I was at the Valporaiso youth event on Sunday, and I saw a number of parents/coaches, re-living their lives through their children. I can't stand to see this. Parents need to understand that you have a yelling voice, and a cheering voice. Don't let them both be the same.
There were a few parents/coaches that needed to be talked to. I witnessed 5 parents on different mats, practically in the middle of the match screaming at their wrestler. This is un-acceptable people. Then I noticed a coach screaming at the high school referee about a call he made. First off, he is a kid, and kids make mistakes, but it didnt warrant the kid to be cussed out by the parent/coach. That sets a bad example for the kids. They imulate what they see, and if what they see is their coach/parent acting like an idiot, then most likely they will in turn act the same way somewhere down the line. I would like to state that one coach/parent was escorted out of the gym for threatening a high school student. Thats just horrible! Even if the wrestler won evry match this whole year and next year, it still won't be enough to get him/her into college. They have a long ways to go from age 9! Mt advice to the parents out there who read this is, 1.) Act how you want your child to act. Set the example 2.) Dont treat the match as if its the National title match in college! (This puts unneccesary pressure on the athlete) 3.) Remember that youth wrestling is for building fundamentals that will transition into the next level of wrestling. 4.) Don't show disappointment to your athlete. (let them know that you are proud of them no matter what happens. (This builds a greater bond between you and your wrestler.