Article: How You Can Help Your Son’s Team This Fall

Just how good is your son’s coach? That might be a hard question to answer. Often, there are too many factors behind winning and losing to isolate just one, the coach. And what makes a good coach anyway? Is their win/loss record the biggest indicator of their abilities, or are there other, more valuable, indicators?Many coaches have struggled to win at one time or another. Coach Mike Holmgren, who has won three Super Bowls as an assistant or head coach, once lost 22 straight games as an assistant high school football coach. He even considered giving up coaching altogether. Bill Belechick, who has won three Super Bowls as a head coach, was previously fired as head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Many of the great all time coaches have encountered losing streaks. So what does this mean? Well, it means you can’t judge a coach’s worth solely on his coaching record. This is especially true in high school where people are playing and coaching for the love of the game, rather then for money and glory. Perhaps your kid’s coach could ask, how good a parent are you? A parent’s roll in athletics should be a supportive one. Regardless of the games outcome, or your son’s performance, you should ask yourself the following question: Did my son play hard? Did he represent his school, team, and family in a classy way? If you can say yes to all three of those questions, then you should pat him on the back and tell him good game. You should do this regardless of the score, his amount of playing time, or his personal performance. Additionally, a parent should avoid criticism aimed at coaches, referees, or other players. No one is perfect, especially at the high school level. Running down the people associated with the game will only teach your kid to disrespect authority, and this will become a life long trait. When kids grow up, they will work with and for all types of people, from the extremely competent to the incompetent. Their ability to work with all people will get them far. If they continually undermine those they work with and for, they aren’t likely to do well. Also keep in mind that the coaches and officials are taking time away from their own family to work with your son, this too is to be commended.Let’s return to the first question. How good is your son’s coach? Does he care about his players? Does he expect them to exhibit good sportsmanship? Is he giving his best effort for your son’s team? If so, then cut him some slack, your kid is probably learning a lot about football and life. And besides, high school sports are supposed to be fun for everyone. Help your son and his coach this fall. Take an encouraging attitude to the game!Recommended Site: Center for Sports Parenting

Source: NFL Network: Mike Holmgren