How To Deal With Negative Nellies In The Stand

Coach's perspective...


If you're a coach and the opposing team is being really negative, heckling your players or yelling rude comments,thats when it's important for you as a coach to tell and show your players to focus on their own game. Let them know that they should focus inward on themselves and their own teammates. Some people in life are negative and are always going to be taking it out on somebody else. The worst thing you can do as a coach or player is to allow these types of negative people to get to you and affect your game. Stay strong and stay focused.

As a coach, it is vital to continue to tell your team to cheer louder, evoke positive comments and set a higher example. Stay united as a strong, positive team. Do not fall to the lower level of pessimistic comments from either an opposing team or parents in the stands.

Parent's perspective...


If you are a parent in the stands and you catch wind of negative comments about the opposing team, your team, or even about your own child, it is important to take the high road. When parents get into fights in the stands, there is never a positive outcome. The bottom line is that everyone involved in the sport needs to remember that this is a game and the main focus should be the kids participating in it. Sports are supposed to be fun, they are supposed to be fair, but most of all, they are supposed to be a great environment for children. Sports are an outlet for players to grow and release any negativity they may be experiencing elsewhere. When adults act out of line it sets a poor example for the children and puts a huge damper on the game at stake.

It is essential for parents to set a high example and to move out of the stands when there are negative commentators. A case of solidarity will let them know that you do not want to be associated with bad behavior that will affect the game.

Never confront the commentator. If you confront the commentator this will just add fuel to the fire and could lead things to getting out of hand. There is a way to make your statement without fueling a volatile situation.

What everyone should keep in mind:


-Never lose perspective of what's important. Keep your eye on the ball (pun intended) and don't let anyone or anything deter you.

-The focus should be on the kids in the field, not the parents or fans in the stand.

- We have to remember that these are young girls playing a sport, and it is just a sport. As competitive as we are and as much as we want to win, perspective is needed whether you are a player, a coach, a parent or a fan. A strong perspective always needs to be kept in mind in adverse situations. Always take the high road because you will be able to look in the mirror and be proud of the way you handled the situation.

-Whether you are a coach, parent, or even just a bystander, never confront the commentator. If you confront the commentator this will just add fuel to the fire and could lead things to get out of hand. There is a way to make your statement without fueling a volatile situation.