They find themselves saying things they normally would not say. They find themselves confronting other adults to the point of threats or violence. When a parent cannot stay out of tunnel vision during a youth sporting event he is far more likely to act inappropriately. Athletes and parents alike perform better when they are relaxed. For the athlete this means modulating the intensity of the game so that they are close to the optimal level of intensity necessary to perform at their maximum skill level.
Successful athletes learn how to relax under pressure.
If you, as parent, can stay close to your optimal level of intensity you will not court disaster by entering into tunnel vision. Think twice about what is happening around you. Practice rhythmic breathing . Yet, when most people are asked to breathe, they automatically think they need to take deep breaths, in other words, to inhale . This causes the chest to tighten and actually increases the level of anxiety.