Player Speaks Out About Parents
It’s important to consider players first when making decisions that affect their development. Part of that process is for parents to listen to the players. We play the game; we endure the wrath of our coaches when we don’t perform as they have instructed us. We feel the humiliation of defeat when we do not do our best. We enjoy the praise when we have done a good job. We feel comfort in either victory or defeat when we know we gave the game our best. It might be one of us is the best on the team, but maybe we are not obsessed with the idea of being the best, as our parents are. Do they always know what’s best for us? No, they don’t. Are they the ones who sweat and bleed for the game? No, we do. Do they ever pull us aside and ask if we really want to play here, or suggest a less competitive team? No, so what gives them the right to meddle in our business ?
Some of us just want to go out, have fun and not be concerned with who is on the best team or who is the best player. To us, this is truly just a game. On the other hand, there are a handful of us who want to give 110 per cent to every game, scrimmage, and especially practice sessions. We few who believe this must remember that practice makes permanent, not perfect. For we few it’s not just a game anymore. This game now becomes a way of life, which must be chosen by the player rather than the parent. If a player starts playing solely for the purpose of pleasing the parent, it has changed from a game to a duty. This will lead to resentment of the game.
Parents want the best for us. Sometimes the best is staying out of our business and letting us choose the path to follow. We have to make our own decision and they have to learn to accept our decisions both on and off the field. We know when we belong and when we don’t. We must remember, however, they only want us to be happy. Therefore, even when their shouts can be heard over the directions of the coach and warnings from the ref, we should be happy that they are there supporting our efforts.