BASKETBALL PARENTS
"As parents, encourage - do not complain; motivate - do not agitate; be a team parent."

1. Be positive with your son. Let him know it is a great accomplishment
to simply be a part of Morgantown High Basketball.
2. Do not offer excuses for why he is not playing. There is usually
a reason for it. Encourage him to work hard and do his best.
3. Do not criticize his coaches. The coach represents: the Boss,
Authority, the Parent, the Teacher. If you constantly criticize your son's coaches,
you cannot expect him to play for them. He is being taught to be a complainer,
not a do'er. Discuss problems with your son. If needed, have your
son talk to his coach. If you are still not satisfied, meet with Coach Yester.
Problems do not get solved unless your son communicates with his
coaches.
4. Encourage your son to follow team and school rules. If we are
going to truly be successful, your son must follow the Morgantown High High
rules, as well as Monongalia County Basketball rules.
5. Insist on your son working to his ability academically. Check
the number of hours your son spends on homework. It is the duty of the parent
to see that their son is working in the classroom. No matter how good a
player he may be, if he doesn't have good grades he doesn't get in to college
- times have changed.
6. Do not develop envy toward other players. Do not live your life
vicariously through your son. Basketball is a game - let them play
it. Do not show animosity or jealousy for any of your son's teammates because
they score more points, get more playing time, or get more publicity.
Who cares who scores or gets the publicity. The important thing is that every
player on the team does his best!
7. Do not be a know-it-all. The coaching staff at Morgantown High
works with your son and his teammates every day. They know what each player
can do and what each player cannot do. As a fan, you are encouraged to be "into the
game," but please be positive toward our players and coaches.
8. Insist on your son's respect for the game of basketball, the officials,
and our opponent's players and coaches. Instill in him the importance of
sportsmanship. Make sure he understands how important it is to have
"class." It takes years to develop a "class" program, but it can take seconds to
destroy it.
9. Foster in your son a positive self-image. Do not compare and contrast
your son with former family members who played. Help him in any way
possible to feel good about himself and his role in Morgantown High Basketball.
10. Encourage your son to play the game of basketball for the "love
of the game." Winning will take care of itself. Post-season awards will
take care of themselves. College scholarships will take care of themselves.
Usually, good things happen to teams and individuals who happen to be unselfish,
hard-working, and committed. "Promise yourself to give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others." Adapted from article by J.W. Scott