FIVE CITIES YOUTH BASKETBALL

PCA Parent Pledge – For 5 Cities Youth Basketball

Please read, initial each item, sign and return with registration.

1.      Our family pledges to get our child to practice and games on time.  We understand that it can be embarrassing for our child to be late and that we may be putting him/her at risk by not providing adequate time for warm up.  We will be on time to pick up our child from all games and practices.  This shows respect for the coach and it tells our children that he or she is our top priority.   _________.

2.      Our family pledges to use positive encouragement to fill our child's "Emotional Tank" because athletes do their best when their Emotional Tank is full.  We understand that fewer than 1% of youth sports participants receive college scholarships and that the top three reasons kids play sports are A.) to have fun, B.) to make new friends, and C.) to learn new skills.  We understand that the game is for the players and we will keep sports in the proper perspective.  _______.

3.      Our family pledges to reinforce the ELM Tree of Mastery with our child (E for Effort, L for learning and M for bouncing back from Mistakes.)  Winners are people who make maximum effort, continue to learn and improve and do not let mistakes or fear of making mistakes stop them.  We understand that mistakes are an inevitable part of any game and that people learn from their mistakes.  We understand that children are born with different abilities and that the true measure is not how our child compares to others, but now he/she is doing in comparison to his/her best self.   ________.

4.      Our family pledges to "Honor the Game."  We understand the importance of setting a good example for our child.  No matter what others may do we will show respect for all involved in the game including coaches, players, opponents, opposing fans and officials.  We understand that officials make mistakes.  If the official makes a "bad" call against our team we will Honor the Game and be silent!    ________.

5.      Our family pledges to refrain from yelling out instructions to our child.  We understand that this is the coach's job.  We understand that games are chaotic times for children trying to deal with fast-paced action and respond to opponents, teammates and coaches.  We will limit our comments during the game to encouraging our child and other players for both teams.  _________.

6.      Our family pledges to refrain from making negative comments about our child's coach in our child's presence.  We understand that this plants a negative seed in our child's head that can negatively influence our child's motivation and overall experience.   _________.

7.      Our family pledges to only bring bottled water into the gyms. We understand that food and drink, including sports drinks, are not permitted.

We will honor the PCA/5 Cities Youth Basketball Parent Pledge in our words and actions.

__________________________________________

Parent's Signature - Print Child's Name

PLAYERS:

COACHES:

PARENTS: