What is an ideal softball parent?

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Jun 25, 2014
6
0
Hi, new here and enjoy reading the posts. My DD is trying out for a travel team for the first time this season after being on select and all star teams. She loves softball and is working hard at being a better player. I am reading so many examples of the wrong kind of parent. Coaches, team managers, other parents: what is the right kind of parent? Not to say I have not experienced drama or coaching I did not agree with, I have. I believe it always works itself out. We usually just enjoy the game and cheer for our daughter, take her to her practices on time, share drinks and snacks, be social with the other parents, and even keep our mouths closed at bad umpire calls. What can I do as a parent to be supportive of the team, my DD, our coach, our team mom? Thanks.
 
May 7, 2008
468
0
Morris County, NJ
Be the picture taking parent (who shares the pix with the other parents) that watches the game from the outfield with sunflower seeds in your mouth and pay your dues on time.

You're family will be recruited to join more than one team provided your D is an average or above player.

Best of Luck.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
Have realistic expectations regarding your daughters abilities and trust an experienced coach. Had a family furious with me when I moved their DD from SS to 1B. "She has always played SS! She was all county in High School!" Only problem is that she does not (currently) have the range to be a viable college SS. Soon as I moved her to 1B colleges started showing interest and it is no longer a question of if but where she will play college ball.
 
Jun 18, 2012
3,183
48
Utah
Ideal parent....

One who is quick to pay player fees.

One who doesn't coach their kid from the stands.

One who realizes that their kid isn't the only player on the field and that the coach is typically trying to do what he/she thinks is best for the team. Disclaimer..... Not all coaches do this.

One who help make sure the player is to practices and games on time (10 minutes early).

One who isn't an embarrassment to the team (i.e., they aren't obnoxious during games).

etc.
 
Nov 6, 2013
771
16
Baja, AZ
I agree with JJSqueeze, riseball, and DR. In addition:

*Offer help during practices when coaches are short-handed or offer gear when the other teams in the organization took a lot of equipment to a tournament.

*All comments about players must be positive. Otherwise they should not be spoken.

*Stay far from the dugout unless your DD needs first aid.

*And the life principles you (hopefully) learned from your parents and kindergarten teacher.
 
Jun 19, 2013
753
28
All-Stars definitely has it's share of drama, but travel ball kicks it up a notch. Try to avoid getting sucked in. It can be very hard when what people are mumbling about is something you are seeing/experiencing too. You end up smiling and holding your tongue a lot. Or just excusing yourself to go get some more seeds to stuff in your mouth. Hope your season and team is drama free!
 
Jun 18, 2012
3,183
48
Utah
*Offer help during practices when coaches are short-handed

...but don't use this as an opportunity to teach something that is against what the coach is trying to teach. In other words, ask the coach how he would like you to help.

*Stay far from the dugout unless your DD needs first aid.

Funny how many parents think they don't have to abide by this request. We've all seen parents than approach the dugout every time their daughter comes off the field to give them advice. I've never done it as a parent, because I hate it when it happens to me with my team.
 

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