eNEWSLETTER
September 2009
Our Mission Statement:
"Providing a range of innovative professional services, empowering our clients to positively address issues affecting their lives."
Our office hours are from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. After hours and Saturday appointments are available on request.
When being competitive becomes unsportsmanlike
In any sporting competition, there is one goal, to have the most points and win the game, every Saturday and Sunday throughout Australia there are innumerable games of AFL, Rugby or Soccer going on. There has of late been an increase in on and off field sports violence which has a dominoes effect, from the television children are exposed to unsportsmanlike behaviour, this is where they are learning their patterns. Parents are also becoming more and more aggressive at local games.
The national news has in recent years highlighted a number of incidences where parental aggression and a “win at all cost” mentality have impacted on a number child/teenage sporting events. The most recent being the on field debacle between the Under 16s Rugby leagues match in Parramatta. Where onlookers cheered as one team descended onto the opposition, in the process breaking one youth’s nose and fracturing a cheek bone.
Aggression in sporting events should not be limited to male orientated sports for instance games such as netball and water polo, can foster just as much aggression as Rugby or Football. In some cases the pushing and shoving can become overly aggressive and can cause injuries. Yet these sports foster a notion that winning is the only goal in sports. There should be a second goal, should be to produce young people who will be winners in life.
How can you help your child fulfil their potential?
- It doesn’t matter if their team loses, or if they were unsuccessful, a parent’s praise and support is the most important thing in any person’s life, above all be supportive.
- Don’t speak badly to your child about the other team, sportsmanship is not just important for the child, it is essential for the parent; lead by example.
- Children need to know that if they make a mistake, they need to take a breath, dust it off and try again; this will help improve self confidence in your child. Sometimes by letting children make mistakes, they will learn a valuable life lesson.
- The only person, who can offer constructive criticism on any child participating in a sporting event, is the coach. Parent’s need to recognise that by not critiquing the child themselves, this can have long term ramifications.
If you or someone you know would benefit from counselling please contact our office on 07 3862 6622 and we would be happy to assist you with your enquiries.
Quote of the Month
Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to produce uncommon results
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