Game Day Tips


BEFORE THE GAME 

• Tell your child you are proud of him or her regardless of how well he or she plays. 
• Tell your child to play hard and have fun. Remind him or her that it’s okay to be nervous 
(“Nervous is normal”). 
• Make a commitment to yourself to Honor the Game no matter what others may do. 
DURING THE GAME 

• Let the coaches coach.Avoid giving your child (or other players) advice during 
the game. 
• Fill your child’s (and teammates’) Emotional Tank. 
• Cheer good plays and good efforts by both teams. 
• Mention good calls by the officials to others. 
• Remember to have fun! Enjoy the day. 
AFTER THE GAME 

• Thank the officials for doing a difficult job. 
• Thank the coaches for their effort. 
• Let your child tell you about the game (avoid giving your post-game analysis unless asked). 
Ask open-ended questions: 
“What was the most/least enjoyable part of the game?” 
“What did you learn from the game?” 

• Tell your child again that you are proud of him or her! (especially if the game didn’t go well) 
WHAT IF 

• The official makes a “bad” call against your team? (Honor the Game – be silent!) 
• Another spectator on your team begins to berate the official? (Hand them an Honor the 
Game card. Remind them, nicely, to Honor the Game.) 
POSITIVE COACHING ALLIANCE