Youth sports in this country is a mess. Especially in high schools where some adults are treating (using, abusing) the kids like professionals to further their own glory. The kids learn that they have to win, no matter what, because that is what the adults want and the adults control it all. This is not what it should be about.
Some folks are trying to fix it.
Are YOU part of the solution, or part of the problem? You are one or the other.
What you can do is speak up when you see abuse going on in athletics. Most people are afraid to speak up because they worry that their kids will be penalized. And they are right. I have personally discovered that the sports fanatics know no bounds on being unscrupulous. Including going after the students they are supposed to be supporting. So be careful, but you must speak up for the good of the kids.
Some of my MOST favorite sports quotes and stories:
The research is clear, kids who have fun in sports try harder, perform better and stay involved longer.
Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach Phil Jackson
The most rewarding aspect of being a coach is the opportunity to have a positive influence on a young athlete's life. We certainly teach ethics and positive values along with athletic skills.
George Gwozdecky, University of Denver Men's Hockey Coach, 2004 & 2005 NCAA National Champs
72% of both males and females say they would rather play on a team with a losing record than sit on the bench for a winning team.
Josephson Institute of Ethics, Sportsmanship Survey 2004
A Proud Father Goes South - A Dad gets educated
College sports excesses seep into high schools by Frank Deford
Some of my LEAST favorite sports quotes:
70% of our youth drop out of sports by age 13.
Positive Coaching Alliance, http://www.positivecoach.org/default.aspx
When the people who should be guiding young athletes are emotionally, physically, or sexually abusive, a hostile and destructive environment can occur. This can erode self-esteem, confidence, and trust not only by the players, but by parents as well.
Positive Coaching, http://www.positivecoaching.org/AboutUs.html
If I put her in and she makes a mistake that costs a goal, how will she feel?
Craig Gilbert, Tamarac Soccer Coach on why the second string defenders are not allowed to play with an 8 goal lead.
Do you really want me to put you in now? If you make a mistake, how will you feel?
Craig Gilbert again, this time to a player who wants to play.
The girls would rather sit on the bench and win than play and not win as much.
Craig Gilbert
It says here* that athletics is about sportsmanship and self-esteem, but really society dictates its all about winning.
Mike Harkin, Tamarac AD.
*-holding up the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Section II Handbook that states in its code of ethics "It is the duty of all concerned with high school athletics to emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play and to recognize that the purpose of athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional well-being of the individual players."
Some of my letters:
Some facts/studies:
Some books:
Some organizations: