At RollaDome Roller Sports Clubs, we are devoted to creating a supportive environment where our young skaters, aged 4 to 18, can not only learn but thrive in their roller sports journey. Through structured learn-to-skate sessions, we foster a foundation not just in skating skills but in life skills that will serve our children long into the future.
Our mission extends beyond teaching children how to skate; it encompasses the holistic development of young athletes. We strive to ensure that every encounter with our club is positive and constructive. This is why it is crucial to address an often-overlooked aspect of youth sports: the influence of sideline behaviour.
The Impact of Sideline Instructions
During a typical session at RollaDome, children are learning complex physical manoeuvres and are at a critical stage of developing their problem-solving and decision-making capabilities. It is a captivating sight: the determination and joy of a child mastering a new skating skill. However, this can easily be overshadowed by well-meaning but overwhelming sideline instructions from parents.
Inspired by Gordon MacLelland of Working with Parents in Sport, it’s important to reflect on how sideline behaviour affects young athletes. MacLelland’s observations at sporting events—where he noted a high volume of tactical instructions shouted to young players—resonate with our experience at the rink. These instructions, while intended to guide, can instead confuse and add pressure, reducing the effectiveness of learning through play and discovery.
The Role of Parents and Coaches at RollaDome
At RollaDome, we encourage parents to transition from being sideline coaches to being sideline supporters. The role of a parent during our sessions is crucial—it is about being present, encouraging, and above all, allowing the professional coaches to guide the children’s technical and tactical development. This approach helps in:
- Enhancing the child’s ability to listen and focus.
- Allowing children the space to make decisions, learn from mistakes, and intuitively understand the game.
- Reducing the pressure that can lead to anxiety or diminished enjoyment of the sport.
Our coaches are trained to provide structured feedback in a manner that is both supportive and constructive. They are the role models not just for the children but for the parents as well, demonstrating the most effective ways to encourage and support.
Building a Positive Sports Culture
We understand the excitement and passion that come with watching your children play and compete. It’s natural to want to help them succeed. However, at RollaDome, we believe in the long-term benefits of fostering independence and resilience in our young athletes. This means letting them navigate their own paths during our sessions, with the guidance of their coaches and the quiet support of their parents.
We are committed to creating an environment where every child feels supported, confident, and excited to return each week. This positive culture not only improves their performance but also their enjoyment of the sport.
I invite all parents and guardians to join us in this endeavour. By changing our sideline behaviours, i.e. coming into the space, looking through windows and doors, we can make a significant impact on the experiences of all our young skaters. Let’s cheer, let’s encourage, and let’s watch our young athletes flourish in the supportive atmosphere that is RollaDome Roller Sports Clubs.
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