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Parent Rage in Youth Sports
Giving the Game Back to
Our Children
Our Children
By Gwen Morrison
Another concern that Lustberg shares is that these children will grow to model these behaviors in their adult lives. "When parents become overly invested in their children, the child becomes confused as to why and who they are doing the activity for. Thus, in the long run, the child thinks that the activity is more important to the parent than it is to them."
A growing number of sporting associations are struggling to maintain control of overly aggressive parents at youth sports events. They are looking to enforce new systems that would set forth guidelines of behavioral conduct that would give the game back to the kids.
One such program that is gaining widespread appeal is the Parents Association for Youth Sports (PAYS) program offered through the National Alliance for Youth Sports. PAYS is a program for parents that educates and motivates youth league parents to make the sports experience safe and meaningful. One of the most appealing aspects of the program is its emphasis on good sportsmanship, positive reinforcement and keeping sports in its proper perspective.
PAYS is essentially a training program for parents. The parents are required to attend a 30-minute clinic where they view a training video, meet other parents, participate in discussions and sign the Parents' Code of Ethics pledge.
Positive slogan buttons are distributed to parents to wear at the games. This is intended to remind other parents to also demonstrate good sportsmanship. A quarterly publication is sent to parents that features great information on ways that parents can help their children experience a rewarding sports experience.