Sports and Winning the Right Way

In every game there are winners and losers.  It is great for athletes to work hard and learn to give their best effort in practice, when working out on their own, and during competition.  When young people develop their physical, spiritual, and mental gifts, they are learning the critical life lessons.

True Measures of Winning

To prepare hard and give your best effort.

To give your personal best effort while encouraging teammates to do the same.

To care for teammates and play unselfishly.

To play within the letter and spirit of the rules.

To honor your teammates, your opponents, the officials, your family, and God through your athletic efforts.

To never intentionally humiliate teammates, opponents, or officials.

Remember Key Roles and Rules

Players Play.  It is their game to learn, play, win, and lose while modeling good values.

Coaches Teach.  They instruct, guide, and teach sport strategies, skills, and good values.

Officials Officiate.  They are trained to provide a safe game for all according to the rules.

Parents Support.  Encourage, provide love and emotional support regardless of winning or losing while modeling good behavior and values.

Big Questions to Sort Out

What are my expectations, hopes, and dreams for my child and every child on the team?

What does success mean for my child's coach in a athletic program?

When did I exhibit positive parenting skills today and when did I not do so?  What will I do next time?

Before the Game

Remember that sports are games.  Games are supposed to be fun.  Do your part to keep it that way.

Remind your child to follow team rules and coaches instructions.

Remember that athletes are student athletes.  Support and encourage their growth and development academically.

Do not add pressure with multiple last minute instructions and pointers.

Learn when and how the coaches would like you to communicate with them and follow the system respectfully.

Praise and building confidence is always a gift to young people.  Be generous!

During the Game

Cheer and celebrate demonstrations of effort and skill by players on both teams.

Do not yell at your child, at players on either team, or at officials.

Speak and act with a spirit of respect for all players, fans and officials.

Do not coach or officiate from the stands.  Let the coaches and officials do their job.

Remember that is their game to play, win or lose.  Not yours.

After the Game

Listen to your child without judgment and le them express their thoughts and feelings.

Do not coach or instruct your child immediately or on the trip home.

Praise your child and anything that they did right in the competition.

Do not add undue weight or pressure about winning or losing.

That victory and defeat with grace and humility.  Be a good sport.

Avoid the "blame game" and let the game teach important lessons.

Let go of the game.  It is over now.  Young people know it and you should too.

Prayer for the Parent of a Student Athlete

Lord, as an athlete's parent may I always be grateful for the gift of my child and every child.  Help me to use sports to develop kindness and compassion for players, coaches, officials, and opponents.  Help me to always be a good example so that my words and actions lead others to you.  Help me to be a loving and holy parent in sports and all settings so that your love and forgiveness will bring hope and Good News into the world.