10 ESSENTIAL ROLES OF LACROSSE PARENT

From USLACROSSE.ORG

 Lane Errington |  @lane_errington

Lacrosse is about having fun, learning the sport and developing relationships that often last a lifetime. As parents, part of your role is to make sure that your child is enjoying the lacrosse experience even as he or she progresses to higher levels of play. Be positive about your child’s participation — winning is not everything. You and your child will participate in many games over the years, and the friendships and great experiences will certainly stay with both of you much longer than the wins and losses on the field.

You are equally as important to your child’s positive lacrosse experience as the coach of the team. Here are ten tips to help guide you:

(MORE AFTER THE JUMP)

1. Be supportive of your child by giving encouragement and showing an interest in his team.
2. Attend games whenever possible. If you cannot attend, ask about your child’s experience.
3. Be a positive role model by displaying good sportsmanship at all times to coaches, officials and opponents. “Honoring the game” is an important part of US Lacrosse.
4. Let you child set his or her own goals. Be your child’s “home field advantage” by giving your unconditional support regardless of his or her on-field performance.
5. Let the coach coach. Refrain from giving your child advice when he or she is playing. Also, let the coach know when he is doing a good job.
6. Respect the decisions of the officials. They are the authority on the field.
7. Read the rulebook. For a quicker look, check out this year’s rule changes and points of emphasis for boys and girls.
8. Get to know who is in charge. Meet with the leadership of the program, whether it is school-sponsored or recreational, to discuss topics such as cost, practice and game scheduling, insurance coverage, emergency procedures, etc.
9. Get involved. Coach or assist, keep score, run the clock, line the fields, manage the equipment, raise funds, coordinate social events, develop an online picture book, help manage the team website, or volunteer in some other way.
10. Enjoy the game. Remember, lacrosse is played for FUN.