Rec League Sports Parents

As a sports mama, I have to say that I'm amazed at the audacity of people in the crowds of rec leagues.  I completely understand the competitive nature that lives inside of all of us (some more than others) but I'm floored at the language and actions of the parents, family and friends of those watching rec leagues.  Here are my feelings on the topic....

1.  It is NEVER okay to insult another player on your team or your opponent's.  NEVER.  You absolutely may not treat these kids like they fall under your little insult umbrella because you're unhappy with their play.  It's a rec league.  Stop it.  Seriously.

2.  No one is more passionate about sports than this mama but passion means respect for the sport and the athletes playing it.  Stop acting like you're some damn NFL/MLB/NBA/NHL coach.  Seriously.

3.  Respect the coaches.  Most of the time, these coaches are volunteers.  Their concern is more for making sure that the kids involved have fun, get a chance to play and learn to love the game.

4.  Respect the refs. Against, mostly volunteers.  Everyone makes mistakes, folks.  It's a rec league, it's not the NHL playoffs.

5.  Cheer for your team...your WHOLE team.  I don't care if they never hit a ball or drop the ball every time it's hit to them.  Cheer for them anyway.

Here are 10 things you should NEVER do as a rec league sports parent....

1.  NEVER boo the other team.  Seriously, sometimes where they get put is just luck of the draw.  These kids do not deserve to be boo'ed.  They're doing their best.

2.  NEVER boo anyone on your own team.  Yes, I've seen this happen.  No, it's not okay.  Ever.

3.  NEVER yell at your coach for letting everyone play.  That's their "job."  How else are these kids going to learn?

4.  NEVER yell at your kid on the field, sidelines or bench.  I'm sorry but it's never okay to humiliate them while they're in the middle of a game.

5.  NEVER yell at the refs.  This is not professional sports, folks.  Sometimes they miss the call.  It's not the end of the world.

6.  NEVER throw things on the field.  Yup, I've seen this too.

7.  NEVER trash talk kids in the stands.  First of all, we don't like to hear our kids trash talked.  Secondly, we don't like to hear other kids trash talked.  Third, you're a douche if you do this.

8.  NEVER encourage your kid to cheat.  Yup, I"ve seen it.

9.  NEVER encourage your child to hurt someone else.  Sadly, seen this too.

10.  NEVER forget that this is not a professional league.  Your kids aren't getting paid and this isn't for a scholarship.  They're learning and having fun.

Here are 5 things you ABSOLUTELY should do as a rec league sports parent....

1.  Give a cheer for EVERYONE.  Yes, I understand your team is playing an opponent but it's perfectly okay to say, "Great catch" or "Nice throw" to an opponent's child.  It certainly doesn't hurt your team and, let's face it, you may just make that kid's day.

2.  Teach your kid to be a good sport.  If you're winning, you're not taunting the other team.  If you're losing, you're not acting like a brat about it.  and you ALWAYS go shake hands after the game.

3.  Let the coach know you're behind them.  Tell your coach you appreciate them.  They're likely volunteering their time and energy being there.

4.  Let the refs know you respect their calls.  Period.

5.  Remember that your kids are playing to learn to love the game.  Remember that they're learning the rules and techniques on how to be a better player.  Down the road, maybe you can cheer for them in a professional game.  For now, just be glad they're making effort, working hard and your support means more to them than anything else.