Moms and sports

Happy Mother's Day.

I'd like to divert a little bit from the general theme of the blog and focus a few sentences on the importance of mothers as it relates to youth sports.  Although there are far fewer women coaches (in the leagues we've played in) compared to men, I know that the moms have sought out the right program and sport, gotten recommendations, done research, signed the kid up, ordered the shirt, emailed the coach, gotten the kid to practice, rounded up the family to make the game, and then probably organized the end-of-year party for the team.  Without all of that, the kids wouldn't be playing at all...

And after doing all of that, who has time to coach?  Some dad swoops in, makes the kids run around with a ball for a half-hour during practice and 45 minutes during a game and he gets all the credit!  From the coach's side, I know my wife (and mother of my kids) is heavily involved - not only doing all the things I mentioned, but also creating much of the communication our team parents see, and dealing with all of the questions and issues that arise.  I make an effort to be as good as I can be, but without her "reminding" me of my obligations, I'd be completely ineffective. 

I see a lot of moms providing a lot of support for their kids - and other kids - whether through coaching or any of the supporting activities.   It matters.  And through those efforts, our kids will grow up to be more active, and be better people.  It's not always about the coach, or the coaching...  Kids need moms.  Ha... that's either really profound or just stupid.

So - moms - thanks for doing all you do in supporting your kids and their sports.  It's not always easy, it's not always convenient, and sometimes there's not much glory.  But it all matters, and your kids are better for it.

Role Models

I'm sure you can think back to your childhood and remember role models you had - whether it was Robin Yount, Joe Montana, or Betty Crocker... All of those, along with many others past and present, set a positive example for others to follow. It is these people who shape and inspire others to achieve, sometimes well above what their "talent" may have been.

But what about the ones who aren't such a positive example? Pete Rose, Barry Bonds, OJ Simpson... Manny Ramierez. I can think of about a dozen others right off the top of my head, too. How do you explain to a 7-year-old that their favorite player can't play for 50 games because he was cheating?

While it will always be important for kids - and all of us, probably - to admire others who are famous, and - apparently - good at what they do, it's important to set good examples right where we are. Sure, Manny is on TV a lot, and he hits like few others. And that hair is pretty cool. But he doesn't live in your house, or drive the kids to school, or take them out to Baskin Robbins. He can't take the time to show Little Bobby how to hit a curve ball, really.

As coaches and as parents - heck, as adults - it's our obligation to set good examples for our kids. In life. In sport.

It never fails that during a season we play the team of sore losers - what kind of coach allows this type of behavior if they're down a few runs, or can't seem to score a goal? The message SHOULD be to go out, try a little harder, and chip away at the lead. If you ultimately fail - congratulate the victors, and work harder in pratice for next time. What is the conversation is between the kids and the coaches and parents after a bad game compounded with bad sportsmanship... and what kind of adults do those kids become? When things don't go their way (didn't get the job, failed to qualify for the loan, etc) - do they sit and pout? Do they call the loan officer names?

Kids will imitate what they see and hear. If they get a truly positive message, and develop to drive to achieve, there's no stopping them. When they hit a bump in the road, they won't sulk, they'll seek out another way...

I'm not saying coaches are perfect - nor do they need to be. I don't know anyone who is. That's human. But to strive to do the right things, and to admit and explain when you have failed is really what a role model is. In that light, maybe Manny deserves another chance...