While participating in a positive sports experience can help athletes access the many benefits that sports can provide, they can also gain valuable insight, perspective, and life skills by watching them. A caring adult in an athlete’s life (whether sports parents/caregivers or coaches) can play a critical role in helping athletes identify and critically think about what they are watching. Below is advice on what to look for and how to watch sports in a way that helps athletes draw out life skills.

Sports parents/caregivers and coaches can:

Ask open-ended questions – By asking questions rather than telling, caring adults can help athletes think critically about what they are watching and develop their own opinions and thoughts.

• Ex. In a pivotal moment in the game, a player is awarded a penalty kick. She steps to the spot and scores a goal that likely wins the game. Ask your athletes: “What do you think the player was feeling before the penalty kick?” and then “Is there anything you can take from this and apply to your game?”

Keep an eye out for both positive and negative instances within the flow of play.

 Young athletes can learn by observing and thinking about both positive and negative actions by athletes.

• Ex. A basketball player misses a critical shot with 2 minutes left. You see her take a deep breath, steal the ball back, and make the same shot she missed a few seconds ago. Ask your athletes: “What did you see the basketball player do to overcome her missed shot? What stands out to you about this play?”
• Ex. After a third strikeout, a baseball player throws his bat towards the dugout and yells at the umpire. Ask your athletes: “Why do you think he reacted that way? What could he have done differently?”
• Ex. In a soccer game, a referee calls a player offside and ruins a scoring chance. The player, not believing they were offsides, walks over to the ref and you see them exchange words. They quickly shake hands and return to play. Ask your athletes: “What are the benefits of moving on quickly from a call you disagree with? What could have happened if the player acted displeased with the call?”

Look for positive and negative social media behavior.

Social media usage can present many learning opportunities – especially with professional athletes as accessible as ever and fans sharing their reactions in real time.

• Identify both positive and negative reactions by athletes and fans on social media to begin a conversation about treating others with dignity and the effects that social media can have on those who use and consume it.