Parent Sideline Series: Tom Gordon’s Top Advice for Sports Parents

There’s nothing quite like watching your child play sports. The excitement, the learning, the triumphs, and yes—sometimes the tears. But behind every young athlete is a committed parent, driving to practice, cheering from the sidelines, and juggling weekend schedules. If that sounds familiar, know this: you’re not alone on this journey.

To help make your role a little easier (and more meaningful), former MLB All-Star pitcher Tom Gordon—whose professional career spanned over two decades—recently shared 10 powerful pieces of advice for sports parents drawn from his time as both a pro athlete and a parent himself. Whether your child is picking up a bat for the first time or dreaming of college ball, Tom’s wisdom can help you be the supportive backbone they truly need.

1. Let Your Child Lead the Journey

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but Gordon’s first tip is simple: let your child drive the experience. He emphasizes that it should be their game, not yours. Ask yourself—are you pushing them to fulfill your dreams, or supporting theirs?

Think about it like this: You’re the GPS—you can guide and support—but your athlete is the one behind the wheel. Give them space to own their path, make mistakes, and find joy in the game.

2. Keep the Sideline Pressure-Free

Gordon reminds parents that yelling instructions from the stands doesn’t help. In fact, it’s often overwhelming. Imagine trying to focus while multiple people shout different directions at you—isn’t that stressful?

Instead, save the advice for after the game if they ask, or better yet, just offer a hug and a high-five. A great go-to line? “I loved watching you play today.”

3. Focus on Effort, Not Just Results

Winning is fun, but Tom highlights the importance of celebrating effort over trophies. Sports should teach resilience and hard work—not just scoring goals or making big plays. So when your child fights through a tough game or keeps a positive attitude after a loss, those moments are every bit as important as a win.

4. Be the Calm in the Storm

Youth sports can be emotional. Games are lost, mistakes happen, tempers flare. Gordon urges parents to be a source of calm, not chaos. If a bad play happens, breathe. If a ref makes a questionable call, breathe. Your child is always watching—your reaction helps shape their emotional response.

5. Don’t Compare Your Kid to Others

Every athlete develops at their own pace. Gordon cautions against comparing your child to teammates or competitors. Think of growth like a garden—some flowers bloom early, others take time. Your child’s journey is unique, and comparisons only chip away at confidence.

6. Trust the Process

According to Gordon, sports development isn’t linear. There will be ups, downs, plateaus. Remind yourself: no one game defines your child. Just like building a muscle, growth requires consistency and time. Trust in the long game, not the scoreboard.

7. Let Coaches Do the Coaching

You’ve got an important role—but it’s not coach (unless you actually are!). Gordon says that respecting your child’s coach builds a better team culture. It also reduces confusion for your athlete. Let the coach give the technical advice—you offer the snacks, the rides, and the hugs.

8. Make Fun the Foundation

Yes, sports have structure—but above all, especially in the early years, they should be fun. Gordon believes joy is the biggest reason kids stick with sports. So keep it light. Celebrate the silly moments, the friendships, and the simple thrill of the game.

9. Use Setbacks as Teaching Moments

Losses and failures? They’re goldmines for growth. Gordon encourages parents to help kids reflect on tough games constructively, not critically. Instead of pointing out all the mistakes, try asking: “What did you learn from this?”

It builds resilience and reinforces a growth mindset—something beneficial far beyond the field.

10. Support Their Identity Beyond Sports

This one’s a game changer. Gordon stresses that your child is more than an athlete. Remind them of that regularly. Praise them for being kind, responsible, and curious—not just for their batting average or goals. This support helps them stay grounded and confident, even during rocky sports seasons.

Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Better Than You Think

Look, parenting in youth sports isn’t a perfect science. There’s no playbook that fits every child. But with guidance like Gordon’s—and a little grace for yourself—you can empower your young athlete to thrive both on and off the field.

So next time you’re loading up the minivan or stretching out your lawn chair on the sidelines, remember what Tom Gordon says: This is their game. Your job is to support, not steer. And as long as they know you’re proud of who they are, not just how they play, you’re winning too.

Helpful Resources for Sports Parents

Need a little backup support? We’ve got your back. Whether you’re a rookie coach, a weekend warrior, or the MVP Team Mom, check out these amazing resources:

• First-time or rookie coaches: Grab your Voluntold Toolkit here.
• Youth sports parents aka weekend warriors: Snag your Weekend Warriors Toolkit here.
• Team Moms (we see you!): Get your hands on the Ultimate Team Mom Playbook & Toolkit here.
• Need help building your athlete’s mental edge? Explore youth sports mental performance coaching here.

Wrapping It All Up

Being a sports parent is a journey full of highs, lows, and everything in between. But thanks to seasoned voices like Tom Gordon, we get a playbook rooted in real experience and heartfelt wisdom. When you focus on connection over correction and encouragement over expectation, your child wins—every single time.

So here’s to you, the unsung hero in the stands. Keep cheering. Keep supporting. And most of all, keep believing in your athlete—on their terms.