Parents

Parents play a critical role in the success of their child's athletic endeavors. Success is athletic accomplishment, becoming a life long athlete, and most importantly developing into a better human being. The role of the parent should be supportive & loving. Coaches do the "coaching" and the reflection of training and performance should be left to the athlete. Showing similar love to your athlete after every competition no matter the outcome is crucial. It sends the message, "I am here for you and love you no matter the outcome!" Athletic success should never be a reflection on how an athlete values themselves as a person and parents play a vital role in making that clear.

Here are some tips for parents to think about thoughout the season, especially before and after competitions.

DO’s for Parents:

• Let your athlete do their thing. Don’t exert any undue pressure.
• Motivate and encourage your athlete. Be positive!
• Be realistic. Accept your athlete as they are. Yes we want to encourage improvement but in realistic progressions.
• Support the coaching staff. The coaches should always encourage your athlete to be the best they can be. Coaches should communicate and discuss with them how to improve as a runner and person.
• Support all of the athletes. At events we want to cheer for all Ventura High athletes and be positive and inspiring.
• Let coaches coach. Coaches work with runners year-round and often times know more about the athlete's running ability than the parents do. If you need to meet with the coach, do it away from practice and in a positive environment. Please do not express doubt about the coaching in front of your child. We are happy to talk to you in person if there are concerns.
• Support your athletes' academics. Insist that your athlete study to earn good grades. If academics come first, your athlete will be more successful.

Before the Meet:

• Tell your child you are proud of him or her regardless of how well he or she races.
• Remind them that it should be Fun and at the end of the day all they have to do is try hard.

After the Meet:

• Keep attention directed toward your child. 
• Thank the coaches for their effort.
• Tell your child again that you are proud of him or her!
• Later that day (or the next day) you can ask questions but keep them positive in nature...
• “How did you respond to any mistakes you made?”
• “Do you feel you gave it your best effort?”
• “What was the most enjoyable part of the race to you? Least enjoyable?”
• Ask your child open-ended questions

Parents supporting athletes unconditionally leads to confident and happy athletes. And confident and happy athletes generally leads to better performances.