Results: Youth Sports, Parents, and Coaches

If you are a parent or guardian, have you had a child or children, whether you are the parent or guardian, involved with a team sport such as football, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, hockey, or any other team sport?

As a father of children who has had boys in football, baseball, and soccer, I have never been one who tried to tell the coach how to do his job or to interfere by being upset if I felt that one of my sons didn't get enough playing time, was not given the position I think he should have been given, etc. However, I have witnessed parents get upset when their child didn't get a certain position or playing time. Do you feel like there is too much anger and jealousy by parents of children in sports these days?

Recently, as I was watching my stepson's high school football game, their team was losing in the first half. One of the fathers of a player yelled, "You guys are playing horrible!" I wanted to say something to him but refrained. Another father kept talking about how his son was making so many mistakes. That bothered me too. I commented to one mother saying, "That was an awesome catch by your son!" She replied, "He just got lucky." I said, "Give him some credit; he got in position and got his hand up and made a one-handed catch in the end zone." I always encourage my children to do their best but I try to encourage them and give positive affirmations rather than criticize. By the way, my stepson's team scored the winning touchdown in the final seconds of the game. Do you feel like some parents are too hard on their children in sports in general?

I once coached boy's flag football in the community. I took the leftovers that the other coaches didn't want. I strived to bring out the best in each boy by encouraging and motivating them. They ended the season in second place, barely losing the final game. To clarify, I am not someone who believes in giving awards to everyone, even if they come in last place. I think that's going to the other extreme because that doesn't prepare them for the "real" world. Would you agree that giving everyone who competes in youth sports an award is not wise but only award those who place high, such as first, second, and maybe third place?

On baseball diamonds and soccer fields across the nation, the games kids play are increasingly overshadowed by the punches adults throw. The National Association of Sports Officials logged more than 100 assaults on referees and umpires last year. Does this discourage you from putting your children in sports if applicable?

Finally, there has been talk about possibly eliminating high school football because of potential dangers. I personally believe that this would be a mistake. In my opinion, I think we should let them play. Football is a rough sport so if you don't want your child to play, so be it, but don't take it away from those who want to play. Whether this applies to you or not, do you believe that high school football should be eliminated?