In the realm of youth sports, we often tolerate some antics from children because, after all, they are just kids. However, it’s disheartening to witness adults neglecting the same courtesy, allowing their tempers to flare at children’s sporting events. This prompted one local youth sports organization to create a sign aimed at reminding parents about appropriate behavior during games.
Many parents watching their children often forget that the players are merely kids, and the outcomes are not as critical as they might think. A father named Michael Thompson observed this firsthand while attending a game at the Riverside Youth League. He spotted a sign affixed to the fence and decided to share it online. The sign’s straightforward message resonated with many:
PLEASE REMEMBER
1. These are KIDS.
2. This is a GAME.
3. Coaches are VOLUNTEERS.
4. Umpires are HUMAN.
5. Your child is NOT being scouted today.
Thompson expressed to a local news outlet, “It serves as a visible reminder that we should keep perspective; these are just kids, and there’s no need for tensions to escalate.” The president of Riverside Youth League, Sarah Fernandez, mentioned that these signs have been displayed at all their fields for several years, responding to a noticeable trend of overly competitive behavior among parents. “This intense mindset has occasionally led to conflicts among parents,” she explained.
Fernandez also noted that some parents have made “inappropriate comments” towards umpires, who are often older kids themselves. This behavior amounts to bullying, which is entirely unacceptable.
As a parent of two young athletes, I firmly believe that such signs are essential at every youth sports venue across the country. I’ve witnessed parents react disproportionately to minor “mistakes” made by coaches and referees, not to mention their own children. It’s disheartening to see a child’s spirit crushed by an adult’s harsh words. Just the other day, I watched my eight-year-old son in his first game. Though there were no major outbursts from parents, I still heard coaches express impatience when kids didn’t meet their expectations quickly enough. I wanted to remind them: “These are still little kids!”
They may appear to be growing up fast, but they are still so young. While the competitive nature of sports will eventually become important, for now, the focus should be on enjoyment and learning. The responsibility to foster a positive environment lies with us, the adults.
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In conclusion, it’s crucial for parents to remember that youth sports are primarily about fun and development. Let’s keep the focus on the children, ensuring their experiences are positive and enjoyable.