by Karyn Maier, Clubspaces Managing Editor

While there may be no excuse for foul language, gestures or other inappropriate behavior from parents during a game, there are plenty of reasons that can cause emotions to run high and out of control. For one thing, parents tend to be much more hands-on in their involvement with their child’s sports activities these days, leading to a strong emotional and/or financial investment. For another, there is an age-old stigma (albeit self-propagated) that poor performance from or lack of recognition of a child in sports equates to poor parenting skills. No matter what the underlying motivation, however, improper grandstanding from the adults in the bleachers is never a matter to be taken lightly. In fact, such behavior can be dangerous.

Cases in point: In 2006, a Philadelphia father became irate because he felt that his son didn’t get enough field time during a football game. Pulling a gun on the coach did more than get attention; it also resulted in being charged with aggravated assault. In another highly publicized incident that occurred in Massachusetts, two dads descended into a fistfight over a dispute during a hockey practice. One father died as a result of his injuries; the other is serving a prison sentence for involuntary manslaughter.

As a coach, what can you do to help deter these kinds of incidents from occurring? We have some guidelines to help you take a proactive approach to preventing problem parental behavior before it can start.

>> Establish the ground rules right from the start. Schedule a meeting with parents prior to the start of the season to go over what is what it is not acceptable behavior. Many programs require that parents attend this meeting and/or sign a code of conduct contract.

>> Be clear about consequences. If improper conduct on the part of a parent will result in ejection from the field, a forfeit of the game or carry potential legal ramifications, then make sure parents have a clear understanding of these penalties.

>> Keep your own perspective. Put more emphasis on skill development and fair play as the path to successful sportsmanship and less on winning.

>> Never wa iver. Don’t dismiss a parent’s inappropriate behavior by looking the other way in the hope that it’s a one-time incident. Chances are, the behavior will only escalate.

>> Educate parents. If possible, make sportsmanship and role modeling training available to parents who might be in need of such guidance.

>> Walk the talk. Make sure that you keep your own behavior in check at all times, on and off the field.