Many parents enjoy the thrill of watching their child play on a baseball team. However, if rules for parental conduct are not established before the start of the season, that enthusiasm can create an unruly parent in the stands. It is the responsibility of the coach to set parental rules.
It is the role of the parent to cheer on their child as she plays baseball. It is not the role of the parent to coach from the stands. Coaching from the stands places the child in an awkward position. A child's mind is accustomed to following parental rules, so coaching from the stands causes the child to have to decide whether to follow the parent's or the coach's instructions.
No parent is allowed to yell, badger or confront an umpire at a baseball game. Coaches are the only people who should have discussions with the umpire. The umpire is positioned to see the entire game, which generally allows them to call the game in a fair and equitable manner. The parent should talk to the coach after the game if issues arise with the umpire.
Conversation with the coach or coaches should be prohibited from the stands. This allows the coach or coaches to focus on the game. Coaching calls, child placement on the field or general coaching practices are all areas of concern for parents. These areas of concern should be addressed with the coach or coaches at an appropriate time. Appropriate times include before or after practice and before or after the game.
Good sportsmanship is a skill coaches should teach to players during the season. Parents should promote good sportsmanship conduct before, during and after the game. Players watch the stands and know how their parents are behaving. It is not uncommon for players to tell coaches about inappropriate displays by parents in the stands. Embarrassment, anger and frustration are only a few of the feelings children have about their parents when bad sportsmanship is displayed in the stands. Examples of inappropriate sportsmanship include swearing, inappropriate body gestures, fighting and name-calling.
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images