A parent's code
Posted by Cal Botterill on January 29, 2009 2:39 PM
I will never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing a competition. I will provide positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort.
The Parental Guide
Motives of young athletes
Posted by Cal Botterill on January 28, 2009 2:30 PM
Most children participate in sports for a number of reasons, but one of the most important is to have fun
Common problem areas for sports parents
Posted by Cal Botterill on January 27, 2009 2:28 PM
Parents sometimes push children in order to make up for their own past frustrations and limitations. Too much vicarious involvement by the parent can become a tremendous burden to young athletes and be the cause of acute embarrassment.
Parents' Roles and Responsibilities
Posted by Cal Botterill on January 26, 2009 9:43 AM
Fear, anger, guilt, embarrassment, surprise, sadness, happiness and enthusiasm are all emotions of life - sport is a great place to learn to manage them!
Key issues for sports parents: Your child's performance
Posted by Cal Botterill on January 25, 2009 12:44 PM
It is important to remind them to focus on thier own performance and not worry about what the coach is thinking of them or compare themselves to their teammates.
Key issues for sports parents: Relating to key people
Posted by Cal Botterill on January 25, 2009 10:52 AM
At all times, avoid undermining the coach - it puts both the coach and your child in a very difficult situation.
Key issues for sports parents: Maintaining a balanced schedule
Posted by Cal Botterill on January 23, 2009 3:31 PM
Young athletes should be encouraged to maintain a balance between the demands of school and the demands of sport.
Key issues for sports parents: Dealing with challenges
Posted by Cal Botterill on January 22, 2009 4:17 PM
Life is about learning to manage current roles, whether they are support roles or desired roles. Help young athletes focus on what is within their control.
Your child's future - keeping the options open
Posted by Cal Botterill on January 10, 2009 3:20 PM
It is, however, simply unfair to children to encourage dreaming without discussion of how long it might take, how hard they might have to work, what the odds are, and how many factors might be beyond their control.
Dollars & Cents »
- How do I run a profitable fundraising event?
- Your first step is choosing what the event will be. It should be tailored to your particular community.
- How do I approach potential sponsors?
- Most teams and leagues write a draft letter for potential sponsors. Make sure it introduces your league or team to the prospective sponsor, and outlines the benefits the organization will have in return.
- How do I organize a profitable raffle?
- Raffles are often held as fundraisers for teams and leagues.
- How do I run a profitable "minor night" fundraiser?
- With this type of fundraiser, the league comes to an agreement with a local junior team to buy tickets at a reduced rate.
- How do I run a profitable drive-home program?
- If you've decided to start a drive-home program, one way to let people know about it is to ask local businesses for free advertising as a donation to the league.
Fitness & Fuel »
- 'How do I get that extra burst of skating speed?'
- Acceleration is key. Skating during a game isn't about how fast you are, but how quick you can be.
- 'What summer exercises can my son do to stay in shape?'
- All you need is a pair of wheels to stay in top shape when the snow's gone.
- 'What are the best post-game foods and drinks?'
- Not eating and drinking properly after a game or practice can make you more susceptible to injury and illness.
- Sports drinks: not necessary for kids, but not necessarily evil
- Studies have shown that kids will drink more if they're given fluid they like. Water is boring, and Gatorade, Powerade and AllSport come in all different colours and flavours.
- Staying fit for credit
- Kate Andrews High School in Coaldale, Alta., introduced a new hockey program this year, and the results have been better than expected.
The Equipment Guy »
- 'Concussions' new enemy' approved for use in Canada
- A reader asks Our Game's equipment guy whether those Cascade helmets Mark Messier's been marketing really work, and if they can be worn in Canada.
- Clearing the throat protector
- Neck guards are a necessary part of hockey equipment, but it's hard to know when they needs to be replaced
- Honing in on the skate stone
- I just headed home, put the kit in the bag and forgot about it for a month.
- Wearing the pants in the hockey family
- Former Team Canada defenceman Geraldine Heaney knows what it's like to win Olympic gold and take home seven straight world championships. She also knows what it's like to fall on her backside on the ice while wearing hockey pants that offer little protection.
- The bottom of the bag
- After digging through my online equipment bag, I've discovered a few odds 'n ends at the 'bottom of the bag' thanks to some email replies and a personal equipment revelation that helped my daughter's cause between the pipes.
