Sponsored Content Powered by the experience and values of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, TrueSport provides educational resources focused on Sportsmanship, Character Building & Life Skills, and Clean & Healthy Performance that support the whole child and help teach the life lessons that can be learned through sport. Read TrueSport stories The Importance of Accountable Sports Parents August 8, 2017 | 1 minute, 44 seconds read Youth sports parents play many different roles: former (or current) athlete, coach, fan, motivator, role model, critic, and maybe most importantly, influencer. Studies have shown that family members may influence an athlete’s involvement and achievement in sport even more than coaches. Parents also are the first and most critical determiners in whether or not children reap the social benefits of playing sports. This is why it is so crucial that sports parents are aware and accountable for their actions, and how those influence their young athletes. Accounting for Your Attitude Parental encouragement is significantly related to a child’s attraction to and competence in playing sports. Parents who provide positive encouragement instill a greater sense of enjoyment, ability, and motivation in their child. TrueSport supports athletes, parents, and coaches. Discover how > About TrueSport TrueSport®, a movement powered by the experience and values of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, champions the positive values and life lessons learned through youth sport. TrueSport inspires athletes, coaches, parents, and administrators to change the culture of youth sport through active engagement and thoughtful curriculum based on cornerstone lessons of sportsmanship, character-building, and clean and healthy performance, while also creating leaders across communities through sport. For more expert-driven articles and materials, visit TrueSport’s comprehensive library of resources. This content was reproduced in partnership with TrueSport. Any content copied or reproduced without TrueSport and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s express written permission would be in violation of our copyright, and subject to legal recourse. To learn more or request permission to reproduce content, click here. tags in this article Issues & Advice Parent TrueSport