Before you enroll your child in a youth sports league or school team, check out its philosophy on sportsmanship. Before the season starts, ask:
- How does the league teach sportsmanship? What are its policies about keeping score, trash-talking (by players or parents), encounters with opponents, and discipline?
- How is playing time determined—by talent, seniority, effort in practice? Or is it divided equally among all players?
- What are the coach’s goals for the team? Is he really gung-ho about winning, or is the aim to introduce the sport? What about encouraging physical activity or social interaction?
If you're unsatisfied with the answers, try to find another option—or at least be aware of what you're getting into, and teach values to your child on your own.
If you're unhappy with a coach's performance midway through a season, avoid confronting him or her at a practice or game. Schedule a meeting at a neutral site and time, include other parents if you can, and of course, be respectful of the coach.
