PARENTS

Parents play a vital role in sport, particularly in the GAA. Here are some of these roles they can play to help their child.

• PARENTS are our clubs greatest asset, without them it would not be possible to function.
• ALWAYS HELPING from coaching to fundraising, from making tea to stewarding or washing jerseys.
• RESPONSIBLE for nutrition, funding kits, boots, helmets, hurls & mouth guards, it’s all essential.
• ENCOURAGING from the first day they get involved through to continued participation.
• NUMBER 1 FAN kids look up to their parents & love it when they watch them play.
• TAXI the never-ending taxi runs to & from training, matches & blitzes.
• SUPPORT from cheering on the side-lines to picking up the pieces when things don’t go well.

RESPECT

Please consider some of the ways you can ensure your child’s involvement in sport is fun and enjoyable while helping them progress in a positive environment. You can do this through:

• R = Role model – show positive and constructive behaviour
• E = Encourage – your child to have fun and to be the best they can
• S = Support your child, their coaches and the club
• P = Participate in the life of your child’s club
• E = Engage and keep engaged with your child’s involvement
• C = Control your own emotions
• T = Talk to your child and listen to their view

SUPPORT

Without the support of Parents, our clubs simply would cease to function effectively. Some of the ways in which you can make sure that support is as positive as it can be are:

• S = Support your child, their coach and the club
• U = Understand your child’s involvement in sport and what you need to do as a parent
• P = Participate in club activities and help out where help is needed
• P = Provide positive feedback and control your own emotions
• O = Open and honest communication with your child and their coach is key
• R = Respect the rules, the referee, the coach, opponents, and teammates
• T = Trust in your child, club and coach

Simple Guidelines

Excitement on the sidelines when your child is playing can lead to emotive behaviour by some parents, and it is important to recognise the impact this may have on the children on the field of play. Please remember these simple guidelines:

Tips for Parents

Some tips for parents to remember when their child is participating in Gaelic Games and activities.

1 Understand the importance sport plays in your child’s life.

2 Your child’s interest may change over time so frequent conversations are a must.

3 Keep winning and losing in perspective.

4 Check what feedback your child wants from you.

5 Focus on your own child’s progress and improvements.