Encourage...and support your youngster regardless of the degree of success, the level of skill, or playing time.

Model...respect for the coach and highlight the critical nature of contributing to the team and its success.

Attend...and participate in preseason school-sponsored meetings, communicate with coaches an agree to support guidelines for healthy sports.

Ensure...a balance in your student athlete's life, encouraging participation in multiple sports and other activities while placing academics first and foremost.

Recognize...the development stages of your youngster, ensuring enjoyment, skill development and team play as cornerstones of sports experiences, with more serious competition left for the varsity level.

Leave…coaching to coaches and avoid placing too much pressure on your youngster about playing time and performance.

Be realistic…about your youngster's future in sports, recognizing that only a select few get a college scholarship, compete in the Olympics or sign a professional contract.

Avoid…leading your youngster to early specialization, year-long play in one sport and the potential of burnout.

Understand…that today's youngsters strive for excellence, compete to win, but cherish participation most while rejecting “winning at all cost.”

Be there…when your child looks to the sidelines for a positive role model.