Some simple hints to help your child to learn to be ‘a good sport’.
- Remember – Children are involved in organised sports for their enjoyment, not that of the parents.
- Encourage your child always to play by the rules.
- Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
- Turn defeat into victory by helping your child work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship.
- Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
- Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good play by your team and by members of the opposing team.
- Do not publicly question the officials’ judgement and never their honesty.
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting activities.
- Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child.