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Tuesday, 05 February 2008 |
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Page 2 of 5
Practice is for the kids
Setting limits for parents begins at practice. As a player, I have spent many combined hours juggling a ball, waiting for practice to begin or resume, while a parent uses practice time to talk with the coach. Camargo feels, "The kids are the ones who wear the uniform and are the ones who should get my undivided attention."
Practices should not resemble games with parents in lawn chairs along the sidelines. Practice is a time for kids to make their own decisions without crowd approval or disapproval and without parental pressure. Practice is about trust... learning to rely on teammates and the coach to support you and learning how to communicate and make adjustments when that support breaks down. To build this foundation, Camargo lets his players and parents know that what happens at practice stays on the field. "Lack of discipline or effort at practice is a problem between the player and me." Just as he does not go to parents for help to control the kids, he expects "PLAYERS, not parents, to communicate questions or areas of concern."
If parents want an active role at practice, they should shag balls, refill water bottles, and help organize team activities and communication with the team manager. Parents should avoid cliquing off and gossiping in small groups or talking so loud that it draws attention away from practice.
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