Catonsville Youth Lacrosse

Whose Game Is It, Anyway?, written by Richard D. Ginsburg, Ph.D., Stephen Durant, Ed.D., and Amy Baltzell, Ed.D. is a valuable tool for parents of athletes and their coaches. More information can be found at their website, www.whosegameisitanyway.com The following are some of his recommendations:

1. Use a 5:1 ratio of accurate praise to constructive criticism.
2. Mind your expressions: Negative Expression = Bad Kid.
3. Make directions short, simple, and positive.
4. Avoid post-game criticisms for first 24 hours.
5. First post-game question should be how was it or did you have fun not did you win and did you score.
6. Numbers #4 and #5 are difficult to do.
7. Kids are not mini-adults.
8. Talent develops well into late teens.
9. Avoid applying adult rules to a child's game.
10. Fun and joy are the best predictors for long term success and benefits.