Being a Positive Sports Spectator

As we head into fall, many youth sports practices and games are starting back up.  Participating in sports can be a lot of fun for young people. It can also be fun for the adults in their lives to participate as spectators or coaches! While sports can be a beneficial way to build social relationships and develop healthy fitness habits, sometimes excited adults can get caught up in the competition and turn a positive and healthy experience into one that increases anxiety and does not focus on good sportsmanship, respect, skill learning and fun. 

As an adult watching youth sports, it’s important to remain supportive and set a positive example. You can set this example in a variety of ways, including:

• Cheering for everyone on the team.
• Avoiding insulting the opposing team or other team members.
• Being respectful of the game officials.
• Focusing on the positive.
• Complimenting and congratulating players and others involved.

Sports can be a wonderful way of teaching kids critical life lessons and skills, but it’s important to not get so caught up in the competition that we lose sight of the enjoyable and rewarding experiences they can provide.

While this article from Penn State Extension was written for parents, it is applicable to all caring adults in a young person’s life and contains more information on being a positive spectator of youth sports.