Posted: Sep 12, 2017 / 04:19 PM EDT

Updated: Apr 25, 2018 / 11:12 PM EDT

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – It’s that time of year! Sports programs are back in full swing.

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital has a Sports Rehabilitation Program that includes not only orthopedic, muscular and post-concussion services, but also sports psychology that’s aimed at parents and players.

In studio, we had Dr. Eddie O’Connor who is the clinical sports psychologist for the Mary Free Bed program.

>>> Take a look in the video above.

Dr. O’Connor, what’s the role of a sports psychologist?

Specialize in removing barriers that get in the way of peak performance
Work with parents, children, schools and teams

Are there things parents do that are counterproductive for their kids?

The 3 big negative behaviors are:

Coaching from the sidelines
Yelling at the referees
Saying unproductive things on the car ride home

It’s a problem for several reasons:

It distracts kids
Can be confusing and the advice and be different from what the coach says
Creates pressure, expectations and fear of failure

What should parents do instead?

Be attentive but quiet
Cheer good plays by both teams
Give them time and space to think and learn and make mistakes
Allow the coach do his/her job
Reinforce effort – it is what they can control and leads to success in everything

Are there any universal things to say to your kids?

Before games: