PCA Parent Pledge

Derived from the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA).

I pledge to get my child to practice and games on time. I understand that it can be embarrassing for my child to be late and that I may be putting him/her at risk by not providing adequate time for warm up. I will be on time to pick up my child from all games and practices. This shows respect for the coach, and it tells my child he or she is my top priority.

I pledge to use positive encouragement to fill my child's Emotional Tank because athletes do their best when their "Emotional Tank" is full. I understand that fewer than 1% of youth sports participants receive college scholarships and that the top three reasons kids play sports are a) to have fun, b) to make new friends, and c) to learn new skills. I understand that the game is for the players, and I will keep sports in the proper perspective.

I pledge to reinforce the ELM Tree of Mastery with my child (E for Effort, L for Learning, and M for bouncing back from Mistakes). Winners are people who make maximum effort, continue to learn and improve, and do not let mistakes, or fear of making mistakes, stop them. I understand that mistakes are in inevitable part of any game and that people learn from their mistakes. I understand that children are born with different abilities and that the true measure in not how my child compares to others but how he/she is doing in comparison to his/her best self.

I pledge to "Honor the Game." I understand the importance of setting a good example for my child. No matter what others may do, I will show respect for all involved in the game including coaches, players, opponents, opposing fans, and officials. I understand that officials make mistakes. If the official makes a "bad" call against my team, I will Honor the Game and be silent!

I pledge to refrain from yelling out instructions to my child. I understand that this is the coach's job. I understand that games are chaotic times for children trying to deal with fast-paced action and respond to opponents, teammates and coaches. I will limit my comments during the game to encouraging my child and other players for both teams.

I pledge to refrain from making negative comments about my child's coach in my child's presence. I understand that this plants a negative seed in my child's head that can negatively influence my child's motivation an overall experience.