Youth Sports

Our camera is on the fritz so you will have to read my random blathering rather than see pictures of the girls.

Today I had to "supervise" a youth basketball tournament. It brought me back to my own days playing CYO sports and going to my brother's games.  Of course I would love for Lucy and Caroline to play youth sports, and we will sign them up when they are old enough.  Steve and I both loved sports and they were a part of our lives from elementary school through college.  Even though we can no longer don the jersey, we love to watch and coach sports at all levels. 

There are so many great things to be learned by being part of a team: pushing yourself, working with teammates, and accepting your role on the team. Youth sports can be a great way to introduce children to sports, and it can be an incredibly positive experience.  But holy crap there are some CRAZY parents out there.  I saw some fantastic examples today during my three hours in the gym. Part of me is a little freaked out that I will be a crazy parent.  That same part of me is hoping that Lucy and Caroline will participate in sports that I know nothing about.  I hope they play soccer, swim, run track, play golf - luckily there are plenty of sports I know absolutely nothing about. 

But what if they play volleyball and their coach is teaching them the wrong way to do a basic skill?  What will I do?  I will now publicly state that I am going to keep my big mouth shut. And please hold me to it.  Because the last thing youth sports needs is another parent in the stands who is sure that her way is the right way and feels the need to publicly proclaim it.  Or worse yet, who pulls the coach over during half time to explain what she thinks the team should be doing in the second half.  Not that I saw that today.