How to Help Your Benchwarmer be a Part of the Team

by Pamela Hill Nettleton

Kids can be an active part of the team, even if they're sitting on the bench. Here are some tips you can give to your benchwarmer to help him be a team player:

Do

• Stay involved in the game. Even if you're not playing, you can still be an important part of the team. Watch what teammates, referees or umpires, and coaches are doing.
• Support your teammates. When a player comes back to the bench, praise him for the plays he made. Offer encouragement to one who is going into the game. Cheer!
• Be helpful. Hand out water bottles and towels, or help teammates put on and take off their equipment. Fetch balls that go out-of-bounds. Help the coach keep score.
• Be ready to go into the game. Stay loose physically and alert mentally.

Don't

• Moan, groan, pout, or complain about not being able to play.
• Disrupt other players on the team by horsing around or chatting with those in the game.
• Act disinterested in the game by reading a book or daydreaming instead of paying attention to the action on the field.
• Leave the bench and wander off to visit with spectators, watch another game, or pick daisies. The coach can't put you in if you aren't there!