In the realm of youth sports, it’s understood that kids may exhibit some silly behavior—after all, they’re just children. Unfortunately, adults can sometimes act just as poorly, revealing their worst instincts during kids’ games. This prompted one youth baseball league to create a sign to remind parents of their responsibilities while watching their children play, as it seems this message is necessary.
While attending a game at the Meadowview Little League, a father named Mark Thompson noticed a sign affixed to the fence that encapsulated a vital message. He shared it online, where it resonated with many who appreciated its straightforwardness. The sign states:
PLEASE REMEMBER:
- These are KIDS.
- This is a GAME.
- Coaches are VOLUNTEERS.
- Umpires are HUMAN.
- Your child is NOT being scouted today.
Mark expressed to a local news outlet, “It serves as a very visible reminder that we’re dealing with children, and there’s no reason for tempers to flare.” The president of Meadowview Little League, Sarah Johnson, confirmed that these signs have been placed at all fields in their league for the past four years, in response to parents becoming overly competitive, which has occasionally led to conflicts among spectators. She noted that some parents have made “inappropriate comments” towards umpires, many of whom are also kids participating in the league—essentially, adults bullying children.
As a parent of two Little League players, I firmly believe that such a sign needs to be prominently displayed at every youth sports venue across the country. I’ve witnessed parents lose control over minor incidents involving coaches and umpires, and even direct their frustration at the children, including their own. It’s utterly absurd.
Seeing a child visibly upset after being reprimanded by an adult for not meeting expectations is truly disheartening. Just yesterday, I watched my seven-year-old participate in his first game. While there weren’t any extreme outbursts from parents, I did notice coaches losing their patience when a child didn’t run fast enough or swung at poor pitches. It made me want to remind them that many of these kids are still young enough to wear character-themed underwear!
They may appear to be growing up, but fundamentally, they are still kids. The stakes will rise in the future concerning sports, but for now, the primary objective should be for them to enjoy themselves. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that this happens.
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In summary, it is crucial for youth sports leagues to remind parents of their role in fostering a positive environment for children. By maintaining perspective and focusing on fun, we can help children thrive in sports and beyond.