Administrators are often reluctant to create a powerful mandatory training course. They look for the easy way out: show parents a 1-hour tape and have parents sign a pledge to behave. This is a start, but a weak one, because it doe not address the two prime components of parental behavior problems: first, the ignorance of the rules, and second, the need to control the emotional intensity level of parents on the sidelines. When the intensity level rises, parents will forget any piece of paper they have signed, however good the parent's intentions.
In order for a mandatory training program to be truly effective, it needs to cover the following topics:
- League organization
- Recognizing problem parents
- Youth sports rules
- Developing a positive relationship with officials
- How parents can learn to handle the intensity of the sidelines during youth games and avoid tunnel vision
- Behavioral expectations for parents
The various components can be covered through a combination of videotape and live presentations. The more that parents understand the important part they play in youth sport - both positive and negative - and the more they know what is expected of them, the more likely they are to rise to the occasion and become a force for positive change.
Making The Commitment To Change
Don't complain about parent behavior. COMMIT TO CHANGING PARENT BEHAVIOR.
There are no shortcuts to changing parent behavior. Make the commitment to mandatory training and enjoy the change on the sidelines.
