North Riverside
Recreation Sports
The staff at North Riverside Recreation supports the idea of fair play and good sportsmanship. The rules in our leagues are specifically designed to promote fair play and good sportsmanship not just from the players, but also from coaches and spectators.
We have trained our officials to promote fairness in play and sportsmanship. We look for support from the coaches and parents to help show your child not just how to play, but how to play on the team.
We ask that you review these key points to a successful Youth Sport Season. Also, we have provided several Codes Of Conduct for you to review with your child, and reinforce the rules as necessary. We also ask that you review the Parent’s Code Of Conduct, and abide by the Code to show your son or daughter that you too can be a good sport. Just because you are not playing, does not mean you can break the rules.
REMEMBER: Young children learn the game through their PARENTS, COACHES AND OTHER PLAYERS. Referees and umpires are teachers of the game. You have to be a model for your own son or daughter to follow. Positive reinforcement is a MUST. There are no losers or winners. You play for fun and to learn.
Teaching Rule for Youth Basketball
On occasion, the game official may stop play and award the ball to the offensive team either at the top of the court or out of bounds. This will help the offensive team to regain control and to work on skills they have practiced. Officials are trained to promote the fairness, and will use this rule whenever they deem it necessary.
Discussing Rules/Calls With A Game Official
Another way that spectators, coaches and parents can assist in promoting fairness and good sportsmanship is by NOT yelling at an official either on or off the court. If you feel that an official has made a poor call, approach them after the game to discuss it. Perhaps you do not fully understand that rule, or a rule was changed. The official will be more than happy to talk it over with you.
Key Points to Remember
Unless you are coaching your child’s team, you need to remember that you are the parent, not the coach. Shout words of encouragement, not directions, from the sidelines, (There is a difference!!)
- If you are your child’s coach, don’t expect too much out of your own child. Don’t be harder on them than on anyone else on the team, but don’t play favorites either.
- Keep your comments positive. NEVER badmouth another coach, player or a game official. If you have a serious concern about the way that games or practices are being conducted or are upset about the behavior of a parent, discuss it with your child’s coach, or bring it to the attention of a league official.
- Applaud good plays, no matter which team makes them.
- Set a good example with your courteous behavior towards the parents of children on the other team. Congratulate them when their players win.
- Remember that it’s your child, no you who is playing. Don’t push them into a sport just because you enjoyed it. As your child gets older, let them choose the sport they want to play. And let them decide the level of commitment they want to make.
- Keep your perspective. Its just a game. Even if your child’s team loses every game of the season, its unlikely to ruin their life, or their chances of success.
- Look for examples of good sportsmanship in professional athletes and point them out to your child.
- And finally, HAVE FUN. Even if you child is not the star, enjoy the game while you
are thinking of all the benefits he/she is gaining-
new skills, new friends, and attitudes that can help him/her all through life.
Key Points For A Successful AND Fun Youth Sport Season