Do's and Don'ts for Parents of Athletes

Below are some of the recommendations the "Sports Done Right" report makes for parents. The entire report is available here.

Do:

• Give consistent encouragement and support to your children regardless of their success, skill level or time on the field.
• Stress the importance of respect for coaches and teamwork.
• Attend school meetings, meet coaches and school officials and learn first-hand about expectations for participation in school sports.
• Serve as role models, see the "big picture" and support all programs and athletes.
• Agree to abide by the school compact and rules guiding the conduct of sports.
• Ensure a balance in student athletes' lives, encouraging participation in multiple sports and activities, with academics placed first and foremost.
• Leave coaching to the coaches.

Don't:

• Pressure student athletes to perform at unrealistic levels.
• Display disrespect toward coaches, officials and opposing teams.
• Encourage early specialization in a single sport.
• Stress playing time or position played by your child over the success of the team.
• Be a sideline coach, intervening and talking to your child during games or practice.