In the blogging world we’re supposed to pay attention to “likes” and “shares” so I guess a recent Facebook/Twitter post is something I should write about.
I follow a Facebook page called “Offside.” It’s run by a soccer official and he publicizes pictures, articles or video of people/parents acting foolish at their child’s games. He’s posted links to stories of officials being verbally and physically abused at youth sports events.
Last Tuesday he posted a picture of a child walking to a field with a soccer ball but it could also apply to any sport.
Quite a few people shared that after reading it. I know some people did because it’s powerful and others probably did it because it’s relatable.
If you don’t know, I had four children that played various youth sports. I have also had the opportunity to coach baseball, softball, soccer and basketball. I’ve seen this happen on both sides of the issue.
I saw kids show up for practice or a game because they wanted to play. Others were there to see friends and enjoy being together. Still others were there because their parents wanted them there and, yes, they were afraid to mess up. I was sad to see that.
I’ve been on the field when I could hear a father criticize his child in front of everybody for the way he made a play or swung at a bad pitch. I’ve gone out to the mound to talk to a struggling pitcher only to hear him say, “Great. Here comes my dad.” (Not a comment about me but his father was just arriving at the park.)
I don’t know how these kids could perform with that much pressure on them and I can just imagine what those car rides home were like.
If you have your children playing youth sports because you want a scholarship or a pro career for them, take a moment and look up the chances of that actually happening.
I’ve had the opportunity to speak to and interview a number of college and some pro athletes and I asked them when they started to take the process seriously. Their answer? High school or freshman year of college. There was only one, Dustin Pedroia, who said, “I knew it all the way along” and I don’t know if that was bravado or the truth. With the exception of Dustin, none of them said, “Nine years old.”
Just let them have fun. Hopefully they have a good coach or maybe you could do some coaching at home, but not from the bleachers. If they have the talent to excel and shine it will show. If they have the hunger and the work ethic you will see it. If not, that’s okay. Just let them play.
Remember that poster:
“As your child approaches the field, he’s either excited to play, or afraid of messing up.
Both feelings are influenced by you.”
It’s up to you.
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