Parents, behave at youth sports

How many times have specta- tors seen parents behaving badly at their children's sporting events? It's no surprise that such behavior rubs off on youth, affect- ing the way they participate in sports and interact with others.

With sports activities gearing up for both parents and youth this time of year, a new survey on sportsmanship reveals that more than 63 percent of Americans be- lieve that the current state of sportsmanship is worse than when they were growing up.

Being a better sport starts at home, and parents their children on the right track by practicing good sportsmanship on the side- lines of their children's games.

According to a survey released by the Awards and Recognition Association, Americans over- whelmingly believe that teaching good sportsmanship is a parental responsibility. More than 86 per- cent of respondents reported that a parent is the best person to teach sportsmanship, followed by coaches, teachers and friends.

"There is no doubt that all the rules, coaching and education can't replace what happens at home," said LaVell Edwards, former BYU football coach, par- ent of three children and chair of the ARA Sportsmanship Award selection panel.

Tips for mom and dad

+Remind children of the im- portance of sportsmanship and model that behavior during all competitive activities. Teach chil- dren how to be good sports when playing games, whether in the backyard or at the kitchen table.

+Do not put pressure on chil- dren to be the best; instead, teach them to enjoy the game for the sport.

+Exhibit good sportsmanship yourself and ask others to do like- wise. Bad behavior on the side- lines or in the stands is just as bad as bad behavior on the field.

+Discuss the need for good sportsmanship with your child's teacher or coach.

+Request that school coaches and other parents address good sportsmanship early in the season.

Advice for coaches

+Set an example by treating all athletes, coaches, officials and parents respectfully. Cheer on good plays when you see them, even if they're by the other team.

+Don't emphasize winning; stress skills and fair play, espe- cially with younger athletes.

+Praise positive and correct negative behavior immediately.

+Create a zero-tolerance policy for bad behavior-from athletes, other coaches and parents.

+Establish a sportsmanship award at the start of the season, letting parents and athletes know that good on-field behavior will be recognized.

+Demonstrate not only how to celebrate victory without humili- ating the competition but also how to lose with dignity.

This story provided by StatePoint Media.