Parent/Guardian COC

Parent/Guardian: Code of Behaviour.

• Treat your child the same irrespective of them winning or losing.
• Remember that your child participates in snow sports for their enjoyment not yours.
• Try to have fun when you are around your children at competitions. Well directed humour can be a great de-stressor.
• Look relaxed, calm and positive on the sidelines.
• Try and make friends with other parents at competitions.
• Get involved in appropriate ways if your child or coach behaves in unacceptable ways during competitions.
• Let the coach do the coaching.
• Understand that children will benefit from a break sometimes and that involvement in other sport is okay.
• Be there when your child performs poorly. Be an understanding listener rather than a critic, judge or fixer.
• Be prepared to give your child some space so that they can grow and develop as an independent person.
• Let your child know that your love for them is not associated with their sporting performances.
• Communicate with your child and ask them how they are really feeling about their sport and about participating in particular.
• Occasionally let your child compete without you being there and hovering over them.
• Emphasise the good things your child did in preparing for and during the competition.
• Give your child credit for accepting the responsibility of performing.
• Try to avoid:
  • Saying “we’re competing today”. Instead say “you’re competing today”.
  • Getting too pushy or believe that you are indispensable. Let the coach do the coaching.
  • Living through your child’s performances.
  • Turning away when your child performs.
  • Turning away when your child’s behaviour is unsportsmanlike.
  • Telling your child what he/she did wrong after a tough competition.
  • Making enemies with your child’s opponents or family during a competition.
  • Making your child feel guilty by reminding them about all the time, money and sacrifices you are making for their sport.
  • Thinking of your child’s sporting performances as an investment for which you expect return.
  • Badgering, harassing or use sarcasm to motivate your child.
  • Comparing your child’s performances with those of other children.
  • Forcing your child to go to training. If they are sick of training find out why and discuss it with them.