Seleting the Sport

Make sure child finds the sport fun and interesting.
Expose your child to a variety of physical activities.
Let the child's desires and abilities act as a guide to commitment.
Spend some one-on-one time with your child practicing and learning different sports.
Allow your child the freedom to try different sports.
If your child is interested in a particular sport, check out the programs available at school or local organizations.
Consult with your doctor about participation in organized sports.
Do a pre-sports checkup.

Parental Guidance

Make sure the child has the proper sports equipment.
Have your child bring the required equipment to and from all games and practices.
Provide transportation to and from all practices and games or meets.
Make sure your child never talks with, or leaves with, strangers.
Attend practices and games or meets if your schedule allows.
Support your child's coach.
Do not disagree with the coach in front of your child.
Don't pressure a young child to focus only on winning.
Encourage your child with positive support and coaching.
Encourage your child to give activities the best effort possible.
Teach your child that involvement means certain responsibilities.
Avoid pushing too hard, overprotecting or academically delaying a child for competitive reasons.
Help your child follow a philosophy of "fair play."
Practice with your child.
Avoid material rewards.
Do not criticize.
Make fun and technique-development top priorities when practicing.

For Players

Enjoy the game!
Respect teammates, as well as opponents.
Remember that understanding and pure enjoyment of playing is the most important.
Remember that scoring is most thrilling when it rewards a true achievement.
Recognize that seeking victory at any cost defeats the true meaning of competition.
Show respect for the referees, umpires and judges at all times.
Lose gracefully, as well as win gracefully.
Try your best.

Checklist templates

Kids Sport Checklist