I was at my son’s Junior Varsity High School summer recreation game last night when some parent madness was unleashed. Now understand, I am aware of the crazy antics of some high school parents, I spent three of my five years as a varsity head coach with a few of the parent telling lies about me and trying to get me fired, these parents are out there, but this, let me remind you, was a JUNIOR VARSITY Summer Rec-Tournament game.
It had been a great game. A tough fought battle. Both teams had played aggressive, intense basketball. Both teams fired up 3-balls from way beyond the arc and the lead switched back and forth throughout the game. It was the type of game players, coaches and fans live for, and the type of game that make players and teams better, win or lose. Yes, you want to win, you want your kid’s team to win, but it is also a game. And losing with honor and grace is important, not only for the players, but for the parents as well.
I’m not sure why I even allowed myself to get involved, except for that fact that one mother held a young child in her arms as two crazed moms got in her face. About what exactly I did not know, but this was not right. Myself and several others stepped between the madness until a man three-times our size made his own wall. Still the mom’s bickered, throwing F-bombs in front of the crowd and young boys and continued as they exited the gym. One parent asked me what I was thinking stepping into the mix as I was half the size of the women. I explained I felt like I had to step in because of the child, and besides I’d guarded women twice my size on a basketball court my entire life, I didn’t think twice about the fact that I could hold my own with these women. Maybe I didn’t factor in biting and scratching or God forbid guns and knives, but should I have to?
What has happened to the game, to the atmosphere around young athletes sports activities in recent years. Have we lost sight of what athletics are all about? There should be competition, yes, but sports are also about the lessons that come from the game, win or lose. Enjoy the hard fought battles. Celebrate the wins. Learn from the loses. Be a good sport and let’s teach our children what is really important in life.
