Lessons from a Good Sports Dad By Ken Newman
He didn’t question the coach during the game or after the game. He simply enjoyed watching his son compete and be part of the team. He enjoyed his son’s thorough love of the game.
As we approach Father’s Day and I reflect on my childhood and high school athletics career, I realize that I was blessed to have a top-notch sports dad who taught me so many lessons that I carry with me today. As a dad and a fan of my high school basketball games, he was visible. I knew he was there. He’d always bring his Nikon camera to snap pictures of me and my teammates, which would provide great memories later on. He would cheer appropriately; compliment my teammates on a hardfought game; share in a little banter and say hello to the coach. He’d then leave with mom and we would discuss the game briefly when I got home.
As my coach when I played youth sports, he pulled no punches and expected me to toe the line like everyone else. He didn’t bark instructions or get mad at mistakes; he provided support and offered advice. He helped me and my teammates achieve OUR goals and enjoyed seeing us succeed. He loved the camaraderie of his fellow coaches, but truly enjoyed knowing the kids. As a father, he taught me the games I played. He taught me baseball. After his long day of work and a commute into NYC, he didn’t hesitate to head out after dinner to hit me some fly balls or have a catch or throw me batting practice.
But perhaps his greatest gift came when I was 10 and shifted my focus from his sport – baseball – to pursue my own passion, basketball. Dad was passionate about baseball and I was good, too. I am sure he was disappointed that I stopped playing but instead of pushing me or expressing his disappointment, he bought me a hoop for the driveway. He had a huge smile, maybe bigger than mine, as it was installed. He reveled in our driveway battles, but I think he took greater enjoyment from seeing me get so much out of that grand gesture. We often don’t realize things until we get older, but a good sports dad can reap immeasurable rewards.
He would battle me on the tennis court, enjoying the competition and banter with his highly competitive son.
The key to being a positive sports dad, or any sports parent for that matter, is quite simple: Be Present: Let your son or daughter know you made it to their game. They will remember it! Be a Fan: Take enjoyment in your child and their team. Be conscious of how your vocal abuse of coaches or berating officials impacts them. It’s embarrassing. Be a Coach: Volunteering your time is never easy but if you have the opportunity to share those competitive moments with your child they are forever memories. Just remember to not focus entirely on your child. It’s a team sport and there’s nothing like seeing everyone grow and work together to achieve. 42 / INSIDE Pop Warner
Be Supportive: At the end of the day, it isn’t about what we want as parents; it’s what your kid wants. If they aren’t good at football, that’s not a reflection on you. But if they enjoy what they are doing, that is a reflection on your love and support. I recently lost my dad, but as sad as it is I will never lose the memories he created for me. So if your dad stands behind you and is a positive influence in your athletic pursuits, express your gratitude for having a great sports dad. You won’t regret it.
