Setting the right example

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Setting the right example

Help and advice from the Child Protection in Sport Unit

If you are actively involved in your child's sports club, remember that your behaviour can have either a positive or negative effect on the club's culture and atmosphere.

How you behave at a match or competition and what you say and do afterwards to your child will not only affect him or her. It also influences how other parents and children behave.

Your approval is very important to your child. What you say and do about their performance has a major effect on how they feel about themselves and their abilities. So give positive and constructive feedback about his or her efforts. You should not make negative, personalised comments or punish them in any way.

Don't have a "win at all cost" attitude, or encourage this in your child. Remember, learning to lose with a good grace is an important part of sportsmanship.

More positive behaviour:

find out the names of those who run the sports club and introduce yourself to them
make sure you arrive on time before and after your child's activity
make sure you tell the club if your child isn't able to attend a planned activity or if you need to make changes in pick-up arrangements
help your child prepare by making sure they have all the necessary equipment, food and drinks
find out ways you can actively support the club's activities
if you have any concerns, talk about them to the appropriate member of staff/volunteer. If you are unhappy with the response you get from the club, contact the governing body for that sport - Search for sports governing body
comply with any requests made by club officials, even if the request is being asked to leave.

Parents should accurately complete a parental consent form ensuring the club are aware of any health issues and have emergency contact details.