|
1. Don't yell out instructions.
During the game I'm trying to concentrate on what the coach
says and working on what I've been practicing. It's easier
for me to do my best if you save instructions and reminders
for practice or just before the game.
2. Don't put down the officials.
This embarrasses me and I sometimes wonder whether the
official is going to be tougher on me because of my parents
yelling.
3. Don't yell at me in public.
It will just make things worst because I'll be upset,
embarrassed, or worried that you're going to yell at me next
time I do something "wrong."
4. Don't yell at the coach.
When you yell about who gets to play what position, it just
stirs things up and takes away from my fun.
5. Don't put down my teammates.
Don't make put-down remarks about any of my teammates who
make mistakes. It takes away from our team spirit.
6. Don't put down the other team.
When you do this you're not giving us a very good example of
sportsmanship so we get mixed messages about being "good
sports."
7. Don't lose your cool.
I love to see you excited about the game, but there's no
reason to get so upset that you lose your temper! It's our
game and all the attention is supposed to be on us.
8. Don't lecture me about mistakes after the game.
Those rides home in the car after the game are not a good
time for lectures about how I messed up -- I already feel
bad. We can talk later, but please stay calm, and don't
forget to mention things I did well during the game!
9. Don't forget how to laugh and have fun.
Sometimes it's hard for me to relax and have fun during the
game when I look over and see you so tense and worried.
10. Don't forget it's just a game.
Odds are, I'm not going to make a career out of playing
sports. I know I may get upset if we lose, but I also know
that I'm usually feeling better after we go for pizza. I
need to be reminded sometimes that it's just a game. |
