Parents taking sports too seriously

[Rageaholic]

This isn't something I've personally dealt with, but I have met atleast one family who have blown up at their kids over sports (and I know there are plenty more I haven't met). To these people, it's just. a fucking. game. It's supposed to be fun, you don't have to be the best, and if you lose, no one is going to die. Chill. The Fuck. Out!

[tropicsgoddess]

When I get kids I don't want to be one of those parents that pushes their kid to get the lead or star position in any activity because they're speshul or any of that crap. It's ridiculous for parents and other adults to scream like banshees and get their asses in a knot over little league/pee-wee sports games. It's just a game, let the kids have fun and enjoy it. If they lose, so what. There's no shame in losing a game, but there is shame in acting in unsportsmanlike conduct.

[LadyBarbossa]

My nephew played in a basketball team at the local boys & girls club for several years. It was only for a few months each winter, but ugh, going to the games could be a nightmare. Parents and relatives in the stands screaming and shouting at the top of their lungs, and even taunting players. Really? You're gonna cat call and jeer at kids playing ball? REALLY? They ruin what would otherwise be a great thing.

[guywithashovel]

At little league baseball games, there are always dads who get irate if the umpire has the audacity to say "You're out!" to their kid. Nevermind that the kid got three strikes when up to bat, the pitcher just didn't pitch right, or the bal was too small, something like that.

Soccer moms and baseball dads. Doing everything they can to make sure the world doesn't run out of static since the beginning of time.

[Red Panda]

I think I can beat most stories in this regard. In Little League we went to a nearby town to play their team. First off, the team's coach was also the umpire. Also his daughter was pitching. Then to top if off he told out coach that he wasn't calling any balls because his wife would get mad at him.

At that point its just so unfair and corrupt there is barely any reason to play. I wish somebody would have called him out on it.

[protege]

Then to top if off he told out coach that he wasn't calling any balls because his wife would get mad at him.

It sounds like the wife has the balls in that relationship...

[KnitShoni]

I think I can beat most stories in this regard. In Little League we went to a nearby town to play their team. First off, the team's coach was also the umpire. Also his daughter was pitching. Then to top if off he told out coach that he wasn't calling any balls because his wife would get mad at him.

At that point its just so unfair and corrupt there is barely any reason to play. I wish somebody would have called him out on it.

I have seen things like that happen so many times. It's ridiculous.

At a recent tournament, one of our girls lost a sparring match because her opponent's father was the main judge and her opponent's assistant instructor was one of the secondary judges (there are 3). Our girl's points were never acknowledged.

I have never understood the mentality of wanting your child (or student) to win so badly that you will make them cheat, cheat on their behalf, or basically abuse them if they lose.

[AdminAssistant]

I pray to any and every deity that I can get my kids involved in non-competitive arts and not have to deal with this shit.

[aurelemsrealm]

I was never good at sports as a child. I learned early on in P.E., classes that I was no good at it. I was frequently picked on by the other kids because I was no good at it. Those experiences caused me to hate sports.

Now, as an adult, I still hate sports because I never developed an interest. There are plenty of other interests and hobbies besides sports. I'm content with my interests and hobbies as they are. What really puzzles me is the reactions of people when the conversation turns to sports, and I express no interest. I don't get hateful or rude about it, I just excuse myself from the conversation. If anyone asks why, I just simply point out that I don't follow any sports because they don't interest me. I've actually had people act like it was bizarre that I don't follow sports. If you want to discuss sports or anything else that doesn't interest me, that's fine. I'm perfectly capable of finding other ways to amuse myself. Just don't expect me to stick around for a conversation about topics that don't interest me. I don't care enough to bother pretending I'm interested, and wouldn't be able to contribute any interesting points to make it worthwile for me. Pick a common interest to discuss, and I'm happy to chat about it.

Even given my outlook on sports, if my daughter wants to participate when she's old enough, I'd support her efforts. The point is to encourage the children to get involved in positive activities. Who cares if they win or lose? As long as she is happy playing the game, I'd be happy supporting her efforts.