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A Little Something For You Non-Jock Dads |
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You watch your son or daughter playing on their youth soccer or
softball team and you wonder, "Where did they get it"? The grace,
the balance, the confidence, the speed, the love of athletics.
This is especially baffling when neither you nor the child's mother are
or were ever remotely athletic. In fact, one might say you hate
sports. Yet you know that your participation is crucial to your
child's overall athletic success and development.
You ask yourself, "How can I participate in my child's athletic
experience, when I can't walk and chew gum at the same time? When
I am the ‘ultimate non-jock' of all time? The kid who hated gym
class?"
Your involvement in your child's athletic experience is
paramount. Face it...if you are not into sports, your child already
knows it by now. No surprise there. So, being an assistant
coach may not be your style. But there are a few other things you
can do.
Be the Team Dad - The Team Dad is the liaison between the team and the
parents. The dad conveys information between the team and parents
and vice versa. Communication with the team's parents, many who
are strangers to each other, is a very important part of your child's
sports experience, and yours.
Write an Article for your Local Paper
Are you a writer? Do you like to write? Almost every small
community has a local newspaper or periodical that comes out
weekly. Dad, you can call the paper and speak to the sports
editor and let them know that you will write an article about your
child's team or league. YOU WRITE THE ARTICLE FOR THEM! Small
papers usually have small staffs. An article that arrives written
already from a credible source is usually welcome by the editor. With
today's digital camera technology you can email your article and photo
to the paper. Make sure they give you a credit for the article
and a photo credit for your picture. It's like being a sports
reporter for
Be a First Aid Provider
If you are a doctor or nurse or if you have any Red Cross or military
medical or first aid training, volunteer to be on the sidelines to
check the kids out when the hurt themselves. High school teams
have trainers, but youth leagues usually do not have that kind of
budget. A dad who can be on hand with ice packs, band-aids and
who can tape and ankle is invaluable.
Volunteer to announce the games
Were you the kid who did the morning announcements in high
school? Do you have "pipes"? Then you could volunteer to
announce games were that option is available. Sometimes there is a
"guy" who has done it forever, and has the job locked, but every now
and then an opening comes along. Seize it. Its fun and a
great way to learn more about the sport your child loves.
Get a sponsor for the team
Like everything else in life money talks in youth sports. So,
maybe you are a not a jock, but you know a lot of generous business
people. Volunteer to seek sponsors for the team. This helps
with uniforms, equipment, and field rental and umpire fees for the
teams. Remember the team pays a fee for the field for practice
and games. The field doesn't know the difference. Sponsors
can be offered signage placement, ads in a program book at your team's
banquet, or in some cases a name on a team jersey.
Give rides kids who need them
Often due to any number of factors, a team can be composed of kids from
various backgrounds. Many youngsters have to wait for rides or
take the bus to and from practice and games. If you have a couple who
are going your way. At least volunteer a lift. In today's
"post 911" era, children may "pass" on a ride until they get to know
you or your child. One thing I know for sure is that we humans
are put here to serve one another. By providing a ride when
necessary, you will be showing that kind of service not only to your
child's teammates but also your child.
Show Up
Our kids don't get big contracts with signing bonuses and sneaker
endorsement deals on the side. Until you they are in high school,
college scouts don't come calling. No, the major satisfaction
your child receives is knowing that they are making you proud.
When she hits that second free throw, your daughter immediately scans
the crowd for your face; hoping that you are sharing this moment of
excitement with her. When your son strikes out the opposition's
power hitter with bases loaded, he looks into the stands for you.
And you should be on your feet applauding. Imagine the feeling they
look into the stand and you are not there to share it at that
moment. Telling you about it later is to your being there as a
still video is to a video.
Sports fan or sports hater, our support is important to our kids. Your
level or commitment to the team is your individual choice. I only
asked that you to three things:
Be There.
Be supportive.
Be Involved.
Michael Easterling is an author, speaker and
media consultant based in Columbia, MD. His book, "Hey Coach...Let
My Kid Play!" is a handbook on sports parenting from a parents point of
view. You can read more about him at www.letmykidplay.com or www.mikeeasterling.com. Mike can be reached for speeches and seminars at 410-637-7648.
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