Quite often, my son Bradley and I watch SportsCenter and other similar shows together, and we’ll also listen to a lot of sports radio shows when we’re in the car. There haven’t been many times that we’ve watched or listened recently when we haven’t encountered a story about LaVar Ball, the controversial father of Los Angeles Lakers first-round draft pick Lonzo Ball.

A couple of weeks ago, we were watching a TV show, and sure enough, there was LaVar Ball. That’s when Bradley turned to me and said, “Dad, you have to promise me that you’ll never act like that!”

It made me think. Was there anything I ever did during one of his youth sports games, whether it was football, baseball, hockey or soccer that might have embarrassed him? I can’t remember a time that it happened.  

Well, there was that one football playoff game when I was on the sideline taking pictures and some calls went against Bradley’s team. I remember being a bit demonstrative and that’s when my wife, Sheryl, came down to the first row of the bleachers to calm me down. I don’t think too many people noticed, it but I felt bad enough about it that I called the coach the next day to apologize and he said it was OK and that he didn’t notice it.

It was one of the moments that have defined my eight years as a youth sports parent, specifically as it pertains to football.  

I’ve seen a family member look at an official and say “you’re a piece of …” I’ve seen a grandfather curse at a coach because his grandson wasn’t getting enough playing time. I’ve seen parents at practice not even pay attention to what’s happening on the field, loudly criticize the coaching strategy from the bleachers and make fun of other kids on the team who may not be as talented as their child.

I’ve seen many good things, too, like parents hugging a child after a game, win or lose; rooting for each kid on the team, not just theirs; having quality conversations with the coaches even if they were addressing a problem. 

I could probably write a book about all the things we have experienced as a family, but for now, let’s outline some do’s and don’ts when it comes to youth football parenting. 

Do encourage your child to work hard at each and every practice and game and to show good sportsmanship.

Do treat the coaches with respect and speak to them in a calm manner at the appropriate time if you have any questions or concerns. 

Do pay attention to what’s happening in a practice or a game, whether your child is on the field or not.

Do volunteer to help the team and program, whether it’s being on the chain gang, working the concession stands or helping with fundraising. 

Do make sure your child is wearing the best possible equipment and that it fits properly. You have the right to purchase better equipment for your child if you want to.

Don’t scream at the officials during a game. Let the coaches do the talking when it comes to calls or non-calls.

Don’t openly criticize the play of any kids on the team. You wouldn’t want someone to do that to your child.

Don’t forget to cheer when somebody other than your child makes a great play. Remember, it’s a team sport. 

Don’t coach from the bleachers. Your child’s coaches are volunteers and are doing the best they can. Talk to the coaches after the game or practice if necessary. 

Don’t try to spend too much time speaking to your child during a practice or even at a game. Once your child steps onto the field, they belong to the coaches for the next couple of hours.

Being a youth sports parent can be exciting, challenging, frustrating, and an emotional roller coaster. Following these simple rules will make life a lot easier for you, your child and his or her teammates, the coaches, and the other parents. 

Peter Schwartz is a sports anchor for the CBS Sports Radio Network and WCBS 880 Radio in New York. His son, Bradley, plays youth football on Long Island while his younger son, Jared, will begin playing flag football this fall. Peter, his wife, Sheryl, and the boys are busy cheering on the New York Jets when they’re not on a youth football field.