Cheer for your team, cheer for the opponents, cheer for the referees.

by Gary Pulver
(Arlington, TX)

Youth Basketball Picture

My kids were never going to be basketball stars. In fact, the youngest one never made a basket in her 7-year basketball career. But they both absolutely loved playing the game, smiled while they were playing, and win or lose, came off the court happy.

I believe most of this was because of the philosophy that their coaches had that we, as parents, were required to support the other team, the referees, and every girl on the team. There was to be absolutely no booing or berating of anyone involved in the game.

I'm certain that most parents have been to games where "other parents" made complete idiots out of themselves and embarrassed the team and their coach. The game is a "game" and at every level, good sportsmanship should be foremost in everyone's mind.

Click Here For The Best Selection of Basketball DVDs, Videos & Books