Section 7:
When Your Child Wants to Quit
This is one of the hardest situations for parents.
First Rule
Do not panic.
Many young athletes experience periods of:
- Frustration
- Burnout
- Fatigue
- Disappointment
Questions to Ask
Instead of:
❌ "You're not quitting."
Ask:
✅ "What's making rugby difficult right now?"
Explore:
- Coaching issues
- Playing time
- Injury
- School stress
- Confidence
- Friendship challenges
Temporary vs Permanent Decisions
Sometimes players need:
- A short break
- Reduced pressure
- Better balance
Not necessarily complete withdrawal.
Parent Worksheet
If your child wants to quit:
Write answers to:
- What happened recently?
- What emotions are they experiencing?
- What support do they need?
- What lessons can be learned?