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Excerpted from the "Parenting an Athlete Newsletter", dated 10/9/2006 by Tom Burgdorf
WHEN THE COACH PUSHES "There are times when we are working with athletes that they need to be pushed a little bit. That is our job as coach. These children don't usually know their potential. We know what they can do and what they can't do. Rarely does a coach push a child to do something that they are not capable of doing. But the gymnast may not know, at that moment, that they are capable. They may have doubts. In steps the coach. We take your child to places that if left alone, they would never visit. We can't let the athlete call the shots. We ALL need someone to sometimes push us a little bit. It is human nature. We all remember those one or two people in our lives who showed us the way when, if left alone, we wouldn't have gone so far. As a parent, understand our purpose and believe in it."
SPORTS OFFICIALS "Tough, tough job. These are human beings and should be treated as if they are part of the education system of sports. Rarely do you have a biased official or someone who is trying to do a badjob. Can we have people who aren't trained enough? Of course, but they are doing their best with what the league or organization has given them. The bottom line is that we make improvements in the background. We can't attack an official verbally in front of our athletes.If we run into an official that isn't doing a terrific job then the coaches are responsible to make reports and get the official in question some help.Yes, as a parent you can talk to the coach off to the side and mention that the officiating was a little rough, but be constructive and under control. Again, rarely does an official mess up on purpose. Let's understand how difficult a job officiating is and thank whoever that there are people who want to do the job. And another thing; if you see a young umpire do a good job, go pat him or her on the back and let them know you appreciate the good job that they did."
PURPOSE OF PARENTING "Purpose of parenting. What is it? My thoughts? One of the most important purposes should be preparing our children for life. Especially life when they are on their own. Probably headed to college. What type of person are you going to see driving away to college? To her life on her own? These early years make a difference. And these years go by fast. One of our main purposes is to help develop an independent, hard working, aggressive, ambitious, strong individual, who is ready to handle everything life is ready to throw at them. Who knows about being frustrated and who can make things better. Who knows that they have the tools to survive. Confidence in themselves. Knowing that when you start something, you finish it. And yes, knowing that Mom and Dad are there in emergencies but not as a cruch. Pampering them? Giving and giving? Not making them accountable for their actions? Not teaching them to be disciplined? Not having them respect authority? Parents teach these things. sports teaches these things. It is our job to help make the children self-sufficient. And yes, being able to do it without us. Yes, we will be less important. How are you doing?"
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