“At some point, your parents will realize that that thing you do with your body after school and on the weekends isn’t as simple as they think.” 

We’ve all experienced it. 

It happens on game day. 

Sometimes it’s our parents. Sometimes it’s a teammate’s parent. 

Either way, the embarrassment is shared when a parent, who very clearly knows nothing about your sport, strays into coach or referee mode.  

The ref is not blind, Mom. There wasn’t a foul. 

And no, Dad. I can’t just jump higher. I inherited your slow-twitch muscles. 

If you’re a parent and you meet this description:

Please stop. 

And to the female athletes who have to deal with this unwarranted input, don’t blow up on Mom and Dad just yet. 

We’ve got some solutions for you. 

Tip 1: Watch more screens.

Something as simple as watching your sport on television with your mom or dad will deepen their understanding of how it’s played. 

Use that rewind and slow-motion button freely, you’re gonna need it. 

Tip 2: Educate your folks.

This is easier said than done. But draw up some charts and plays for them. Make a list of commonly used terms in your sport and print it out for them. 

When you’re done, sit down with them and say something like:

“Hey, Mom and Dad. I totally love your enthusiasm at my games, but I think you’re getting a little confused about what’s actually going on, so, here are some resources I made for you. Let’s go over them!”

Boom. Done. 

Tip 3: Invite them to (actually) watch your practice 

If your parents just sit on their phones at your practices or don’t go all, invite them to watch. 

And by “watch”, I mean observe. 

It’s kind of like the previously mentioned television solution, but IRL. 

Your parents will have to watch you do the same skill over and over again. They’re bound to learn something. 

The best part is, they can’t scream at you in practice.

(But if they do, let us know and we’ll make a special post for you.)

Tip 4: Play with your parents. 

Take Mom to the batting cages. Go one-on-one with your Dad. Play beach volleyball on your next family vacation. 

Be sure to set a good example and talk to them in an encouraging voice. 

Lord knows they’ll need it. 

Especially if they’re terribly unfit like my parents. 

Tip 5: Have “The Talk”

If your parents STILL don’t get it…

If they are STILL acting out at your games and embarrassing you and everyone else watching, have “the talk”. 

But don’t do it when you’re mad. Take some time to cool off. 

Then, very gently, ask them to chat. 

Say something like, 

“Hey Mom and Dad, thank you for coming to my games and supporting my athletic career. I’d really appreciate it if you were less vocal at my games, as it’s distracting for me and my teammates. I know you want to be there for me but all I really need from you on game day is a big smile and a thumbs up. Can you do that for me?”

It could be that simple.

If none of these solutions work, you might have a special case on your hands. 

If that’s you, hang in there, girl. I dealt with that too. 

For every other female athlete who can relate to this post, stay patient. It will get better. 

At some point, your parents will realize that that thing you do with your body after school and on the weekends isn’t as simple as they think. 

Until then, best of luck.