Are you, or have you ever been, involved in YOUTH SPORTS as an ADULT?

[AviatorTom]

When my kids were growing up, I coached Little League Baseball, Girls Softball, and Youth Soccer. I also umpired a few baseball and softball games, and was a sideline official at a few soccer games.

It's a rewarding experience working with the kids, though some of the parents can be difficult. There was one kid on our baseball team who rarely showed up for practice, was often late for games, and preferred playing lacrosse over baseball. His father wanted to "meet me in the parking lot" for not playing his son more. The kids who came to practice regularly and worked hard during practice and the games, got the most playing time, which was fair, and what all coaches did.

Are you involved in Youth Sports? Have you ever been involved?

Please tell us your story below.

[exitseven]

I coached soccer for 11 years. The kids were great. Some of the parents were terrible. During a game I noticed that my goalie was crying. I ran over to him to see if he was hurt. I did not see any blood so I asked him what happened. He was still crying but he pointed to some guy standing behind the net. It seems that his kid was on the opposing team and this guy kept telling my goals haw lousy he was and was going to lose.

I told the guy he better leave the field and if I ever saw him again I would call the cops

[AviatorTom]

@exitseven I know that feeling. I was umpiring an 11yo baseball game once and the pitcher threw a pitch high and inside. The batter's uncle yelled to the kid to charge the mound. I quickly put a stop to that and told the uncle Id throw him out if he did it again. He meekly retreated back to his seat in the bleachers.

[DrPepper12]

As long as we're telling coaching stories... I had a woman come up to me as we were practicing before soccer game and said to me "Excuse me but how much are you getting paid?" I looked at her incredulously and said "Nothing. We all volunteer." She said "Oh don't lie to me! You can tell me how much." Again, but much more firmly, I reiterated that no one here is getting paid! Not one! We are all here because we love the kids and love the game. She was about to interject one more time before I just walked away from her shaking my head. The fact that some people think that you need to get paid to do something for the kids and community was just so far beyond my understanding.

I also had a fun incident at the end of the season. I always take the kids out for pizza after they get their trophies. There was a conflict that one of the kids had their birthday and several others on the team were going to the birthday party so they couldn't attend the pizza party. Okay, no problem - here's your trophy and have a great summer. I got texts from the parents saying that it wasn't fair that they couldn't participate in the pizza party because of a scheduling conflict and what was I going to do about it? Again, nicely but firmly, I explained that my taking the kids out for pizza (totally my voluntary choice and with my money) was just something nice to do and it was regrettable that they couldn't participate. THE ANGRY TEXTS I got were UNBELIEVABLE!! How could I do this to the kids? They're friends will have attended a party that they were invited to but didn't go! It's unfair! Couldn't I just have another party for them?

I think that was one year before I stopped coaching. I have a lot of good memories from doing it but the bad ones really stick out. Don't even get me started on drafting kids for competitive play!

[Anonymous]

Yes. I would be very wary of allowing a child of mine to participate in some of these youth sports based on my experience and the experiences of others I know.

The extent of the pedophilia involved in these organisations hasn't come out or may never come out.

[CrazyGirl2]

No, I’ve been in school and college, I haven't had time. But I was a competitive Gymnast from before I can remember until I was 14. But I’ve always wanted to coach girls gymnastics, maybe it’s something I’ll do after I’m done w/ school. ¯\_(ッ)_/¯ I mean, it’s definitely something I’d like to do!

[OlderAndWiser]

I've never been involved in organized athletics at any level, but I now mentor young men at a local university and it is a rewarding experience for me.

[NathanDavis]

yes, but only as an assistant coach... never full time

ages 3/5... up to 25

and soccer was the one

[DrPepper12]

I played futbol for 6 years, basketball for a year or two. Good experiences.

I coached all three of my kids for futbol so that was like 13 seasons. Also very rewarding.

[msc545]

I have not. In thinking about it. I certainly would not want to be because men often get accused of inappropriate behavior when they are around teenage boys or girls. Men are almost legally prohibited from being around children, including sometimes their own children.

[DrPepper12]

You know it's funny that you say that. Even though as a teacher I had to take classes and be certified as a mandated reporter for child abuse. I told the coaching administration that I already had taken the class through my school as part of my certification. They didn't want to hear it. According to them their lawyers said that that would be a third party vouching for me and they need the actual state government to directly say that I take in the course. $45 later I was double certified. I did raise a stink with the governing board though basically saying that "and you guys wonder why you can't get coaches to volunteer?" I completely agree that men are suspect no matter what.

[Avicenna]

As a coach, yes. I've coached track & field, soccer and basketball.

[OfMiceandMen]

Yes, I taught tennis, curling and swimming.