Athletics

We at Sand Creek International know that the success of our athletes and programs comes from the support given at home. We are thankful for your support and want to emphasize that your child’s participation in athletics requires commitment, flexibility, and sacrifice from the entire family. The following are tips that may be able to assist you in your role as a parent of athletic children.

1. Cheer for your athlete and team, not against any individual(s). Be encouraging and loving. Emphasize the fun had and effort put forth, not the result.
2. Be helpful, but do not over coach. Although it is tough to standby at times, it is often a lot tougher for your child to be overwhelmed with differing sources of input.
3. Try not to relive your athletic life through your child in a way that creates pressure. Instead, let your child create and experience their own athletic journey.
4. Being a parent is tough enough, so there is no need to compete with the coach. Do not degrade the coach in your child’s presence. This sends mixed signals to your child that their coach is unqualified and should not be listened to or respected.
5. Focus on your child’s growth and attitude. There is no need to compare your child’s abilities with his/her teammates’.
6. Attend all meetings that pertain to your child’s sport in order to become acquainted with the coach and understand his/her philosophies and expectations.
7. Always remember that children tend to exaggerate both when praised and when criticized. Investigate before overreacting. For more information about appropriate parent/player/coach communication, please see our “Communication Guide”
8. Refrain from talking to or coaching your child on the sidelines. We want your child’s attention on their contest, their coach and their teammates. Exceptions would be a family emergency or handing them a bottle of water quickly.
9. Competitive sports can be frightening and uncomfortable at times. Remind your child that it is okay to feel these emotions, but it is not okay to use these emotions as a reason to quit.

Your child’s success or lack of success in sports does not indicate what kind of parent you are.

But having an athlete that is coachable, respectful, a great teammate, mentally tough, resilient and tries their best IS a direct reflection of your parenting.