve discussed the matter of becoming a positive sporting influencer with many diverse

parents, and there are two consistent questions: 1) “What do I say then?”. An excellent

and open-minded question to ask. On the other hand, some parents will refuse to

change their approach towards youth sport stating: 2) “This is how it was when I played

20 years ago”. We cannot disagree with such a statement, as that might be the case 20

years ago. However, its important to recognize as coaches that this is a great

opportunity to highlight that coaching and additionally the youth sport environment has

dramatically evolved, and sideline behavior has come to the forefront of research as a

major influencer towards players quitting sports.

Below are some POSITIVE approaches that sporting influencers could implement in

order to become positive on the sideline:

• Be supportive before the competition even starts. Tell your youth athlete you are

proud of him/her, regardless of how well he/she plays.

• Remind them that it’s normal to be nervous and to have fun even when playing hard.

• Let the coaches coach; avoid instructing your child or other players from the sidelines.

• Cheer for good plays and great efforts by both

• When the game ends, set a good example for your child by thanking the officials,

coaches, teammates and opposing teams for their efforts. All Copyright reserved

for – US Youth Soccer � •

• The need to clarify and highlight the effect of being or becoming a positive sporting

influencer has on participation is pivotal. We must understand to what effect such

approach or changed approach will do to benefit or hinder our child’s perceived

success and long-term participation rate.

• Greater levels of sport participation (Stein & Raedeke, 1999).

• Greater opportunity for life-long participation (Fredericks & Eccles, 2005).

• Positive attitude toward sport and exhibit higher perception levels of competence

(Kanters, Bocarro & Casper,2008).

• Increased amount of Enjoyment

• Improved level of self-esteem

• Improved level of Motivation

• McCarthy, Jones and Clark-Carter (2008)

All these skills listed are transferable to other areas of life and sporting activities (Jones

& Lavallee, 2009).

I feel ‘Coach Education’, fails to focus upon the importance of sustaining a positive

relationship with parents. In turn, having a greater effect on those child participating

within a comfortable and positive environment. For an uneducated or inexperienced

coach, it’s a component that is neglected due to various reasons, or for those coaches

31

whom maintain they have enough to contend with. However, coaches are within a

position with a greater amount of capacity also power to influence and change ideals

and behaviors of parents. The incentive for both parents and coaches is the create a

positive environment for the player, potentially leading to improvement and life-long

participation. It’s imperative that coaches highlight and set players and parents

expectations before the session begins, making everyone aware of such expectancies.

Beneficial Heading: 100 Point Exercise

Here is an exercise that any coach and/or parent can utilize: 100 Point Strategy. I’ve

personally used this exercise with my own team just recently, the exercise allows the

parent(s) and player(s) to prioritize what’s important to them in sports individually then

discuss each and everyone’s priority list. This will allow parents to clearly identify and

appreciate what important to the child whilst participating in youth sports.

I’d like to personally state the importance of creating a positive environment for

participation in youth sport. If you could recall a past event that you negatively

experienced, did you return to that environment? If, so how did you feel about it? I

imagine majority of us never returned. It’s the exact situation we currently have with our

child and/or team. If we emphasize creating a fun environment or increasing one’s

enjoyment towards sport, you’ll quickly identify players returning to practices with smiles

and wanting to participate with friends. This will potentially increase life-long

participation.

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References:

100 Point Exercise:

https://play-positive.libertymutual.com/goal-setting-100-point-exercise

PowerPoint Presentation from US Youth Soccer –

http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/parenting_education__coaching_from_the_sidelines/ http://devzone.positivecoach.org/resource/article/second-goal-parent

Brustad, R, J. (1988). Affective outcomes in competitive youth sport: The influence of

interpersonal and socialization factors. Journal of sport & exercise psychology, 10, 307-

321

Brustad, R, J. (1996). Parental and peer influences on children’s psychological

development through sport. In F.L. Smoll & R.E.

Smith (Eds), Children and youth sport: A biopsychology perspective (pp.112-124).

Dubuque, IA; Brown & Benchma

Babkes, M,L., & Weiss, M. R. (1999). Parental influence on cognitive and affective

responses in children’s competitive soccer participation. Pediatric Exercise Science, 11,

44-62.

Weiss, M. R (Ed). (2004). Developmental sport and exercise psychology: A lifespan

perspective. Novgentown. WV: Fitness Information Technology, Inc.

McCarthy, P., Jones, M., and Clark-Carter, D. (2008). “Understanding enjoyment in

youth sport: a developmental perspective” Psychology of Sport and Exercise 9.2: 142-

156.

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Jones, M. I., & Lavalle, D. (2009). Exploring perceived life skills development and

participation in sport. Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise, 1, 36-50

Fredericks, J. A., & Eccles, J. S. (2005). Family socialization, gender, and sport

motivation

and involvement. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 27, 3-31.

Stein, G. L.,fe Raedeke, T. D. (1999). Children’s perceptions of parent sport

involvement: It’s not how much, but to what degree that’s important. Journal of Sport

Behavior, 22, 1-8.

Stuart, M., E (2004). Moral issues in sport: the child’s perspective. Res Q Exerc Sport:

74 (4); 545-553

Kanters, M.A, Bocarro, J. & Casper, J.(2008). Supported or pressured? An examination

of agreement among parent’s and children on parent’s role in youth sport. Journal of Sport Behavior, 31, 64-80

Website – http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/