UYSA has introduced a Parent's Page as a resource to parents. It is a place to share positive ideas relating to parents and kids sports. The influence of parents as role models in the lives of children should not be underestimated and we can all use help as we guide our young athletes. Utah has great parents and we hope you will contribute articles, ideas, quotes, links, etc. to help improve the parent/child relationship as it relates to youth sports. Please send your contributions to UYSA Webmaster for publication. UYSA reserves the right to edit articles and choose which items will be published. Copywritten material cannot be published without written permission from the copyright holder. Following is the first item contributed:

For some reason, adults, some who can't even kick a ball, think it's perfectly okay to scream at children while they're playing soccer. How normal would it seem if a mother gave a six-year-old some crayons and a coloring book and started screaming? "Use the red crayon! Stay in the lines! Don't use yellow!" You think that child would develop a passion for drawing? Most important, parents must realize that playing sports is a way for children to express themselves. -Claudio Reyna, US World Cup Captain

With the release of “Positive Parenting”, US Youth Soccer furthers its commitment to creating a supportive environment for young athletes. The US Youth Soccer Coaching Education Department, in cooperation with the Coaching and Recreational Committees, has created this ‘view from the sidelines’ in an effort to create a positive learning environment for those involved in the lives of young soccer players. The Department is proud to provide a teaching tool designed for administrators, coaches, parents and anyone who cares about children to assist them in providing positive learning atmosphere for our children. The DVD will assist adults in helping young players play and keeping the fun in youth sports.

“The Positive Parenting for Youth Soccer DVD is yet another resource from US Youth Soccer to support the game for all kids,” said Sam Snow, director of coaching education for US Youth Soccer. “The DVD will contribute to a healthy and developmentally appropriate environment for youth soccer players.”

Positive Parenting discusses the practice and game environment as well as the ride home, each from the perspective of the players, referees and coaches.

"Positive Parenting addresses positive behavior and supportive techniques to enhance the players’ enjoyment of the game,” said David Messersmith, president of US Youth Soccer. “The DVD is reasonably priced so it can be used by everyone and believe it to be an asset to those working with our youth players." More...

US Youth Soccer has announced the launch of an interactive online tool to assist parents as they support their youth athlete. Designed for parents in the game of soccer to aid their efforts in growing the spirit without limiting the child, The Parent’s Guide – An Introduction to Youth Soccer is an online self-exploratory exercise in enhancing the experiences of players and their families.

The Parents Guide is an overview of best practices and philosophy, answering questions ranging from 'How to be supportive soccer parents' and 'How to meet your child’s needs' to ‘The ride home’ as well as ‘Dealing with your child’s coach.’

In addition to the online presentation, the US Youth Soccer Coaching Education Department and Coaching Committee has created a short quiz to further the educational aspect of the guide. After successful completion of the course parents can personalize the certificate of completion with their name.

“We are proud to offer this educational opportunity to our parents and look forward to additional tools to further our game through the generations of soccer families ahead,” said David Messersmith, president of US Youth Soccer.

To review the online Parents Guide please click here.

Take the Parents Education Program quiz now to receive your certificate.

Responsible Sports

US Youth Soccer is partnering with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company to promote Responsible Sports™, a program dedicated to championing and celebrating youth coaches around the country. The youth soccer family – coaches, parents, administrators and volunteers – are encouraged to visit ResponsibleSports.com, where they will find coaching resources, helpful tips for parents, advice from experts and community spaces to share ideas and opinions. Coaches and parents can both take a short online tutorial to become recognized as a Responsible Coach or Responsible Sports Parent.

Click here for more information about Responsible Sports Parenting

US Youth Soccer Positive Parenting | October 2007

In author Judsen Culbreth’s “The Perfect Childhood: Why It’s Bad for Kids,” takes a look at how parents can better their child’s life. Parents have gotten into a routine of praising their children for every little thing they do. Not letting your children fail and learn from their mistakes can be damaging to their future as a successful adult. Culbreth uses real life examples of how parents can praise their children and challenge them to be more successful at the same time.

Click here to download this month’s parent education article. US Youth Soccer Coaching Department offers a number of programs to educate new youth soccer parents and help continue the progress of the game.

US Youth Soccer Positive Parenting | June 2007

Rick Wolf, Chairman of the Center for Sports Parenting, says one of the constant concerns about trying to raise a child today is that there is so much misinformation and misleading advice for parents that you often don’t know where to turn. The top 10 myths include making assumptions about your coach’s certification and training, teaching sportsmanship, supplements and travel teams. These and other myths are debunked and advice is provided.

Click here to download this month’s parent education article discussing the top 10 parenting myths.

Positive Parenting | January 2007

Pam Richmond Champagne, The Sports Parenting Coach, says as a parent you have the most powerful and long-lasting influence on your child. As you understand and apply the following eight concepts, you support your child’s sports and lifelong success. They are called winning practices for a reason. Athletes must first understand a key concept or technique. Then they must implement it and continue to practice it until the skill becomes second nature. So it is with these eight winning practices for parenting your athlete.

Click here to download this month’s parent education article discussing positive parenting behavior.