Coach the Experience, Not the Scoreboard
Pop quiz! Parents, what matters more in sports—the scoreboard or your child’s experience? The answer? Your kid’s experience.
The scoreboard doesn’t define your child; their growth, effort, and love for the game do. Think back to your own childhood sports memories. Do you remember every win and loss? Maybe you remember a few, but the odds are, the moments that stand out the most have little to do with the scoreboard. Instead, they revolve around how you felt, the friendships you built, and the lessons you learned.
As parents, it's easy to get caught up in the numbers. We cheer for the victories and feel the sting of losses, but the most valuable part of youth sports lies in the experience itself. The hard work, the teamwork, the perseverance—these qualities shape character far beyond the playing field. Wins and losses fade over time, but the personal growth your child experiences stays with them for life.
When your child plays a game, they are developing life skills. They’re learning how to work as part of a team, how to handle pressure, and how to bounce back from setbacks. The outcome of a single game doesn’t determine success; what matters is how they grow through the process. Your child’s self-worth should never be tied to the scoreboard, but instead to their effort, attitude, and sportsmanship.
It’s important to cheer for progress, hustle, and heart. Applaud their courage to try new positions or step up in challenging moments. Celebrate the small victories—like making a great pass, encouraging a teammate, or improving their skills from one game to the next. These moments reflect their personal development and build a positive association with sports.
Let’s be honest—many parents remember their child’s big wins more vividly than the kids do. Yet, for the child, the impact often lies in how they felt supported and valued, not whether they won or lost. What they truly carry forward is the emotional connection to the game, the camaraderie with teammates, and the life lessons gained.
Parents, the next time you’re at a game, shift your focus. Pay attention to the effort your child puts in rather than the score at the end. After the game, ask them what they enjoyed most, what they felt proud of, and what they learned. Keep the conversation positive and uplifting.
The goal is not to create a scoreboard-driven mindset but to foster a love for the game and personal growth. Encourage your kid to reflect on their experiences, acknowledge their hard work, and understand that success is about effort, not just results.
In the long run, it won’t matter how many trophies are collected or how many points were scored. What will matter is the character your kid builds every game. So, let’s shift our focus, cheer for the journey, and remember that true success in sports is measured not by the scoreboard but by the lessons learned and the joy experienced along the way.
