Building a positive sports experience for all athletes takes effort, intention, and collaboration. When athletes participate in a positive sports culture, they are more likely to experience the many benefits that sports can provide – from developing leadership and resiliency skills to building healthy connections and support systems. Ensuring these outcomes requires considering all aspects of the sport experience.

Establishing a ‘Team Parent/Caregiver’ program by engaging volunteer parents/caregivers can help ensure the principles of a team’s positive culture are maintained on the sidelines and that the team community is well supported.  ‘Team Parents/Caregivers’ are tasked with contributing to a team environment in a way that helps everyone feel they belong, spreading the word about the team’s expectations and values, and reinforcing sideline actions that encourage a positive sports experience.

Specific Activities of a ‘Team Parent/Caregiver’ Can Include:

• Gaining familiarity with the team’s core values and expectations. ‘Team Parents/Caregivers’ should meet with coaches so they understand how the team operates, how they can support the coach, how they can contribute to a positive team culture, and how they want to interact on a day-to-day basis.
• Getting to know other parents/caregivers early each season to build connections with and amongst the team community. They should explain their role as team parent/caregiver and enlist support in creating a sport experience where the athletes can better develop life skills and as competitors.
• Surveying other parents/caregivers about potential challenges they may need support in overcoming and setting up time to brainstorm solutions with others.
• Leading communication with parents/caregivers on team activities, game updates (for parents/caregivers unable to attend games), and scheduling to ensure all feel included.