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- There are two ways to do anything in life ~ with class, or without class. Class doesn't make you any less a competitor,
- nor any less aggressive. You don't lose your edge by having class.
- Class actually gives you an edge on your opponent. You have poise that will allow you to concentrate more. And by
- concentrating more, you'll win more.
- What is Class?
- It's something that's hard to define but easy to recognize. It's being a good person, always taking responsibility and
- showing consideration for the consequences your actions have for others. It's having humility, poise, confidence and above all,
- tremendous pride.
- Class people handle victory and defeat the same way ~ graciously, with their heads held high. They don't brag in victory,
- or make excuses in defeat.
- "If you have class, you don't need much of anything else. If you don't have it , whatever else you have won't make up the difference."
- Fame fortune, trophies, etc. are all fine, but they alone can't give you class. Only you can give yourself that ~ only you can give yourself class.
- Hints for parents attending athletic contests
- • Attend your child's contests.
- • Show interest, enthusiasm, and support for your child.
- • Model good sportsmanship and promote fair play.
- • Demonstrate respect and civility by not makeing insulting comments to players, officials, coaches or opponents.
- • Cheer on your child and team and leave the coaching to the coach.
- • Be in control of your emotions and comments.
- • Remember that other parents also want the best for their children.
- • Thank the coaches, officials and others who conducted the event.
- • When your child looks to the sidelines for a positive role model, let him or her see you.
- "When young middle level athletes' needs and interests become secondary to pressures and unreasonable expectations from coaches,
- parents, community, and even themselves, benefits fail to emerge."
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- Hints for enhancing your child's middle level sports experience:
- xxxxx1. Encourage your child to play sports but don't apply a lot of pressure.
- xxxxx2. Understand what your child wants from sports and provide support and encouragement.
- xxxxx3. Set limits on your child's participation. Don't make sports overly important.
- xxxxx4. Encourage your child to participate in a variety of sports and other activities.
- xxxxx5. Help your child focus on improving her/his skills and not just "winning the game."
- xxxxx6. Keep winning in perspective and help your child to do the same.
- xxxxx7. Help your child understand the benefits and values of sports and also the appropriate balance between individual and team needs.
- xxxxx8. If preseason meetings are held, attend them. Get to know the coach and what the plans are for the team and your child.
- xxxxx9. Turn your child over to the coach at practices and contests; don't meddle or coach from the sidelines.
- xxxx10. Encourage your child to resolve conflicts with the coach. Intervention by a parent should be the last resort.
- xxxx11. Discuss issues with the coach at a mutually convenient time, not directly after a contest.
- xxxx12. Provide the appropriate nutritional needs for growing young athletes.
- xxxx13. Help your child understand that because children grow and mature differently, he or she may be more or less successful in high school sports.
- xxxx14. Enjoy your child's sports participation during these important middle level years.
- xxxx15. Help your child understand that chances are very slim that he or she will earn an athletic scholarship.
- The Middle Level Athletics Task Force
- The Maine Center for Coaching Education