Remember that it’s all about the kids

I am writing in response to the June 5 letter written by Stephanie Lambalot concerning the loss of soccer officials because of abuse from adults. (“Fan Behavior: Youth soccer loses referees to abuse”). Unfortunately, the problem is not confined to soccer. As the coordinator of the Sky Valley Little League umpire program in Monroe, I have seen a disastrous decline in the number of people who are willing to umpire baseball, or to return for a second season. The reason? There are several, but the most common is abuse from parents and coaches.

At the beginning of each year, I call all the umpires who volunteered the previous season to encourage them to come back. A disheartening number do not. The most common comment I hear is, “It’s not worth it for all the verbal abuse I have to take!” I see parents and coaches alike treating games involving ten-year-old players as though they were the final game of the World Series.

And retaining officials is not the only problem. I constantly see parents and coaches placing unrealistic expectations on their young players. Not every kid is the next Ken Griffey, Jr. or Ichiro, but don’t tell the parents and coaches that. Too many adults are attempting to relive the glory days of their youth or attain levels of achievement they were not able to achieve vicariously through their kids or those youngsters placed in their charge.

I’m sad to report that the behavior is filtering down to the players. I hear more foul language, even from kids 10 and younger, see more incidents of equipment-throwing tantrums and more fights each year. And why not? The kids see their favorite sports stars behaving this way, why can’t they?

Ms. Lambalot writes; “…the solution to our problem is to create a safe environment … but that is very difficult when coaches and parents won’t control their own behavior.” So what do league and school officials do? My league has, on several occasions, banned disruptive parents from games, and removed coaches who were not fit to lead youngsters. But that’s closing the barn door after the horse is out. I guess we can only appeal to the adults involved with youth sports to remember who the game is for. It’s not for the parents, it’s not for the coaches, it’s not for the officials – it’s for the kids.

Umpire-in-Chief

Sky Valley Little League

Monroe

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, Feb. 17

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Rivian, based in Irvine, Calif., has introduced its new R2 models, smaller and more affordable SUVs. (Rivian)
Editorial: Open electric vehicle market to direct sales

Legislation would allow EV makers to sell directly to customers, making lease or purchase easier.

Comment: No one saw Musk’s DOGE rampage coming or its threat

With no formal grant of authority, Musk is making cuts without fully understanding the consequences.

Douthat: Trump is chasing off lawyers he’ll need at some point

The deal to clear Adams serves Trump only as a way of identify whom he can consider loyal in the DOJ.

President Donald Trump listens alongside Elon Musk as he explains the administration’s cost-cutting efforts in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. Musk has for weeks posted on social media about government spending, often amplifying and seeding false information. (Eric Lee/The New York Times)
Comment: This crisis can’t be left to courts alone

The courts can uphold the law, but they can’t match the speed of the executive branch in tearing down systems.

Eco-nomics: Climate change is making insurance a risky bet

Keeping home insurance affordable amid climate change will take adaptation to threats and broader efforts.

The Buzz: When you gotta boogie, best to shake it off, kid

A pasquidadian review of the week’s news.

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

bar graph, pie chart and diagrams isolated on white, 3d illustration
Editorial: Don’t let state’s budget numbers intimidate you

With budget discussions starting soon, a new website explains the basics of state’s budget crisis.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Sunday, Feb. 16

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Stick with solutions to homelessness that have heart

A friend of mine, a poet from Leningrad who was born during… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.