As we get ready to turn the page from 2018 to 2019, it’s hard to believe the youth football season is right around the corner.

With two children playing football, one of the things my wife and I do each year is to ask ourselves if there is anything we can do to improve their playing experiences.

Year-over-year, we have found that there have been a few points that come up every year. I like to think of them as our “resolutions for the new football year.”

Be supportive. Whether you have a child already playing some form of youth football or one that has shown interest to play, be supportive and do your research. Whether it’s tackle or flag, do your due diligence in finding the right program and option that is right for your child. 

Get an early start on equipment. When you register your child, the program will let you know what equipment is supplied. Most programs will provide helmets, shoulder pads, jerseys, pants and a mouthpiece. While some items like cleats, a water bottle, equipment bag, and athletic supporter may already be on your shopping list, you may also want consider purchasing better helmet and/or shoulder pads for your athlete.

Practice is not daycare. I’ve written about this before but it’s worth mentioning again. Practice can be challenging for parents to get their kids to where they need to be on time. For the most part, at least one parent needs to carve out time to be at practice on a regular basis. It’s important to watch practice because you can see how your child is adjusting to what the coaches are teaching and it gives you a chance to talk to the other parents and the coaches about what is happening with the team. 

Cheer on the team, not just your child. It’s only natural for a parent to want to see their child do well. I take a lot of pride when my kids make a great play in a game or they display what its like to be a good leader and a good teammate. However, always remember they are part of a team and when you take your place in the bleachers for the game, root for each and every player on the team.

Be a good volunteer. Being a youth football parent is about showing support for the program and that means volunteering help when opportunities arise. Whether it’s being on the chain gang, working the snack stand, helping with fundraising or doing public address, it’s important for a parent to get involved with their child’s team and program. 

Leave the officials alone … let the coaches handle the arguments. Officials in any sport and level are human beings … they make mistakes. So when you think an official has made a bad call at your child’s game, it’s easy to stand up and start screaming at the guy. That’s not your job. Let the coaches talk to the officials about what is happening on the field. If you get upset with a call, just relax and chat about it with another parent quietly and let the coaches handle the officials.

And there you have it, the ultimate resolution list for all youth football parents. Have a happy and a healthy new year and good luck to the U.S. National Teams competing at the International Bowl.

Peter is a sports anchor for the CBS Sports Radio Network, FOX News Headlines 24/7 and WCBS 880 Radio in New York.  His son Bradley is playing middle school football and flag football on Long Island while his younger son Jared plays flag football.   Peter, his wife Sheryl and the boys are busy cheering on the New York Jets when they’re not at a youth football field.