Identifying Different Characteristics of Youth Sport Parents
It is important to emphasise the significance of establishing a collaborative relationship between coaches, parents, and players. It is often observed that coaches and parents adopt opposing positions, standing on opposite sides of the field during games, while observing young players enjoy the sport. All parties must understand and fulfil their roles and responsibilities to maximise the learning and development outcomes of youth sports participation.
Participating in sports provides a unique opportunity for children to learn new skills, form social connections, and nurture a love for the game. However, in many youth sports settings, coaches and parents (sometimes both) may hinder the learning process by constantly shouting, screaming, and trying to control the players during games. Effective coaching involves timely interventions that allow players to absorb, understand, and digest the information. Yet, when coaches do not engage in coaching behaviors that involve yelling, commanding, and shouting at players, parents may feel the need to step in and intervene by screaming, shouting, and giving instructions to their children. Continual intervention or interference from coaches or parents during a game can have adverse effects on a child's learning and development, ultimately reducing their overall enjoyment of the sport.
In youth sports, many parents and coaches believe that players require constant guidance or "coaching". However, it's essential to understand that a parent's role shouldn't include coaching. If a parent wishes to engage in coaching activities, they should do so from the sidelines as a member of the coaching staff, if such an opportunity presents itself. The landscape of youth sports has undergone significant transformation since current parents of young athletes were themselves participants. Therefore, coaches, spectators, and parents must learn from the past, adopt present and future approaches to the game, and continually strive for growth.
Modern coaching roles that put the person first involve more than just yelling and screaming at players. Coaches should work together with parents to ensure that the young players have a positive and fulfilling sports experience. The role of parents is crucial in shaping children’s sports experiences, which highlights the need to understand the characteristics of youth sports parents.
To better understand youth sports parents, we need to identify and examine their various traits. Below are some common characteristics of youth sports parents that have a significant impact on their children:
It is important to note that the following list does not present the characteristics of youth sports parents in any particular order.
Disinterested
Parents who show a lack of interest in their child's sports participation are often characterised by their absence at practices and games, and a general lack of enthusiasm towards their child's sporting pursuits. The absence of a supportive presence on the sidelines can be demoralising for young players, who often look to their loved ones for validation and encouragement. However, coaches must understand that there may be multiple reasons for a parent's apparent disinterest, such as work commitments, illness, financial constraints, scheduling conflicts, or simply a lack of awareness about the benefits of parental involvement.
Coaches must approach such parents with sensitivity and understanding, avoiding any aggressive or negative interactions. Instead, coaches should emphasize the value and importance of parental involvement within the sporting organisation, and how it can positively impact not just the team, but also the individual enjoyment of their child.
Over-critical
In youth sports, identifying overly critical parents can be a challenging task as they tend to remain silent in public settings to avoid embarrassing themselves or their children. However, they may express their criticism privately during the ride home or at home. Such parents can negatively impact their children, causing them to feel burdened by the pressure and comments made by the parents. As a result, the children may exhibit fear of disappointment and constantly seek reassurance from the sideline.
On the other hand, coaches can easily identify parents who express their frustration and anger vocally during the game, often projecting the impression that they own the game. These parents feel that when the young players fail, they have failed. Children in youth sports rely heavily on adult feedback and require praise and encouragement rather than constant over-criticism.
Sideline Coaching
The negative impact of parents coaching from the sidelines in youth sports should not be ignored. If parents provide excessive and contradictory coaching from the sidelines, it can confuse and undermine the coach's authority. Such behaviour can lead to negative outcomes, including decreased enjoyment and motivation to participate in sports, increased anxiety, and decreased self-esteem. This type of approach can also create a lack of independence and a decreased sense of responsibility among young players.
Furthermore, parental sideline coaching could limit opportunities for players to learn from their mistakes and develop resilience, as they may become accustomed to being constantly guided and directed by their parents. Ultimately, parental sideline coaching can inhibit player development and contribute to a negative sporting experience for the child. Therefore, coaches, parents, and players must understand the potential consequences of this behaviour and work together to create a positive and supportive sporting environment.
Moreover, parents who prioritise their coaching preferences over those of the coach may create a toxic environment that undermines the child's enjoyment and motivation to participate in the sport. Therefore, coaches and parents must work together to establish clear boundaries and roles for sideline coaching in youth sports to ensure the best possible outcomes for the child's development and enjoyment of the sport.
Supportive Parent
Supportive parents play a crucial role in the sporting development of their children. They provide emotional and logistical support, positive reinforcement and encouragement. This can enhance a child's self-esteem and motivation, leading to increased enjoyment and success in sports. However, when parents become too emotionally invested in their children's athletic success, they may place undue pressure on them, leading to stress and burnout. Therefore, it is important for parents to maintain a balance between support and over-involvement and to respect the coach's role in their child's athletic development.
Being a supportive youth sports parent not only benefits the child's sporting development but also promotes positive social and emotional development. Positive involvement and support from parents can create a safe and secure environment for children to develop both physically and emotionally. When parents attend games and practices, it allows for an increased sense of connection and belongingness between the child, parent, and the team.
Conclusion:
Positive Youth Development Through Sport emphasises that young players have immense potential waiting to be developed. However, some parents of youth sports players lack the patience needed to foster their child's skill development and are obsessed with their child's instant success. This can be made worse by comparing youth sports to elite sports and a lack of education and support for parents.
Many parents have preconceived beliefs that have been shaped by their past experiences, which can influence their approach and behaviour on the sideline. To gain a better understanding of their approach, it is crucial to discuss with parents how they view youth sports, but more importantly, how their parents view sports. Each approach and behaviour may have different characteristics, but all youth sports parents have the intention of doing what is best for their child or team.
Coaches need to understand the reasons behind each approach and behaviour before attempting to provide education for parents. This includes understanding the parent's goals for their child, their expectations for the team, and how they view their child's role in the team. It also involves acknowledging the parent's concerns and fears regarding their child's participation in sports.
While there is no one right way for parents to approach youth sports, there is always a better way. The better way prioritise the child's needs and enhance their level of enjoyment. This includes focusing on skill development, promoting a positive and supportive environment, and emphasizing the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. Coaches can play a significant role in helping parents understand the benefits of this approach and create a positive sports culture for young players.
