Little Sports! Who's it for and who's losing because of it?

by Michael Slater

Today little sports are as popular as ever. There are more sports for children to be involved with than ever before. Little league sports are a great way for children to learn sportsmanship, leadership, meet new friends, and memories to last a life time. However, it can be a place to learn dishonesty and do whatever it takes to win. Also, having parents live their sports fantasy thru their children. Having coached little league sports for nearly 20 years, I have seen both instances all too much. One example, I remember all too well, happened 2 years ago, it was for the state championship in football, when the game was thrown by the officials. The league admitted after the game that it had been and dismissed the officials right after the game. However, the league refused to change the outcome of the games, even worse a league respresentative announced it in front of our team. Another instance, was at a baseball tournament, one specific team, the coaches and fans continually shouted unflattering remarks to the kids, on both sides. There are many more instances of such behavior, parents getting into fights, coaches as well. Little league sports are for the children, not for the coaches or parents, let the kids enjoy playing and making memories and not nightmares. Never force a child to play just because you want them too.

Stay positive, give them encouragement. Remember, it not just you that you embarass its also your child you embarass. Coaches volunteer to coach little league players not professionals. Our day in the sun a long passed, so let the kids have theirs. Just enjoy watching the game, rooting on your team and have some fun. Just be proud of your child, and enjoy being their biggest fan.

Article submitted Tuesday, June 07, 2011 & read 574 times.

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» left by Julian Price⁽²⁰⁰⁾ (343 days 11 hours ago.)

You make some very good points here Michael. Although sport is naturally competitive, I think (largely down to adults) that kids sports gets too competitive too soon. In the UK, with soccer, rather than learning the fine skills of the game first, it's all about beating the opposition! However, if they got the skills sorted first, beating the opposition would become much easier in the first place.

Good article!
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