There was once a soccer team that called for a "silent week" at their games.
They asked all parents to be silent on the sidelines.
For one week.
When the week was over, the athletes were asked what they thought of the experiment.
And every one of them said they loved it.
What does that tell you about how out-of-control parents have become at their kids' sports events? While it may not be reasonable or even desirable for us to always remain silent at our kids' game, these spectator guidelines will help you, your athlete, and fellow spectators enjoy the games more, a feat that can be achieved without using duct tape.
Cheer for the whole team.
 Not just your child.
Cheering for efforts made by all reinforces the concept of teamwork.
Of course it's okay to yell for your own kids, just remember that there are others who deserve encouragement too.
Let the coach do his job.
 We entrust our kids to the leadership of the coach and if we have tips or suggestions, we reserve them for home discussion, not from the bleachers during a game.
Our kids need to focus on the game, not be distracted by what mom or dad is yelling from the sidelines.
Stay positive.
Accentuate the good things the athletes are doing instead of pointing out the bad.
My college son was amazed to sit in the stands at last week's Friday night football game and listen to the criticism of parents for the players.
 It was his first time to sit in the stands instead of playing.
 Made him wonder what people said about him when he played!
They asked all parents to be silent on the sidelines.
For one week.
When the week was over, the athletes were asked what they thought of the experiment.
And every one of them said they loved it.
What does that tell you about how out-of-control parents have become at their kids' sports events? While it may not be reasonable or even desirable for us to always remain silent at our kids' game, these spectator guidelines will help you, your athlete, and fellow spectators enjoy the games more, a feat that can be achieved without using duct tape.
Cheer for the whole team.
 Not just your child.
Cheering for efforts made by all reinforces the concept of teamwork.
Of course it's okay to yell for your own kids, just remember that there are others who deserve encouragement too.
Let the coach do his job.
 We entrust our kids to the leadership of the coach and if we have tips or suggestions, we reserve them for home discussion, not from the bleachers during a game.
Our kids need to focus on the game, not be distracted by what mom or dad is yelling from the sidelines.
Stay positive.
Accentuate the good things the athletes are doing instead of pointing out the bad.
My college son was amazed to sit in the stands at last week's Friday night football game and listen to the criticism of parents for the players.
 It was his first time to sit in the stands instead of playing.
 Made him wonder what people said about him when he played!