Competitive Sports Etiquette for Dummies

I would like to start by saying every parent "thinks" their child is a superstar! This is perfectly acceptable because as a parent, you should think your child is fabulous.  Your children are special gifts! You should cherish them and love them to your fullest ability (Even when they roll their eyes at you, tell you you're dumb and dress funny! LOVE LOVE LOVE). Where I draw the line is when you try to convince other people your superstar is better than their own.  It just won't work! There is no way you will be able to convince me your professionally trained, balletmet daughter is better than mine - Nope not going to happen, sorry.

For a few years now, we have been involved in the competitive dancing world.  I am sure if you have read any of these past blogs, you have a good idea of some of the things I have seen and heard over the years.  One of my girls plays soccer in the fall and even though it is a Christian organization with rules about parental behavior, there are still those parents who don't get it.  Recently, and you should know this by now, Olivia joined the world of gymnastics.  What I have to say about these kids' parents is WOW!

Before I go any further and start listing out some of my "Etiquette for Dummies", I want to make it clear that I take no issue with competitive sports.  In the real world there will always be a winner and a loser.  I actually take issue with the above mentioned soccer club because they don't keep score.  Seriously?  The kids immediately know who won and who lost.  Somehow, winning and losing are a necessary evil in our world.  Which brings me to;

Competitive Sports Etiquette For Dummies

1.  Be a graceful winner AND loser.  Teach your children to congratulate their opponent(s). 

2.  Commitment, it's not a four letter word.  Teach your children to finish what they start, be at practice every time (barring illness or emergency), be on time to said practice and put forth their best effort at all times.

3.  Respect , also not a four letter word.  Teach your children to have respect for their coaches.  After all, they are teaching them valuable lessons on how to perform to the best of their ability, cooperation, teamwork and so on.  Parents, this goes for you too!  Coaches have feelings, they care about your children and want them to do their best.  Respect their decisions and rules because they make them for a reason.  It's not to inconvenience you, they are for the greater good.  It's okay to disagree with something but be respectful in your approach with them and I assure you, you will get better results.

4.  Don't humiliate your child by screaming at them while they are performing.  You aren't the coach despite the fact that you may or may not have experience in the activity at large.  Encourage them to do their best by all means, but wait until they aren't in front of everyone to scold them. 

5.  Refrain from gossiping about coach(es) in their own facility and in front of your children.  Oh wait, this may go along with respect!

6.  Don't force your kids to live out your dreams!  Give the opportunities and let them take the lead in deciding what is best for them.  If your kid hates dance, don't make them stay in it because you had a dream of being a prima ballerina when you were a child.  Likewise, if they love dance and want to eat, sleep and drink it, let them!  It feels spectacular to see your children doing something the love! 

7.  Not only is your child no better than mine, you aren't better than me! Don't pull out your fancy talk on me and act like I am an idiot.  Answer my question directly, please don't talk in circles avoiding my question, I have A.D.D. and have enough trouble focusing on your first three words.  Either you know the answer or you don't. MmmmKay????

In conclusion, I am not sure what is up with parents today.  It's not your job to be your kids best friend, they are a dime a dozen at school.  Be a parent and teach your kids how to behave by being an example to them.  Consider it a gift to the world.

Sincerely,
The Queen of Insanity

*The use of the word dance was just an example, feel free to insert, softball, baseball, football, basketball, track, hockey, kickball, soccer, tennis, croquet, knitting, basket weaving or whatever it is your little superstar does.

*Also a shout out to my friend Stacee, with whom I want to actually write a book about this with! hahaha