We are all aware of the many stories of poor sportsmanship in little league sports. I want to share the great experience I have had this year participating in the Snohomish Jr. Athletic Association. I coached the Riverview Shortcakes 5/6 girls’ basketball team. SJAA president John Caraballo has done a tremendous job, both in his organizational functions with the league, and, more importantly, with his understanding and philosophy of the nature of sports for kids. He has constantly stressed sportsmanship, fairness and improvement. Fun is the ultimate goal, not wins. I really appreciate his efforts and sentiments. It is true that five minutes after the game is over, none of my players remember who won. What they do remember is how much fun they had.
I have experienced some prime examples this year of good sportsmanship and want to share a few. We played one team whose best player was their coach’s daughter. I defended her with my best defensive player who was a good 8 inches shorter. Our opponents won a close, clean game. The opposing coach made a point to seek out my defender and me after the game to compliment her on the great defense she played against his daughter. After another game, in which we were defeated soundly, one parent on the opposing team shared some of his team’s snacks with our team. I also noticed many situations where fans clapped when the opposing team scored as well as when their own team did. These were the norm, not the exception.
Coaching in the SJAA has been a wonderful experience. My team had a great time. I want to thank John Caraballo, our school coordinator Tom Fuchs, and all the gym supervisors, coaches, student referees, fans and players who truly know what is important in life and for kids.
Snohomish
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