FOLLOW THESE OFF FIELD RULES AND YOU'LL ENCOURAGE GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP FOR THE PLAYERS -
AND THEIR PARENTS
1. Resist shouting out instructions. That's the coaches job. When both coach and parents yell, kids get confused. Urgent advice hollered from the sideline almost never improves performance. All you're doing is venting your own anxieties.
2. Show appreciation for the play of the other team. Every decent coach tries to instill this positive attitude, and it needs to be vigorously reinforced on the and off the field. The last thing young athletes need to do is to cultivate hostility toward their opponents, who are often friends or acquaintances. Congratulate the opposition during and after the game and their parents as well.
3. Don't undermine the coach. If you know more about the sport then they do, so what ? The coaches mission is to create an optimal environment for the whole team.
4. Leave the refs out of it. Referees don't care which team wins. Their mistakes are honest ones, and your child needs to know that you believe this. Any criticism of questioning of the referee shows an exaggerated focus on winning and a lack of respect for authority. Remember, most officials and referees work games as an avocation and because they like the sport too. High School officials do go through a training program and yearly review courses to be certified to work games, and take an exam on the rules each year.
5. Help kids cope with their parents outbursts. Point out that the screaming Mr. Smith must have forgotten that sports are supposed to be fun. Tell them that you intend to speak to Mr. Smith about his attitude - as soon as he is in a better mood.