What should I say to my child before, during and after the game?

Q: What should I say to my child before, during and after the game?

Play by the Rules' tips for parents and carers are: Be a positive role model for your child or teenager: be respectful of other parents and carers, coaches, officials and opposing teams or competitors. Offer words of encouragement: focus more on their effort and less on the outcome. Stay positive in the car ride home: avoid bad-mouthing the officials, opponents or coaches. Prioritise fun: children want to socialise and enjoy their time in sport. Fun can mean learning new skills, copying tricks they see professional athletes do, doing a team cheer, and feeling supported by teammates. Ask "did you have fun" before asking "did you win". The Spectator Code of Conduct adds that if a child makes a mistake in a practice or match, you should offer reassurance and support, and celebrate small improvements and contributions, not just goals scored. Sources: Play by the Rules, Sideline Behaviour (May 2025); Spectator Code of Conduct template (May 2025).

Question

Accepted Answer

Play by the Rules' tips for parents and carers are:

Be a positive role model for your child or teenager: be respectful of other parents and carers, coaches, officials and opposing teams or competitors.
Offer words of encouragement: focus more on their effort and less on the outcome.
Stay positive in the car ride home: avoid bad-mouthing the officials, opponents or coaches.
Prioritise fun: children want to socialise and enjoy their time in sport. Fun can mean learning new skills, copying tricks they see professional athletes do, doing a team cheer, and feeling supported by teammates.
Ask "did you have fun" before asking "did you win".

The Spectator Code of Conduct adds that if a child makes a mistake in a practice or match, you should offer reassurance and support, and celebrate small improvements and contributions, not just goals scored.

Sources: Play by the Rules, Sideline Behaviour (May 2025); Spectator Code of Conduct template (May 2025).