When involved in youth sports, parents, coaches and officials have a responsibility to act as role models. As adults what we say and do on the court or field sends a message about appropriate behaviors to the children. When working with children the three bullets below can be used as a checklist to monitor what we say and do.

·  Is it right?

·  Is it against the rules?

·  Is it fair to everyone involved?

Be a good role model
As a coach, you must constantly keep in mind that your actions do, in fact, speak louder than words. No matter what you say, what you do will have an effect on your players. You must do everything you can to show your players what it means to be a good sport by treating opposing players and coaches, officials, team members, and the sport in which you participate with respect. Please take some time to review the articles below.

It is our hope that the continued action of praying together will foster fellowship, respect, sportsmanship and dignity of players, coaches, parents, and officials. We wish you the best of luck in the upcoming season.

Please bless today’s game, our opponent, our team, and all watching our play. Thank you for the opportunity to compete and bring out the best in each other. May we play hard and fair. Please keep everyone safe from injury and harm. – Amen.

Listed below are general suggestions regarding what constitutes good and bad behavior, as well as specific examples.  

Coaches

Good Behavior

1.  Treat the referee like you’d like to be treated yourself.

2.  Make the pre-game routine easy. Coach gets players organized and properly equipped.

3.  Encourages players when appropriate.

4.  Applauds good play by players.

5.  Thank the referee after the game.

6.  Displays a cordial relationship with the other team’s coach(es)

 

Bad Behavior

1.  Yelling at the referee, arguing with the other team’s coach(es).

2.  Berating players, at any time.

3.  Comments, other than praise, regarding opponents.

4.  Excessive “Reffing” the game – excessive and/or persistent verbal opinions regarding fouls/infractions, grunts and groans.

5.  When fouls are called, players are told that the referee made a mistake.          

6.  Any comments about the referee’s abilities (inferred sarcasm).

7.  Delaying the game to maintain a lead or tie in the game.

Parents

Good Behavior

1.  Support your players, do not coach them.

2.  Cheer good plays from both sides on a selective basis.

3.  Positive and supportive to players, coaches, other parents and referees.

4.  Thanked the referee after the game.

Bad Behavior

1.  Any comments about the referee or the calls on the field.

2.  Excessive “reaction” to fouls/infractions (“oh . . . .” or grunts/groans).

3.  Any negative banter with the opponent or parents of the opponent.

4.  Yelling and screaming comments during the game that are not positive or supporting.

5.  Shouting at the referee every time.

Players

Good Behavior

1.  Encourage teammates.

2.  Congratulate opponents on good plays (without sarcasm).

3.  Team Captains/Players thank the referee.

4.  Help fallen players get up from the field or court.

Bad Behavior

1.  Any comments directed toward the referee.

2.  Any comments that might be perceived as negative directed toward the opponent, the coaches or the sidelines.

3.  Gestures or other forms of non-verbal communication.

4.  Constantly questioning the calls of the referee.

5.  Constant fouling of the opponent, especially fouls that could result in an injury.