Shall I Shout Anything?
The whistle blows, and the game begins. Young players take the field, eager to impress both the coaches and the parents watching from the sidelines. On one side, coaches shout instructions, while on the opposite end, parents and guardians watch intently. As they observe their children play, parents may wonder if they should join in. They might ask themselves, “Should I shout something? How can I offer positive encouragement?”. Parents may worry that if they remain silent or don’t say enough, they’ll come across as unsupportive or disinterested in their child’s participation.
One of the most significant factors that influence a child’s engagement and enjoyment in sports is the role of their parents. To ensure that you are meeting your child’s needs, it’s vital to ask them what they want before the game starts. Their response may vary from game to game, so it’s essential to have an open and candid conversation. As parents, we may believe that we know what’s best, but taking the time to understand our child’s perspective is crucial. It’s not uncommon to see parents becoming overly emotional on the sidelines. Instead, try asking your child what they want and see what surprises they have in store for you.
Parents want their children to have fun and succeed in sports, but it can be challenging to know how to support them. Here are some tips to help parents navigate their role during the game:
Be a positive influence: Encourage your child to have fun and do their best, no matter the outcome of the game.
Cheer them on: Cheer for your child and their teammates. Applaud when they do well and offer words of encouragement when they make mistakes.
Keep it simple: Refrain from shouting instructions to your child or their teammates. Let the coaches do their job and focus on supporting your child from the sidelines.
Respect the game: Remember that the game is for the kids, and it’s essential to respect the officials, coaches, and other parents.
Set a good example: Show your child the importance of good sportsmanship by being respectful to everyone involved in the game.
By following these tips, parents can help their child enjoy the game and develop a love for sports.
When children are engaged in a game with their peers, parents need to recognise and respect the environment. Since the game belongs to the children, it’s their right to have fun without undue interference. By taking a hands-off yet supportive approach, parents can reduce stress and avoid the temptation to yell or make negative comments that could detract from their children’s enjoyment and participation. Remember, this is their time to shine and enjoy.
Choosing to take a “Hand-off” approach in youth sports does not mean that you should remain completely silent or uninvolved throughout the game. Instead, it provides a perspective that recognises the game as a learning opportunity for young players to take chances, make mistakes, and grow both as individuals and players. It’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that young players are still learning the game and will inevitably make mistakes. By allowing players to fail (learn), we provide them with the opportunity to be brave, find solutions, and learn on their own and with support from the coach. Like any new venture in life, mistakes will be made, but with reflection and learning, players will improve and grow into better people and players.
Both Emma and John had several positive experiences while connecting with players and coaches. They were able to offer guidance and encouragement, and make confident decisions in split seconds, which served as powerful motivators for them. However, the positive experiences are overshadowed by the magnitude of negative experiences, which far too often occur for all young referees, including Emma and John. The negative experiences need to be addressed to ensure that young referees have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
The experiences of Emma and John shed light on the difficulties and challenges that young referees encounter in youth football. Negative experiences, including verbal abuse, physical aggression, and feelings of isolation, can cause young referees to question their desire to continue in the role. Aside from the fact that such behaviour should not be tolerated in youth football. It is vital that players, coaches, and parents respect officials and recognise their importance in the game. Negative experiences may cause referees to quit, but positive ones can boost their confidence and excitement for the role while building transferrable skills and preparing them for the future of refereeing.
If a problem arises during a game, it’s usually best to let the coach support the player, as they have the necessary experience to find a solution. Interfering will only cause more issues down the line.. Instead of focusing on why something won’t work, look for reasons why it will Keep in mind that finding the right solution may take time, and each player will develop at their own pace. It encourages players to think critically and make decisions under pressure, which are valuable skills both on and off the field. Ultimately, empowering players to solve problems on the field can help to create a more positive and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
It’s important to remember that children’s playtime is not about us, it’s about them. When you feel the urge to negatively comment or take away learning opportunities from a child, take a step back. Consider the environment and learning opportunities provided to the child to aid their development. The stress you might feel while observing the game is simply your own thoughts creating anxious beliefs. Stress is not a tangible thing that can be touched or seen. It’s just people who are caught up in stressful thinking or feel the need to interfere. So, take a deep breath, and let the children play and learn without interference.
In conclusion, whether or not to shout during your child’s game depends on their preference, and if it’s acceptable to them. If you do decide to shout, it’s important to be mindful of what you say, how you say it, and to whom it’s directed. Maintaining a positive and enthusiastic tone towards the player and team is crucial. Sometimes, a simple smile or thumbs up can go a long way. Avoid negative behaviour and refrain from using an angry or frustrated tone. Keep things in perspective, and if you’re ever unsure of what to say, consult the coach for guidance. Ultimately, working together within the athletic triangle can create the best environment for the player to reach their full potential.
Treasure the Moment: Enjoy watching your child play the game while you can
