Through Daniel’s Lens: Parents Behaving Badly

File Photo of Roger’s Centre in Toronto (Daniel Swan)

My apologies to my readers for the lack of articles lately but I am hoping to post some new material as soon as the warmer weather arrives and some sports events are organized. But for now I would like to examine something that I am hearing an awful lot about in the media, and that is Parents of kids in sports that get into brawls with parents from the opposing teams.

I have always been taught that in every sport, the key to a great game is first and foremost to put the thought of winning out of your head and make having fun the basis of your strategy. I do agree that winning a game is a great feeling but when I see things like this I am left scratching my head wondering if these parents really get the true idea of sportsmanship.

You ever seen the show Dance Moms in which the coach and Moms of the dancers push them to be a winner at all costs, there seems to be something like that going down with this. I heard recently that the parents who got into a fist fight in BC were disciplined by being banned but sometimes I wonder if that will be enough. Remember that sometimes even something like a ban can’t change someone’s mindset about sports and winning.

On a personal level, I have been to many games where parents have stood on the sidelines yelling at their kids about how they were playing and based on some of the stories I have heard this doesn’t do well for their self esteem.

I’m not saying all parents are like this because I know many parents who cheer their kids on and mourn their losses with grace and dignity, but as with anything there are a few out there who ‘Just Can’t let It Go’

• Link To Article (Canadian Broadcast Corporation)