The Good Thing About Sports
Right now my wife is watching a documentary about youth hockey leagues. Like really young kids, starting probably at 5 or so. On the one hand, that might be why the Czech Republic, with a population of a mere 10 million, is a consistent powerhouse in hockey (which is known here as ice hockey, being as field hockey is also pretty popular) On the other hand, it’s bloody ridiculous. These kids are barely old enough to dress themselves and they’re out there playing a sport with more special equipment than an astronaut.
We had Sam going to hockey practice for about 6 months, but we (and he) got tired of it. There was more time in the locker room than on the ice, the practices were too early in the morning and he never got to play in any of the actual games because he never really got beyond that beginner level (and he never got beyond that beginner level because they never put him in any of the actual games) Also, it just got to be a bit much, between football and hockey and so we said choose one and he didn’t hesitate for a second. He loves football.
Anyway, watching this program reminds me of why I hate sports and why I prefer to take a notebook along and try and write poetry, or prepare more games for my English classes or whatever, than to actually try and engage the other parents in conversation (leaving aside the fact that they aren’t particularly eager to talk to me, either). Most parents of kids in sports are fucking morons.
They stand on the sidelines and shout at the kids. They act as if it’s actually of some importance. They pretend to understand the game. They use bad language, argue with the referees and show all around poor sportsmanship.
I’m not against sports. I feel they play an important role in our society. If these parents weren’t shouting at little kids for missing an easy goal here and there, they’d be taking more of an active interest in their jobs, their communities or even in politics. They could do a lot more damage than they actually do. Yes, sports are important because they give children a healthy outlet for their energy. More importantly, it keeps their idiot parents off the streets.
www.gurukalehuru.com 
Yes, I heard lots of parental verbal abuse toward their own children and the children of others at soccer games in St. Charles, Illinois….parents behaving badly.