Are you a bad sports parent?

The Globe and Mail recently posted an article about Michael Taylor, a California-based gymnastics risk-management consultant, who has created a list of dos and don’ts for parents of young athletes.

Here is a summary of Michael’s list:

• Don’t think of your child’s sport participation as an investment for which you want a return.
• Don’t show negative emotions while you are watching your child at a competition.
• Don’t do anything that will cause your child to be embarrassed.
• Don’t make enemies of other parents.
• Don’t interfere, in any way, with coaching during competition or practice.

Are your gym parents doing any of the above? I can certainly relate to the point  “Don’t show negative emotions while you are watching your child at a competition“. I have heard and seen some parents make negative reactions to their child wobbling on beam or stepping forwards in a dismount.

Would you add anything more to the list?