Actions and reactions on the court will have a lasting effect that either
opens or closed the door to ministry. The circle of criticism and the circle
of affirmation are simple concepts created to illustrate the results
associated with negative and positive feedback given to the referee.

- The circle of criticism begins when the coach gives a negative response to a right or wrong call made by the referee.

- The coach’s example gives the parent the implied permission to react negatively toward the referee.

- The parent’s example causes the child to assume that it is acceptable to react in the same way. The result can be a negative attitude toward authority.

- The circle of affirmation begins when the coach gives a positive response to a right or wrong call made by the referee.

- The coach’s example encourages the parent to react positively towards the referee.

- The parent’s example encourages the child to give a positive response. The result is a positive attitude towards authority.

Practicing the circle of affirmation makes the game a better experience for everyone.