Letter to youth sports officials

[Jimgolf]

I ran across this item on a site called Mom's Team. It's an article by sports psychotherapist Dr. Keith Wilson sort of apologizing for bad attitudes exhibited by parents, coaches and players in youth sports.

It goes on to ask that referees be proactive in dealing with these issues.

Among his requests:

Take Control Of The Whole Game

The laws of the game are focused on what happens on the field. However, some other very manageable actions will help to transform the youth sports culture.

Be proactive in what you expect in the game. Referees are very good at letting players know what they expect and consequently players have learned to play to the referee's level of expectation. When the referee does not make this clear, the ref spends significant time in the game establishing the level of play that is acceptable.


Be proactive with the coaches. Make it clear at the beginning of the game how you want the coach to communicate with you. It is much easier to keep coaches at the level of interacting you want when the standard has been stated clearly at the outset of the game. It is easier to intervene the first time the coach tests the limit because it has been clearly stated before the match. When it has not been clearly stated, the coach often responds negatively because they feel they are being picked on and the standard is not the same for both coaches.


Be proactive with the coach concerning the role of parents at the game. Make it clear that the coach is responsible for the action of the parents. If parents are being negative, you will approach the coach to have them take care of the situation. If the coach does not take care of it then you will have the parent leave the field.


In order for this to be effective-the parents of the team must be on the same sideline as the coach so that it is clear which team the parent belongs to.


The coach wants to be focused on the game and not distracted by the parents. The coach will help the parents stay in a contained manner in their cheering and communication about the play on the field.

Full article at:
http://www.momsteam.com/alpha/featur...fficials.shtml