My 12yo A- is now part of the school volleyball team, which is awesome. What’s not so awesome, however, is that there are apparently a lot of parents who have no idea how to be supportive of their children in competitive sports and we get to live with these idiots at almost every game. Our coach sent out an email message about his rules for positive sportsmanship and suggested conduct at a game, and with his permission, I share it here for your reading pleasure and edification.
Dear Volleyball Parents,
At our school, participation in interscholastic athletics is a privilege and parents, players, coaches and fans alike take pride in adhering to the highest standards of sportsmanship and fair play. As we initiate the season with our first set of competitions, I would like to clarify what positive sportsmanship looks like in action…
Spectators; Support vs. Entertainment.
Upon entry to athletic events, remind yourself that school sports exist to benefit the character development of the student-athletes whom participate–not our entertainment as fans! Consistent with this belief, we ask that you demonstrate your support and school pride by acknowledging your supporting role but refrain from being an active participant.
If you have the desire to be more connected to the competitive experience, please consider volunteering as ticket taker, concessions helper, line judge, scoreboard operator or scorekeeper.
Fan Support Guidelines
Here are the guidelines:
- Use only those cheers that support and uplift the teams involved.
- Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials.
- Support good plays from both teams, not just our own.
- Acknowledge that you are at this contest to support the efforts of all of the student-athletes, and your admission earns you the privilege of observing the contest but does not permit you to harass, heckle, intimidate, distract or ridicule. Remember, you’re a witness, not a participant.
- Model the behavior you want to see. Parents pick up on each other’s behavior and the kids are watching you as well. If you harp at officials, other will be more likely to do the same.
- Honor our high standards of positive sportsmanship even when others are not.
- Cheering at the opponents mistakes.
- Any attempts to distract athletes and/or officials.
- Disrespectful, negative or derogatory yells, chants, songs, gestures, including boo’s.
- Criticizing officials in any way.
Before departing after a game, please take personal responsibility for leaving the gym in better shape then when you found it by picking up all garbage around you and thanking the game host and volunteers when leaving.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I look forward to a fun and positive season with all of you.