As a health professional observing youth sports, I firmly believe that there is one paramount guideline for adults—whether spectators or coaches—engaged in youth athletic events: Maintain decorum and avoid inappropriate behavior.
Currently, during the youth baseball season, it has become quite evident that many individuals either lack awareness of this principle or require clarification on its meaning. To assist in this endeavor, I have created a straightforward questionnaire to guide adult conduct during games.
- If a 7-year-old from the opposing team is batting and strikes out, do you raise your fist in celebration and shout “YES!”? Unless you have a financial stake in the pitching machine industry, this reaction is inappropriate.
- When your team’s shortstop drops the ball, did you vocalize “WHAT WERE YOU THINKING, BEN?” to the 6-year-old? If so, that’s unacceptable behavior. (And even if Ben is 12, this applies.)
- Did your 9-year-old cheer when an opposing goalie was hit by the ball? Such behavior is learned, and if your child is acting inappropriately, it’s likely a reflection of your influence. There are enough negative role models; let’s not create more.
- If an 8-year-old from the opposing team is at bat and you are close enough to deliberately distract him (e.g., yelling about an ice cream truck), this is not acceptable conduct.
- On the way home from your 10-year-old’s game, did you make any of the following remarks?
- “What were you thinking with that last play at first?”
- “Michael should quit baseball; he’s dragging the team down.”
- “That referee was blind; you were clearly safe.”
If you answered yes, this behavior is inappropriate.
- If your daughter’s friend from the opposing team hits a home run and you fail to congratulate her when she crosses home plate, this is not how to model good sportsmanship.
- During your 7-year-old son’s lacrosse match, if you are pacing the sidelines as if awaiting serious medical news, it’s time to reassess your approach.
- When a coach instructs your child to “throw it to second,” did you counteract by shouting “throw it home!”? This is not constructive.
- If a 7-year-old second baseman falls while attempting to reach a ball and you argue with the umpire about obstruction, this is an inappropriate response.
- Have you ever exclaimed “things are about to get intense” during a youth football game or yelled at a referee to “get glasses”? If so, these reactions are unacceptable.
- Have you faced ejection from a game or been banned from coaching? If yes, you need to reconsider your behavior.
In summary, if you struggle to control negative behavior, it would be best to remain at home during games. Sports are meant to be enjoyable, and these are children. Life is too short for unnecessary negativity. For more insights on parenting and supportive resources, consider visiting March of Dimes. Furthermore, if you’re interested in family planning, check out these home insemination kits for more information.