September 18, 2024 By Chris Earley
My wife Rory and I moved to Hingham in 2019 and ever since I have always tried to carve out time to be involved with my kids’ sports. Namely, I have tried to coach them as much as my work schedule allows for. I was never much of an athlete as a kid, but I figured I could coach my kids while they were still young, until they would need better, more skillful coaching than I am equipped to provide. Whenever I am not coaching, I make sure to be at my kids’ games.
Here are 9 observations I have made from the sideline as both a coach as well as a spectator at my kids’ sports activities:
1. It is important to put the phone down. When your kid is at the plate and they glance over and see you on your phone, it brings them right down.
2. On multiple times I have seen parents as well as coaches nearly have fist fights both during and after a game. The kids are always watching the adults, and that is not a good look for them to see at all.
3. Never forget that coaches are volunteers giving up their free time. Without them, there is no Hingham sports. Thank them, even if you don’t agree with their coaching decisions.
4. I see parents put so much pressure on their kids to perform and win. It is very unlikely that any kid is going to become a professional athlete so let’s encourage them to be their best and do their best, but let them have fun. They are just kids.
5. If you are able to, coach. It’s a total blast and is extremely satisfying. I know my kids are proud that I coach, and that is just the reason I do it.
6. Don’t ever complain to your kids’ coaches about playing time. Respect the coaches and allow them the discretion they deserve.
7. Showing up is the name of the game so do everything in your power to not miss games. Of course work and other life obligations can get in the way, but do all you can to be on the sideline because that matters to kids.
8. Always be your kids constant cheerleader from the sideline, no matter the score or outcome of the game. Whether they make the shot or miss it, it doesn’t matter, as long as they know you love them just the same.
9. These years literally fly by so just soak them up because you’ll never get them back. I strongly encourage you to be as involved as you possibly can because your kids will likely go on to mimic that behavior when they themselves become parents.
My kids are getting older and my days of coaching are coming to an end. These years have been so fun for me and my kids. I tip my hat to everyone who makes Hingham truly a first-class sports town.
Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers are your trusted source for experienced personal injury representation in Hingham and beyond. Their dedicated team of trial attorneys specializes in helping injury victims and their families. We want to thank Chris Earley for supporting local news through sponsorship of the Hingham Anchor. Without partners like Chris, the Anchor would not be possible.
Great story. I’ve enjoyed working behind the young Earley boy as an umpire. The one add to the story would be to remember to respect the officials working your game. They are regular people with 9-5 jobs and are there to make sure the game goes smoothly. Hingham children have always shown great control on the field and are a pleasure to work with.
Chris, I coached my son’s basket ball team. One day I was showing them how to do a lay up. One of my players said “that is not the way my father does a layup” His father was Steve Kaberski who played for the Celtics.