Editorial
September 10, 2008
Sports fans have playing rules, too
This week begins another school year in the Snoqualmie Valley. For sports fans, that signals a time when you can spend Friday nights under magnificent lights. Or an afternoon with a hot dog at the ball park. Or a rainy day cheering from the sidelines.
Sadly, for some, the start of another youth sports year is also a chance for fans — parents in particular — to make a fool of themselves.
It’s no big secret that sports have reached a new level of popularity. That increase in attention has attracted childish behavior in some adults.
Twenty years ago that meant an out-of-control verbal attack on officials and referees. Today it also means attacks on coaches, administrators, fellow parents or even other athletes on the team.
It seems that too many parents want their child to be the next star. Pragmatism, however, suggests that some athletes will be better than others. Not everyone can be the star. Not everyone can even be a starter.
There is a fine line between encouraging and coddling when it comes to athletics. The former is invaluable, while the latter not only makes the parent look silly, but embarrasses the child and sends all the players a horrible message.
Ready or not, it will not be long before today’s high-school athletes are out in the world. They’ll interview for career jobs, vote, move away and attempt to buy their first home. Rejection is sure to come. When it does, we hope students will have learned to suck it up and persevere, instead of finding someone to blame. Sports can be a wonderful opportunity to teach that, beginning with first graders on the soccer field.
This season, root all you want for the home team. Wear the team colors. Wave pom poms and give lots of high-fives. Paint your face if you want.
Win or lose, putting a best foot forward is always worth applauding.
