For both the players and
Fans we encourage
good sportsmanship and to "Honor the Game"
Guidelines for Honoring the Game
The key to preventing adult misbehavior in youth sports is a youth
sports culture in which all involved "Honor the Game." Honoring the
Game gets to the ROOTS of the matter and involves respect for the
Rules, Opponents, Officials, Teammates and one's Self. You don't bend
the rules to win. You understand that a worthy opponent is a gift that
forces you to play to your highest potential. You show respect for
officials even when you disagree. You refuse to do anything that
embarrasses your team. You live up to your own standards even if others
don't. Here are 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.
Before the Game:
- Make a commitment to Honor the Game in action
and language no matter what others may do.
- Tell your child before each game that you
are proud of him or her regardless of how well he or she plays.
During the Game:
- Fill
your children's "Emotional Tank" through praise and positive
recognition so they can play their very best.
- Don't give instructions to your child
during the game. Let the coach correct player mistakes.
- Cheer good plays by both teams (this is
advanced behavior!)
- Mention good calls by the official to
other parents.
- If an official makes a "bad" call against
your team? Honor the Game—BE SILENT!
- If another parent on your team yells at
an official? Gently remind him or her to Honor the Game.
- Don't do anything in the heat of the
moment that you will regret after the game. Ask yourself, "Will this
embarrass my child or the team?"
- Remember to have fun! Enjoy the game.
After the Game:
- Thank
the officials for doing a difficult job for little or no pay.
- Thank the coaches for their commitment
and effort.
- Don't give advice. Instead ask your child
what he or she thought about the game and then LISTEN. Listening fills
Emotional Tanks.
- Tell your child again that you are proud
of him or her, whether the team won or lost.
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