Softball and Sportsmanship

The other day I was fortunate to take my nephews to some of their basketball games. We don't get to watch them play very often so it was nice. I enjoy watching kids play sports no matter what sport it is. I especially like the fact that it uses some of their energy. For the most part basketball and softball are similar, kids playing as hard as they can, coaches instructing from the sidelines. Parents cheering and umpires trying to control the game.
There was one game that really destroyed my enjoyment for the day. There was a coach that I can't understand why he was there. He walked in way late with his team, sat on a chair and proceeded to text and talk on his cell phone during the entire game.
His players played hard and looked to him for instruction and encouragement but got none of either. The only thing he gave them was harsh words and violent actions towards them. At one timeout he just walked to his seat, told them he was done with them and made another phone call. These are 6th grade kids, not high school or college.
At one point I looked over and he had one kid by the shirt and was slamming him down to the ground and yelling at him. Parents were appauled. The other team parents simply said, "That's his kid". As if it was ok to act like that. Later, "his kid" took a shot to the nose on a rebound and went down bleeding. The referee's were waiting for the coach to come help the kid, but he just sat on his chair, on the phone and yelled at him to get up off his a$$. The boy was humiliated and ran off the court to the bathroom to clean up.
I don't think I have ever witnessed anything like that at a Fastpitch Softball game. There are lots of loud parents and some coaches but they have never put on a show like that. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that most leagues, and teams in particular are very careful about who they let become a coach.
Parents too are usually asked to sign contracts to the effect of what is acceptable behavior and there are seminars on this subject as well.
I just hope we continue to get even better sportmanship with our softball kids. It is a very aggressive game, probably one of the most aggressive. Our kids seem to handle it very well. I think that comes from the great coaching and from the awesome parents. Keep up the good work because softball season is just around the corner.

Speaking of the upcoming season, there is a pre-season sale going on at www.BuyFastpitchGloves.com right now. Go check out the great selection of gloves for specific positions like middle infielders, or catchers. There are even gloves designed just for outfielders. I heard a softball player say just yesterday that she can't wait to get outside and get dirty!