In the world of youth sports, it’s not unusual to witness some silly antics from the kids, but unfortunately, adults sometimes forget how to behave. Their more primal instincts can surface during children’s games, leading to unnecessary drama. This is precisely why one Little League organization took the initiative to create a sign aimed at reminding parents of their expected conduct during games.
While watching his eight-year-old son play at the Glendale Little League complex, local dad Jacob Thompson spotted a sign hanging on the fence that struck a chord with him. He decided to share it on social media, where it quickly gained traction and received positive feedback from many users. The sign states clearly:
PLEASE REMEMBER
- These are KIDS.
- This is a GAME.
- Coaches are VOLUNTEERS.
- Umpires are HUMAN.
- Your child is NOT being scouted by the big leagues today.
Jacob remarked, “It’s a great reminder that these are just kids playing a game, and there’s no need for things to escalate.” The president of Glendale Little League, Mark Jennings, explained that these signs have been displayed at all four of their fields for the past four years. They were put up in response to the trend of parents—both spectators and coaches—becoming overly competitive during games. “This attitude has sometimes led to conflicts among parents,” he noted.
Moreover, Jennings pointed out that some parents have made inappropriate comments towards umpires, many of whom are teenagers themselves. It’s disheartening to see adults bullying kids who are simply trying their best.
As a parent of two young athletes, I wholeheartedly believe that every youth sports field across the country should feature a sign like this prominently. I’ve witnessed parents lose their cool over minor infractions by coaches and umpires. Just the other day, I saw a dad berate his son for striking out—it was a heartbreaking moment.
While attending my seven-year-old’s game, I observed that the coaches sometimes lost their patience over trivial issues, like a child not running fast enough to first base. It’s essential to remember that these kids are still young, often still in their Paw Patrol underwear!
In the future, the stakes may be higher in sports for our children, but for now, it’s all about having fun. We must ensure that the focus remains on enjoyment rather than pressure.
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In summary, it’s crucial for parents to remember that youth sports are about children having fun, not about competition or pressure. Implementing signs to remind parents of appropriate behavior can greatly enhance the experience for everyone involved.