If Your Actions as a Fan Were Recorded, Would You Share the Content?
Mike Bray, head basketball coach at Notre Dame from 2000 - 2023, stated on the Positive Coaching Alliance the following: “There is no question that we evaluate parents with the prospects. I think it is fair to say that we backed off offering a scholarship because I wasn't sure I could communicate in the right way with the parents. I watch family reactions in the stands when I am recruiting and I talk to parents just as much as I do the prospect.”
I sometimes observe parents’ behavior in the stands. Many are taking in the environment and support the team in a positive way. But then there are those parents who stand out for their less-than-ideal behavior, such as:
Coaching from the sidelines, yelling out instructions like they're the next Mike Krzyzewski.
Getting into heated arguments with refs over every call, thinking their kid’s Little League game holds the same importance as the Super Bowl.
Heckling the opposing team’s players, coaches and parents.
Many reading this can actually point to individuals they know who are the bad actors. But the problem is that these same people don’t realize that they are among this group that is creating a negative environment in youth sports.
Here are two questions for you:
1. What would happen if if your actions in the stands were being recorded the whole game? Would you be proud? Would you want to share the video on your social media platform of your choice?
2. If you son or daughter was being recruited by a top coach, would your actions and behaviors that were observed by the head coach of the college team affect their decision to offer your child a scholarship?
This article was written by Kevin Anselmo, Editor of the Championing Character in Youth Sports Substack.
Want to write about a particular topic related to youth sports and parenting? We are keen to highlight various perspectives from different individuals on this Substack. You are welcome to submit a 300-500 word article. Email kevin.anselmo (at) gmail.com.