Parents play a vital role in providing children with opportunities to participate in rugby and supporting their ongoing participation. Through their positive involvement, parents can enhance children's self-confidence, motivation, enjoyment, and long-term engagement in rugby, as well as helping them benefit from the range of life skills that can be taught through rugby. Thus, working with parents to help optimise their involvement in their child's rugby life is very important.

Optimal parental involvement may be demonstrated by:

• Giving children the chance to play rugby and choosing developmentally appropriate opportunities at each stage of their rugby journey

• Providing the necessary practical, logistical, and informational support to help their child progress in rugby (e.g., transporting them to training, providing kit and refreshments)

• Using appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication to encourage and emotionally support their child at training and during matches

• Parents talking to their children about what behaviours they want to see on the sidelines and then aligning their involvement with their child's preferences

• Maintaining control of their own emotions during matches and training and in response to on- and off-pitch decisions (e.g., team selections, fouls, calls etc.)
  Respecting the etiquette of rugby by accepting coaches and referees decisions, supporting their child's teammates and opponents, and encouraging children play within the rules and values of the sport

• Developing healthy and open relationships with others involved in their child's rugby life (e.g., other parents and children, coaches, volunteers)

• Volunteering time to help out with club activities, running events, fundraising, and coaching

• Demonstrating an understanding of their child's rugby experience and the role rugby plays within their life

• Recognising the progression in rugby is process that occurs over a long period of time and each child will progress and develop in different ways and at different rates