Teen tennis star asks for his father to be removed from stadium

During a match last Saturday, 19-year-old Australian tennis star Bernard Tomic walked over to the chair umpire and asked him to remove his father from the stadium. John Tomic is also Bernard's coach and his behavior from the stands had become more than his son could handle. Watch the video below of the younger Tomic's play and how he could no longer deal with his dad (email subscribes click here).



Probably the most surprising part of the whole video is when the announcers discuss how Bernard was grateful that the chair umpire had issued him a warning for coaching. On the professional level, it is expressly forbidden in tennis to coach an athlete during the match. It's a shame that Bernard would rather face a possible point deduction than hear his father make another sound.

Many of us end up coaching our kids at some point and it's hard to separate our role as parents from that of coach. You have to for your child's sake. Don't be the type of parent or coach that your kid has to seek refuge from. My daughter's been dancing since she was three and I honestly don't know anything about the activity. My wife goes to all the practices and dress rehearsals. She buys all the costumes and replaces the shoes when necessary.

However, when it's time for Madison to take the stage, she asks my wife, "Where's Daddy?" I'm usually in my seat or really close by. It always makes her feel better to know I'm in the building. Like I said before, I can't help her correct a turn and have no advice if she forgets her steps. As a matter of fact, I doubt she can even see me from the stage. She just needs to know I'm there. Your kids are the same way. They don't need you to yell instructions from the stands or make weird faces. They just need you to be there. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol