As another new school year begins, my thirteen year old daughter decided to play middle school volleyball. This is a sport she has played for the past two years, and she seems to truly enjoy it. In order for her to compete on the team a few registration forms were necessary. The first form to complete was the standard informational questionnaire regarding prior medical history and known medical problems. It’s the typical sports registration form. The last form in the packet was the required “Parent Code of Conduct”. This form lists 15 rules all parents must comply with, and it is completed with the necessary signature.
As I was reading through the list I was surprised by several of the rules…
Number two states, “I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.” I read through number two a second time. I was surprised. This needs to be listed under parental rules? Parents need to be reminded that they are not the ones playing the game. Really?
Number 10 – “I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.”
Number 15 – “I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.”
These “rules” seem like obvious ways for parents to conduct themselves at all times. Is it really necessary to require parents to sign the code of conduct? Of course, for all of you who have every coached a sport you know the answer to this question… Yes, parents need to be reminded of the way they should behave.
The “Parent Code of Conduct” is necessary.
If we adults need to be reminded to make our children feel like winners no matter the outcome, then have we truly forgotten what really matters in life?
I have a picture in my home that states, “There is only one happiness in life to love and to be loved.” The things that truly matter in this life are the lives of the children we have been blessed to either parent or mentor.
Life is about relationships.
It is not about how much money you make or what car you drive. It is most definitely not about winning volleyball games. At the end of it all what matters will be the lives you touched on this earth.
Do we really need a middle school sports program to remind us of this?
“Photo courtesy of {antpkr}/FreeDigitalPhotos.net”
