Here are some hints on how to make this a fun season, with lots of positive memories for your son and your family.
*Make sure that win or lose you love him, as the person in his life who he can always look to for support.
*Try to be completely honest with yourself about your son's athletic capability, competitive attitude, sportsmanship, and level of skills.
*Be helpful, but don't coach your son on the way to the game or at the breakfast table. Think about how tough it must be on him to be constantly inundated with advice, pep talks, and criticism.
*Teach your son to enjoy the thrill of competition, to be out there trying, to be constantly working to improve his skills, to take physical bumps and come back for more. Don't tell him that winning doesn't count because it does, and he knows it. Instead help him develop a healthy competitive attitude, a "feel" for competing, for trying hard, for having a good time.
*Try not to live your life through your son. Don't push him in the direction that gives you the most satisfaction. Don't compete with your son's coaches. Conversely, don't automatically side with your son against the coaches. Try to help him understand the necessity for discipline, rules, and regulations.
*Don't compare your son with other players on the team. Don't lie to him about his capabilities as a player. If you are overly protective you will perpetuate the problem.
*Get to know the coaches. Make sure that you approve of each coach's attitude and ethics. Coaches can be influential, and you should know the values of each coach so that you can decide whether or not you want them passed on to your son.
*Winning is an important goal. Winning at all costs is stupidity..
*Remember that the officials are necessary. Don't overreact to their calls. They have rules and guidelines to follow representing authority on the field. Teach your son to respect authority and to play by the rules.
Finally, remember, if the kids aren't having fun, we're missing the whole point of youth sports.