- Make sure that your child is totally prepared before they go on court.
This includes plenty of water (at least 24 ounces), towel, sweatbands, and
any other items they may need. Once they go on court, you do not
communicate with them regarding any equipment or supplies they need.
- Do not sit or stand close to the fences. Nobody will be allowed on
court. The idea is for you to be a silent observer, and not make your
child feel like he/she is being “hovered over.”
- You are not allowed to speak with the players once they are on court.
They will be instructed to use the scorekeepers so you can keep up with
the score. If they have the score wrong, then they need to figure it out
on their own.
- If you see a problem, let the kids figure it out on their own. Do not
approach a captain that is helping to try and solve a problem. Only speak
to the captain if someone is injured, or if there is a threat of injury.
The idea is that the kids must learn to handle it on their own. This will
probably kill you to have to stomach some of the things you see, but all
of this is a learning experience for you and your child.
- When your child finishes the match, make sure that they go to the
captain to report their scores and check when they are scheduled to play
next.
- Do not lecture or berate your child when they come off court. Let them
come to the captain first. Afterwards, when they have had some time to
settle down, ask them how they played. If you want to offer advice, give
very little in regards to coaching. If you think they have misbehaved,
tell them immediately. Remember that this is a learning process and it
does no good for the parent to always make losing a big, negative
experience. Kids will usually admit to doing things if they are in a
low-pressure environment.
- Be sociable with the opponent’s parents, but do not worry about
sitting with them during the match. Most people like to watch without
someone talking to them. If there is a problem on court, do not have a
discussion with the opponent’s parents. That is why we have captains who
have a copy of the rules. If the problem persists, please notify the
Junior League Coordinator. Always remember that you as a parent are
bothered twice as much about what you see as the kids are.
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