EXPECTATIONS AND PEARLS

Divided loyalties hinder people
Sharing your disapproval of a coach with your children puts them in a bind. Conversely, when parents support a coach, it is easier for children to put forth maximum effort. If you think your child’s coach is mishandling a situation, do not tell your child. Ask for a meeting with the coach.

"You suck Ump"
If you find yourself repeatedly feeling like you have to let the official know he's made a bad call, sign up to officiate next season.

Avoid yelling verbs
When you’re watching a game, please enthusiastically support all the players; cheer their effort and successes.  On the other hand, yelling verbs like "run home, throw to first, or slide" crosses over into coaching.  This can create confusion on whom children should be listening to and when they should be doing so.  Volunteers are always welcome, pending criminal background checks.  Contact the FPLL Player Agent for more info.

Move on
After a game, regardless of the result, move on to something else your child will enjoy.

For Love of the Game
To excel, your children must love the game enough to work at it. Pressuring them to excel can sap that love. You can nurture this love of playing by noticing and recognizing them for specific things they're doing well.  Ask them "What went well?" and "what do want/need help with?"

Let your kids know that whether or not they win or lose, you will still love them and will be proud of them. Kids see how much their parents are investing (time and money) in their sports, and they worry they'll upset their parents with anything other than victory.

Recycle
Before you go out and spend a lot of money on new equipment, ask a neighbor or someone you know with grown kids if they're looking to get rid of any baseball equipment.  If you have some to donate, why not post availability on Fleet Park's social media accounts?

Friendly Competition
Help your young athlete to understand the value of a good opponent. Good opponents bring out the best in us. Model this attitude by talking about opponents respectfully. Never demonize the opponent as "the enemy".  It's helpful to tip your cap to another player's efforts. This helps mature from kids playing baseball to respectful athletes/ballplayers!

Say Hi
As soon as you know who your child’s coach is going to be, introduce yourself, let him or her know you want to help your child have the best possible experience and offer to assist the coach in any way you are able. Meeting the coach early and establishing a positive relationship will make conversation easier if a problem arises during the season.

Parent Meetings
If your child's coach does not call a parent meeting before the season starts, ask for one. You could even offer to organize it for the coach.

Pay it Forward Tips

For the holidays parents love to buy sports equipment for their kids such as baseball gloves, bats etc. With potential big growth spurts in some kids, parents should consider waiting on some of these items until a little before the season starts. Items that fit in December might be small in April.

Coaching your own child can offer some of life's greatest moments, though it requires a delicate balance between coaching and parenting. Make it clear to your child when you are in coach "mode." Be sensitive to favoring or penalizing your child.

Youth sports create a unique environment where players can take responsibility for their own learning. So, as hard as it may be at times, resist providing feedback 100% of the time.

The "ultimate fan" has been described by some in our youth sports community as somebody who can cheer for great plays by both teams. Give this a try and watch the good will that is generated."