LETTERS: YOUTH COACH GIVES ADVICE TO PARENTS

To the editor:

Several years ago, I was fortunate to coach a championship youth baseball team in Cape Girardeau. The scene most remembered as the winning team celebrated was the sight of the losing pitcher being berated by a parent.

Having been involved in youth sports for several years, there are some things parents and coaches should remember.

Yes, winning is important. But it needs to be tempered. Teach the boys or girls fundamentals and make it fun and the youngsters will take care of the importance of winning. Never jump a player in front of his teammates or friends during a game when a mistake is made. Take the player aside or at the next practice tell him what he did wrong.

Douglas E. Abrams, a law professor at the University of MissouriColumbia, started the Youth Hockey Association in Jefferson City. He has also been honored with the Citation of Merit by the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association.

Abrams said, "Make no mistake about it, if we adults continue to take the fun out of youth sports, we will pay the consequences." Youngsters benefit physically and mentally from their involvement in sports, but these benefits are often jeopardized by the preoccupation with winning. On the other hand, isn't winning the object of sports? About 50 percent of American youngsters play one or more sports, or around 25 million youths. According to a Michigan State survey, about 70 percent of youngsters quit playing by the time they are 13 because it ceases to be fun.

Abrams said, "Most youngsters can take defeat and bounce back. It's the parents and coaches who can't." Youngsters, by nature, are competitive. If we allow youngsters to have fun, the desire to win will follow.

An important lesson, regarding youth spots, needs to be remembered: Youth sports are for the youngsters, not the ego of a parent or coach.

BOB EVANS

Cape Girardeau