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LOOK! PARENT GUIDELINES - PLEASE READ
St. Peter's Lacrosse - Parents Pledge
1. I pledge to get my child to practice and games on time. I understand that it can be embarrassing for my child to be late and that I may be putting him/her at risk by not providing adequate time for warm up. I will be on time to pick up my child from all games and practices. This shows respect for the coach, and it tells my child that he or she is my top priority.
2. I pledge to use positive encouragement at all times. I understand that fewer than 1% of youth sports participants receive college scholarships and that the top three reasons kids play sports are a) to have fun, b) to make new friends, and c) to learn new skills. I understand that the game is for the players, and I will keep sports in the proper perspective.
3. I pledge to follow that winners are players who make maximum effort, continue to learn and improve, and do not let mistakes, or fear of making mistakes, stop them. I understand that mistakes are an inevitable part of any game and that people learn from their mistakes. I understand that children are born with different abilities and that the true measure is not how my child compares to others but how he/she is doing in comparison to his/her best self.
4. I pledge to "Honor the Game." I understand the importance of setting a good example for my child. No matter what others may do, I will show respect for all involved in the game including coaches, players, opponents, opposing fans, and officials. I understand that officials make mistakes. If the official makes a "bad" call against my team, I will Honor the Game and be silent!
5. I pledge to refrain from yelling out instructions to my child. I understand that this is the coach's job. I understand that games are chaotic times for children trying to deal with fast-paced action and respond to opponents, teammates and coaches. I will limit my comments during the game to those of support and encouragement for my child and the other players for both teams.
6. I pledge to refrain from making negative comments about my child's coach at any time, especially in my child's presence. I understand that this plants a negative seed in my child's head that can negatively influence my child's motivation and overall experience.
At St. Peter’s Lacrossse we believe that great conduct on and off the field makes for a great lacrosse player. Please take a few minutes to review these guidelines, there are useful tips for both parents and players. The key to preventing adult misbehavior in youth sports is a youth sports culture in which all involved “Honoring the Game.” Honoring the Game gets to the ROOTS of the matter and involves respect for the: RULES, OPPONENTS, OFFICIALS, TEAMMATES and SELF. Here are a few ways that parents can create a positive youth sports culture so that children will have fun and learn positive character traits to last a lifetime. Parents are also encouraged to take the time to read the Player Guidelines for Honoring the Game.
BEFORE THE GAME:
1. Make a commitment to Honor the Game in action and language no matter what others may do.
2. Tell your child before each game that you are proud of him or her.
DURING THE GAME:
1. Use praise and positive recognition to help your sons or daughters play their very best.
2. Don’t give instructions to your child during the game. Let the coach correct player mistakes.
3. Cheer good plays by both teams.
4. Mention good calls by the official to other parents.
5. If an official makes a “bad” call against your team or the other team – Honor the Game--BE SILENT!
6. If another parent on your team yells at an official? Gently remind him or her to Honor the Game.
7. Don’t do anything in the heat of the moment that you will regret after the game. Ask yourself, “Will this embarrass my child, the team, or St. Peter's Lacrosse?”
8. Remember to have fun! Enjoy the game.
AFTER THE GAME:
1. Thank the officials for doing a difficult job.
2. Thank the coaches for their commitment and effort.
3. Don’t give advice. Instead ask your child if they had fun, what he or she thought about the game and then LISTEN!
4. Tell your child again that you are proud of him or her, whether the team won or lost.
These guidelines were derived from those published by the Positive Coaching Alliance. For more information you can visit the PCA website at: www.positivecoach.org
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