As a coach you must develop and sometimes criticize the performance of the
athlete. As a parent, your major responsibility is to provide a stable,
loving and supportive environment. It's important that the athlete can count
on this positive environment no matter what and that they don't become discouraged
or confused between the distinctly different roles of the parent and coach.
This will encourage your child to develop and continue. Show your interest
by ensuring your child's attendance at practices and by coming to games.
Basketball Ontario Guidelines for Parent Behaviour
Parents are not participants on their child's team, but contribute to the success experienced by the child and his team. Parents serve as role models and their attitudes are often emulated by their children. Be aware of this and strive to be positive role models. Most importantly, show good sportsmanship at all times toward coaches, officials, opponents and team mates.
Be Enthusiastic and Supportive!
Athletes are responsible for going to practice, working hard at practices and games and making sure they are eating healthy, getting enough sleep and generally planning their time. They must take responsibility for their performances, set their own goals and work with their coach and parents towards achieving them. They must own their performance.
Remember your child is the basketball player. Children need to establish their own goals, and make their own progress towards them. Be careful not to impose your own standards and goals. Do not overburden your child with winning or scoring baskets (anything less is failure?). Instead, encourage our team objectives:
