{"id":72465,"date":"2024-04-12T00:09:47","date_gmt":"2024-04-12T04:09:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/world.edu\/?p=72465"},"modified":"2024-04-12T00:09:47","modified_gmt":"2024-04-12T04:09:47","slug":"watch-the-ball-heres-why-some-sideline-remarks-are-probably-less-helpful-to-your-kids-than-you-think","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/world.edu\/watch-the-ball-heres-why-some-sideline-remarks-are-probably-less-helpful-to-your-kids-than-you-think\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Watch the ball!\u2019: here\u2019s why some sideline remarks are probably less helpful to your kids than you think"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The winter sports season is about to begin. This means parents will soon find themselves on cold weekends, watching their kids on the sidelines of soccer, netball and footy matches.<\/p>\n

As they stamp their feet to stay warm, they may find themselves wanting to offer encouragement or guidance. They may also find themselves expressing views about a controversial referee decision or becoming emotional about how their child or their child\u2019s team is performing.<\/p>\n

What impact does this have on your kids? How can you spectate in a helpful way?<\/p>\n

Parents behaviour matters<\/strong><\/h4>\n

A 2024 Australian\u00a0pilot study<\/a>\u00a0surveyed 67 teenagers who play team sports and have parents watching from the sidelines.<\/p>\n

It found if the parents were positive on the sidelines (cheering, encouraging athletes, helping if someone was hurt), young players were more likely to behave better towards their teammates and opponents.<\/p>\n

The reverse was also true. Negative sideline behaviours (such as, yelling, swearing, put-downs, getting annoyed, reacting badly to a loss\/foul) meant children were more likely to behave similarly on the field.<\/p>\n

Parents behaviour can also influence how much a child enjoys a sport and whether they want to quit. As a\u00a02016 US study<\/a>\u00a0noted:
\nif children perceive parents to engage in pressuring behaviors, such as excessive expectations, criticising play, or withdrawing love after competition it can lead to negative sporting experiences.<\/em><\/p>\n

Bad behaviour leads to bans<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Sports codes and clubs have clear guidelines around expected behaviour on and off the field. Parents, teams and coaches can be banned or penalised if they are abusive or violent. It is not OK to swear, make threats, or be aggressive towards coaches, umpires or players.<\/p>\n

As an extreme example, in February, an under 16 basketball game descended into a\u00a0brawl involving parents<\/a>\u00a0in Melbourne\u2019s Reservoir. Both teams were banned for the rest of the season.
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<\/p>\n
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Basketball legend Andrew Gaze has slammed the behaviour of parents brawling at a children's game in Reservoir.<\/p>\n

Both teams have been banned for the rest of the season and there will be individual sanctions. @LauraTurner_9<\/a> #9News<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/u0wl442Tqr<\/a><\/p>\n

— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) March 1, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n