A basketball parent's guide to a great season

Being a basketball parent is mostly about a few steady habits: get the logistics handled early, keep game days positive, and let the coach coach.

Before the season

• Complete league forms and any required clearances or physicals.
• Confirm fees, uniform needs and shoe fit.
• Save the schedule, the team contact and the team's communication channel.
• Set up transportation and a list of approved pickup adults.

What to pack

• Basketball shoes (ideally worn only indoors), practice clothes or uniform, and socks
• A labeled water bottle and a towel
• A ball if the coach asks, and no jewelry during play

On game day

Cheer for effort, good passes and teammates, on both teams. Leave instruction to the coaches and calls to the officials. Players say the most helpful thing a parent can say after a game is simply, "I love watching you play."

The car ride home

Give your player some space first. Then ask open questions: "What did you enjoy?" or "What did you learn today?" Save the critique.

Privacy and safety

Share health or access needs privately with the coach. Keep children's contact information, schedules and private details off public team pages and social media.