Chester - Mendham Youth Lacrosse
This Parents' Code was edited from Character Counts! Campaign at the Josephson Institute of Ethics
As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of young players. Through your encouragement and good example, you can help assure that the boys learn good sportsmanship and fair play.
They'll likely develop a lifelong love for this sport, and best of all - they will have fun.
Support Your Child
Supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important. Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship. Learn the basics of the lacrosse. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than victory - that way your child will always be a winner despite the outcome of the game!
Always Be Positive
Parents serve as important role models for their children. Learn to recognize and applaud good, clean plays by your child's team as well as good plays by the opposing team. Show respect for the officials and opposing teams. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sports activities. Do not encourage or applaud rough play.
Remember That Your Child Wants to Have Fun
Remember that your child is the one playing lacrosse, not you. It's very important to let children establish their own goals - to play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose your own standards and goals on them. Don't put too heavy a burden on your child to perform or win games. Surveys reveal that 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winning team. Children play for the fun of playing.
Reinforce Positive Behavior
Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your child achieve their goals and reduce their natural fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes, but it's an important part of learning. The freedom to take risks in learning new skills, such as developing a dodge is critical to advancement and having fun. Always point out the good things your child accomplished.
Don't Be a Sideline Coach or Referee
Coaches and referees are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to help make your child's youth lacrosse experience a positive one. They need your support too. That means refraining from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. If you'd like to be a coach, we have opportunities for you.
Parent's Guide to Youth Lacrosse