game on
sports etiquette
As our children’s biggest fans, we hope that
we are encouraging them to play their best
and motivate them to succeed on the field.
But what if all that “support” is actually doing
more harm to our young athletes than good?
Mark Fuller, former Auburn University baseball player and
coach, shared his advice about how “sideline parenting” can not
only affect kids’ performance on the field but also impact their
relationship with parents, coaches and teammates. Here are four
areas where parents should be aware of the message their actions
might be sending to their young athletes.
AVOID UNNECESSARY PRESSURE
Mark’s approach with his own kids is to make sure they
understand their performance is in no way tied to their
value. “I encourage them to compete and work hard
but I tell them that I do not love them more if they
per