Chances are that at some point this year or at least in previous years we have experienced that bizarre behaviour parents display that I call 'over-the-top crazy parent syndrome'.
You know, the situation when a parent sitting behind you in the stands starts berating their own child with harsh expletives somehow thinking this will encourage them to become NHL stars.
I’m sure that’s how Walter Gretzky and Troy Crosby motivated Wayne and Sid right? Not likely.
I have been subjected to this sort of behaviour at various sports rinks and fields for kids at all ages and levels.
It never fails to amaze me how aggressive some parents can become not only with their own children but other kids, coaches, officials, and even other parents.
The problem has become pervasive enough that some sporting associations in Canada have mandated that parents of young athletes must do a short online course of “Respect in Sport” at their children's games.
The fact this has come to point that a program has been designed with the intent to mitigate the negative effect of parents on youth sport is very disconcerting.
What drives a parent to behave in a way that is so clearly negative at all levels? Probably a combination of different things.
Many are simply looking to gratify their own ego and competitively living vicariously through they child’s successes and pain of their failures.
Some have an inability to handle the emotional ups and downs of youth sports. It may sound ridiculous to those that don't have kids in youth sports but trust me, its can be an emotional roller coaster.
Some parents are extremely competitive and to the point of needing to defeat other parents; we've all got the neighbour that will drone ad nauseam about their “gifted” daughter way past the point of natural pride.
Probably the best explanation is that many parents have a hard time giving up control.
For most of our children's lives we have exercised almost total control of their actions and outcomes, when they venture into youth sport that disappears for the most part and many find it difficult to deal with.
Implementing a program that teaches parents respect in sport identifies the problem and draws awareness to the issue, but it won’t heal the problem.
Most coaches and parents know that they can be an obstacle to their children by interfering too much or misbehaving.
I have seen two great coaches that my children have had that laid the groundwork of expectations for parents and their players behaviour early. Interestingly the result of this was a team of parents that police each other.
Barrie has a rich tradition in youth sports that continues to be among the best.
Hopefully we can be the example of good healthy behaviour for rest of the country . . . and our kids without being given homework.
