For those as you that may have missed this message I sent out last week or figured it wasn’t for you I strongly recommend you read it all the way through. I am getting very irritated with the game day coaches we have at the game. Let the players play, let the coaches coach and either cheer for our team and your son or watch quietly. This is not Little League anymore. You don’t need to sit two feet away from the dugout so you can whisper your expert coaching advice every two seconds. Please figure it out!! ************************************ Vanden Parents, Family, Friends and Fans, From washing uniforms, preparing gear and getting your player to the field on time to finally cheer him or her on, parenting an athlete can require a lot of commitment. Below are a few tips for what you can do to make the experience better for the players, the coaches and yourself. BEFORE THE GAME: **Wish your player good luck! **If you have any advice for them regarding their game this is the time to talk with them about it. **Let your player know you will be proud of him or her no matter how well he plays as long as he plays hard. **Tell your player to have fun and enjoy the game! DURING THE GAME: **Let the players play. Players do not need mommy or daddy running over to the dugout to give them last minute instruction before each at bat. And trust me, the players don’t want it either. They have enough things going on during the game the last thing they need is yet another distraction. **Let the coaches coach. It is inappropriate for parents to address playing time, team strategy or play calling with the coach. **Encourage your player, his teammates, and the opponent by cheering appropriately. You can help your player learn the importance of sportsmanship leading by example. Pay attention to the game, but keep perspective! At the end of the day, baseball is just a game, it's supposed to be fun and enjoyable for everyone involved. AFTER THE GAME: **Congratulate your player on a great game—no matter how he played. **Resist the urge to turn the car ride home into a postgame critique; instead, ask your athlete later about the game and their play to get their thoughts on it. By allowing some time to pass following the competition, and enabling your player to talk about their mistakes, it promotes a greater understanding of the game and a more positive family dynamic. **Remind your player that you are proud of him! ************************************