The Coaches' Room
3v3•U7•Confidence & Behaviour

How do you handle a child laughing when the other team keeps losing?

Asked by Aisha58
3561 views 5 replies
We had one boy celebrating every goal and then laughing when the other team conceded again. He is not a nasty child and I honestly think he was just excited, but the other team were getting upset. Would you stop the game and deal with it there, speak to him between games, or just give a quick reminder and move on?

VERIFIED COACH RESPONSE

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@CoachEmmaS

UEFA C Coach

Sports Psychology Level 3

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I’d deal with it quickly and calmly, then move on. I probably would not stop the whole game unless the other children were genuinely distressed. At the next natural pause I’d get close to him and say something simple: “You can be happy when you score, but we do not laugh at the other team.” He may genuinely not understand the effect it is having. Then look for the next positive moment and reinforce that instead. If he celebrates with his teammates and runs back ready to play, great. I would avoid labelling him as unkind in front of everybody. At six, this is exactly the sort of social boundary they are still learning. If it keeps happening after clear reminders, then I’d speak to him more privately between games and involve the parent if needed.

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION

Join the football discussion. 5 replies

F

FridayFeeling7

Parent

Also worth watching the adults. Kids copy the tone around them very quickly if parents are laughing about a one-sided game.
M

MartinF

Assistant Coach

I would be firmer if it keeps happening. Excited once is one thing, laughing at someone after being told is different.
L

LiamC

Coach

Yes, repeated behaviour needs a clearer boundary. First response can still be calm though.
G

George46

Parent

We had this and the child genuinely thought he was being funny, not cruel. Once someone explained the other player was upset he stopped.
K

KellyH

Parent

Quick reminder between games for me. I would not make him stand there while everyone watches a behaviour lecture.

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