Expectations
Sideline Behaviour – Be Part of the Team
A timely reminder with winter sports well underway about how our behaviour and actions as parents and supporters can affect our kids when they are out playing their sport. “Harden up”, “That kid is useless”, and “You didn’t try hard enough” are all comments regularly heard on the sidelines of youth sport.
But why? Do we stop to question our behaviour when making comments like that, and question the outcome it may have? Nearly 100% of children who play sport cite their number one reason for participation is to either A. Have fun or B. Play with their friends. Did you notice what isn’t in there? – Winning. Sometimes as supporters we get too wrapped up in the competitiveness and the outcome of the game, when what we really need to consider is, is our child having a good experience playing sport.
Many parents, teachers and high-school aged students voluntarily assist in youth sport. The other part of sideline behaviour is our encouragement and support of these people who give up their spare time to help out. They are there to help your child ENJOY their sport. Negative comments towards coaches, referees and officials can be damaging not only to the person involved, but without these people to help out sport just simply wouldn’t happen in our communities. So please remember that yes sometimes our coaches and refs will make mistakes, but they are human, the children are not Olympic athletes, and this isn’t the World Cup!
Be a great Supporter Sandwhich Board.pdfTop Tips for Supporters
Respect the coaches - they are there to help your child enjoy sport.
Let the coaches coach – yelling instructions from the sideline can be distracting and confusing for your child.
Keep things in perspective – They are kids, the coaches and officials are human, and are volunteers.
Respect all referees and officials – Without them volunteering, there would be no game for your child to play.
Praise their effort – No child makes mistakes on purpose, focus on the positives and that they play to have fun.
Be their biggest fan – Help them see the bigger picture, making mistakes is ok and part of their development.
Be encouraging and let them lead the conversation – ask questions such as “Did you have fun”, “What did you enjoy”, “Is there anything you would like to improve on”?
If you want your child to stay involved with sport – Be Part of the Team.
SPORTS PHILOSOPHY
HNI’s philosophy is to facilitate participation in a range of sports.
This facilitation may involve:
teams selected, managed and coached by school staff
teams selected managed and coached by school staff and parents and other outside assistance
teams selected, managed and coached by parents and/or outside assistance
In most cases, the school does rely heavily on the support of parents/ community so that a range of sporting opportunities can be offered.
HNI values participation, skill building, sportsmanship and healthy competition.
HNI values respectful interactions between coaches, parents, teachers, players and all competitors and their support people.
From time to time in interschool competitions such as Super Six and AIMS, and semi-finals/ finals, the strongest team will be selected to represent the school.
In order of contact, should you have a concern:
The coach (if the concern is about the coach, then talk to the teacher in charge of the sport)
The teacher in charge of the sport
The Sports Coordinator
The Principal
Player Expectations
Parent Expectations
