Parents Guide for SomerSport Flag Football

1. Don’t put yourself in your son’s or daughter’s place out there.  The kid in the back field isn’t you, Dad.  If he makes an error, it’s his error; if his touchdown run wins the game, it’s his touchdown.  Glory or Grief, it’s his ballgame.  Whether you were and All-State Quarterback – more likely couldn’t make the church team even if the preacher was your father, has nothing to do with your kid’s performance.  Yet, I once heard a parent tell a child who threw a interception, “You Embarrassed Me.”

2. Don’t talk about the “Big Game” all day.  Chances are the “Big Game” isn’t as important to your quarterback as it is to you, and that’s healthy.  The youngster will usually keep the game in proper perspective – keep pressure to a minimum – if only you will, Dad.

3. Don’t criticize one of the other players even if the errant kid decides to read his library book on the bench.  That’s not only unseemly; it’s dangerous.  Because chances are the offending player’s mother is smoldering in the next lawn chair.  She will scratch your eyes out.

4. Don’t tell instructions to your player (“Hit him in the numbers!”) when he’s about to throw to the receiver.  That’s the coach’s job, and besides, the kid can pick your voice out in the tumult.  It only makes him more nervous.  Shout only general encouragement.

5. Don’t start analyzing your child’s performance right after the game.  All the player wants is Peace, Quiet, and a Slushy.

6. Don’t criticize the coach, even if it’s apparent that Vince Lombardi he isn’t.  Listen, this guy is going to some dust, pot-holed field after work and on Saturdays to practice in the cold air.  Before you complain think:  “Am I ready to give up all of my valuable free time to a bunch of prejuveniles?”  Then shut up.

7. Don’t complain when the great coach plays everybody and even goes with different starters every game – right down to the child who has a pathological dread of being tackled.

8. Don’t Abuse the referee, Dad.  Baiting the high school and college kid who’s calling the game for six bucks isn’t calculated to inspire respect for authority demanded from your child at home and at school.

9. Don’t decide your player has a future with the New York, Jets.  Likewise, don’t write off that baby face either.  Kids, I’m told, mature athletically at different paces.  Some are better than they ever will be again.  Some of the worst players will develop into varsity athletes with time.

10. Don’t forget to praise your child for simply performing.  Don’t overpraise a good play, either.  And, above all, don’t ever dwell on an error or failure to deliver the “Big” touchdown – Especially not with scorn or anger.  You’re not Vince Lombardi, Pop, and your kid doesn’t play for the Packers.  Your child is 12, at most.

11. Don’t forget to praise all the players after the game, especially if they lost.

12. And please, Dad, (Mothers aren’t nearly as bad about these things) don’t take it so seriously.  Even the “Big Game” isn’t the Gulf War, and an answer to World Hunger or even the World Series – Let It Just Be Fun!

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