By Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
Rate yourself on each statement.
5 = This is a consistent strength
1 = This is an area I need to improve
After each question, write one or two sentences explaining why you gave yourself that score.
1. Do you genuinely value your child’s learning and long-term development more than winning today’s game?
Score (1–5): ________
Why?
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2. Do you celebrate good play from both teams and model outstanding sportsmanship?
Score (1–5): ________
Why?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Do you consistently praise effort, courage and improvement rather than focusing on results?
Score (1–5): ________
Why?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Do you actively seek to learn more about the game your child plays so you can better support their development?
Score (1–5): ________
Why?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. After games and practices, are you able to provide unconditional support before offering advice or criticism?
Score (1–5): ________
Why?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. Does your behavior consistently model the respect, resilience and self-control you hope your child will demonstrate?
Score (1–5): ________
Why?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. Do you avoid coaching from the sidelines, allowing your children to make their own decisions during the game?
Score (1–5): ________
Why?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. How well do you help your child cope with both victory and defeat with humility, perspective and resilience?
Score (1–5): ________
Why?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
9. Do you encourage your child to honor their commitments to teammates and coaches rather than making unnecessary excuses?
Score (1–5): ________
Why?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
10. Do you promote a love of sport for life ahead of short-term success?
Score (1–5): ________
Why?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
11. When concerns arise (for example, playing time), do you communicate respectfully, calmly and with an open mind?
Score (1–5): ________
Why?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
12. Do you consistently show respect towards coaches, referees, opponents, teammates and other parents?
Score (1–5): ________
Why?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________