October 2008 Issue

This past weekend, fans across the country packed college and professional football stadiums to watch their favorite teams compete. Many of us watched on TV. And who among us didn’t groan out-loud when the quarterback was sacked – again! How many of us shouted out, “Come on, you've got to be kidding me!”? We’re conditioned as sports fans to cheer wildly for great plays and to groan collectively at disappointing plays.

But taking that same approach to a youth football game? Or a youth soccer, hockey or softball game? Intellectually we know they are different – but, sometimes it’s hard to not react the same way when the quarterback of your son’s team is sacked. It’s natural – we’re collectively disappointed. We’re rooting for our team and wanting and willing them success on the field. And we hate to see them “fail”.

But being a member of the Responsible Sports Movement means consciously thinking about other ways – maybe better ways – to support our kids while they play the sports they love. Easier said than done, right?

This month, the team from Responsible Sports together with Positive Coaching Alliance, bring you three ideas for cheering from the sidelines and the stands.