In the world of youth sports, we often expect a bit of mischief from children; after all, they are just that—children. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for adult behavior to fall short of expectations, especially at kids’ sporting events where intense emotions can run high. Recognizing this issue, a local Little League organization has taken steps to remind parents of their responsibilities during games.
Parents sometimes forget that the young athletes on the field are merely kids playing a game for fun, not professional players. A father named Jake Thompson was at his eight-year-old son’s game when he noticed a sign posted on the fence at the Riverside Little League field. He later shared a photo of it online, where it sparked a wave of positive responses. The sign reads:
PLEASE REMEMBER
1. These are KIDS.
2. This is a GAME.
3. Coaches are VOLUNTEERS.
4. Umpires are HUMAN.
5. Your child is NOT being scouted by the pros today.
Thompson commented, “It serves as a crucial reminder, prominently displayed at games, that these are just kids having fun and there’s no reason for tempers to flare.” The president of Riverside Little League, Chris Anderson, noted that these signs have been placed at all their fields for the past four years, a response to the growing trend of parents becoming overly invested during games. “This competitive mindset has led to conflicts among parents,” he explained.
Anderson added that parents have directed inappropriate remarks at umpires, many of whom are older kids themselves, which can be seen as bullying. As a parent of two Little Leaguers, I wholeheartedly believe that such signage should be mandatory at every youth sports field across the nation. I’ve witnessed parents erupt over minor “mistakes” made by coaches and umpires, as well as unfairly criticize their own children. It’s heartbreaking to see a child shrink in response to an adult’s harsh words.
Just the other day, while watching my seven-year-old’s first game, I observed that while there weren’t any major outbursts from parents, I did hear coaches lose their patience when kids didn’t perform perfectly. It’s important to remember that most of these players are still young enough to wear cartoon-themed underwear. They may appear as big kids, but they are still learning the ropes of sportsmanship.
One day, the stakes for our children will rise, but for now, they are simply children. The focus should be on enjoyment rather than competition. It’s our duty to foster a positive environment for their growth in sports.
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In summary, placing reminders at youth sports events can help maintain a supportive atmosphere for young athletes. It’s essential to keep the focus on fun and development rather than competition.