Brawl breaks out between parents at a youth baseball game

Video courtesy of Denver7

CNN Headline:

Parents and coaches were unhappy with a call made by the 13-year-old umpire during a youth baseball game, according to the Lakewood Police Department. They then stormed the field and began punching each other as the 7-year-old players looked on. Source: HLN

This headline is so problematic and for so many reasons. First off, it’s a fight among parents at a youth sports event. If this was a high school game between rival schools, we’d be upset, but this was at a LITTLE LEAGUE game between 7 YEAR OLDS. Secondly, it happened because they didn’t like a call that happened in the flow of the game. The example that sets for the kids playing in the game is one that can last a lifetime and be terribly influential. It would not be surprising to learn that the kids of the parents might complain about calls they perceive as being incorrect or engaging in trash talk with opponents (which can be a fun part of sports when appropriate) or take winning and losing to extreme levels emotionally. The example these parents set for the kids playing in the game is both worrisome and highly problematic.

We sincerely can’t have these types of headlines popping up on our local and national news. We have to do a better job as parents at setting a positive example for our kids and simply LET THEM PLAY and enjoy the game and the competition. One such headline like this is one too many.