By Josh Smith
Anchor / WJHL
Published: April 29, 2009

Before my eldest became old enough to enter the realm of youth sports, I admit to being nervous about it.  Sports were never my thing, so I have an almost 4 decade-old fear based in insecurity every time a ball starts flying through the air.  You never really get over that, do you?

Determined that he wouldn’t be such a sports flunky, we enrolled our 4-year-old son in soccer last fall.  He loved it.  This spring, he’s playing t-ball.  And guess what - he loves it.  (Is this my son?)

The “Thunder Heads” coaches are fantastic - very nice and VERY patient.  It takes a special kind of man to help a little guy or girl understand that when you hit the ball off the plastic stick, you need to run to first base - NOT third base where your friend from Sunday School is standing.

So far, the other team parents have been great, rooting on each other’s kids and laughing when their own decides to play “toss the bat” with a new-found buddy in the outfield.

Friends tell me our experience with youth sports isn’t universal, though. 

I’m told some parents and even some coaches can really get out of hand.  Yelling.  Booing.  Harrassing.  I hear its worse when the kids get bigger, but one friend told me the sideline screamers can be found even when very little guys and girls are on the field.

Really?

Have you seen this?  Are you a guilty offender (be honest)?  What is it that makes us so emotionally wrapped up in our kids performance?  How do you handle when you see it?