Helpful tips to parents on the sidelines at child’s game

School is back in session and that means more hectic schedules for both children and their parents. Relaxing summer evenings have now turned into evenings filled with homework, after-school projects and yes — sports. I am sure many of us can look back on our youth and recall the fun we had playing sports, going to practice and winning games. It is important, as a parent, that we focus on remembering why sports are important for our children other than scoring goals and making touchdowns.

As an athlete myself, I recall my younger days filled with endless hours on the soccer field playing until the sun set and we couldn’t see the ball anymore. I am also grateful that my mom did not understand the game as well as other parents because she simply cheered “Go Team!” while other parents and their kids haggled the referees. In college, I recall a parent who yelled through every entire game. Not only did other fans, the officials and players on the field have to listen to it, but every time we reviewed game tapes, we had to endure it all over again.

Sports can be an inspiring part of both children and parents lives. Often children get into sports because a parent is passionate and participated as a youth as well. Sometimes, as parents, we need to understand that not all athletes play for the passion, competition and winning, but for the pure joy of being part of a team. According to the NCAA, “many boys and girls grow up dreaming of playing sports in college and beyond. But of the nearly eight million students currently participating in high school athletics in the United States, only 480,000 of them will compete at NCAA schools. And of that group, only a fraction will realize their goal of becoming a professional or Olympic athlete.”

U.S. Youth Soccer recommends some helpful tips on how to parent from the sidelines:

• Avoid “coaching” from the sideline while watching your child’s game. A common problem in youth sports is the impulse parents have to shout instructions to their young player from the sideline.

• Do not criticize the referee. This is an epidemic, and spectators should realize that referees are people and will make mistakes — even those officiating at the highest levels of play.

• Think when interacting with opposing fans. This is one that should be common sense. Grown adults should be able to go and enjoy their child’s experience without having any confrontation.

• Don’t stress out over the game. Do you find yourself pacing up and down the sideline — anxiously following the action as it unfolds on the field? Stop it. Breathe.

When your child is starting a new sport or returning to a new season, remember the importance of sports. Children gain much more than physical fitness and the will to win from sports. They learn discipline, loyalty and commitment. As a parent, remember to focus on the experience your child is gaining and what they want to get out of playing sports. Be sure to take time to talk to your children about what they enjoy about their sport and what they learn while participating. In the end, enjoy your children enjoying sports.

Jen Woltman is a wellness coach at Yuma Regional Medical Center. She can be reached at yrmcwellness@ yumaregional.org.