Winning off the field!
EVERYONE has a jersey!
Sports emphasize winning, growth and results, but the memories, losses and road trips mean so much. Sometimes I think we also forget to think about the fans and how we can better serve them. We as fans don’t always act in our best manner either. Today we explore how o enjoy things more as a family and focus on winning OFF of the field.
Each organization should have rules and regulations regarding fan or audience behavior. Enforcing and monitoring the rules is the problem many teams face. A top down attitude is needed because many parents, coaches and fans are only imitating the behaviors of those within the organization itself. Making sure your admins and head coaches have the right attitude and exude proper leadership.
Providing a fun atmosphere can help events as well. Vendors, entertainers and photo booths add to the whole experience and make the price of admission worth it. Giving fans, players and staff a chance to enjoy a laugh, meal or conversation at sporting events brings people together and forges bonds bigger than competition. This will increase sales of merchandise and overall enjoyment of the game.
As a coach, making sure you have a strong and vocal team mom is important. You need someone who will be vocal, be accountable and be positive when it comes to the team and the relationships between coaches and parents. Team moms are truly the first line of defense for EVERYONE in the organization. Parents/fans should talk to them first. Coaches should reach out before talking to parents. The administration can talk to team moms to get a good idea of what is even going on.
Coaches should make it a point to coach their parents as well. Coaches need to set the example for treating referees properly and showing good sportsmanship. Coaches should be holding their own fans accountable as well. Reminding your parents and fans that wins are good, but good sportsmanship is best.
Fans we got to step up and be better. This starts with GOOD cheering, no booing and leaving the refs alone. Hawaii Soccer referees website prompts people to fill out an abuse form when you first arrive to their website. 60% of referees report being abused and many are not coming back. We need to love our referees.
As fans, we can also support and cheer for the other team when they are extraordinary or finally finding success in a defeat. We forget that the best 2nd grade team can end up being the worst 8th grade team and vice versa. Many of your opponents will one day be your teammates. Many of your opponents will always be rivals but it is those rivalries that make us better.
All in all, we all need to be better so our kids feel like they are winning off the field no matter what happens in it. Fun photo booth pictures, siblings getting their faces painted and great food are things that can add to your sporting events and your experience. Let’s all be nicer to referees and maybe even offer them a treat every once in a while. The idea of Ohana should apply to our sports family as well.