6 Ways Parents Can Help Improve Youth Hockey

Much of the joy of being a youth sport parent comes from watching your child practice and compete in games. What youngster isn’t bolstered by looking into the stands and seeing Mom and Dad cheering for him or her? As part of their responsibilities, parents should watch their children play sports using good sports behavior.

Fortunately, the majority of parents behave appropriately at youth sport events. But the minority who misbehave can spoil it for the rest. It takes only a few inconsiderate parents to turn what should be a pleasant atmosphere into one that is stressful for all concerned.

In addition to acknowledging some obviously inappropriate actions (using profanity, drinking alcohol, throwing objects, etc.), the following rules for parental behavior have been recommended by youth sport authorities:

1. Do remain in the spectator area during the event.
2. Don’t interfere with your child’s coach. Parents must be willing to relinquish the responsibility for their child to the coach for the duration of the practice or game.
3. Do express interest, encouragement, and support to your child.
4. Don’t shout instructions or criticisms to the children.
5. Do lend a hand when a coach or official asks for help.
6. Don’t make abusive comments to athletes, parents, officials, or coaches of either team.

What about parents who violate the rules of conduct? Good sportsmanship among spectators is a goal worth working for. Parents have the obligation not only to control their own behavior, but also to remind others of their responsibilities, if necessary. When parents misbehave, it is the duty of other parents and league administrators to step in and correct the situation. The rule of thumb for all spectators is that nothing in their actions should interfere with any child’s enjoyment of the sport.

Editor’s Note: For more information please refer to the Minnesota Hockey Sports and Your Child booklet.