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How to Support your Child in Sports (And Still Keep Your Testimony)

How to Support your Child in Sports (And Still Keep Your Testimony)

Published November 15, 2016

We have all been to a youth sporting event and listened to parents in the crowd yelling at their team, the opposing team, the referees and their own child athlete. As Christians, we should be different and work to control our emotions while being a fan. Remember, these young people are not professionals, (not that it makes it okay at that level either) and they are very impressionable.

I have talked to many student-athletes and hear the same thing over and over, “My parents embarrassed me while playing youth or high school sports.” How sad for Christian young people to feel embarrassed when their parents come to “support” them during competition. Here are three tips on how to support your child and their team while keeping your testimony.

1. Support the Coaching Staff

Coaching is a very difficult profession. It is one of the few jobs that is done in public the majority of the time. Most of us get to sit in our office and do our work—not coaches. They and their decisions are out there for all to see. Who do they play? What plays do they call? Does their team win or lose? A Christian parent should be one that supports the coaching staff in all they are doing for his or her child and the team. Coaches will make mistakes, and they will make brilliant choices. In both circumstances, we should support the coaching staff. You will begin to see your child learn to trust the coaches and start to flourish under their coaching when you take that action

2. Cheer on Your Child and the Team

We all love our children and want to see them perform well during competitions. But, remember that they are not the only ones on the field or court. Be as positive as possible to all those participating in the competition, and leave the correction or changes to the coaching staff. Players already are under a lot of pressure and have the coaching staff correcting them. Besides, the athlete you are criticizing for their performance may have parents, grandparents and siblings within earshot. Cheer for your team as loud as possible with positive, uplifting comments.

3. Be Positive with Your Child

Give yourself and your child some time after the game to process everything that happened before you rehash the game, especially after a loss. If your child did not play up to their expectations or the team’s expectations, it was likely already discussed by their coach. What they need most on the way home is for us as Christian parents to be positive and encouraging. This does not mean we lie to them by telling them they did great if they struggled. It’s finding what they did do well and praising them for that. It’s also letting them know that you believe in them and that they can do better the next time with a little more practice. Please do not give up on your child. God does not give up on us when we do not meet His expectations. He shows grace and mercy and points us in the right direction, again. Let them know that you love them dearly, and their performance on a field or court won’t change that.

Coach Michael McCartyMichael McCarty is director of athletics, assistant coach of the men’s basketball team and head coach of the golf team. He is also a residence director at CSU. Mike, his wife Rachel and their son Noah love being involved in their church, watching and playing sports and welcoming college students in their home.

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