3/1/2010 12:00:00 AM:
Your son is a soccer player. Even though he’s not on the football team, the coach wants to “put him on the roster” in case the team’s only kicker gets injured.
How do you handle this situation?
2/22/2010 12:00:00 AM:
Your husband has been your 14-year-old's softball coach for six years. You are seeing signs that your child may want a new coach.
What do you do?
2/15/2010 12:00:00 AM:
The other team’s coach is yelling intimidating things at your 9-year-old son and teammates. The officials are teens themselves and seem too afraid to stand up to the coach.
What do you do?
2/8/2010 12:00:00 AM:
Your son is entering his first year of playing on a 10-foot hoop. In his first game, he went 0 for 8 and is convinced he can’t shoot on the tall hoop.
What should you say?
2/1/2010 12:00:00 AM:
Your child is invited to play on a select team. In order to do so, she will no longer be able to play for her school team for which she was voted captain.
What advise would you give?
1/25/2010 12:00:00 AM:
Your child is being recruited as a forward. Due to injuries, the coach wants your child to play defense. This change could impact their ability to get a college scholarship.
What do you do?
1/18/2010 12:00:00 AM:
As an offensive lineman, your son is frequently baited into penalties by opponents’ trash talk. He says, “But Mom, they’re saying things about you.”
What do you say?
1/11/2010 12:00:00 AM:
You notice your son pointing at his teammates and getting upset with them, when they make mistakes.
What should you say to him, if anything?
1/4/2010 12:00:00 AM:
Your son plays Tight End and is rarely covered for his short routes. Yet the QB prefers to run if someone is not open downfield. Your son is getting frustrated.
What should you say to him?
12/28/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your team recently picked up three new players at the end of the season. They are all starting, and now your team is the favorite. Your daughter no longer starts.
Would you say anything to her?
12/21/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your child has a chance to for a devastating open ice check. At the last second, your child sacrifices the check to gain control of the puck.
Are you pleased or troubled by this?
12/14/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your coach uses complicated zone defenses, even though the athletes make mistakes in zone. They would be able to win more if they used Man coverage.
Should you address this with the coach?
12/7/2009 12:00:00 AM:
An opposing player makes a tremendous sack on 4th and 10 late in the game. Rather than celebrating, he helps your quarterback up off the turf.
How would you respond to this sportsmanship?
11/30/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your team’s quarterback, the coach’s son, frequently throws interceptions. The team continues to pass the ball at least 75% of the time. Your son is complaining to you about it.
What do you say?
11/23/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your son's game started late, and now you are worried because it is getting very dark outside, and the referees are not stopping the game.
Should you say something?
11/16/2009 12:00:00 AM:
It is an exceptionally hot day, and you’re worried about sending your daughter to soccer practice to run for two hours.
Should you address your concerns to the coach when you drop her off?
11/9/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your son is quite large for his age, but he’s not yet grown into his frame. The coach asks him to play Varsity Offensive Tackle as a freshman.
How do you speak up about your safety concerns?
11/2/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Late in the game, your son’s team has a two-goal lead. The coach tells the players to kill the clock, costing your son any chance to score. He is frustrated by this.
What do you say?
10/26/2009 12:00:00 AM:
The opposing team has a player who continually throws elbows. The official is calling penalties appropriately, but you’re worried an injury is imminent.
What should you do?
10/19/2009 12:00:00 AM:
One of your team’s parents brings a cowbell to your son’s youth game and only rings it when the other team is on offense. No one else seems bothered by it.
Would you address this parent?
10/12/2009 12:00:00 AM:
As you arrive to practice with your son, you notice a player getting some 1-on-1 instruction. Had you known the coach would do this, you would have shown up early too.
Do you say anything?
10/5/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your son is the fastest player on the team and wants to return kickoffs. For some reason, the coach is reluctant to use him in that role.
What should you do?
9/28/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your son is a track star who was encouraged to play football. You notice in the games he frequently runs out of bounds with the ball and seems afraid to be tackled.
What would you say?
9/21/2009 12:00:00 AM:
After giving up three goals in a row, your 9-year-old son is standing in the goal crying. The coach is apparently ignoring him.
Should you intervene? What would you do?
9/14/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your 8-year-old's team has one unstoppable striker. By halftime, he has scored 5 out of 6 goals. In the second half, you notice that he is still on offense.
Would you address the coach?
9/7/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Another parent of your team doesn’t understand what “offside” means. He berates the official every time the flag goes up when your team is on offense.
Would you talk to this parent?
8/31/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your coach has an equal play policy, and it is your daughter’s turn to play goalie. In a tight game, the coach subs in the team’s best goalie. She ends up preserving the win.
What would you say?
8/24/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your son is called for a penalty. He argues the call and receives a yellow card, which finally quiets him down.
Would you address this situation after the game?
8/17/2009 12:00:00 AM:
You are watching the World Cup with your son. Both teams seem to be “jockeying” the officials by throwing their hands up at every questionable call.
Do you address this with your son?
8/10/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your 8-year-old son sees a player in the MLS do a bicycle kick to score. He immediately wants to learn how to do it, but you’re worried about the risks involved.
What do you say to your son?
8/3/2009 12:00:00 AM:
You hear your team's first baseman saying derogatory things to the other team's runners between pitches. Your manager does not seem to notice.
Do you say anything, and if so, what?
7/27/2009 12:00:00 AM:
At your daughter's high school game one of your fellow parents is more and more loudly contesting the umpire's balls and strikes calls.
Do you do anything, and if so, what?
7/20/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your daughter’s friends are all playing on a travel team whose coach has a bad reputation for demeaning kids, despite winning many tournaments.
How would you handle the situation?
7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM:
After observing your 10-year-old son’s soccer practice, you are convinced the coach overdoes the conditioning.
Should you speak up? What would you say?
7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM:
You’ve agreed to coach your 5-year-old’s soccer team to help out the organization. You know next to nothing about the game.
Where can you look for help?
6/29/2009 12:00:00 AM:
You notice your team's catcher does not keep her throwing hand behind her back as the pitch is delivered.
Do you take this up with her or the coach, or do you just let it go?
6/22/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your son makes the Varsity baseball team his freshman year. The coach tells him he should give up football and wrestling to focus on baseball year-round.
How do you handle this?
6/15/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your son has pitched well enough all season to make the All-Star team, but when it comes his turn to start an All-Star game, he is really nervous.
How do you help him?
6/8/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your 8-year-old is afraid to swing the bat. She stands in the batters' box and watches strikes go by.
How do you handle this?
6/1/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your son is nervous about no longer getting to hit off of a tee.
What do you tell him?
5/25/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your daughter's high school coach is encouraging her to steal signs when she reaches second base. Your daughter feels slightly uncomfortable about this.
What do you tell her?
5/18/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your daughter's rough play under the basket is unnoticed by the officials. Her coach is thrilled at the rebounds she's getting, despite the questionable tactics.
Should you say something?
5/11/2009 12:00:00 AM:
After a loss, the coach makes the team stay after the game and run until they are sick. All the parents are forced to wait an extra 30 minutes before being able to go home.
How do you handle this?
5/4/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your child is far and away the best player on the team. She complains to you about her teammates not being very good.
How do you respond?
4/27/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your son is above-average sized. The coach sends your son out to fill the role of "enforcer" in protecting the smaller players. Your son expresses his discomfort with this role.
What do you say?
4/20/2009 12:00:00 AM:
After a tournament hosted by a rival travel team, it seemed clear to you that the officials were "in the pocket" of the host team.
Do you mention this to your child? Why or why not?
4/13/2009 12:00:00 AM:
A teammate of your child is injured by a dirty play. As he is lying on the ice, the opposing player taunts him. Your child jumps to his defense and draws a penalty.
What would you say?
4/6/2009 12:00:00 AM:
People say your son is good enough to play basketball in college. His senior year, he decides he doesn't want to play, so he can be with his friends, none of whom are athletes.
What should you do?
3/30/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your daughter's competitive fire is a key to her being a great goalie. She slams her stick every time she gives up a goal.
Do you say anything to her about this? If yes, what?
3/23/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your daughter isn't hustling to get back on defense; she's trying to cherry pick on the offensive side. The coach is yelling at her to get back.
Would you talk with your daughter about this?
3/16/2009 12:00:00 AM:
While watching a basketball game on TV, a brawl ensues among the players.
Do you allow your son to continue watching? What do you tell him afterwards?
3/9/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your son plays high school basketball and baseball. The baseball coach says he can make the team, but must attend tryouts, which interfere with his basketball games.
What would you say?
3/2/2009 12:00:00 AM:
After the first practice your child's coach announces that as a team policy, parents will not be allowed to talk to the coach.
What, if anything, do you say or do?
2/23/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your son tells you he overheard the captain using a racial slur against an opponent. Your son is only a sophomore role player and the captain is the star.
What advice would you give?
2/16/2009 12:00:00 AM:
After a rough collision under the basket, you notice your son is trailing the play and is limping. The coach isn't calling timeout or getting a sub ready.
What should you do?
2/9/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your son's hockey coach is yelling at the players following a loss. After the game, the coach tells the team he doesn't think a bunch of losers should play anymore.
How do you approach this situation?
2/2/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your son got cut from 6th grade basketball tryouts and most of the kids who made the team also play baseball with the same coach.
What would you tell your son?
1/26/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your child lets in an easy goal in a critical situation and is clearly distraught on the drive home.
What, if anything, do you say?
1/19/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your child takes a slap shot off the ankle. He/she is clearly in a great deal of pain. The coach questions his or her toughness.
What do you do?
1/12/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your point guard's mother screams instructions at him nearly every time he has the ball. He doesn't seem to notice her, which only makes her yell louder.
What would you do in this situation?
1/5/2009 12:00:00 AM:
Your daughter is the tallest player and a great shot blocker. Lately she has begun waving her finger in the face of opponents and has started receiving technical fouls.
What should you say?
12/29/2008 12:00:00 AM:
As a former goalie yourself, you notice your child's coach has no idea how to coach goalies. The warm-up drills are not just unhelpful, they are dangerous.
How do you handle the situation?
12/22/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Every year over the winter holidays your family visits your parents for a week. This is the first year when part of the trip will interfere with a basketball tournament.
What should you do?
12/15/2008 12:00:00 AM:
You notice your son's teammate, the Running Back, doesn't hold the ball close to his body. He hasn’t fumbled yet, but you feel it's inevitable.
Do you bring this up to him or the coach?
12/8/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your child delivers a dirty check on an opponent in front of the net. You hear your child's coach praising the "tough play."
Do you mention your displeasure to the coach or your child?
12/1/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your 8-year-old is one of the tallest on the team, the coach wants him to be a post player. He enjoys shooting threes, even though he’s not a great shooter.
What do you say?
11/24/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your daughter’s coach is encouraging her to "flop" to try to get a foul called on the player she’s guarding. You think this sends the wrong message.
Should you say something?
11/17/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your child illegally checks an opposing player and is penalized. As your child heads to the box, opposing team parents start calling him a “cheap shot artist.” And worse!
What do you do?
11/10/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your child is hit from behind (a clear penalty) and smashed into the boards. No penalty is called.
How do you handle this as parent?
11/3/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your son plays Free Safety and you notice him taunting opponents after delivering a big hit.
Would you talk with him about this? What would you say?
10/27/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your son plays high school football and baseball. The football coach insists that he must participate in spring practices, which would conflict with baseball games.
What advice would you give your son to deal with this situation?
10/20/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your son misses a crucial block, allowing the quarterback to be sacked. When he reaches the sidelines, the head coach grabs his facemask and begins to sternly talk with him.
What do you do?
10/13/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your son has a preseason high school JV game that conflicts with a long-planned family vacation.
Which commitment takes precedence, and how do you explain your views to your son and his coach?
10/6/2008 12:00:00 AM:
The girl playing third base for the opposing team makes an unassisted triple-play.
Do you congratulate her about it after the game even though you're a parent from the other team? Why or why not?
9/29/2008 12:00:00 AM:
You find chewing tobacco in your 16-year-old's room. He says a lot of the players on his high school team chew, as does his coach.
How do you react?
9/22/2008 12:00:00 AM:
After one of your 14-year-old's All-Star games, you overhear the coaches tearing into the players, telling each of them what she did to lose the game for the team.
Do you intervene? Why or why not? And what do you say to your daughter when it's over?
9/15/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your son’s manager congratulates him for his hard collision with the opposing catcher at home plate. Parents on the other team are angry, feeling the play was dangerous.
How do you address this with your son?
9/8/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your 12-year-old daughter is invited to try out for a talented travel team.
How do you approach this decision?
9/1/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Although the tournament your son is playing in has no rules limiting the pitch count, you're worried your son is being asked to throw too many pitches.
What do you do?
8/25/2008 12:00:00 AM:
You see the father of your team's pitcher standing behind the backstop giving her signs, even though you know your coach has asked him to stop doing this.
What do you do?
8/18/2008 12:00:00 AM:
On two at-bats your son is thrown out at first after hitting ground balls to the infield. You don't think he's running hard through first base on these plays, but the coach hasn't said anything to him about it.
Do you mention it? What do you say?
8/11/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your league has a rule about every player getting at least one at bat per game. This is not happening on your child's team.
Do you discuss this with the coach or league leaders? Why or why not?
8/4/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Two games ago your 10-year-old son and his teammate collided hard in the outfield chasing a fly ball. Now your son is playing tentatively
What, if anything, do you do to correct this?
7/28/2008 12:00:00 AM:
This is your daughter's first season playing softball, and she is afraid to try to catch high fly balls.
What do you say or do to help her?
7/21/2008 12:00:00 AM:
In an important high school league game your son gets picked off first. His coach yells at him about it in the dugout, saying he did not have his head in the game.
How do you handle this?
7/14/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your daughter is very fast, and you think it's time for her to learn to slap the ball, rather than just swinging away or traditionally bunting.
Do you discuss this with your daughter or her coach, and if so, how?
7/7/2008 12:00:00 AM:
In his last game your son was warned by the umpire for throwing his bat after making solid contact on what turned out to be a double.
Do you address this with your son? How and when?
6/30/2008 12:00:00 AM:
You notice your team's catcher does not keep her throwing hand behind her back as the pitch is delivered.
Do you take this up with her or the coach, or do you just let it go?
6/23/2008 12:00:00 AM:
You and your son are watching TV, and there is a story about performance enhancing drugs in baseball.
Do you talk with him about this issue? What do you say?
6/16/2008 12:00:00 AM:
By the third game of the season your daughter's team is singing cheers in the dugout that are demeaning to the other team
Do you do anything about it, and if so, what?
6/9/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your 9-year-old son has been playing in the outfield all season, and he keeps telling you he wants to try an infield position.
How do you handle it?
6/2/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your 11-year-old daughter often throws her helmet to the ground in the dugout after striking out.
How do you handle this?
5/26/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your son's coach is encouraging him to try to throw a curveball, but you think this is unsafe because your son is only 11 years old.
What do you do?
5/19/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your daughter is the shortstop on her softball team. You get to the game and see the infield is in terrible shape, and you're worried about her safety.
What do you do?
5/12/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your son, as goalkeeper, surrenders the goal that eliminates his U-14 team from an important tournament.
What do you say to him after the game?
5/5/2008 12:00:00 AM:
You notice your daughter's teammates are not passing her the ball when she is wide open and in position to score goals.
How do you improve your daughter's situation?
4/28/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your son is considering quitting football after suffering a broken finger.
How do you guide him through this decision?
4/21/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your 8-year-old daughter has not yet left the bench with just 10 minutes remaining in the season opener in a league that promises equal playing time. Do you take this up with your daughter's coach and the league administrators?
If yes, how and when would you do it?
4/14/2008 12:00:00 AM:
An opponent continues late-hitting your 12-year-old son, despite being flagged for it. It appears the opposing player, coach and referee have no intention of stopping this behavior.
What do you do?
3/31/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Competition for a starting position has started to affect your daughter's relationship with her best friend.
What do you tell your daughter to help her in this situation?
3/24/2008 12:00:00 AM:
You notice your son's teammates are not passing him the ball when he is wide open and in position to score goals.
How do you improve your son's situation?
3/17/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your daughter is really nervous before a championship game.
What do you say to her?
3/11/2008 12:00:00 AM:
You are really happy with your son's head coach, but the assistant coach is constantly putting your son down and telling him everything he is doing wrong.
Do you do anything? If yes, what?
3/4/2008 12:00:00 AM:
You find out that one of the players on your child's tournament team is too old for the age limit for this event.
What do you do?
2/25/2008 12:00:00 AM:
You're sitting at home with your daughter watching a soccer game on TV. You see one of the players hit an opposing player when the referee is not looking.
What do you say or do?
2/18/2008 12:00:00 AM:
You arrive at practice and the coach tells you that your son really does not want to be on the team. He is not engaged and does not appear to enjoy his time with the team.
How do you handle this with your son?
2/11/2008 12:00:00 AM:
You think your daughter has what it takes to try out for the Olympic Development Program (ODP), but she has yet to say anything to you about it.
What do you do?
2/4/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your 15-yr-old son really wants a shot at playing tailback, but his coach hasn't given him a chance.
What do you advise your son to do?
1/28/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your daughter has a big tournament that conflicts with the family's summer vacation plans.
How do you handle this situation?
1/21/2008 12:00:00 AM:
You are approached by an elite coach who tells you your 13-yr-old son has the potential to earn a college scholarship if he specializes in soccer now (forcing him to give up basketball and baseball).
What do you do?
1/14/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your 11-year-old son is already playing 3 sports, and he tells you he wants to take up a fourth.
What do you say?
1/7/2008 12:00:00 AM:
Your daughter is viciously slide-tackled three times with not even a yellow card issued to the opponent.
Do you, as a parent, address the officials, the opposing coach or your daughter's coach? If so, how?
12/31/2007 12:00:00 AM:
Your daughter's academic performance is suffering, but she always seems to have time and energy for more soccer practice.
How do you correct the situation?
12/24/2007 12:00:00 AM:
Your son tells you his football coach has suggested that he needs to bulk-up to get more playing time.
How do you handle this?
12/17/2007 12:00:00 AM:
Your daughter's soccer coach e-mails you asking your opinion of the skills of some of your daughter's teammates.
How do you respond?
12/10/2007 12:00:00 AM:
Your 16-year-old son is trash-talking to his opponents on the football field.
How and when do you discuss this with your son, and what do you say?
12/3/2007 12:00:00 AM:
By halftime you have noticed some tendencies in the opposing defense that your daughter's soccer coach does not seem to see.
What, if anything, do you say to your daughter's coach at halftime?
11/26/2007 12:00:00 AM:
It becomes obvious during your son's football game that the officials' calls tend to favor the opposing team. Your son's coach never questions a call no matter how unfair the calls seem.
How do you respond to the situation?
11/19/2007 12:00:00 AM:
Your son's football coach continues starting his son at quarterback instead of your son, despite the team scoring more touchdowns with your son at quarterback.
What, if anything, do you do?
11/12/2007 12:00:00 AM:
Opposing fans are harassing your 16-yr-old daughter about her performance and appearance in the middle of a game.
How, if at all, do you try to get this harassment to stop?
11/5/2007 12:00:00 AM:
Your son, as goalkeeper, surrenders the goal that eliminates his U-14 team from an important tournament.
What do you say to him after the game?
10/29/2007 12:00:00 AM:
You notice your daughter's teammates are not passing her the ball when she is wide open and in position to score goals.
How do you improve your daughter's situation?
10/22/2007 12:00:00 AM:
Your son is considering quitting football after suffering a broken finger.
How do you guide him through this decision?
10/15/2007 12:00:00 AM:
Your 8-year-old daughter has not yet left the bench with just 10 minutes remaining in the season opener in a league that promises equal playing time.
Do you take this up with your daughter's coach and the league administrators? If yes, how and when would you do it?
10/8/2007 12:00:00 AM:
An opponent continues late-hitting your 12-year-old son, despite being flagged for it. It appears the opposing player, coach and referee have no intention of stopping this behavior.
What do you do?
10/1/2007 12:00:00 AM:
Competition for a starting position has started to affect your daughter's relationship with her best friend.
What do you tell your daughter to help her in this situation?
9/10/2007 12:00:00 AM:
You notice your son's teammates are not passing him the ball when he is wide open and in position to score goals.
How do you improve your son's situation?
