The World of Sport

Check out this article when you get a minute. And ask yourself what has happen to youth sports? What is that about people today that makes them what to drive out coaches who are working for way less than minimum wage?

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/highschoolsports/2009218166_webprepnote14.html

I know that there are some bad coaches out there- coaches who cross lines with kids and do deplorable things. But these situations are few and far between. More often than not coaches are pushed out because parents don't agree with them. How dumb is that?? As you read the article you'll find this was a winning team preparing for playoffs and the parents were so brutal that a successful coach walked away. Some people call him a quitter, I think he's brilliant. I love coaching but I can't speak from experience- it is not worth the personal emotional toll that can be levied on you by parents who's only concern is the super stardom of their children. And it only takes one or two! In defense of the majority- most parents are not the problem- most are supportive and helpful. But those parents who come for you- those that come at you as a person and attack you- they take more than a pound of flesh- they take part of your heart. If you coach, you know- you do it for love of the game and the players and when people attack your love it can tear you deeply.

For me (as this is a highly personal issue) it is just sad to see how brutal and selfish people can be. It is just a game, it is kids, on a field with a ball- I wonder if those parents who go after coaches truly understand the depth of pain they cause not only for the coach but for the players who will loose out on them?

Those of you with children- you may not always agree with your young athletes coaches- but please remember- people coach because they love the sport and the athletes. Coaches make choices to help players improve and teams be successful, not to permanently scar your young prodigy. They will make mistakes, they may say the wrong thing or make an error in coaching- but they are humans- and beyond that they are adults. Treat them as such- if you have a problem talk to them as a peer- someone who is partnering with you to help give your child the lessons that will help them find success throughout their lives. Yes, some coaches are jerks, so are some parents. Assume the best before you go on the defensive. Ask questions in the proper setting, challenge the youngest of athletes to deal personally with the coach. But in the end...remember IT IS A GAME.