"A Good Bleacher Creature"
Baseball & Softball
"Bleacher Creatures", as parents are often referred to by coaches, have more effect on their kids and their kids' teams than they imagine.
The "quality" of a team's parents can have a profound impact on the success of a team. In this case "quality" is defined by parents who are positive in support of the players and coaches. Coaches appreciate parents who take an active role in helping coaches in practice, keeping the scorebook, or simply volunteering to pick up another parent's child when a parent's job inhibits them from getting their own child to games or practice.
Being a good "Bleacher Creature" can have a more profound effect on your child's development and well-being in the sport in which they participate. Too often we see parents become vocal and disruptive to their child and the team during games. I have seen star players passed by on draft day because their parent is known to be a very disruptive or undesirable an an influence to the other team members or parents. In effect, coaches often draft the parents not the players. Although the parents are not on the field, they do have a profound effect on the development and ultimate success of the players and team.
Always remember that coaches are volunteers and do not get paid for the time and effort that they offer to help your child. As a parent, offer your assistance to your child's coach. There are many ways that each parent can aid the team. Believe me, it won't be forgotten. When draft day comes around, YOU, the parent, may be the difference in getting your child on the team you most desire.
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