RiverEagle said:
SeaEagleRock8 said:
Parents these days have no respect for anything.
You can't just make a sweeping generalization like that.
Many, if not most parents out there are doing their best and the right thing raising our kids in a complex world.
It is, and always has been, an ugly and vocal few that let society down.
Generally, (and I repeat GENERALLY) some parents are not what I would call very nice when attending kids sports.
I was at my young son's soccer grand-final in the 90's, so that was a long time ago.
We were watching the UNDER 6's. My son was to play in a later games UNDER 8's. So they were very young.
So when the under 6's finished a draw after extra time they went to a penalty shoot out.
I watched as one under 6 went for a shot at goal and missed. The parents of the opposing team cheered and jeered because this one little guy missed a shot at goal.
Some of the comments were ridiculous to say the least. I saw red and I yelled back to little fellow, don't worry son its only a game. You did your best.
Some of the parents of the other team then started up with other unruly comments that I won't publish here.
I then yelled back at the parents - it's only a game. They are under 6's why not show some sportsmanship? Both teams have already won because they are on the field and playing the game.
Some parents took umbrage at what I said about sportsmanship and I invited one bloke who took particular exception to me to come "outside" so we can settle this (not in front of their children) I was expecting him to take me up on it but to my surprise he and a few others backed down.
Maybe they became embarrassed by their own comments and knowing that someone would not cop their crap. Maybe that's all it needs is some people to stand up and say Hey - enough.
While we can't make sweeping statements we can highlight the unsportsmanlike behaviour of some or many who do attend these games.
I understand that they may become excited with their little Jonny winning his first grand-final and in some way it is a payback for the parents continual sacrifice of getting up early on a Saturday and taking them to various sports in the area. I get that.
But what I object to is this; I think most parents want to relive their own glory days through their children (if they ever had any to begin with) and make the under 6 grand final the equivalent of the world cup in their own deluded minds.
So to all you parents out there, just remember little Jonny has already won by even playing the game. He's already a champion because he is on the field. He is already the greatest ball player because he is participating.
Support your son or daughter help in the coaching if you can. Get behind the BBQ and cook the snags. Get your first aid certificate and bandage the injuries. Get yourself on the committee and help out. Get you referee's ticket and run the line or be in the middle.
Do something positive for your kids.
If you do all of these things - you can then bag the others who don't.
To all you little Angels, Devils, Blues, Emus, Demons and whatever your team is called well done for participating and good on you.
😀
