Crazed Booster Parent

There are ALWAYS "those kind" around. Tell him in a diplomatic way to "butt out"!!!

We have parents SIGN this document that they are in agreement with our policies & philosophies, or their son cannot participate.


SIXTEEN TIPS FOR POSITIVE PARENTING IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

1. Be positive with your athlete. Let them know you are proud they are part of the team.
*Focus on the benefits of teamwork and personal discipline.
2. Encourage your athlete to follow all training rules. Help the coaches build a commitment to the team.
*Set a good example in your personal lifestyle.
3. Allow your athlete to perform and progress at a level consistent with his ability.
*Athletes mature at different ages; some are more gifted than others.
4. Always support the coaching staff when controversial decisions are made.
*The coaches need your backing to keep good morale on the team.
5. Insist on positive behavior in school and a high level of performance in the classroom.
*Numerous studies indicate extracurricular involvement helps enhance academic performance.
6. Stay calm in injury situations.
*Parents can help minimize the trauma by being in control and offering comfort.
7. Cheer for our team and players. Opponents and referees deserve respect. *Realize that high school players will make mistakes. Your support is needed during tough times.
8. Promote having fun and being a team player. Very few high school athletes receive scholarships.
*Concentrate on what is best for the team. Preoccupation with statistics can be very distracting.
9. An athlete's self-confidence and self-image will be improved by support at home. Comparison to others is discouraged.
*Encourage the athlete to do their best regardless of brothers or sisters who may have been outstanding players.
10. Winning is fun, but building positive team values is most important.
*The concept of working together to perform a task will have lasting benefits. Winning takes place when all the little things are done correctly.
11. Find the time to be an avid booster of school activities.
*Help build a solid support system for coaches and athletes.
12. Help students keep jobs and cars in proper perspective.
*Materialistic values can detract from the commitment to the team. Teenagers should have the opportunity to take advantage of extracurricular activities.
13. Athletes must attend all practices and contests.
*Stress the necessity to make a commitment to the team. Practice is important.
14. Emphasize the importance of well-balanced meals and regular sleep patterns.
*An athlete functions best when care is taken to consume nutritious food and obtain sufficient rest.
15. Many athletes enjoy participating in several sports.
*Specialization in one sport may prevent an athlete from enjoying great team relationships in other activities.
16. Persistence and being able to accept a role is extremely important for the team to be successful.
*Not everyone will be a starter, but everyone is important to the team. Some players may not develop until their senior season. Encourage them to be persistent.


Parents Code of Conduct

1. Do not force your children to participate in sports, but support their desires to play their chosen sport. Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment. Make it fun.
2. Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember, children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays on both teams. Do not embarrass your child by yelling at players, coaches or officials. By showing a positive attitude towards the game and all of its participants, your child will benefit. Emphasize skill development and practices and how they are beneficial.
3. Know and study the rules of the game, and support the officials. This approach will help in the development and support of the game. Any criticism of the officials only hurts the game.
4. Applaud a good effort in victory and defeat and enforce the positive points of the game.
5. Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They are important to the development of your child and the sport. Communicate with them and support them.
6. If you enjoy the game, learn all you can about the game, and volunteer.
7. Practice good sportsmanship with the players and the coaches from opposing teams.

Disband the Booster Club!!! If you CAN'T do it - you no longer have "control" of your program, & it's time to move on.

I always had a pre-season meeting with the dads, & read them the "riot act". If you want a copy of the document I quoted from (called "SON-PUSHERS"), email me & I'll send it to you.

billmountjoy@yahoo.com

Yes! Cut your ties with the Boosters. Handle your own money and fundraising. Once "those" parents are out of the picture, you can look at re-starting it. However I know of several coaches who have had similar issues to yours and they simply refuse to even think of dealing with a booster club again.